Gorgeous purple blackberries. Sun-ripened peaches. Crisp-looking rhubarb.

Bonnie Shershow loves “the sensuousness of fruits—their color, texture, fragrance, feel and taste.” The Cambridge resident also enjoys “washing, cutting, peeling and pitting”—step one in transforming fruit into jams, jellies, and preserves.

The recipe is simple: fresh produce, perhaps a little water, sugar and lemon juice. There’s not too much sugar.—the fruit should be the star, she suggests. Similarly, there’s no pectin. Bonnie feels that jelling agent can dull the taste. read more...

The cute, munchkin-like elf at Grendel’s Den in Harvard Square. The sleek, European-looking garage roll-ups fronting Bukowski Tavern in Inman Square. The chic signage for Zinnia Jewelry in Harvard Square.

These are some of the projects undertaken through the Cambridge Community Development Department’s Façade, Signage and Lighting Improvement Program.

The program provides technical assistance and matching grants to retailers if they’re located on a Cambridge Street. Established as a separate program in 2003, the Façade, Signage and Lighting Improvement Program supports 10 – 15 projects a year, according to Chris Basler who manages the program.

You need not be a business owner to apply, commercial tenants are also eligible. According the program website, “an architectural consultant retained by the City can provide assistance through the conceptual design stage, at no cost to applicants.” read more...