Inman Square Neighborhood Association

Our neighborhood recently started a neighborhood association and of course I joined!  The group's goals include:

We are starting a neighborhood association! We have just had our first meeting on November 30, and were delighted that 40 of our neighbors came. Now as we are getting ready for our second meeting, we would love to have you join us.

We want to get to know you, to hear your ideas and to share a few ideas of our own. Most importantly, we want the people who live in Inman Square to have a say in the many changes that are happening here.

The first four topics on our agenda were:
- Working with the Inman Square Business Association to revitalize the square
- Beautification of Inman Square
- New Green Line station and its impact on Inman Square
- Traffic patterns in Inman Square


I definitely wanted to have a say in changes in the neighborhood and I found the meeting to be open and inclusive.  I love that the owner of Ole donated the space, and snacks, for the group.  I found the different intersection plans to be very interesting and thought provoking.  I especially loved the "speed dating" portion of the event which allowed me to meet five fellow Inman neighbors.  I realized that I definitely feel at home here in Inman even though I don't really know anyone who lives here.  This meeting was a great way to get to know some of our neighbors!

The Christmas Tree Challenge 2016

Last year we started The Christmas Tree Challenge, basically just going to every hotel lobby we could find and snapping a picture with the tree.  We had such a blast that we decided to take up the Challenge again this year!  We had some trouble finding a time to go, and with only one weekend left before Christmas time was running out.  We decided to brave the cold and slushy conditions and rack up as many trees as possible in one weekend.

The first night's itinerary included:

*Nine Zero
*Omni Parker
*Macy's
*Godfrey Hotel
*The Ritz
*The Four Seasons
*The Copley Fairmont
*The Taj
*Copley Square
*The Lennox
*The Collonade
*The Mandarin

We also enjoyed a cozy dinner at Mast and drinks at the Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons!

The next night we stopped in at the Kendall Hotel, before having pizza at Area 4, on our way to the upside down trees, and bubbles, at the Liberty Hotel!

Chad Stokes- Calling All Crows Annual Benefit Concert

Oh how I look forward to this concert every year!  Chad is my favorite singer and the concert supports his charity, Calling All Crows.  He always pulls out something cool for the show and the set list usually includes some State Radio and Dispatch classics, as well as his new stuff.  The concert was at The Paradise, and other than the epic line for the coat check, the show didn't disappoint.  If you've never heard of Chad Stokes I really recommend you check out his work!

Let's Progress Massachusetts

One of the good things that came out of the election was the sense of community and organizing that followed.  When I heard about the Let's Progress Meeting I immediately signed up.  This election made me realize how important our first amendment rights are and I plan on sticking up for the things I believe in.  Too often I sit back and let other people fight the good fight.  Now, I'm going to be part of that fight!

The meeting was held at the Somerville Theater and was sold out almost instantly.  The meeting featured four panels, each featuring representatives from different organizations.  Each panelist explained their issue and what would be challenging for that issue under the new administration.  The panelists gave advice on what we can do to help make change.  The keynote speaker was Council Women Ayana Pressley.  She was phenomenal.  The quote that stuck with me was, "We lost an election, not our humanity."  The whole meeting gave me hope and I was especially impressed with the younger crowd that was there, getting involved.

My next step is getting more involved with The Sierra Club.  The environment, and our public lands, are so important to me.  It's time to rise up and protect them!

Yulefest 5K

The Yulefest 5K is my favorite race of the year.  I willed myself to stay healthy this December in order to run it and enjoy the after party!  I love the course, weaving it's way through Harvard Square and down Cambridge Street towards my neighborhood.  It was real cold so I even bought a running jacket the day before so I would be able to handle the weather.  I was not missing this race!  I ended the 5K season with another sub thirty minute race!

The after party was really fun and make me forget all that school work I had waiting for me at home!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Two years ago I was so busy I thought I might have to postpone Christmas (in fact we didn't even get a tree until December 23rd) and last year I was sick for an entire week leading up to Christmas.  I was resolved to not let that happen again this year, and for most of December I did a good job.

We were able to walk down to Ricky's Flower Market for the annual "pick out a tree and walk home with it" holiday outing.  We found a perfect tree and this lovely "Husky" wreath!

Then a few days later, we headed into Boston to watch The Nutcracker.  I love going to the ballet, especially The Nutcracker.  I love how the Opera House is so beautifully decorated, the costumes, sets, and ballet bubbles!

On our way home we took note of some of the new bars that had opened up in Downtown Crossing, making a mental note for vacation!

Cambridge Winter Classic 5K

I worked really hard during the month of December to not get sick before my 5Ks were out of the way.  JO wasn't able to join for the Winter Classic, and I easily could've stayed home with him, but I dragged myself out of the house and down to Central Square for the race.  I'm so glad I did.  It wasn't too cold and I ran an under 30 minute time again!  If you had told me a few years ago, that I would enjoy running 5Ks I would have laughed right in your face!