While it’s no industry secret
that more Massachusetts homes sell in the spring than in other seasons, our fall/winter market is still a wonderful time to buy! Other real estate markets may experience volatility in times of economic change. Fortunately for us, regardless of what goes on with the national economy, our local market remains well insulated from economic fluctuations for the foreseeable future. This is due to: • Finite inventory, due to older housing stock and lack of developable land. This is being addressed by proposed zoning changes in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville, but significant impact on housing inventory is still years away; • Strong local economy anchored by stable industries and jobs—including high tech, medical, and universities; • Steady rental market, which gives sellers another option to hold on to property and rent; • Low interest rates, which are attractive to buyers as well as to sellers who refinance and hold property; • Demographic shifts to urban areas for both new buyers and downsizing Baby Boomers; • Public transit (not perfect, but available and expanding through the new GLX line) that supports urban commuters; • World-renowned hospitals, and • Broad range of cultural attractions—theater, music, art, lectures, museums, sports—for all ages. All of these factors keep the demand to live here high while the housing stock remains fairly level. Since we all have to pay to live somewhere, it makes sense to own in a real estate market that offers stability and long-term growth. We are always here to guide you through the process, and we offer a variety of free classes to prepare you to buy, sell, or maintain your home. Best Real Estate Agency
Listings 35 Curtis Avenue, Somerville Large Teele Square single family home with a mature wildflower garden and a 4-bay garage. It has 6 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and many original features including French doors and a warming cupboard tucked into the chimney breast.
348 Norfolk Street, Cambridge $1,795,000
Beautifully renovated, condo-quality, owner occupied 3-family between Inman Sq. and East Cambridge. First floor unit has open concept living, 1 bedroom, and 1 bath on the first level and finished lower level with study, media room, and laundry room. Second floor has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, private w/d in basement, rented for $2,700/mo through 8/31/20. Top floor has 3 beds, 1 bath, private w/d in back hall and is rented for $3,000/ mo through 5/31/20. Rear patio and small front yard. Unit 1 delivered vacant. Residents with cars registered at this address are entitled to free parking in City-owned lot across the street.
Free Classes an overview of the buying process
Wednesday, December 4th or Wednesday, January 22nd
6:30 – 7:45 pm
If you’re considering buying your first home and want to understand what’s in store, this is a quick and helpful overview. Led by our agents and a loan officer from a local bank, it includes a 45-min presentation and 1/2 hour Q&A session. Handouts and refreshments provided.
for homeowners contemplating a move
There is great value to be had in this 2-bedroom, 1 bath condo with open floorplan, private balcony, and a parking space—all steps from Magoun Square restaurants, Trum Field, and the community path. Walkable to 2 Red Line Subways (Porter and Davis) now and 3 GLX stations in the near future.
Beautiful 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo with in-unit laundry, 2 parking spaces, private yard, central air, and large basement storage area. Walk to the shops, cinema, and eateries on Mass. Ave. as well as the bike path and the Red Line station at Alewife.
$449,000
19 Putnam Street, Somerville
$569,000
$850,000
Lovely Union Square attached single family on 3 levels with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, office with skylights, fenced yard, unfinished basement. Walk to all the delights of Union Square and 2 future GLX stations. Steps to the dog park, Nunziato Field, Community Growing Center, and Prospect Hill park.
Tuesday, January 14th
6:30 – 7:45 pm
If trying to figure out the logistics of selling your home and buying a new one makes your head spin, this workshop will help make the process & your choices understandable. This workshop, led by our agents and a loan officer from a local bank, includes a 45-min presentation and 1/2 hour Q&A session. Handouts and refreshments provided.
Basic Home Maintenance:
preparing your home for winter Wednesday, December 11th
6:30 – 7:45 pm
Do you worry about pipes bursting? Ice dams? Clogged gutters? Broken downspouts? Heat loss? Damage from broken tree limbs? Heating system failure? Routine maintenance is the best way to prevent damage to your most important investment: your home. Come to this class to get a checklist and explanation of the things you need to do to maintain your home—and sanity.
To reserve space in any class, please email Adaria@ThaliaTringoRealEstate.com. Admission is free, but we appreciate donations of canned goods for the Somerville Homeless Coalition.
Art Show 87 Wallace Street, Somerville
156 Ivy Street, Brookline
A Victorian single-family gem in the heart of Davis Square awaits your reimagining. This grand home features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms on 3 floors, detached garage, and yard on one of the most beloved streets in Davis Square.
This stunning historic Early Gothic Revival (c. 1851) single family sits on 8/10 acre and abuts conservation land in the Cottage Farm neighborhood, yet it is within walking distance of Fenway Park and Cambridge. The house offers 5 bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, 3 studies, library, dining room, living room, 5 fireplaces, finished basement with media room, high ceilings, central air, beautiful architectural details, and 3-car garage with electric car outlet. Walk to Green Line B, C, and D trains as well as major hospitals and BU campus.
$1,189,000
$5,595,000
JF LYNCH: SOOT AND STARS
Residential Sales Specialist, Realtor ® 617.943.9581 cell/text Jennifer@ThaliaTringoRealEstate.com
Lynn C. Graham
Residential Sales Specialist, Realtor ® 617.216.5244 cell/text Lynn@ThaliaTringoRealEstate.com
Brendon Edwards
Residential Sales Specialist, Realtor ® 617.895.6267 cell/text Brendon@ThaliaTringoRealEstate.com
Residential Sales Specialist, Realtor ® 315.382.2507 cell/text Seth@ThaliaTringoRealEstate.com
Sarasvati Lynn
How to Buy and Sell at the Same Time: 144 Palmer Street Unit 1, Arlington
Jennifer Rose
Seth Kangley
First Time Home Buyers:
301 Lowell Street Unit 14, Somerville
President, Realtor ® 617.513.1967 cell/text Thalia@ThaliaTringoRealEstate.com
$1,099,000
Best Real Estate Agent
Listings
Thalia Tringo
Former Somerville resident JF Lynch exhibits new works in charcoal and assemblage. Feel free to drop in to see the show whenever we are in the office through December.
Residential Sales Specialist, Realtor ® 617.702.4751 cell/text Sarasvati@ThaliaTringoRealEstate.com
Adaria Brooks
Executive Assistant to the President, Realtor ® 617.308.0064 cell/text Adaria@ThaliaTringoRealEstate.com
About our company... We are dedicated to representing our buyer and seller clients with integrity and professionalism. We are also commi ed to giving back to our community. Our agents donate $250 to a non-profit in honor of each transaction and Thalia Tringo & Associates Real Estate Inc. also gives $250 to a pre-selected group of local charities for each transaction. Visit our office, 128 Willow Avenue, on the bike path in Davis Square, Somerville.
NOVEMBER 12, 2019 - JANUARY 12, 2020 ::: VOLUME 41 ::: SCOUTCAMBRIDGE.COM
contents 6 // EDITOR’S NOTE 7 // WINNERS & LOSERS The Sullivan Courthouse development will move forward, and the city decides to increase energy efficient outreach to keep your utility bills low; meanwhile, MIT faces controversy for its alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein. 8 // NEWS: HIGH RENT SHAKES UP HARVARD SQUARE The beloved stationary store Black Ink is closing as a result of increased rent in its prime location.
CELEBRATING THE SEASON 16 // REDEFINING ‘THE HOLIDAYS’ The term “holidays” doesn’t only mean Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah for these Cambridge residents. 18 // WHAT’S MINE IS YOURS We explore holiday traditions across the board, all of which are fit for sharing with the ones you love. 20 // GIFT GUIDE We help you help Cambridge with our annual gift guide, made up of local Cambridge shopping spots.
T Stop Magnets $5, Newbury Comics
20 34
36 // DO-GOODERS, KEY PLAYERS, AND GAME CHANGERS: MICHAEL MONESTIME The executive director behind the Central Square Business Improvement District explains how the act of place-keeping is improving the community as a whole. 38 // CALENDAR
32 // REDUCE, REUSE, AND WRAP Local experts weigh in on how to wrap presents while keeping your carbon footprint low. 34 // NEW YEAR, OLD TRICKS Harvard professor and longevity expert David Sinclair uses his new book “Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To” to help us carve out some ideal New Year’s resolutions for healthy living.
• FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY
12 // WHAT’S NEW? Lily P’s, specializing in fried chicken, will be coming to Kendall Square, Cambridge Artists’ Cooperative consolidates to one floor, and West Nile virus is detected in the city.
• TEETH WHITENING • CROWN AND BRIDGE WORK • RESTORATION OF DENTAL IMPLANTS • VENEERS • CLEAR ORTHODONTIC ALIGNERS
Best Dentist
DR. KATIE TALMO, D.M.D. 617.864.6111 • 180 HIGHLAND AVENUE
Best Co-working
The spirit of partnership goes back to that authenticity in the Square that is extremely hard to replicate and extremely important to preserve.”
Photo, top: Book clock from the Cambridge Artists’ Cooperative. Photo by Lilly Milman. Photo, bottom: Do-Gooder Michael Monestime and his team at Central Square BID. Photo by Sasha Pedro. Cover illustration by Stefan Mallette. IG: @stefs_stuff. Gift Guide items (clockwise): Fetch Bottle Opener, p. 21; Three Blind Mice Cheese Board, p. 21; T Stop Magnets, see inset; Maraca Cocktail Shaker, p. 21; Funko Pops, p. 24; Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon, p. 26; Out of Print Totes and Ts, p. 25
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5
EDITOR’S NOTE
W&L
R
ight as the leaves are changing colors and painting the ground shades of orange, Scout is also experiencing some shifts of its own. Former editor Reena Karasin said her farewells in late summer and was succeeded by interim editor-in-chief Eric Francis. About a month ago, I officially joined the team once again. Diligent Scout readers may recognize my name from the past year, during which I was an intern and then a freelancer for both the Somerville and Cambridge magazines. Writing for Scout helped me realize my passion for local news, which led me to move to a town in Alaska with a year-round Photo by Melinda Fakuade. population of about 400 people to write at a community newspaper. I was in the one-room office of The Skagway News when I accepted the offer to come back to Scout as the managing editor. As I’m settling back in to the greater Boston area, I’m enthusiastic about what I’ve gotten to read, edit, and report in this month’s Scout. Our annual holiday gift guide (p. 20) has certainly kept me out and about—something I am very grateful for, considering that the holiday season in New England doesn’t get old. Neither do the smiling faces of the local business owners whom I got to speak to as we picked out the best gifts for your loved ones. Eric’s seasonal food stories have made me hungry on more than one occasion (p. 18), while Scout fellow Abbie Gruskin’s feature on the effects of high rent on Harvard Square businesses (p. 8) immediately reignited my interest in the local news of Cambridge. Not only that, but this issue also explores what the term “the holidays” really means to the city (p. 16), how to wrap gifts sustainably (p. 32), and how to make New Year’s resolutions that really promote healthy living—as explained by an expert on longevity (p. 34). I would like to thank Eric and Abbie for their diligent and fun reporting, as well as our new intern Elie Levine for the work she’s contributed so far. In addition, I need to extend my gratitude to publisher Holli Banks and art director Nicolle Renick for their patience in teaching me the ropes, Reena for inspiring me and preparing me so well for the “real world” during my internship, staff photographers Adrianne Mathiowetz and Sasha Pedro for their beautiful work, and Stefan Mallette for the wonderful cover. And, of course, to you—for picking up the magazine, reaching out with ideas, and reminding us why we need to do our best work. To say I’m excited to see how we all grow as a team and how Scout grows as a publication would be an understatement.
