Sports: 18th Ranked Field Hockey Beats Lexington, Big Game Monday at Winchester

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Photo: Serena Nally leading the Belmont offense against Lexington.

Facing its toughest challenge of the season, Belmont High School Field Hockey took advantage of its scoring chances and the defense chalked up another shutout to beat visiting Lexington High, 2-0, on Friday afternoon, Sept. 25 at Harris Field.

“I was sweating for all 60 minutes,” said Belmont Head Coach Jessie Smith as her squad remained undefeated at 6-0 with five shutouts and seeing the Marauders enter the Boston Globe Top 20 Field Hockey poll at 19th.

“We haven’t been in a tight game this year,” said Smith.

“We weren’t playing that well; we were nervous. We saw the name “Lexington” and in the past they’ve been a powerhouse. Today, they had some solid players, but I think we could have stepped up a little bit more. But we got the job done.”

The win over Lexington (4-2) keeps Belmont atop the Middlesex League Liberty Division as the season hits its midpoint at the end of the week.

There is no let up of the pressure on Belmont as it visits 6-1 Winchester High (ranked 18th in the Globe poll) on Monday afternoon, Sept. 28.

Two Marauders continued impressive scoring streaks as freshman Morgan Chase (four goals in the last four games) and senior Kerri Lynch (11 goals for the season, scoring in each game) tallied to improve the Marauders’ scoring totals to 31 for and 2 against.

Chase said her goals were coming from “staying wide and staying open for the ball when it goes through the middle.”

“[Chase] is the player who can get the rebounds off the pads to knock it in and that’s why she’s a great right wing,” she added.

In the most competitive game of the season, Belmont found itself relying a great deal on the back three – Sophia Stratford, Molly Goldberg and Lilly Devitt – and sweeper Molly Thayer who set up in front of goalie Christina McLeod. The defense was able to run with and push out most Lexington ventures inside the Belmont shooting circle (inside 15 meters from the goal) with Thayer intercepting many attempted passes in the zone.

Coming back to help out the defense were junior leaders Julia Chase and AnnMarie Hebalow who was under the weather for several days before the match. The pair won nearly all their one-on-one encounters including a classic battle at the 20-meter mark where Hebalow fought a Lexington forward for 10 seconds before taking possession.

After surviving three corners and one deep run towards its goal, Belmont’s offense began to take hold to the game, as midfielder and senior captain Serena Nally took control of the center of the field, setting the offense attack and keeping pressure on the Lexington midfielders, creating turnovers on the transition.

“She was our MVP today,” said Smith of Nally, noting how she “stepped up all over the field, she was where ever the ball was defensively, but she really took charge today. We were down a little bit offensively today, and she took that position right up and delivered the ball.”

Belmont’s forwards – Lynch, Chase, and Katherine McCarthy (four shots) – never allowed Lexington’s defenders and midfielders a chance to catch their breath as they pushed down the wings and through the center to keep the Minutemen on the back heel. 

It was a drive from the wing by defender Devitt which set up Chase in close to slotted the ball by the Lexington goalie at the 18 minute mark in the first to give Belmont the only goal it needed. 

And the sniper Lynch took advantage of a Nally push and netted the ball with 12 minutes remaining in the match. 

 

Belmont Yard Sales, Sept. 26-27

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Photo: Yard sale in Belmont.

Yard sales in the “Town of Homes.”

21-23 Alma Ave., Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to noon.

38 Alma Ave., Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

48 Alma Ave., Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

57-59 Alma Ave., Saturday, Sept. 26, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

11 Chandler St., Saturday, Sept. 26, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

40-42 Clyde St., Sunday, Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

18 Edward St., Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26 and 27, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

100 Elm St. Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

39 Loring St., Saturday, Sept. 26, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

4 Palfrey Rd. Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

129 Waverley St. Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

MCAS Results Show Belmont High Students are Advanced and Proficient

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Photo: MCAS tests results for Belmont.

Belmont High’s student test takers demonstrated an advanced command of English and math while the registering some of the highest levels of science competence statewide, according to 2015 School and District MCAS results released by the state on Thursday, Sept. 24.

While there have been improvements with Chenery Middle School students in those scoring advanced placement, attention in science instruction will continue at the school.

