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[personal profile] mem_winterhill
Hoping you are all staying safe as we continue to push through this unusual time. One of the concerns that the city has is that the typical cooling centers and places to go for relief are not available because of the distancing we must continue to pursue. And as the temperature rises, there could be consequences around this. 

So the city has created a site about keeping cool in the time of Covid. Please check out the tips and information here: https://www.somervillema.gov/keepcool

Also, I was asked to highlight a program to donate air conditioners and fans for folks who might not be able to access them. The "Give Help" tab over there has the details, but I'll post them here too. 

§  When: Saturday June 27, 2020, 8:00AM-1:00PM

§  Where: 1 Franey Rd., Department of Public Works

§  What: Drop off NEW air conditioners and box fans. For safety reasons, all donated equipment must be new and in original packaging. 

§  Why: Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ll all be spending more time at home, and that’s the safest place to stay cool. A new, efficient air conditioner or fan can help our senior friends and neighbors stay safe and comfortable at home.


The Council on Aging will distribute the donated cooling equipment on the basis of medical and financial need. 


Related to this, I've heard of concerns that people who typically don't stay home and run the air conditioner usually are going to have unprecedented utility bills. Keep that in mind, and if you have resources to spare, maybe donate to the Somerville Cares Fund on that page to help out. 

And finally, if you have a street tree near your house, consider giving it a drink! I was listening to the weather folks this week who were becoming concerned about the recent dryness. It would be great if we can keep our trees growing and shading!

PS: Please share this around your networks widely. Heat can be a real health risk on top of our other issues right now. 

See you distantly around the Hill!
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[personal profile] mem_winterhill
Via the "Sustainaville" monthly newsletter from the city:

It has been just over one year since Somerville Climate Forward was released and departments across the City have been hard at work implementing the priority actions identified in Somerville's community climate action plan. We are thrilled to report progress in each of the thirteen priority action areas of the plan. The new progress report summarizes work completed over the past year and provides a preview of what is underway for 2020. We are committed to completing annual reports of our progress towards our ambitious climate goals.

Some highlights from the past year include:

  • Over $500,000 of the Fiscal Year 2020 budget was dedicated to implementing Climate Forward priorities.
  • The Office of Sustainability and Environment added a new Energy Manager position, growing the office to 4 full-time staff.
  • The City's Engineering Department developed a detailed stormwater model of the city and used it to understand what parts of the city are likely to flood during storms today and with the changing climate in the future.
  • The 2020 Somerville Community Choice Electricity program doubles the additional amount of renewable electricity in the standard option from 5% to 10% above the state requirement.
  • Somerville’s first bi-directional bus lanes were installed on Broadway and over 4 miles of bike facilities were installed throughout the city.

You can download and read the full report at somervillema.gov/climateforward.

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[personal profile] mem_winterhill
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/somerville-2019-candidate-climate-forum-tickets-73041602399


Hello Somerville! Are you feeling hot under the collar? Are you struggling to keep your head above water? Does climate change have you down?


Please join us at the Climate Coalition of Somerville’s Candidate Climate Forum and hear how the candidates plan to prepare for climate change. Moderated by Julia Taliesin of the Somerville Journal, community representatives will have a freewheeling conversation with the candidates about the challenges the city faces and the opportunities for the city to respond. All city council and mayoral candidates have been invited.


Saturday, October 5th, 11am - 1pm at the VNA Community Room, 259 Lowell St., Somerville. Doors open at 10:45. We will start promptly.


Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole interpretation will be provided.


Please RSVP on Eventbrite so we know how many chairs we need.





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