Lilly Milman Lilly Milman, Managing Editor lmilman@scoutmagazines.com
6 Celebrating the Season | scoutcambridge.com
PUBLISHER Holli Banks hbanks@scoutmagazines.com MANAGING EDITOR Lilly Milman lmilman@scoutmagazines.com ART DIRECTOR Nicolle Renick design@scoutmagazines.com renickdesign.com EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Eric J. Francis efrancis@scoutmagazines.com CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jerry Allien jallien@scoutmagazines.com SCOUT FELLOW Abbie Gruskin agruskin@scoutmagazines.com
LOSERS
FIRST STREET PARKING PLAN City council members voted in favor of leasing 270 parking spaces at the First Street Garage and moving the Sullivan Courthouse development forward, according to the Cambridge Chronicle. Developer Leggat McCall agreed on the parking spaces—down from the previously proposed 420—and promised to double affordable housing units to 48, plus contribute $8 million to the city’s affordable housing trust. Since 2013, the process has stirred debate between city officials trying to start the project, and a State Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance reluctant to fund it. McCall plans to replace the vacant state-owned courthouse with a 20-story building to be used for offices, affordable housing, retail, and community space.
MIT MEDIA LAB MIT hasn’t been completely transparent as of late. MIT Media Lab Director Joi Ito stepped down in September after the lab’s acceptance of donations from Jeffrey Epstein came to light, according to The New Yorker. MIT also attempted to conceal communications with Epstein, including emails and documents that reveal the Media Lab accepted donations from him despite his status as “disqualified” in the university’s donor database. Epstein also allegedly facilitated relationships between other donors—including Bill Gates and Leon Black— and the lab, and solicited more than $7.5 million in donations. MIT President L. Rafael Reif has called for an “immediate, thorough and independent investigation” with an outside law firm but has yet to announce a timeline.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY The city began a new partnership with the nonprofit All In Energy at the end of September to increase its energy efficiency outreach to one- to four-unit rental buildings, according to the Cambridge Chronicle. All In Energy hired local Jean Alofan as the new rental property energy advisor and will provide renters with a slew of “no-cost home energy assessments” and recommend cost-saving strategies. “In addition to furthering our efforts to reduce Cambridge’s carbon footprint, both of our organizations aim to promote social equity through our programs and support workforce development,” Iram Farooq, assistant city manager for community development, told the Chronicle.
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Sasha Pedro EDITORIAL INTERN Elie Levine CONTRIBUTING WRITER Maximiliano Reyes CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Adrianne Mathiowetz CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR Stefan Mallette COPY EDITOR Andrew Taets BANKS PUBLICATIONS 519 Somerville Ave, #314 Somerville, MA 02143 FIND US ONLINE scoutcambridge.com scoutcambridge
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BENJAMIN ZANDER Boston Philharmonic Conductor and Cantabrigian Benjamin Zander received the Extraordinary Achievement Award at the ABSA Jewish Achiever Awards in Johannesburg, South Africa, in September due to his “contributions in the spheres of music, culture and leadership,” according to the Cambridge Chronicle. Zander is the first non-South African to be presented with the award. He’s in good company—Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu are past recipients. After five trips to South Africa, Zander is looking forward to continuing his work. “It will be a thrill to return after seven years to re-engage with young leaders and musicians throughout the country,” he told the Chronicle.
TEEN VAPING City schools took a stand to curb teen vaping in September through health classes and workshops, according to the Cambridge Chronicle. “Vaping has very quickly become a common behavior among teens and it has much to do with accessibility, ability to disguise and hide use, and marketing that is appealing to very young people,” Jennifer Flynn, lead teacher of health education for CPS, told the Chronicle. In a 2018 survey, 18 percent said they had vaped in the past year. Sucharita Kher, director of the Outpatient Pulmonary Clinic at Tufts Medical Center, told the Chronicle that she believes the recent health issues related to vaping will deter some teens, but that legislation, advocacy, and conversations between parents and children are necessary. DANGEROUS CROSSWALKS In the wake of local librarian Sharon Hamer being killed while crossing a Harvard Square street in September, Vice Mayor Jan Devereux announced a new policy order to look into improving pedestrian safety, according to The Harvard Crimson. Ongoing improvements include lowered speed limits and revamped street designs. Devereux also pointed to the upcoming Harvard Square Kiosk renovation as an opportunity to make the square safer. “I think this crash is really a wake-up call,” she told the Crimson. A 2017 Police Department report states that vehicle crashes with pedestrians have stayed roughly the same since 2000, despite a drop in car-only crashes, a fact attributed to rising numbers of pedestrians.
NEWS FROM THE NORTH Here’s just some of what you’ll find in the Celebrating the Season Issue of our sibling publication, Scout Somerville.
THE TRUTH BEHIND THE AIRPLANE NOISE Complaints about airplane noise have skyrocketed from 71 in August 2012 to almost 13,000 by the same time this year. We break down what exactly is going on.
SO YOU WANT TO THROW A HOLIDAY PARTY... First-time party throwers, you’re in luck. We found you the best deals, tips, and tricks for throwing an elegant holiday party that doesn’t break the bank.
TUFTS HILLEL FINDS A SPACE FOR JEWISH STUDENTS The “holiday season” isn’t all about Christmas. The Tufts Hillel organization creates a space for Jewish students to celebrate and learn more about their spirituality in a heavily Christian community.
Someone rustle your jimmies or tickle your fancy?
Let us know at scoutcambridge.com/contact-us, and we just might crown them a winner or loser.
—BY ABBIE GRUSKIN scoutcambridge.com | Celebrating the Season
7
NEWS
BLACK INK CLOSING AMID EVOLVING LOCAL RETAIL SCENE IN HARVARD SQUARE BY ABBIE GRUSKIN | PHOTOS BY SASHA PEDRO
A
fter 18 years in its tiny, efficiently packed Harvard Square storefront, stationary and gift store Black Ink is closing at the end of the year. Susan Corcoran, who has owned and operated the store since 2001, cites the rising cost of rent as her primary reason for shutting the doors to her beloved store for good. “There wasn’t really a decision to be made,” Corcoran 8 Celebrating the Season | scoutcambridge.com
explains. “It was completely not possible to do business here. The rent I was offered was unsustainable. I’ve weathered a lot of storms here in 18 years. I’ve had construction, I’ve had many events here in the square. I made it through all of that, but I cannot overpay rent. No small business owner would do that.” Black Ink isn’t alone in bidding farewell to the heart of Harvard Square at the intersection
of Brattle Street, Massachusetts Avenue, and John F. Kennedy Street. Local, family-owned businesses and larger chains— such as Crema Cafe, Urban Outfitters, and Chipotle, among others—have left the bustling tourist destination in the past year. Relatively new to the square are three development companies: Asana Partners, which bought 1-8 and 17-41A Brattle St. in December 2017; Regency Centers,
which is currently revamping the Brattle, Corcoran, and Abbot buildings that it also purchased in 2017; and the investment firm Morningside Group—led by Hong Kong-born billionaire Gerald Chan—which acquired the still vacant property at 10 Church St. in 2015. Despite the recent departures of local businesses from the square, Denise Jillson, executive director of the Harvard Square
Business Association (HSBA), maintains that 70 percent of the stores in Harvard are still locally owned and independent. Theodora Skeadas, executive director of Cambridge Local First, says that while the city has a lower-than-average percentage of vacant storefronts (close to 3 percent as of 2019 compared to the national average of 10 percent in 2017), she suspects that the current concentration of vacancies in Harvard Square might be a result of the location’s attractive reputation and subsequent high cost, along with the area’s potential for development. The Cambridge Community Development Department (CDD) estimates 70 vacant storefronts in the city, 21 of which are located in Harvard Square. “Most of the vacant storefronts are concentrated in Harvard Square,” Skeadas says. “Harvard Square has a certain name recognition that has historically, on its own merit, brought in huge numbers of tourists to the area. “I think also we’re just seeing general development in the whole region, and this is part of that,” she adds. “Boston in general is a very attractive place to invest. Prices are just increasing, both commercial and residential. There’s this phenomenon in which when one large building sells, it sends a signal. Other adjacent building owners are then increasingly enticed to sell their own properties for higher values, and I think there’s a cascading effect that’s occurring, specifically in Harvard Square.” “There are vacant stores in other places, but I think the concentration of them in Harvard Square is more visible,” Jan Devereux, vice mayor of Cambridge, explains. Devereux adds that rents surrounding Harvard are higher than other places in the city because the square is “so much a symbol” for Cambridge. She says that the high rent, in addition to decreased foot traffic from construction, makes it hard for independent stores in particular to stay afloat. Jillson, who said HSBA’s mission is to promote business of any kind in the square—
whether local or chain—believes that change in Harvard comes primarily from consumers, whose shopping interests are constantly evolving. “The complaint that we hear often is that, ‘Well, it’s the chains that are taking over,’ ” she explains. “It’s interesting how tastes change, but what ends up staying is, in fact, the local flavor. So I believe that our Harvard Square people are very smart. They know what they want, and they will patronize the stores that they feel most comfortable with. We try to just stay the hell out of the way and let the consumer decide, because frankly it’s how you buy, it’s how you purchase, because I can’t control that.” She cites Felipe’s Taqueria, The Harvard Bookstore, and BerryLine as examples of locals choosing small, family-owned alternatives to national chains. She believes that it’s a “misconception” that rent is forcing local businesses out of Harvard Square. Jillson adds she was not versed in the specifics of Black Ink’s situation, and that HSBA “does not take part in lease negotiations between tenants and property owners.” Corcoran expresses that her customers have remained loyal during her time in Harvard despite a “continued dip in sales” over the past few years, which she attributes to ongoing construction and sparse parking that have “hampered foot traffic” in the square. She also believes that business at Black Ink has been impacted by other local businesses departing the square. “Change is normal,” she says. “This, in the last two years, is completely atypical. You don’t see the displacement of dozens of businesses within two years To please visita normal us at any of our 10 ofopen, time. This is not local banking centers. Details and hours situation. can “The be found at ecsb.com/locations. building has changed ownership,” Corcoran adds. “Not because of anything that you’ve done or the community not supporting you. The community is really supportive, but they can’t support you if you’re displaced. We appeal to many ages, have many products not available elsewhere, and offer a wide range of reasonably priced goods. After 18 years of buying for my stores, I feel confident in my
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selection of merchandise and our ability to display it in a fun and experiential way that appeals to many different people.” Corcoran has recently invited locals to speak up through a project called “Dear Asana Partners” that she started in September after announcing the impending closing of her store. Sprawling sheets of white paper deck the entrance of the shop alongside a sign instructing patrons to jot down their comments for Asana Partners, signed with their names and hometowns so that the comments aren’t anonymous. “I’m just trying to give people a platform to speak out,” she explains. “I wanted them to have a chance to really write down their feelings. This is just heartfelt. And you can see where people are coming from. There’s people from Somerville and Cambridge. The students are 10 Celebrating the Season | scoutcambridge.com
from all over the United States. I just wanted to allow them to weigh in on the situation.” Corcoran reluctantly hired a lawyer to facilitate communication with Asana Partners after repeated attempts at reaching out to discuss rent were left unanswered. She began negotiating with Asana Partners a year ago to no avail, and she now plans to send the community feedback to the company before the shop closes this winter. Vice Mayor Devereux says the city tends toward a “handsoff ” approach to working with businesses, but recognizes the role that Black Ink and other locally owned shops play in the square. “It is sad to see Black Ink go,” Devereux says. “I think there’s a lot of angst, particularly if you go on social media. I think people are sad and frustrated that we don’t seem to have more control. I think people really like Black
“There are vacant stores in other places, but I think the concentration of them in Harvard Square is more visible.” – Jan Devereux Ink. It’s the kind of stuff that you don’t see in other stores. It should be the kind of store that defines Harvard Square, and it was in an earlier era.” Though Cambridge Local First was unable to help Black Ink—Corcoran only approached them to give notice that she’d soon be closing—the group attempts to support local businesses in the city like the Cambridge Artists’ Cooperative, for which Cambridge Local First helped fundraise so that its shop could afford to remain in Harvard Square. “Sometimes there’s not very much we can do,” Skeadas explains. “We do the best that we can. It depends at which
stage they reach out to us. We’re looking at creative ways to work with them.” Skeadas believes that one way to help local businesses thrive, both in Harvard Square and beyond, might involve adopting Bernie Sanders’ policy for Burlington, Vermont, that reserves all first-floor retail storefronts for small, local businesses and places banks and other large corporate chains in second floor spaces. “It’s one way to create space for local businesses,” she says. Plans like Sanders’ model a way to carve out space for local businesses in the square and prove just how essential they are to a cohesive retail environment.
