It’s highly unlikely that you’ve walked around in Central Square in the last few months and not noticed baked goods calling out a siren song from the windows of locally owned Veggie Galaxy. What may be a surprise is that the display of cakes, pies, cookies and the like are not vegetarian, but in fact vegan. All the desserts are prepared without the use of products derived from animals, a true vegan bakery. read more...

In the age of Kindles, iPads and online books, it’s not uncommon to hear remarks that seem to suggest that good old brick and mortar shops with proprietors who care deeply about their customer’s interests will soon be extinct. Not if Lorem Ipsum Books have anything to do with it. There’s a store that sits proudly in Inman Square whose only goal is to inform and entertain the community in an accessible and welcoming atmosphere. Where else can you walk in and find a book titled, “How to Fossilize your Hamster” under the Specifically Specific shelf, a book vending machine and a chicken machine? A little more on that later.. read more...

If you’ve lived in the area for a more than a few months, there’s a good chance you’ll spot familiar faces and perhaps exchange a smile or a hello. If you’ve lived here since 1964, you might recognize local resident Phyllis Bretholtz, preserver of memories via camera and a champion for community organizations serving Cambridge and beyond.

Ms. Bretholtz moved to Cambridge in 1964, after traveling around the world for 18 months, visiting areas in Europe, Israel, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Japan, Taiwan, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, among others. The visual documentary of her adventures has endured in thousands of slides. Passion for the camera led her to study visual design and photography at MIT from 1966-1967, an experience which she describes as, “A visual orgy of color, shape and texture.” read more...

When you walked out of your last meeting at work, did you feel solidarity with your colleagues and believe that your voice was heard? Were the issues researched, discussed fairly and consensus achieved by a fair vote with respectful, constructive conversation? If you were involved in a meeting with youth from Cambridge based peace and justice organization Boston Mobilization, this is the type of decision making process you would be a part of. read more...

Many of us have taken a fitness class in our lifetime. Some individuals qualify as enthusiastic gym buffs and the remaining might have memories from high school Phys Ed that we would like erased in an Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind style fashion. read more...

Hello Cambridge!

I'm Srin, your newest NeighborMedia citizen journalist and I make a great pumpkin soup. I've lived in the area off and on for about 10 years, with stints in London and New York. Now I call myself a "Cantoonie". I was originally born in England and have also lived in Saudi Arabia, Canada and good old Fargo, ND. Yes people "talk like the movie" and yes there are ways to amuse yourself there, at least for a weekend.

I keep boomeranging back to Massachusetts because I feel close to the people, the changing seasons and the great social activism and arts culture. My focus will be on stories that showcase the talents and passions of Cambridge folk, and organizations/happenings that enrich our community.