And there will be a bit of a wait to get a peek at the elementary school results as the district was selected by the state last year to take the new Partnership for Assessment for Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) test. 

“Belmont High School students’ MCAS results continue to be very high, demonstrating the positive results of well-aligned curricula, high-quality instruction, and high expectations for all students,” said Janice Darias, Belmont’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

“We are very fortunate in Belmont to have such skilled educators as well as curriculum and school leaders. These MCAS scores are the result of their dedication and focus on teaching and learning for all students,” said Darias. 

According to results released by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education of tests taken in Spring 2015:

• Grade 10 students (class of 2017, current 11th grade): English and Math.

In both subjects, there is a slight increase this year in the number of students earning Advanced status. In English, 99 percent of the students scored proficient or advanced; in math, 97 percent scored proficient or advanced.

• Grade 9 students (class of 2018, current 10th grade): Introductory Physics MCAS.

There is an increase this year in the number of pupils earning advanced on this subject. 97 percent of the students scored proficient or advanced. 

Over at the Chenery Middle School:

• Grades 5 and 8 students: Science and Technology/Engineering MCAS.

The 8th grade results are relatively unchanged for the past four years. This year 76 percent earned proficient or advanced levels. In 5th grade, the district saw an increase in the number of students earning proficient or advanced in the 2014 results at 81 percent, while the 2015 results were similar to previous years with 71 percent earning proficient or advanced, a 10 percent drop in the category at the school.

“Science has been and will continue to be an area of focus for the district,” said Darius.

“We began our work on science curricula revisions and updates with the release of the revised ELA Frameworks in late 2010, which include nonfiction reading and writing in science. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is preparing to release revised state frameworks later this year, and we have already begun planning next steps for updating our curricula, especially Kindergarten through 8th grade,” said Darias.

Results for Belmont Elementary and Middle school students in grades 3 through 8 are delayed by a month as the district was selected to be part of a two-year test of PARCC. While some PARCC results have been released, Belmont students took the test on paper forms rather than via a computer format. 

Sports: Graham Takes 300th Victory as Belmont Shuts Down Lexington, 1-0

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Photo: Belmont High head coach Paul Graham and the team after the coach’s 300th victory.

The white polo shirt said it all.

“300 WINS

Belmont Girls’ Soccer”

It took a little longer than he had hoped, but, finally, Belmont High Girls’ Soccer head coach Paul Graham secured his 300th victory with a 1-0 shutout victory at Lexington on a brilliant fall Thursday afternoon, Sept. 24. 

Sophomore forward Carey Allard’s goal midway through the first half was all the Marauders (3-3-0) needed to break a three-game losing streak and hand Graham the landmark victory.

“I’m thrilled,” said Graham, who has held the helm since 1993.

“This is a big weight off my shoulders and … the girls’ shoulders. After the loss to Woburn, a few had tears in their eyes because they thought they let me down. I don’t want that,” said Graham.

When asked where he placed the accomplishment, Graham said he’s been lucky to have been “able to coach in Belmont, growing up in the town, living here all my life. To reach this success in my own hometown, it’s just great,” he said.

After the final whistle sounded, Graham received a congratulatory hug from his assistant, Stacey Marino, while the team headed across the field to return with each player holding a placard spelling out “300!” The Lexington team provided Graham the game ball and the Belmont team presented their coach the celebratory polo.

“This is what it’s all about,” said Graham as he followed his happy team off the field.

“This is why I coach and this is why I’ll continue to coach. Just to see the smiles on these kid’s face. It’s worth a million dollars,” he said. 

Just being able to coach in Belmont, growing up in the town, living here all my life. To reach this success in my own hometown, it’s just great. 

 

This Weekend: Service Puppy-in-Training at the Library, Beth El Open House Sunday

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Photo: Tyson will be at the Belmont Public Library Saturday.

Working puppy at the library

Meet Tyson, a puppy service dog-in-training, and hear a story and learn about what service dogs do at the Belmont Public Library at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 26. The library will also celebrate Tyson’s first birthday! 

Soccer Saturday Matinee

The Belmont High Girls’ Soccer team will be playing a noon matinee as they host Stoneham on the Harris Field pitch, Saturday, Sept. 26. 