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Margarita
Garlic, plum tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella di bufala
Burritos
*Chicken, Pork, or Beef $7.50
White Roman
Garlic butter, cheddar, feta, mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta
Quesadilla $7.00
Soup of the Day $4.00
LATIN AMERICAN FOOD ALSO AVAILABLE *We use Halal Chicken. Indicates a vegan item.
*Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase risk of foodborne illness. Before placing your order, please inform your server if any person in your party has a food allergy.
WHAT’S NEW
BY ABBIE GRUSKIN
NEW IN TOWN
We host WEDDINGS,
KENDALL SQUARE
BROTHERS MARKETPLACE
W
ellesley grocery COMING SOON chain RocheMOVED Bros. opened a Brothers Marketplace in Kendall Square this month after two years of planning, according to The Boston Globe. The market moved into the ground floor of an MIT office building and is the first grocery store in the square. “The community’s desire for a grocery store was raised in every conversation that we had with stakeholders during our zoning process,” Steven Marsh, managing director of MIT’s real estate operations, told the Globe.
EMMY SQUARED MIGHT OPEN SHOP IN CAMBRIDGE
Emmy Squared, a popular Detroitstyle pizzeria with locations in New York City and Tennessee, is eyeing Cambridge for its next home, according to Eater Boston. Emmy Squared might bring its square pizzas, sandwiches, and salads to the city scene in 2020 with multiple outposts. KENDALL SQUARE
LILY P’S
If you’re in the mood for fried chicken, look no further than Lily P’s, chef and owner COMING MOVED Chris Parsons’ newest SOONrestaurant venture which is set to open in Kendall Square later this fall, according to Eater Boston. The joint is named after Parsons’ daughter and will feature pressure-fried, “crispier, juicier” chicken dishes. Lily P’s will seat 200 diners, and will include a seasonal patio with seating for 50 more. HARVARD SQUARE
FÓUMAMI
COMING SOON
The popular downtown Boston restaurant Fóumami is bringing its Asian-inspired sandwiches to 12 Celebrating the Season | scoutcambridge.com
Harvard Square in March 2020, according to CEO and founder Michael Wang. They will be opening shop in the space that formerly housed Flat Patties, according to Eater Boston. The menu will include tossed salads, rice and noddle bowls, and sandwiches made with shaobing bread, Eater reports. HARVARD
STEAM LEARNING LAB
After a successful pilot run this summer, Harvard’s STEAM COMING Learning Lab hosted an opening MOVED SOON celebration at the end of September and will host another for the associated Hive makerspace in late January, according to Dr. Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries for the Cambridge Public Library. To make the Learning Lab possible, the library worked alongside the Cambridge Public Schools and the city’s Department of Human Service Programs as part of the MOVED city’s STEAM Initiative, which is “committed to creating,
enhancing, and expanding equitable access to quality STEAM learning experiences from birth to adulthood,” according to McCauley. INMAN SQUARE
RICHARDS
Richards, a new restaurant serving up American fare made completely from COMING MOVED scratch, down to SOON the ketchup, is now up and running in Inman Square, according to Eater Boston. Chef and co-owner Richard Graham III has planned plates—including oven roasted chicken with asparagus and trofie pasta with fried pork belly—with his wife and co-owner Sarah Graham, who is the restaurant’s pastry chef. The duo boasts over 15 years of food service industry experience.
SALT & OLIVE EXPANDS MENU WITH COFFEE AND SANDWICHES
Salt & Olive made some big changes this October. Thanks to their move to a new space in The Garage at Harvard Square, the Salt
& Olive team has expanded their offerings to include an espresso bar and freshly made sandwiches, according to owner Mary Taylor. Taylor sees the new offerings as an “evolution of our Mediterranean market,” and is excited to serve paninis and sandwiches made from local ingredients, including meats, cheese, and jams from Cambridge and bread from Brookline. Eventually, Taylor hopes to add antipasti and salads to the menu, along with some yetto-be-determined seasonal plates.
CAMBRIDGE ARTISTS’ COOPERATIVE STAYS ON CHURCH STREET
The Cambridge Artists’ Cooperative (CAC) is here to stay for at least a couple more years. The group secured a 1,300-squarefoot lease with the private real estate investment firm The Bulfinch Companies, according to the Cambridge Chronicle, and will remain in their 59 Church St. space for the next two years. The CAC is now consolidated to one floor and has redisplayed artists’ work to fit, but is “elated” to be able to remain in their home in Harvard Square, Ann Szerlip of CAC told the Chronicle.
Roche Bros. rendering courtesy of Roche Bros. STEAM Lab photo courtesy of Cambridge Public Library. Chalawan photo courtesy of Chalawan. Spyce Restaurant photo by Chris Sanchez.
PORTER SQUARE PHO HOUSE BECOMES CHALAWAN
The owners of Pho House have transitioned the Porter Square restaurant into the newly named Chalawan, which began serving Southeast Asian cuisine including seafood, meat, and vegetable plates with an official opening in October, according to Eater Boston. Chalawan’s menu takes inspiration from Indonesia, Singapore, Myanmar, and more to create dishes like Indonesian corn cakes and crispy pork.
SPYCE MIGHT EXPAND TO HARVARD SQUARE WITH ROBOTS AS COOKS
Spyce, a downtown Boston restaurant known for its “robotpowered kitchen” developed by four MIT graduates, might soon expand into Harvard Square, according to Eater Boston. The owner is eyeing the former Chipotle space at 1 Brattle St., and hopes to obtain a full liquor license for late-night operation open until 4 a.m. The new
location would be courtesy of $21 million in Series A funding from a crop of celebrity chefs including Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller, and Gavin Kaysen, among others.
PRIVATE PARTIES,
CORPORATE EVENTS
AGASSIZ
THE LITTLE CRÊPE CAFE
The Little Crêpe Cafe opened between Porter and Harvard COMING MOVED Squares this October, a SOON boasting menu of sweet and savory crepes, Belgian waffles, sandwiches, smoothies, and more, according to Eater Boston. Before opening, owner Kamil Sylvain renovated the cafe’s new home at 102 Oxford St., which started as a fruit market in the 1800s and later housed Oxford Spa, which opened in the 1940s and shut its doors in 2017. HARVARD SQUARE
VEGGIE GRILL
Veggie Grill made a splash in Harvard Square this October with an opening event at COMING which guests tested out theMOVED 100 SOON percent plant-based cuisine with one complimentary entree, one fountain drink, and one “shareable item” from the menu, according to the event invitation. The casual vegan chain offers a mix of burgers, bowls, sandwiches, and soups, according to Eater Boston.
and more!
Book your next event at our new room Sonia, plan an unforgettable dinner date, share plates with a group of friends, or spend the night dancing to the best music in town. Once it gets dark, we are the premiere neighborhood destination for music, dancing, and socializing.
472 – 480 MASS AVE • CAMBRIDGE • 617.864.3278 scoutcambridge.com | Celebrating the Season 13
WHAT’S NEW
CITY BEAT
FINAL FAREWELLS at the end of September, with proposed plans of action ranging from encouraging the creation of net-zero emissions buildings, improving transportation, and embracing renewable forms of energy, according to The Harvard Crimson. The event, which was sponsored by climate change grassroots organization Mothers Out Front, highlighted 16 participating candidates, and attracted dozens of residents.
CITY COUNCIL PASSES CANNABIS BUSINESS PERMITTING ORDINANCE
CITY CANCELS CAMBRIDGE CARNIVAL AFTER THREATS OF VIOLENCE
T
he annual Cambridge Carnival scheduled for early September was canceled due to reported threats of violence in connection with an exchange of gunfire near Boston’s Caribbean Carnival parade at the end of August, according to the Cambridge Chronicle. Rather than waiting until next year to try again, though, city officials have been looking to reschedule the popular event, which usually attracts between 30,000 and 50,000 people to its celebration of African and Caribbean culture in the city.
CAMBRIDGE COUNCIL ON AGING INTRODUCES NEW LGBT+ SOCIAL GROUP
The Cambridge Council on Aging announced a new LGBT+ social event for locals ages 60 and older, which started in September, according to the Cambridge Chronicle. The free event is held on the fourth Monday of each month and complements the Cambridge Council on Aging’s other offerings, which include a caregiver support group and a bereavement support group for people working through grief and loss.
FIRST WEST NILE VIRUS CASE REPORTED IN CITY
A 60-year-old local hospitalized 14 Celebrating the Season | scoutcambridge.com
in September was identified as the first Cantabrigian to contract West Nile virus this year, reports CBS Boston. The Department of Health told the news outlet that it believes the local man contracted the disease from infected mosquitoes in the city, but the risk isn’t high. The Department of Health raised the risk level from low to moderate in Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Boston, and a number of other cities. This season is thought to be a “mild” one, according to CBS Boston.
CAMBRIDGE COMMUNITY TELEVISION RECEIVES GOOGLE COMMUNITY GRANT Cambridge Community Television (CCTV) received a $55,000 Google community grant at the end of September to put
City council members passed an ordinance at the end of September to create a permitting process for prospective marijuana businesses interested in opening shop, according to the Cambridge Chronicle. The Cannabis Business Permitting Ordinance will prioritize women- and minority-owned businesses. It requires that businesses “enter a community host agreement with the city” and obtain a number of permits from the city and state.
FEDERAL JUDGE RULES IN FAVOR OF HARVARD ADMISSION PROCESSES
toward its community outreach programs, which include the Youth Media program, Google’s Age Engage program, and more, according to the Cambridge Chronicle. “CCTV provides critical services in the Cambridge community, and the work the station does in technology training for residents has made it a natural fit for Google volunteers over many years,” Liz Schwab, head of external affairs for Google, told the Chronicle.
Federal Judge Allison Burroughs ruled in the beginning of October that Harvard University’s admissions processes do not illegally discriminate against Asian-American applicants, as suggested in the Students for Fair Admissions lawsuit against the school that was filed in 2014, according to The Harvard Crimson. “Ensuring diversity at Harvard relies, in part, on raceconscious admissions,” Burroughs wrote in her decision.
