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Categories: Guest News, Harvard Square News, Irving House Gazette

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briana pearson

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a full day beckons
as long as the sun is bright
lightness holds the dark

24.06.20

Dear Reader,

I almost did it! I have delivered on my promise to get you the Summer Solstice edition even if a day late!  What a season of learning… As my mother would have said, “Welcome new readers, wherever you are!”  I have really enjoyed seeing new names sign up. It has given me a little push to write this, knowing I have a new audience who may not know the big shoes I need to fill.

With commencement ceremonies behind us we look forward to the long days of summer here in the northeast. I hope for you these extra hours will lend time to that thing you have been meaning to learn, a conversation you have been trying to find the patience for or just space to think a complete thought.

At Irving House we have had to say farewell to a few employees with the longest tenure. Zoia, our most dedicated Assistant Manager has moved to be closer to family. Ani also moved to scratch that undeniable itch for adventure. Last, but certainly not least~ Scott, our most reliable overnight desk attendant, has also decided to retire. Zoia and Scott had been working here since 1997 which means they have been some of the strongest supports to this little hotel for a very long time. They  deserve to have all the hours to do as they please and enjoy time with family! As you can imagine their departure has been hard after my moms passing~ she would have wanted to tell them so many things about their time here…the stories they would tell…

Silver-lining is these changes have also given others a chance to shine… Veronika has been promoted to Assistant Manager and Audra has rejoined making a growing little “Harding House hospitality team”, ~including Poonam, Josephine, Tiruwork and Mata~ a little more complete!

Not to be overlooked, you will also see some new faces at the front desk as well as housekeeping. New people always bring energy and vibrancy. My mom used to say that “new eyes always help see new ways to improve”. I am very optimistic about this new chapter for Irving House!

Lastly, I would also like to mention that many of you replied to the previous gazette with condolences and fond memories . With tears in my eyes I read them all and felt the warmth of this community and the strength of the business she built. Thank you.
As always we look forward to seeing you around Irving House some time soon!

Yours sincerely,

Briana
Many families joined us during the commencement week.
We offer our warm congratulations and
Thank You to all the families who stayed with us at this extraordinarily special time.
MayFair and Boston Calling also share the month with Commencement!

MAYFAIR

My family and I recently enjoyed MayFair in Harvard Sq. We try to get there for the big events in early May and early October because there’s always great performances and its an easy lunch activity! This year was a little bit rainy but we found my sons favorite treat…Crabber Fries and also enjoyed the Asian Street Food & Music Festival on Church St. Bonus: We found out that The Boiling Crab has a location in Harvard Sq for those looking for Cajun Seafood (and crabber fries) any time of year!
THE BOILING CRAB - Updated May 2024 - 1130 Photos & 648 Reviews - 330 Coral St, Honolulu, Hawaii - Seafood - Restaurant Reviews - Phone Number - Yelp
Boston Calling reveals 2024 festival lineup | WBUR News
BOSTON CALLING
This event is little too much for me and the kids but I do know plenty of locals who take their preteens and because the area is walking distance from Irving House we get a good amount of guests driving from neighboring states to stay with us to see some great bands outside under the stars all Memorial Day weekend!
Summer here in Cambridge means outdoor music, guided tours and markets!If you are traveling to the area soon you may want to check for events in Harvard Sq. Central and Inman Sq .
For folk music, make sure you check out the Passim calendar of shows for their comprehensive list of the dates and locations of their outdoor “summer series “. It’s a great way to be outside this summer in Cambridge!Shopping is a great way to support local artisans! Harvard Sq has the Black Business pop up Market on Sundays and Central Sq has vintage on Saturdays! @found.boston (on instagram) has a Block Party with vintage clothes, music and food!

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The Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network (CSBBN) is hosting another pop-up all summer long from 11am – 6pm on Sundays, June 3 to October 27, 2024 in collaboration with the Harvard Square Business Association. The Black-Owned Business Pop-up Market in Harvard Square will have an amazing location on Palmer Street between the Harvard Coop locations. The cross streets are Brattle Street and Church Street; and Palmer Street will be open to pedestrians and closed to automobiles.  Shop for gift items from fashion, vegan treats, fine art, bags, jewelry, artisan soaps, sauces, dog treats to accessories, there will be something for everyone. Free event!

Event Times: Sundays, 11am – 6pm from June 2 – October 27, 2024 (except October 13th, where we welcome you to attend the annual Harvard Square Oktoberfest!)

                                     Perhaps a Guided Tour aligns with your travel plans?

A Haunted tale of the Charles River? Or perhaps your interests are in Kendall Sq on “The Innovation Trail”? Both set off from Cambridge but the Boston History Company has plenty of tour options. “Our small staff of highly trained professional performers use charm, expert storytelling, and humor to give you the experience your group is looking for. We strive to maintain excellent customer service and vivid storytelling of accurate history. Once we meet you, the tour path could change slightly if we know you’ll enjoy something a little different, we want you to leave our tour with a desire to keep exploring our beloved city. You came all the way to Boston to see our treasures, and we are here to guarantee your best possible experience seeing them.”

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LOVE SPICE? LOVE REGGAE?

“Boston JerkFest is a family-friendly Caribbean-style food festival offering two days of fun in the sun and featuring Jamaican jerk spiced food and all things jerk hot! The festival features 14 Caribbean restaurants offering tasty Jamaican jerk dishes for purchase, specialty foods, such as authentic Caribbean drinks Seafood Throwdown and Jerk Cook-off Competitions, live reggae and DJ’s, ethnic arts and craft vendors, VIP Reggae Lounge, and Kids & Culture stage. And don’t forget the rum punch at the Reggae Bar!”
Our College Tripping Special will be permanent.
Once you have booked your room on our site, (enter COLL in the promo code to note you would like the bag of goodies) email or call us to let us know you are
a subscriber to the Irving House Gazette and we will give you a discount on the room as well!We are also trying out a discount for those who book directly on our website and are staying 2+ nights early in the week.
Enter your dates and if the discount applies it will show you that option when making the reservation.
Always check our own site to make sure you have reservation access to all of our room types and any discounts that might apply!