Gallery’s 10th Anniversary Show

The 10th Anniversary Show, the Belmont Gallery of Arts’ new exhibit highlighting the past decade since the gallery opened, is open to the public. Gallery hours are Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is located on the third floor of the Homer Building, 19 Moore St.

Beth El Open House Sunday

The Beth El Temple Center at 2 Concord Ave. is holding an open house at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, providing the public an opportunity to meet the clergy, other members of the staff and members of the congregation. Visitors will learn about Beth El Temple Center’s community, the religious school and educational and social programs for all ages. Refreshments will be available. Babysitting is available. To RSVP, call 617-484-6668.

Register for Dan Scharfman Memorial 5K Run on Sunday, Oct. 4

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Photo: A scene from last year’s Dan Scharfman road race.

Runners and residents can now register for the Foundation for Belmont Education‘s third annual Dan Scharfman Memorial Run being held on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 9:30 a.m. at Belmont High School’s Harris Field, 221 Concord Ave.

What is now a fall staple on the road running calendar, this family-friendly event offers a 5k and a 2k course that takes runners through a scenic route past many of the town’s schools as well as the Payson Park Reservoir and Clay Pit Pond. Awards follow each race’s end, including prizes for children of all ages.

The race is held in memorial of Dan Scharfman, a Belmont School Committee member, long-time runner and a dedicated advocate of technology and innovation in education. Last year, more than 500 runners raised $25,000 for the Dan Scharfman Education Innovation Fund in support of the FBE’s Innovative Teaching Initiative, a multi-year, $450,000 program providing teachers with the training resources that support math, science and reading instruction.

Registration for the USATF-certified and sanctioned event is available through the FBE website: www.fbe-belmont.org/race.

Contact: Amanda Theodoropulos, Foundation for Belmont Education, amanda.maria.mccarthy@gmail.com or call 617-947-4633.

Sold in Belmont: Location Makes the Sale for Quintessential Belmont Colonial

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Photo: 67 Fairmont St. 

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67 Fairmont St. Center-entrance Colonial (1937). Sold: $1,300,000.

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33 Horace Rd. Brick Colonial (1923). Sold: $990,000.

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37 Wilson Ave. #3. Condominium (2000). Sold: $480,000.

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85 Lawrence Lane. Center-entrance Colonial (1937). Sold: $795,000

 

A weekly recap of residential properties sold in the past seven-plus days in the “Town of Homes.”

• 85 Lawrence Lane. Center-entrance Colonial (1937). Sold: $795,000. Listed at $799,000. Living area: 1,764 sq.-ft. 8 rooms, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. On the market: 105 days.

• 37 Wilson Ave. #3. Condominium (2000). Sold: $480,000. Listed at $430,000. Living area: 1,123 sq.-ft. 6 rooms, 3 bedrooms, 1 full, 1 partial baths. On the market: 57 days.

• 33 Horace Rd. Brick Colonial (1923). Sold: $990,000. Listed at $935,000. Living area: 1,883 sq.-ft. 8 rooms, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. On the market: 71 days.

• 67 Fairmont St. Center-entrance Colonial (1937). Sold: $1,300,000. Listed at $1,250,000. Living area: 2,274 sq.-ft. 8 rooms, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. On the market: 78 days.

While there is some thought that home priced in seven figures will sooner than later find themselves sitting in the barber’s chair ready for their haircut, some are located in the right place at the right time to take advantage of their appeal. 

67 Fairmont St. is one such residential property. Located on one of the side streets between Common and Goden streets, it’s a good-size Colonial – nearly 2,300 square feet – with four bedrooms. Situated midway between the business hubs of Belmont Center and Cushing Square, its location is perfect for a young-ish family with schools on their mind. The Wellington is down a block, the Chenery four streets to the south and the High School close enough so the kids can’t bug the parents to let them drive to 221 Concord Ave. While the front is facing north, the backyard is sunny with a chance to do some serious gardening. 

A quarter century, during the real estate bust in these parts, the house sold for $60,000. Twenty years ago, the town valued it at $405,000. Since then, a new kitchen and roof were put into the Colonial. This year, the town said the house was worth $942,000. So think of the buyer paying a $350,000 premium for a 78-year-old house. Wow. 

Concord Under Construction For Next Five Days

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Photo: The road work begins on Concord Avenue. 