CITY COUNCIL FORUM ADDRESSES CLIMATE CHANGE AND CITY GOALS
A forum comprised of city council candidates addressed the threatening impacts of climate change Cambridge Carnival photo by Erwin Houser. Harvard Admissions photo courtesy of Harvard University. Out of Town News photo by Lilly Milman.
Architecture and Design
• New construction, additions, renovations • Restaurants, homes, and interiors • Sustainable materials and methods HARVARD SQUARE
OUT OF TOWN NEWS
O
ut of Town News left town at the end of October in advance COMING of city plans to renovate the 64-year-old kiosk, according SOON toMOVED The Harvard Crimson. The newsstand sold “newspapers from around the globe” to a wide audience of students, locals, and even famous faces like Robert Frost and Julia Child. Recently, it struggled with sales due to a rise in digital news outlets, Harvard Square Business Association Executive Director Denise Jillson told the Crimson. CultureHouse, a nonprofit organization based in Kendall Square, is slated to move into the kiosk in early December, according to The Harvard Crimson. CultureHouse plans to host an array of social events and artistic performances as part of its mission to transform public spaces into community-building spots for “social, work, and neighborhood events,” according to the Crimson.
HARVARD SQUARE
FLAT PATTIES
Popular burger joint Flat Patties made its exit from Harvard Square at the beginning of November, according toCOMING The SOON Harvard Crimson. Owner Tom Brush—who also runs and owns Felipe’s Taqueria and Crema Cafe, which left the square last winter—told the Crimson that rising rents forced his restaurant to close its doors. “I don’t think it was our choice to close,” he told The Harvard Crimson. “If we had been able to continue the lease on the current terms, we would have stayed.”
Creating form and functional art which is contextual and expresses your unique individuality and design goals.
WEST CAMBRIDGE
FRESH POND MARKET
Fresh Pond Market closed this September after 97 years COMING MOVED MOVED in business, according to the SOON Cambridge Chronicle. The landmark store is in the process of being sold. Marc Najarian, who ran the store with his brother Crosby, started bagging groceries at the store when he was 12 years old. He’s interested in selling the store to the owner of Formaggio Kitchen so that he can retire at the age of 72, before he’s “too old” to enjoy retirement.
amortondesign.com 617.475.0778 info@aMortonDesign.com scoutcambridge.com | Celebrating the Season 15
CELEBRATING THE SEASON
grumble, grumble and move on,” he says. Cynthia Graber, a journalist and the host of the podcast Gastropod, lives in Somerville. Graber, who is Jewish, says she takes issue with how overexposed and oversaturated Christmas can be. “I don’t mind Christmas happening on Christmas. It’s a holiday. People should enjoy their holiday,” she says. “I just mind it taking three months.” She also notes that she tends to steer clear of her dentist in Cambridge during December to escape an endless barrage of Christmas carols. “That said, I think one that of the things I love about [Somerville] is that it is so diverse,” she says. “And there’s—
REDEFINING ‘THE HOLIDAYS’ BY MAXIMILIANO REYES
A
t some point, people started referring to the nebulous stretch of time between the end of November and early January as “the holidays.” Dwelling in the spacious interior of that period is a number of celebrations that get top billing in the United States: Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, and the king of them all: Christmas. These months are marked by festive lights, hokey television specials, and inflatable representations of characters and iconography associated with the season. But for plenty of people in Cambridge and Somerville, the period between late November and early December doesn’t bear 16 Celebrating the Season | scoutcambridge.com
any special meaning. For them, Dec. 25 is Dec. 25 and nothing more. For Jewish people, the “holidays” usually refer to the time around Rosh Hashanah—a celebration of the new year according to the Jewish calendar—and Yom Kippur, a day of fasting and prayer that is considered the most important and holiest holiday. Yom Kippur is trailed by another string of holidays, starting with Sukkot and followed by Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Linda Kasten, a biostatician who lives and works in Cambridge, grew up in a community with only a small Jewish population, and can take
some pleasure in the decorations and lights thrown up in the winter time. But she still takes issue with the use of the term “holidays,” because in many ways, it doesn’t acknowledge the fact that many of the most important holidays observed by Jews have passed by the time December rolls around. “You can say the Christmas season. That’s what it should be,” she says. “And many Jews would prefer people call things a ‘Christmas party’ instead of a ‘holiday party.’” Brian Eisenstein, also of Cambridge, is in a similar boat. At first, he liked the use of the term “holidays” and the greeting “happy holidays.” But then he started to realize it implied the
season was equally important for everyone—something he doesn’t believe is true. Eisenstein says that as far prominence goes, Hanukkah is more comparable to Fat Tuesday in the Christian tradition than it is to Christmas. He says that Passover and the fall holidays are more important for him and other practicing Jews. He also feels as if using the greeting was “imposing something” on others. His solution is to offer holiday-specific greetings only if he knows what, if anything, someone is celebrating during the season. And unlike Kasten, Eisenstein doesn’t really get much out of the displays. “I just basically grumble,
together and enjoy [yourselves]. Any day you do that is a holiday, regardless of how you do that.” Anwar says that Christmas represents another opportunity for his family members to reunite outside of the summer, when students are out of school, and important Muslim holidays like Ramadan and Eid Al-Adha. Anwar says Cambridge does a good job of recognizing religious holidays and observances equally. Kasten says the same, and that she believes the city has become more inclusive since she first moved here 35 years ago. Cambridge and Somerville both have winter breaks scheduled around the end of December for school. In the 2019-2020 school year, Cambridge students
“I THINK ONE THAT OF THE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT [SOMERVILLE] IS THAT IT IS SO DIVERSE, AND THERE’S—TO ME—A REAL ACCEPTANCE OF HOW WONDERFUL THAT DIVERSITY IS.” – CYNTHIA GRABER
to me—a real acceptance of how wonderful that diversity is. So I think I could easily see it here, more than in other places that I’ve traveled.” Graber thinks it’s unlikely people will ever recognize that Christmas is a holiday with religious roots that some people like herself will simply never want to participate in. But she did say that if people anywhere were to get that, it would be in Somerville. Mohammed Anwar, a car dealership employee who lives in Cambridge, is Muslim. He says that he does not celebrate Christmas, but that a holiday is any day that is spent with one’s family. “So to me, a holiday—any holiday—is a day that you spend time with your family, your community,” Anwar says. “A holiday is a day where you all sit
had Oct. 9 off for Yom Kippur. Meanwhile, the Somerville school calendar indicated that staff members would “do their best” not to schedule “one-time events, field trips, athletic competitions, auditions, tests, [and] quizzes” for those days, and that “long-term assignments” would not be due on those days. According to a statement from Somerville, the city hosts both a Christmas tree lighting and a Menorah lighting, as well as tours focused on secular light displays. “Throughout the year, we try to be mindful of major religious holidays and avoid scheduling meetings or events on those days,” the statement says. “We are also always open to suggestions from the community for appropriate ways to publicly celebrate additional holidays.”
FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS
everything, GIVE THE GIFT OF nothing “I ALWAYS THINK NOTHING IS HAPPENING. THEN I STEP OUT AND MY SHOULDERS AREN’T EARRINGS ANYMORE AND I WALK DOWN THE STREET LIKE THE CHILLEST HIPPIE TO GROOVE OUT AT WOODSTOCK”
515 MEDFORD ST (MAGOUN SQUARE) • 844-44-FLOAT
FLOATBOSTON.COM/GIFT
scoutcambridge.com | Celebrating the Season
17
CELEBRATING THE SEASON
What’s Mine Is Yours:
T
he flavors of Greece can be found in Davis Square at Opa Greek Yeeros. Traditional dishes are served up daily by George and his crew with ingredients imported straight from Greece to ensure the authenticity and quality of every item on the menu.
HOL IDAY F O O D S FIT FO R S HA R I N G BY ERIC J. FRANCIS
W
hether by way of culture or faith or family tradition—or simply for the love of breaking bread with friends—holidays have almost always been associated with food. In the cultural melting pot of Cambridge, there are more than a few opportunities to sample holiday fare that might not be a staple of your own pantry. It doesn’t have to be Hanukkah for you to eat latkes, of course, but with the holiday approaching, you have one more reason to find some of these delicious potato pancakes. One place to do that is Mamaleh’s Delicatessen in Kendall Square, where they turn out these delicious pancakes one 150-pound batch of potatoes at a time. Chef Tyler Sundet, one of Mamaleh’s owners, didn’t experience latkes himself until he met his wife Rachel (also a chef-partner in the deli) in his 20s. Now he oversees their latke production, which has actually scaled back a little since they first opened in 2016. “We were working with a farm for all our potatoes and we received half a ton a week to keep up, which is pretty crazy when you’re peeling them all by hand,” Sundet says. The fundamentals of a good latke are pretty simple, he says: russet potatoes, peeled and soaked overnight to help remove starch, then shredded and mixed with onions, eggs, a little white vinegar, salt, and pepper. Another overnight hold helps separate out the last of the starch, and then they’re formed into 3- to 4-ounce 18 Celebrating the Season | scoutcambridge.com
patties, griddled, and fried. The result: crisp potato pancakes that pair well with, frankly, anything. “The classic is sour cream and applesauce,” Sundet says, “but we’ve cut them into strips and served them with Russian dressing. During Passover, when you’re not supposed to eat anything leavened, we serve sandwiches between latkes instead of bread.” Latke sandwiches? If that’s not worth a James Beard Award, frankly, we aren’t sure what is. Furthermore, says Sundet, you can chop them up into croutons, or add any kind of seasonings or flavors, like paprika or cumin for a Spanish inflection.
“They’re a blank slate, honesty. If you think of them like a french fry, the possibilities are endless,” he says. When the holidays roll around at Formaggio Kitchen, General Manager Julia Hallman says there are several traditions that the staff observes, and that their customers can easily bring home for their own celebrations. “Obviously, a lot of ours center around cheese,” says Hallman. “Our owner gives us all a piece of cheese to to take home for Thanksgiving: a way to thank us for all the hard work.” Often, it’s a soft, seasonal cheese from Switzerland called Vacherin Mont d’Or. This
It’s not only the menu that is steeped in tradition; Opa is a family affair. George’s mother has owned and run Sophia’s Greek Pantry for over 15 years and now she keeps Opa stocked with homemade fresh Greek yogurt, delicious desserts and pastries.
Yes! We can cater your event!
comes in a small, 1-pound wheel that’s wrapped in spruce bark. Served at room temperature (or maybe popped in the oven for extra gooeyness), Hallman says to dig in through the top, the bark wrapping holding the whole thing together. “It’s perfect when you bring a group of people together and go to town on this cheese with a bottle of wine,” she says. Another big tradition at Formaggio comes courtesy of one of their Italian importers. One common Christmas treat is Panettone—a light, sweet bread with citrus and raisins that comes in tall loaves. What the importer taught them, says Hallman, is you open it on Christmas Eve and everyone tears out pieces from the top to enjoy after the meal. Then, after letting it sit uncovered overnight, you make French toast with it. Again, is the James Beard Foundation listening to this? “It’s awesome,” says Hallman with undisguised ardor. “It is so sweet naturally, you don’t really have to do the maple syrup—but I always do, because I love maple syrup and have a sweet tooth.” This kind of tradition really helps bond the staff at Formaggio, she says, because “we live here for the holidays” since it’s so busy at the shop. “If people can’t travel home for Thanksgiving, we always have a group together so we can celebrate and kind of relax after such a busy period,” says Hallman. “And, of course, being where we are, it’s always centered around food.” Photos courtesy of Julia Hallman.
