Dear New Resident,
We would like to extend a warm welcome from the Esplanade Community Group, fondly known as the ECG. The ECG is independent of the Esplanade Board of Trustees and Management and supported solely by the voluntary efforts and contributions of residents. We help residents build community and connect with each other by maintaining a website, publishing regular newsletters and updates, sponsoring events and encouraging community groups.
Some of the activities we have initiated include twice weekly water aerobics sessions in our pool, bi-weekly discussion groups, occasional guest speakers, quarterly Get Togethers, monthly Aging in Place meetings, introduction of composting within the building, and an initiative to clean up and advocate for the natural resources along Cambridge Parkway.
You can learn more about the Esplanade Community Group through our website https://www.esplanadecommunity.com/. You’ll be able to access previous newsletters, get to know some of your neighbors, learn more about the neighborhood, and read reviews of local restaurants and books. To receive the ECG Newsletter, please email Mary Jo Bane at mary_jo_bane@hks.harvard.edu and to sign up for our ListServ please email Jessie von Hippel at jvhippel@me.com The interview with Moshe Safdie is also a great way to learn more about the Esplanade directly from the architect!
We highly recommend that you request access to the Esplanade Building Link as suggested in the Welcome Directory provided by the Esplanade Management. It is an effective way to request repairs to your unit, reserve amenities, make suggestions to the Board and management, and get to know the Building Staff. You will also find some excellent “Local Links for 02142”! Contact the Concierge for your id and password.
New to Cambridge or even to Massachusetts? Here are a few useful tips:
*The Esplanade composts! The Concierge can give you a compost bucket and a starter set of bags.
*The Cambridge Public Library offers a variety of programs and events and is a great source for discount passes to museums in Cambridge and Boston.
*Harvard and MIT have wonderful museums and offer educational opportunities. Many of your neighbors also enroll in the Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement (HILR).
*Nearest T stops? Kendall Square/MIT on the Red Line, Lechmere on the Green Line, and Community College on the Orange Line can get you just about anywhere! Maps and schedules at the MBTA website.
*Cambridge Center for Adult Education offers an amazing range of classes.
*Main Cambridge City Webpage provides lots of resources, including how to get a Cambridge Parking Permit!
*Need to register to vote in Massachusetts? We are in Ward 1 Precinct 2.
*To title and register your vehicle or to update your driver’s license, check out all you need to do.
*Cambridge Police Department. Non-emergency number is 617-349-3300.
*East Cambridge Planning Team: A Neighborhood Organization for the Betterment of East Cambridge.
We look forward to meeting you and to seeing you at our events! In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to get together for a cup of coffee or tea, please let us know.
Warmly,
Your ECG Welcome Committee
Ashok Rao, Carol Caswell, Deborah Halber, and Larry Lieberman