From roasted chicken and lamb to stuffed grape leaves and cheese platters, our comprehensive catering menu will wow your guests at any event.
Check out our
378 Highland Ave Somerville, MA 617-718-2900 www.opayeeros.com hours 11-9 daily
NEW MENU
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A HOT SPOT FULL OF HOT SPOTS YOUR GO-TO SPOT FOR EVERYTHING HOLIDAY
ALL IN ONE NEIGHBORHOOD. —————————————— » 40+ SHOPS « ——————————————
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ENTERTAINMENT
FITROW
Levi’s
Earl’s Kitchen + Bar
AMC Assembly Row 12
barre n9ne studio
La Cucina Italian Eatery
Brooks Brothers Factory Store
LOFT Outlet
Club Pilates
Nike Factory Store
MidiCi
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center
Carter’s
OshKosh B’Gosh
Mike’s Pastry
Lucky Strike Social
Columbia Factory Store
Polo Ralph Lauren
Papagayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar
Muse Paintbar
J. Crew Factory
Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Le Creuset
The PUMA store
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*coming soon
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CELEBRATING THE SEASON
Holiday Gift Guide
2. Feline Another Glass
FOR THE
er Pet Lov
2019
This is just the right glass for the classy cat lover, and is perfect to be brought out during a fun housewarming party or a casual night in. We have a feline that you should pick one of these up, ASAP! $16.95, Papyrus
Teach an old dog new tricks with this magnetic bottle opener made for entertaining guests or staying in with your pooch. $18, Joie de Vivre
EnterFOtR THE ainer 4. Maraca Cocktail Shaker
3
2
3. Fetch Bottle Opener!
This maraca cocktail shaker makes drink-making even more fun and it’ll have your favorite mixologist dancing all night. Plus, it looks like an arm workout. $28, Joie de Vivre
5. Three Blind Mice Cheese Board Spoiler alert: Mice don’t actually like cheese. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t invest in this adorable threepiece cheese set that comes with three wooden serving knives and an easy-to-clean board. $30, Joie de Vivre
6. Recipe Box
4
1. Vintage Dog Slinky Toy
1
5
Know a dog-lover who’s allergic? Or someone living where they can’t have a pet? For more than 65 years, Slinky Dog has served as a fun surrogate for your furry best friend. $25, Leavitt & Peirce
6
for the
for the
for the
for the
for the
for the
for the
for the
for the
for the
for the
for the
for the
PET-LOVER
ENTERTAINER
RUGRATS
GEEKS & GAMERS
ENVIRONMENTALIST
TRENDSETTER
HOMEBODY
TRAVELER
MAKER
ACTIVIST
FOODIE
OLD SOUL
LOCAL ENTHUSIAST
20 Celebrating the Season | scoutcambridge.com
7
It wouldn’t be out of place on your great-grandmother’s kitchen counter, this classic tin with its floral pattern. And there’s just something about hand-writing a recipe onto a vintage card that really makes it special—it adds the hominess to homemade, you might say. Beautiful and practical, it will bring joy to your favoring cook. $32, The Little Details
7. 8-Tin Chef ’s Spice Pack
Add a little more flavor to your beloved chef ’s life with this set of spices sure to impress, whether they’re being used to cook a feast fit for 20 or family dinner. Need a little inspiration? Each unique spice comes with a recipe card! Travel around the world while using something made, and sold, right at home in Cambridge. $65, Curio Spice Co.
scoutcambridge.com | Celebrating the Season 21
CELEBRATING THE SEASON
10. Paint By Sticker Book
Afraid of your budding artist leaving fingerprints on the wall you just repainted? This paint-by-sticker book packs all the fun of art while leaving the mess out. $14.95, Artist & Craftsman Supply
FOR THE
ts Rugra 9. Popin’ Cookin’ Tanoshii
It’s a snack! It’s a craft! It’s both! Hailing from Japan (of course), tanoshii kits let your favorite cooking-crazy kid (or, let’s be honest, adult) make and decorate colorful candy putty into miniature meals: hamburgers, sushi, bento boxes, donuts, waffles, and more. Fun to make and to eat! $6.99, Anime Zakka
11. Letters To My Grandparent Booklet
8
This is the gift that keeps on giving. Let your kids fill the book with notes, writing down an “open on” date on the front, and then regift the booklet to their lucky grandparents. $14.95, Porter Square Books
11
12. My First Book of Quantum Physics
10
It’s never too early to start working out the mysteries of the universe! Adorable and informative. $17.99, Black Ink
8. Hanukkah Gelt
This delicious take on the traditional treat is sure to turn any frown upside down this holiday season. Rather than being wrapped up in gold foil like most gelt, these tasty coins are covered in edible gold so your little ones don’t need to fuss around with picking off the wrapping. Grab a few bags and get ready to spin the dreidel! $8, EHChocolatier
13. Baby Booties
9
12
13 Hanukkah Gelt photo courtesy of EHChocolatier.
So very adorable, these tiny, felted baby booties will keep any tot’s toes cosy while also providing color and whimsy. You can just imagine these little strawberries peeking out from under a blanket, just begging for you to pretend to nibble on them and say, “I could just eat you right up!” $28, Nomad
CELEBRATING THE SEASON
FO
HomeRbTHE ody
FOR THE
mers a G & Geeks 17
14. Funko Pops
Whatever your gift recipient is way into, the smart money says there’s a Funko Pop figurine to celebrate it. With their huge noggins and tiny bodies, Funko Pops are evolved bobbleheads made from molded vinyl. Like sports? You can draft Tom Brady. Into Marvel movies? You can be Team Cap and Team Stark. Comics, video games, history, politics ... if someone you know is passionate about it, there’s probably a Pop for it. $12.99 to $15.99, Newbury Comics
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23 15
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There’s a reason this game has been around for 15 centuries: It’s timeless, easy to learn and hard to master, with players of every skill level available just about anywhere you go. You can outfit a new player with an affordable starter or travel set, help an aspiring pro by giving them a chess clock, or indulge an aficionado with four-inch-tall boxwood and ebony pieces on an inlaid board. $15 to $120, Leavitt & Peirce
24 Celebrating the Season | scoutcambridge.com
Some things are classics for a reason. Your grandparents might have played games like Yahtzee, Tiddlywinks, and Pick-Up Sticks with you when you were growing up, and they’ll still be around when it’s your turn to share love and fun with the grandkids. $6.95 to $15, Leavitt & Peirce
23. CBD Cacao Scrub
Known for its soothing effects, CBD scrub is applied topically to soothe body pain, or even to just relax your muscles a little. Buy for someone who desperately needs a night in, and soon enough, they’ll be thanking you nonstop! $25, Nussli 118
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24. Taste of Vermont Syrup Crate
25
17. Blue Q Socks
tter e s d n e Tr
Let your favorite reader wear their heart on their sleeve—or at least all over their chest—with a literary accessory from Out Of Print. There’s a Little Golden Books tote for your youngest reader, a Banned Books List tote for the activist, an Edgar Allen Poe-ka-dot pencil pouch for your mysteryloving artist, or shirts that celebrate everyone from Maya Angelou to F. Scott Fitzgerald. $13.99 to $55, Newbury Comics
22. Old Fashioned Games
16. Wooden Chess Sets
FOR THE
Warm. Soft. Elegant. These fleece garments made locally in Massachusetts will wrap you gentle, winter colors that whisper comfort, whether in the form of a jacket, a rollneck sweater, or a long open coat. $88, Clothware
21. Out of Print Totes and Ts
22
14
15. Katana Bookends
For the aspiring samurai bibliophile in your life, or that kid who loves all things Japan. $24.95, Anime Zakka
20. Dakini Fleece
20
They’re in your face and on your feet: Blue Q socks offer crazy patterns, sarcastic humor, and memorable messaging in the soft, cozy medium of combed-cotton. Announce your preference for companionship by declaring: “People I love: 1) Cats”—or simply reassure everyone with by declaring “I got this” … with an image of a guy with a sword riding a dinosaur. $11.99 to $12.99, Newbury Comics
18. Fair Trade Statement Jewelry
These bold and intricately designed necklaces are not only a beautiful statement piece for any outfit, but they are also a way to support jewelers from across the globe. Handmade in Vietnam and Cambodia, they are certified fair trade items. And there are matching earrings, too! $35.99, Zinnia Jewelry
19. Machete Hair Accessories
Affordable and ecoconscious, these clips and barrettes are made with sustainable resin. If you like what you see, then take a look at their line of earrings, too! $9 to $35, Cambridge Naturals
Machete Hair Accessories photo courtesy of Cambridge Naturals.
Everyone already knows that the best part of pancakes (or waffles, we don’t judge!) is the syrup. Elevate pancake breakfast this year with this syrup crate, drawing from three different flavors from the Syrup State without ever leaving home. $18, Spindler Confections
25. Spiced Hot Cacao or Latte Mix
What goes better with bundling up than a hot beverage? Put away the Nesquik and step things up with this spiced hot cacao, perfect for sipping during a movie or sharing after a holiday meal. Need a stronger pick-me-up? Swap out the cacao mix with the spiced latte mix for a caffeine kick. $20, Curio Spice Co. scoutcambridge.com | Celebrating the Season 25
CELEBRATING THE SEASON
26
ntalist e m n o Envir
er Travel 26. The Carry-On Cocktail Kit
27 30
31
FOR THE
Activis t
27. Oliver Thomas Tote
30. Women’s Suffrage Poster
32 28
Maker
26 Celebrating the Season | scoutcambridge.com
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“To ask freedom for women is not a crime.” Hang up this poster in your college dorm room or right above your desk at the office as a constant reminder to make the suffragettes proud. $25, Leavitt & Peirce
Each bottle of this multi-purpose cleanser comes with a separate pump that is designed to be reused. Once a bottle is finished, the pump can simply be screwed onto the next one. Even better, the bottles are made from the natural bi-products of sugarcane harvesting and all components are 100 percent recyclable. $36, Pod
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34. Soma Travel Mug
This double-wall insulated ceramic travel mug with a bamboo lid combines a sleek design with sustainable and ethical production. Say goodbye to plastic water bottles for good! $30, Cambridge Naturals
Everyone can use a little inspiration sometimes. Be your artist’s muse with this New York Times best seller that boils down what it takes to make it as a creative, with tips like “Don’t wait until you know who you are to get started” and “Be boring. (It’s the only way to get work done.)” $12.95, Harvard Book Store
29. Nantucket Basket Weaving Class Know someone who needs a new bike basket, or goes on a lot of picnics? Well, it’s time to teach them how to fish… and by that we mean, make their own baskets. This self-paced basket-weaving class is for all skill levels and is held almost every day. $35, GrayMist
Buy these socially conscious socks for the friends who are feminists from their heads to their toes. $14.95, Porter Square Books
32. Frida and Ruth Mugs
For the friend who never gives up, these mugs adorned with Frida Kahlo’s or Ruth Bader-Ginsberg’s faces are essential. Start your day with a cup of coffee that tastes like activism. $16, Nomad
Ruth and Frida Mug photos courtesy of Nomad. Glasshouse Hair and Body Wash photo courtesy of Pod. Soma Travel Mug photo courtesy of Cambridge Naturals.
95 Elm St, Somerville | 617-764-4110 | www.magpiekids.com
35. Latte Set
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31. Ruth BaderGinsberg Socks
28. Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon
FOR THE
CLOTHES, TOYS, BOOKS AND MORE!
33. Glasshouse Hair, Hand & Body Wash
Recapture a touch of the glamour of the golden age of air travel with these nifty tins that come with everything you need for cocktails except the booze— which the airline will happily sell you! You can have Moscow mules on your way to Russia, gin and tonic whilst London-bound, or a bloody Mary on that Sunday brunch-time flight. Each kit makes two, so you can share! $21.95, Salt & Olive
Made in Worcester, this trendy tote is water resistant and easy to clean, with a high-tech RFIDblocking pocket (often used in wallets) that prevents people from reading your credit card information with scanners through the fabric. Secret pockets inside the bag also protect your valuables when you’re on the go. $109, Mint Julep
modern gifts for modern kids
FOR THE
FOR THE
Supercharge your favorite java-lover’s morning ritual with superfoods like turmeric or vanilla chai! The included mixes are dairy-free, vegan, and paleo, and the kit comes with a frother and a funky spoon. $29.99, Nussli 118
36. Loqi Totes
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The tote has evolved into a platform for self-expression, and you’d be hard-pressed to find more expressive examples than those made by Loqi. Chemical-free, durable, and washable, they sport fantastic illustrations of skylines, air travel graphics, and images of forests and reefs, along with a wide array of eye-catching colors. Practical and personal! $12, Clothware
NOCA Block for all your Holiday Shopping & Dining 2200 BLOCK OF NORTH CAMBRIDGE scoutcambridge.com | Celebrating the Season 27
CELEBRATING THE SEASON
Scouting Out the
Subscribe to
Perfect Gift Card BY LILLY MILMAN
P
icture this: You’re standing in a checkout line after a long day of work, Michael Bublé is blasting through the speakers, and you realize that you forgot to pick up a holiday gift for the nephew you’ll be seeing at tomorrow’s Christmas party. Your eyes drift over to a rack of gift cards. Maybe he’d prefer to buy something for himself, you think halfheartedly. There’ll be other holidays and birthdays to get something special. You just don’t have time this year, and you only dropped by the store to buy milk, after all … Stop right there. Gift cards have earned a reputation as being a lazy gift giver’s best friend, but it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s all about where you’re buying from—gift cards actually open up a world of experiences, if you’re willing to just do a little digging. While anyone can enjoy a prepaid Visa or Starbucks gift card, they lack the personal flair that marks a good gift. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of thoughtful and inventive gift card ideas that show you care, while still saving you hours of shopping at the mall.
Red Fox Escapes ArtScience Culture Lab & Cafe
614 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, (617) 417-8748, INFO@REDFOXESCAPES.COM, REDFOXESCAPES.COM
650 E. KENDALL STREET, (857) 999-2193, INFO@CAFEARTSCIENCE.COM, WWW.CAFEARTSCIENCE.COM
Get your “Mission Impossible” on at Red Fox Escapes, an immersive escape room filled with meticulously crafted puzzles that will leave you feeling a rush of adrenaline from the timecrunch and a wave of satisfaction from finding the perfect clue. Buy a gift card voucher either online or over the phone, for anywhere between one and 10 people. Make the experience extra-memorable by calling in advance, and Red Fox will work out a way to hide a gift card inside the room as an added surprise.
While a restaurant gift card may not sound like the most unique idea, the ArtScience Culture Lab & Cafe is no Starbucks. Home to the interdisciplinary culture lab Le Laboratoire Cambridge, ArtScience combines upscale French and American cuisine with sensory experiments and exhibitions that engage the taste buds and the mind. A gift card to ArtScience is just right for a date night, where you can enjoy a cocktail while letting out your inner scientist. Order a virtual or physical gift card for any amount online.
Redemption Tattoo 2090 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, (617) 576-0097, REDEMPTIONTATTOO@ YAHOO.COM, REDEMPTIONTATTOO.COM Whether your loved one is already covered in ink or has been forever hinting at wanting to take the leap, Redemption Tattoo is the place to go. Voted as Cambridge’s favorite tattoo shop in this year’s Scout’s Honored awards, Redemption is filled with talented artists who can cater to anyone’s taste. Gift cards are sold in increments of $50, $100, $200, and $500. Prices for tattoos depend on the artist and the size of the art, so make sure to call the shop with questions before making a purchase. 28 Celebrating the Season | scoutcambridge.com
SCOUT!
scoutmagazines.storenvy.com
MASSAGE THERAPY & HOT TUB SOAKS Gift certificates available at inmanoasis.com
soak it up... 243 HAMPSHIRE STREET • CAMBRIDGE
A gift card voucher for one person costs $30. Participants under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Cambridge Center for Adult Education 42 BRATTLE STREET, (617) 547-6789, INFO@CCAE.ORG, CCAE.ORG Learn to julienne alongside a celebrity chef, practice your French for the first time since high school, join a group of beginner bird-watchers, or even sample delicious hidden gems on a Kendall Square food and innovation tour with the CCAE. The center has a class for every interest imaginable, perfect for someone who prefers experiencing something new to a tangible gift. Gift cards are offered in any amount. Classes can range anywhere from $30 to $300, so check out the website or call in advance if you have your eye on a specific session.
Broadway Bicycle School 351 BROADWAY, (617) 868-3392, BROADWAY@BROADWAYBICYCLESCHOOL.COM, BROADWAYBICYCLESCHOOL.COM Usually, we’d say don’t reinvent the wheel. But in the case of the Broadway Bicycle School wheelbuilding class, Scout says “Go for it!” The five-week seminar is one of a few classes offered by the Scout’s Honored-winning co-op, in addition to the Fix-A-Flat seminar and the Women, NonBinary, Trans Basic Mechanics class. Ideal for a range of people, including beginners with no bicycle experience and seasoned pros, these classes provide an
inclusive space to learn and meet new people in the Cambridge cycling community. While gift cards are not offered for specific classes, a gift card may be redeemed for any service at the store. Look online or call the store, and then purchase a gift card for the price of a specific class to give your favorite cyclist a gift that keeps on giving. Classes can range from $35 to $190.
Best Liquor Store
Best Liquor Store
NO ONE RE-GIFTS LIQUOR
15 MCGRATH HIGHWAY, SOMERVILLE 233 ALEWIFE BROOK PARKWAY, CAMBRIDGE 2153 MYSTIC VALLEY PARKWAY, MEDFORD 48 BROADWAY, MALDEN
We deliver through the Drizly and Minibar Apps! NO PANTS REQUIRED!
scoutcambridge.com | Celebrating the Season 29
CELEBRATING THE SEASON
FOR THE
siast u h t n E Local
FOR THE
Foodie
44. Black Ink Tote Bag
37. Handmade Chocolate Quintets The holidays are all about indulgence, right? Let the family’s resident sweet tooth live a little with a set of handcrafted chocolate treats, available in a multitude of flavors. We recommend the Tea & Espresso Pack (a collaboration with local store MEMTea) and Brown Liquor Quintet. $10, Spindler Confections
Sadly, Harvard Square is losing Black Ink at the end of this year. So how better to remember it than with a Black Ink tote bag? Use it to carry around all of your “unexpected necessities.” $14, Black Ink
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FOR THE
Old Sou l
40. Homemade Salt Water Taffy
Get a true taste of Harvard Square with homemade salt water taffy at Cabot’s Candy, a Cambridge institution since 1927. Made with Cape Cod sea salt, it’s about as New England as it gets. And don’t forget to sample some flavors when you head down to the store! $7.95, Cabot’s Candy 30 Celebrating the Season | scoutcambridge.com
46. Vintage Cambridge City Map
A framed, fine art print of the city as it appeared in 1930. $89.90, Ward Maps/MBTA Gifts
Stay in the know without ever leaving home by subscribing to this hyperlocal guide to all things Cambridge. $24 for a one-year subscription, Scout Magazines Storenvy
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41
41. VintageInspired Ann Taintor Magnet
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For the sassy stay-athome mom, or the lover of all things vintage, Ann Taintor’s tongue-in-cheek magnet series will fit in on any fridge. $5, Joie de Vivre
39. Vintage Cheese Apron
If you’re ever at a loss to differentiate your gruyere from your gouda … well, you probably need more than this apron. But it will sure look good on you! Plus you can fold it up and stuff into into its own little bag. Available in veggies and citrus, too. $25.95, Black Ink
44
Know someone who insists that “the sound quality is just better on vinyl”? Let this vintage Coca-Cola inspired T-shirt do the talking this year. $15.99, Cheapo Records
43. Vintage Book Clock
“No books that could change the course of world events were harmed in the production of this artwork.” $98, Cambridge Artists’ Cooperative Sipping Chocolate photo by Meredith Wish.
Goods Anime Zakka
The Garage, 36 JFK Street (617) 945-2743
Artist & Craftsman Supply 580 Massachusetts Avenue (617) 354-3636
Newbury Comics
Cabot’s Candy
1771 Massachusetts Avenue (617) 497-6677
Cambridge Artists’ Cooperative
2259 Massachusetts Avenue (857) 242-4188
Cambridge Naturals
18 JFK Street (617) 453-9540
Cheapo Records
35 Sacramento Street (617) 576-1600
5 Brattle Street (617) 497-1221 1300 Massachusetts Avenue (617) 497-7500
59A Church Street (617) 868-4434
Nomad
Nussli 118 Papyrus Pod
Porter Square Books
Clothware
25 White Street (617) 491-2220
Curio Spice Co.
The Garage, 36 JFK Street (857) 242-4118
1773 Massachusetts Avenue (617) 661-6441 2265 Massachusetts Avenue (617) 945-1888
47
Mint Julep
6 Church Street (617) 576-6468 The Garage, 36 JFK Street (617) 491-0337
538 Massachusetts Avenue (617) 354-4455
46
Leavitt & Peirce
1316 Massachusetts Avenue (617) 547-0576
Black Ink
23 White Street (617) 492-4452
42. Enjoy Vinyl T-Shirt
43
GET THE
Red or Blue or Orange or Green, grab your favorite favorite commuter one of the cars from their local T line, or a yellow MBTA bus, or go whole-hog with a three-car Commuter Rail train set. $14.95 to $29.95, Ward Maps/MBTA Gifts
47. Scout Cambridge Subscription
38. Sipping Chocolate
This decadent drink is unlike any hot chocolate you’ve tasted before. Each of the three flavors—French sipping chocolate, Mexican sipping chocolate, and Blondie sipping chocolate—are made from high-quality chocolate instead of powder. Yum! $16, EHChocolatier
45. Wooden MBTA Toys
Salt & Olive
Spindler Confections
EHChocolatier
2257 Massachusetts Avenue (617) 714-4871
GrayMist Studio & Shop
2255 Massachusetts Avenue (617) 714-4273
145 Huron Avenue (617) 284-6096 364 Huron Avenue (617) 868-8868
The Little Things
Ward Maps/MBTA Gifts
Harvard Book Store
1735 Massachusetts Avenue (617) 497-0737
Joie de Vivre
1300 Massachusetts Avenue (617) 354-1800
1256 Massachusetts Avenue (617) 661-1515 1792 Massachusetts Avenue (617) 864-8188
Zinnia Jewelry
scoutcambridge.com | Celebrating the Season 31
CELEBRATING THE SEASON
, E C U D RE
P A R W , E S U E R and
BY ELIE LEVINE | PHOTO BY SASHA PEDRO
T
his holiday season, think before you buy reams of wasteful gift wrap. Step up your gift-wrapping game with sustainable tricks that won’t cost you tons of money or end up in the trash. Scout caught up with Sarah Levy, founder of the Cambridge store Cleenland, which sells low-waste home goods; Amy Lou Stein, owner of arts-and-crafts store Craftwork Somerville; and Samantha Putoš, founder of Bee Balm, a Medford-based lip-balm company with products available at Cleenland. They shared their ideas for ways to package gifts that won’t hurt your wallet or the environment.
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32 Celebrating the Season | scoutcambridge.com
DON’T WRAP YOUR GIFTS. “This is not a popular opinion, but the most sustainable way to wrap gifts is to not wrap them,” Levy says. If your gift is already pretty, it shouldn’t need to be concealed. REGIFT YOUR WRAP. Save packaging from all your purchases. When Putoš receives gifts or buys items online, she’s constantly on the lookout for ways to repurpose the packaging. Tear plastic packaging into vertical strips and use it to make ribbons. Save ribbon and twine from gifts you receive and use them to attach small knick-knacks to gifts. Hair straighteners are great tools for uncrimping reused ribbons, Levy explains. Putoš saved packaging from sustainable toilet-paper company Who Gives A Crap and used it to wrap gifts. She also recommends wrapping presents with plain kraft paper and covering it with the red and green netting used to package Christmas trees. MAKE THE WRAPPING PART OF THE GIFT. “When you’re talking about sustainable wrapping, one of the options is to have the wrapping itself be something that can be gifted or used,” Putoš says. She recommends Japanese Furoshiki-style gift wrapping, which utilizes beautiful, functional tea towels and linens as a gift’s wrapping. GET CREATIVE. Rather than using reams of paper gift wrap, cover your items in other ways, placing stocking stuffers into jars or modest brown paper bags. Fabric pouches also work well. Stein suggests layering yarn over wrapping paper to create a unique, homespun effect. Old T-shirts stitched at the top work well, too, she says.
Give the Perfect Gift for Bookworms!
Black Ink... what’s in a store?
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NATURE. Pick up pinecones on your walks outside, Levy recommends. They look festive and seasonal and will jazz up any gift. Decorate them with glitter glue for extra flair. USE NEWSPRINT AND MAGAZINES. Levy recommends picking up newspapers in a foreign language, since headlines in English might be distracting. Character-covered newsprint will add novelty to your gift, and daily newspapers are thrown away anyway. Putoš holds onto colorful magazine spreads to reuse as wrap. As a plus, newspapers and magazines are not intensive to manufacture. Stein suggests embellishing newsprint with stamps and doodles with metallic pen. REPURPOSE WHAT YOU ALREADY OWN. Unusable materials you’d throw out anyway can make great gift wrap. Fabric is different since it’s an intensive fabric to manufacture, Levy explains. She says that it’s best to donate still-wearable clothing, like a worn-out sweater. “If someone else can wear that sweater, that’s a better use of the sweater than cutting it up to make gift wrap,” she says. But if an item of clothing is ripped or otherwise useless, feel free to wrap a gift with it. Don’t underestimate the odds and ends you already own—Putoš said she once received a great gift in a box made of Legos. ASK YOUR FRIENDS. Yarn is convenient for wrapping gifts and making pom-poms, but if you’re out of materials, don’t stress. “Everyone has extra stuff,” Stein says. “Don’t be shy, ask your friends.” She also suggests meeting up with friends to reduce, reuse, and wrap together.
A subscription to the Harvard Book Store Signed First Edition Club is the holiday gift for readers that lasts all year.
Thank you to our amazing community for 18 inspiring years together! While we are leaving our Brattle Street store at the end of the year, we still have one more holiday together! Next year we hope to see you in our Beacon Hill location at 101 Charles Street.
@BLACKINKBOSTON scoutcambridge.com | Celebrating the Season 33
Resolving to Live Longer, WITH A HARVARD RESEARCHER’S HELP BY ERIC J. FRANCIS
W
ith Dec. 31 drawing near, many wellmeaning people will make promises to themselves that will inevitably be unkept over the following 12 months: New Year’s resolutions. It’s a shame, since most of those resolutions revolve around things that should make us better in one way or another: work out, learn new things, support worthy causes. But what if there was another approach? What if, instead of resolving to do more with your life, you did something to give you more life itself? Could you, in effect, resolve to live longer so you have more years to walk those extra miles, write those novels, master those yoga poses? The short answer is yes, says Harvard researcher David A. Sinclair, who spent a quartercentury studying what makes people live longer. His new book “Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To” came out in September from Simon & Schuster and hit the New York Times best seller list. “The most surprising thing is that only 20 percent of our longevity, our health in our old age, is genetically determined,” says Sinclair, the co-director of the Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging Research and a professor of genetics at the Blavatnik Institute of the Harvard 34 Celebrating the Season | scoutcambridge.com
Photos courtesy of Dr. David Sinclair.
Medical School. “The rest of it—80 percent of it—is in our hands, in how we live our lives.” So … what’s his number one tip on how to add years to your life, so you can add life to your years? “If there’s only one thing I can say after reading thousands of papers and researching this for 25 years,” says Sinclair, “it would be to eat less often. “I don’t want to offend any restaurateurs because I love dinner,” he hastily adds, “but I skip breakfast and I have a very late lunch.” Specifically, what was found over many different studies and supported with clinical research in Sinclair’s lab was that it’s not so important what you eat but when you eat. For instance, scientists with the National Institutes of Health fed different groups of mice a whole range of diets. What they ate made no difference in their lifespan. Instead, it was when they fed the mice that had the impact. “If we only gave them food for a two-hour period a day, they lived the longest,” Sinclair says. “But they ate a lot of it in those two hours.” Sinclair still urges people to “eat well” and not fret over the exact makeup of their diet. Want to have a little meat, or indulge in a special dessert? That’s okay, he says—the amount and timing of
what you eat appears to be more important than the exact mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. “I try to eat more of a rabbit’s diet than a lion’s diet. But I steal a lot of meat, I steal a dessert, and it doesn’t count if you’re stealing, right?” he says, laughing. The other standout component of longevity from all of this research is that, yes, exercise plays an important role, but in a surprising way. “The best way to turn on longevity genes is to be out of breath for as little as 10 minutes a day every couple of days,” Sinclair explains. “It’s surprising how easy it is.” This kind of exercise turns on the same “genetic pathway protectors” as fasting or being hungry. In other words, he says, a little bit of adversity is good for your body. “Your body will only turn on the survival program when it has a threat, otherwise it’s not going to waste the energy,” says Sinclair. “The goal is to trick the body into thinking times are going to be tough.” For his part, Sinclair accomplishes this by spending a couple hours in the gym every weekend doing weights (“That’s important, because it increases metabolism so you can enjoy more food.”) as well as time on a treadmill or stair-climber.
Plus, he adds, it looks like a trip to the sauna followed by a cold plunge “might activate the same longevity genes as exercise and fasting,” so he does that at the gym every week, too. In the end, it seems that at least some of those reliably recycled resolutions—the ones about improving your diet and getting more exercise—are the exact same things that will help increase your longevity if you approach them in the right way. But that won’t mean it’s any easier to keep them as it was before you knew the science, acknowledges Sinclair. “You gotta fight against what your body is telling you to go do,” he says. “Your body wants to sit down, your body wants to eat. And that’s great when you’re young. But if you want to make it into old age, you have to put your body into adversity, and it will pay dividends later in life. “Hormesis is the scientific word for that,” Sinclair adds. “What doesn’t kill you will make you live longer.”
“What doesn’t kill you will make you live longer.” - David A. Sinclair
David A. Sinclair’s book “Lifespan” can be purchased at Porter Square Books and the Harvard Book Store, or borrowed from the Cambridge Public Library. For information about his upcoming book tour, follow @DavidASinclair on Twitter. scoutcambridge.com | Celebrating the Season 35
DO-GOODERS, KEY PLAYERS & GAME CHANGERS
Please consider shopping with these and other Scout sponsors.
DO-GOODERS, KEY PLAYERS, AND GAME CHANGERS
MICHAEL MONESTIME, CENTRAL SQUARE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
REAL ESTATE DIRECTORY TEAM JEN & LYNN
Thalia Tringo & Associates Real Estate Lynn 617-216-5244, Jen 617-943-9581
BY ELIE LEVINE
A
s a kid growing up in Jamaica Plain, Michael Monestime lived underneath the elevated Orange Line that used to run from Forest Hills down to Chinatown. He still remembers when the historic tracks closed in the late 1980s. “I saw sunlight for the first time on Washington Street,” he says. “That was monumental in me thinking about cities and thinking about how policy, urban planning, development, and change can reorient a neighborhood. I understood that firsthand.” His uncle, Hughes Monestime, was a planner for the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA), and he remembers going to City Hall to look at the model city during the Big Dig—a Boston megaproject that notably rerouted major highways and constructed tunnels. Now, Monestime has brought a lifelong interest in urban planning to Cambridge, where he serves as the executive director of the Central Square Business Improvement District. Central Square Business Improvement District—which Monestime refers to as the BID— supplements the services that the city already provides. The BID receives its funding from a special assessment paid for by property owners. Their budget is $1.5 million per year for the next five years, totaling $7.5 million poured into making the district a cleaner, safer, more welcoming place. This includes cleaning the area and investing in arts and culture, Monestime explains. He is careful to clarify that “safety” does not translate to policing the poor or cracking down on loitering. Through the BID, he aims to create a Central Square that can cleanly and harmoniously accommodate 36 Celebrating the Season | scoutcambridge.com
the bikes, cars, crosstown buses, pedestrians, scooters, and hoverboards that traverse it daily. Monestime led a year-anda-half-long push to transform the Central Square Business Association (CSBA) into a business improvement district. State legislation mandates that 60 percent of property owners, who represent 51 percent of the assessed value of the entire district, indicate their support for the BID by signing a petition. The Central Square BID received “a tidal wave of support” from 73 percent of property owners, who represent 85 percent of the assessed value. At the final vote on June 10, 2019, Cambridge’s city councilors voted unanimously in favor of the BID. Since the BID prioritizes preserving local culture in Cambridge, integrating new developers into the historically rich area can be difficult, Monestime explains. “I think it’s important to … [introduce] these new owners [to] what our beliefs are, … why we’re authentic, and how we can work to introduce new things without changing that dichotomy too much,” he says. The mural project, organized in August 2018 by the CSBA along with the Cambridge Arts Council, adorned walls throughout the city with meaningful designs. All of the muralists are local artists from the greater Boston area who have lived in the Central Square area and have a connection to the district. The project was an attempt to turn the square into an outdoor gallery accessible to all. The square has lost many cultural assets over the years, he says, mentioning bygone music hubs and cultural centers such as the All Asia Cafe and the Paradise Club. He sees the mural project as a way to reaffirm the square’s
TeamJenandLynn@ThaliaTringoRealEstate.com
Bringing our expertise and good humor to help you find a perfect home or say good-bye to your old one.
Prices are already up quite a bit over 2013, which was the strongest market in years. More inventory has started to appear, but it is still not enough to satisfy demand. Consequently, prices should continue to rise in 2014.
Our New Listings
STINKY’S KITTENS & DOGGIES TOO
110 Bristol Rd., Somerville, 617-623-0265 stinkyskittens-doggiestoo.com Organic, all-natural & eco-friendly products. Delivery available. Grooming and in-home cat & exotic pet sitting.
IRENE BREMIS THE IBREMIS TEAM
HARVARD BOOK STORE
CHARLES CHERNEY REALTOR AT COMPASS
PORTER SQUARE BOOKS
THALIA TRINGO & ASSOCIATES REAL ESTATE
CAMBRIDGE NATURALS
617-905-5232, irenebremis.com irenebremis@gmail.com Real Estate Consulting, Listing, Marketing, Sales & Rental Specialist. iBremis Realty, Inc. powered by LAER.
Please call us for more information on the market, or to get a sense of the current value of your home. ~Thalia, Todd, Niké, Jennifer, and Lynn
SHOPPING DIRECTORY
1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge 617-661-1515, harvard.com Locally owned, independently run landmark with extraordinary selection of new, used and remaindered books.
RESTAURANT DIRECTORY LEONE’S SUB AND PIZZA
292 Broadway, Somerville 617-776-2511, leonessubandpizza.com Pizza and subs fit for a king since 1954. Now being delivered by Dash!
MIKE’S FOOD & SPIRITS
9 Davis Square, Somerville 617-628-2379, mikesondavis.com Pizza, Pasta, Seafood, Burgers and more! Dine in our casual dining room open to Davis Square or watch a game at the bar!
~ $1,495,000 This is a very rare opportunity to own a single family home with garage on one of the largest lots in Davis Square . The Victorian-era house has 4 bedrooms and one and a half baths on two levels. The detached garage the Morrison Ave. and Grove St., is the very large, open, level yard. Owned by the same family since 1955, this unspoiled home is ready for a new family to make their own updates and memories.
~ $519,000
Jennifer Rose
Residential Sales Specialist, ealtor R ® cell/text Jennifer@ThaliaTringoRe alEstate .com
Lovely Agassiz 2 bedroom/2 bath condo with private porch on a pleasant side street between Harvard and Porter Squares. Near great shops, restaurants, and Harvard campus.
~ $349,000 Roomy Ten Hills 2 bedroom/1 bath condo with charming details, reonvated kitchen, parking, and storage.
~ $229,000
Lynn C. Gr aham
Residential Sales Specialist, ealtor R ® cell/text Lynn@ThaliaTringoRe alEstate .com
CambridgeRealEstate.com 617-733-8937, cc@compass.com Helping You Buy the Right Home and Sell for the Best Price in Cambridge and Somerville, MA.
25 White St., Cambridge 617-491-2220, portersquarebooks.com Porter Square Books is your fiercely independent source for great books, magazines, fun gifts and more.
OPA GREEK YEEROS
378 Highland Ave., Somerville 617-718-2900, opayeeros.com Authentic Greek cuisine and a lively atmosphere. Expanding soon!
Near Medford Sq., this 1 bedroom/ 1 1/2 bath condo is in an elevator building with parking.
Coming Soon In the heart of Davis Sq., this 2 bedroom/1 bath condo in a brick building has a parking space. Equidistant from Davis and Porter Squares, this 3 bedroom/1.5 bath condo on two levels has in-unit laundry, 2 porches, private yard, and exclusive driveway for 3 cars.
MICHAEL MONESTIME
Renovated 1 bedroom/1 bath near Prospect Hill with central air, in-unit laundry, private porch, and shared yard.
ongoing commitment to the arts. Monestime is fond of the distinction between placemaking and place-keeping. Place-keeping refers to the preservation of culture and a sense of home in a neighborhood, he explains. He feels called to preserve the beauty that exists and persists in Central Square. “New districts and new developments … need to do place-making to make something that didn’t exist before a place. This place has been around for centuries. We try to use the public realm as an asset and activate it in a way where people feel at home,” he says.
Other efforts of place-keeping include a Community Curators Program, launched this October, that will fund individuals’ public art projects in Central Square. Starting at the beginning of the month, BID Ambassadors appeared on the ground in the square to greet and direct visitors. Central to Monestime’s work is the strength he finds in partnerships. “The BID is possible because of the partnership with property owners and the City of Cambridge,” he says. “The spirit of partnership goes back to that authenticity in the Square that is extremely hard to replicate and extremely important to preserve.” Photo by Sasha Pedro.
617-616-5091, thaliatringorealestate.com
Our agents strive to make your experience of buying and selling as smooth as possible. From start to finish, we are here to help you. Free classes.
SERVICES DIRECTORY THE LAW OFFICES OF JONAS JACOBSON
872 Mass. Ave. #1, Cambridge 617-230-2779, jonasjacobson.com If you have a property issue, Jonas is the man to call: owners, neighbors, developers, landlords, tenants.
Porter Square, Cambridge 617-492-4452, cambridgenaturals.com A curated selection of natural wellness goods including supplements, body care, bulk herbs & organic groceries.
HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY
LA POSADA RESTAURANT
505 Medford St., Somerville 617-776-2049, laposadasomerville.com Somerville’s spot for delicious, hand-crafted Latin American cuisine.
MASS AVE DINER
906 Mass. Ave., Cambridge 617-864-5301, massavediner.com Since 2010 Serving Killer Brunch and Diner Fare. Now Open Late and Serving Craft Beer and Wine!
DR. KATIE TALMO, D.M.D.
180 Highland Ave., Somerville 617-864-6111 Dr. Talmo provides a personalize approach to dental care. Come enjoy a comfortable dental experience in her newly renovated office space.
BLISS BRAIN
64 Union Square, Somerville 617-821-5560, bliss-brain.com Learn how to utilize your brain’s natural neuroplastic abilities to create the life you strive for through NeuroSculpting and meditation. scoutcambridge.com | Celebrating the Season 37
CALENDAR
NOVEMBER 14 | FOOD & DRINKS
Photo by Ian Tartasky.
TEA BASICS CLASS 6:30 to 8 p.m.; $25 196 Elm St., Somerville Learn more about what’s in your cup at MEM Tea’s seminar, where attendees are taught about the five main types of tea. In addition to learning about how plants are grown and processed for tea, participants will do some brewing and tasting of their own.
NOVEMBER 29 | ENTERTAINMENT
Photo by Racha Kirakosian.
NOVEMBER 15 | GIVING BACK
Photo courtesy of Furnishing Hope.
“GIVING THANKS FOR GIVING HOPE” OPEN HOUSE 2 to 7 p.m.; Free 131 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge Join the local nonprofit Furnishing Hope as they give thanks to the community for its support and provide insight on how they are helping to transition families from homeless and domestic violence shelters. Light refreshments will be served.
DECEMBER 7 | SHOPPING
Photo courtesy of All She Wrote Books.
NOVEMBER 15-17 | ENTERTAINMENT
Photo courtesy of Boston International Kids Film Festival.
BOSTON INTERNATIONAL KIDS FILM FESTIVAL 3 to 6 p.m.; $50+ 55 Davis Sq., Somerville Come one, come all to the annual film festival intended to introduce kids ages 8 to 18 to the best independent filmmaking of the year. Featuring films made professionally and by students, the BIKFF showcases films made by kids, for kids, and about kids in addition to hosting panel discussions and workshops.
Photo courtesy of Jeanne Jepson.
NOVEMBER 28 | FITNESS
GOBBLE GOBBLE GOBBLE 5K 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; $30 371 Summer St., Somerville Register for the 23rd annual Thanksgiving race that begins and ends in Davis Square by November 27 for an experience you won’t forget—all while making it home in time for Mom’s famous pumpkin pie. The turkey trot is followed by an after-party at the Burren— the 2019 Scout’s Honored winner for best “late-night haunt.”
38 Celebrating the Season | scoutcambridge.com
ALL SHE WROTE BOOKS POP-UP 2 to 5 p.m.; Free 257 Washington St., Somerville Treat yourself at Somerville’s unique Juliet restaurant, known for its gratuity-free dining, while also enriching your mind at the All She Wrote Books pop-up—a Somerville-based new and used pop-up bookstore that features women, queer, and non-binary writers of all genres.
DECEMBER 13 | FOOD
Photo courtesy of Off The Beaten Path Food Tours.
NOVEMBER 23-24 | ART
BRICKBOTTOM & JOY STREET OPEN STUDIOS 12 to 6 p.m.; Free 1 Fitchburg St., Somerville Join Brickbottom and Joy Street as they present their annual open studios event, an all-access pass to some of the most exciting art being made in Somerville. Explore twoand three-dimensional art as well as pop-up performances and interactive experiences, and ask your favorite artists any and all questions about the process while beefing up your collection.
WIT AND MIRTH: THANKSGIVING SPECIAL! 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.; $10 1353 Cambridge St., Cambridge Join Boston-based actor and singer David William Hughes on a time-traveling journey back to the 17th century, as he sings songs from Thomas d’Urfey’s hit book of comedic songs “Wit and Mirth, or Pills to Purge Melancholy” written in 1698. Hughes will also be singing some of his original music.
CHOCOLATE TOUR OF HARVARD SQUARE 7 to 8:30 p.m.; $40 Harvard Square, Cambridge Get to know Harvard Square from a different angle, as Off The Beaten Path Food Tours takes you through the best independent sweet stores that the square has to offer. This Friday night food tour, occurring throughout the rest of the month, was even featured on WCVB Chronicle TV 5.
DECEMBER 14-15 | ENTERTAINMENT
Photo by Jamie Malcolm-Brown.
44TH ANNUAL CULTURAL SURVIVAL BAZAAR 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Free 459 Broadway, Cambridge This family-friendly festival features fair-trade fare from across the globe, with indigenous artists representing the United States, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Uzbekistan, India, Nepal, Madagascar, Ghana, Thailand, Laos, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ukraine, and more. Learn about various indigenous cultures, immerse yourself in traditional live music, and buy beautiful handmade goods at this two-day fest.
DECEMBER 20-31 | ENTERTAINMENT
THUMBELINA: THE LITTLE MUSICAL Showtimes vary; $20 64 Brattle St., Cambridge Head down to the Loeb Drama Center to experience the American Repertory Theater’s adaptation of Thumbelina, a classic tale about a tiny heroine as she “forges her path, embraces her differences, and finds her place.” Bring the whole family for this age-appropriate musical!
‘Tis the Season to Get Cooking Whether you wish to pursue a culinary career or master your craft for home entertaining, our extensive programs in culinary and pastry arts will provide the springboard for your culinary ambitions. Impress your family and friends with your skills this holiday season and take the steps to make 2018 your year of culinary exploration.
PROFESSIONAL CHEF’S AND PASTRY PROGRAMS
Accepting applications for our January programs through December 22, 2017. • 4 Unique Programs: 16-week Culinary Certificate Program, 37-week Professional Chef’s Program, 16-week Certificate Pastry Program, and 37-week Professional Pastry Program • Talented instructors share their diverse experiences and deep knowledge during intimate classroom settings with no more than 12 students per instructor • Four commercial-grade, fully stocked kitchens host our classroom laboratories and seminars, providing ample space to work and learn • Lifelong placement services provide career guidance and support for all graduates within our expansive and ever growing CSCA network
ulinary #CambridgeC
RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS
For you: From technique-driven series to more social date nights, you’re sure to find the culinary adventure you crave within our class offerings. Visit our online class calendar to book. For them: Culinary classes make the perfect gift! Surprise your sweetie, sibling, parent, or BFF with a CSCA gift certificate, redeemable online toward any Recreational class.
PRIVATE AND CORPORATE EVENTS
Tired of the same old holiday party? Bring your co-workers to CSCA for an interactive, team-building cooking event. We host personalized events for corporate retreats, bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, and family celebrations in our professional kitchens.
www.CambridgeCulinary.com 2020 MASSACHUSETTS AVE | CAMBRIDGE, MA 02140 | 617.354.2020
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