The main thoroughfare from Cambridge and Belmont High School to Belmont Center and points west will be reduced to a single lane as the roadway undergoes much-needed repair and repaving, according to the town’s Office of Community Development.

Concord Avenue from the commuter rail bridge to Cottage Street (where the Underwood Pool is located) will become home to pavers and asphalt spreaders for the next five days – if the weather cooperates – as the roadway (known for its potholes and divots) is restored as part of the 2015 Pavement Management project.

Concord Avenue is one of 15 streets that are being repaired after the Belmont Board of Selectmen accepted a $1.99 million bid from E.H. Perkins Construction last month, according to OCD Director Glenn Clancy. 

Sports: With a Third of Season In, Field Hockey In Playoff Shape

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Photo: Belmont High Field Hockey’s co-captains Serena Nally (l) and Molly Thayer (r) and junior AnnMarie Habelow (center).

Belmont High School’s Field Hockey team lost a boatload of seniors to graduation from last year’s 11-4-2 squad, starting the 2015 season with a defense corp of underclassmen learning how to play as a cohesive unit.

So you would expect the Marauders to be treading water in the competitive Middlesex League Liberty Division during the first weeks of the new seasons.

But Head Coach Jessie Smith’s squad is doing just swimmingly. After another workmanlike victory Tuesday night, Sept. 22, a 7-0 win over Woburn, the Marauders have completed a third of the season undefeated at 5-0. 

Just as impressive as its record is Belmont’s scoring prowess, slotting in an Eastern Massachusetts-leading 29 goals. Only one other team, Quaboag, has matched the Marauders’ proficient rate.

What gives? 

“I sometimes ask that same question,” said Smith, who is entering her 13th season as head coach.

While Smith said the schedule has helped – only Wilmington, which Belmont dispatched quickly, 4-0, last week, has a .500 record – much of the early season’s success generates from a core of two- and three-year starters who’ve played together and know their way around a field hockey pitch.

That list starts with one of the most dominate players in Massachusetts (and the region) in junior midfielder AnnMarie Habelow on the pitch. The Division 1 Louisville-commit has been deadly within the shooting circle, sending whippet-like shots that scatter defenders and test goalies. 

But Habelow is not merely a shooting machine. The three-year starter’s arsenal includes fast and accurate passes, the skills to weave through defenders like Mikaela Shiffrin heading down a hill and the ability to lift the ball over a line of midfielders to clear the area and change the flow of play.

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Joining Habelow in the attack is senior forward Kerri Lynch, who has tallied ten goals scoring in each game, and senior co-captain Serena Nally, who registered a brace Wednesday, as did Lynch and Habelow. 

Youngsters are coming to the fore such as defender Lilly Devitt, midfield Bridget Gardiner and Morgan Chase (scoring a goal in each of last three games) joining veteran junior Julia Chase on the wings where they each have a deft touch with their sticks. 

The key to the defense is senior co-captain Molly Thayer, who Smith has positioned as a sweeper. Thayer’s job is straight forward; use her speed and defensive skills to track down offensive player who gets by the defensive line and running down any attempt heading towards sophomore goalie Christina MacLeod. 

“Molly plays a big role in every game. The defense doesn’t see much action, but that’s because she is stopping the plays before it gets to them,” said Smith. 

That young backline – which includes Thayer, Devitt and Molly Goldberg – will be tested in the next two games as the Marauders host rivals 4-1 Lexington on Friday, Sept. 25 at 3:30 p.m. and a resurgent Winchester squad, at 5-1, in Winchester on Monday, Sept. 28.

“It will be interesting to see how our defense reacts to a very strong offense that we haven’t seen yet,” said Smith.

Workshop To Help Residents Apply for Belmont Cultural Grants Tonight

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Organizations, schools and residents with creative ideas for cultural, scientific and technological activities and events in Belmont are invited to apply for grants from the Belmont Cultural Council, which was awarded $5,000 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council 

Grant applications are being accepted now and must be postmarked by October 15th for the 2016 funding cycle.

To assist all those interested in applying for a grant, the Council is holding a grant writing workshop today, Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Belmont Public Library. Contact Juliet Jenkins at jerbly@yahoo.com for more information about the workshop.

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Recent local grant recipient have included Belmont World Film, a multi-cultural fair, the Winslow Homer exhibit at the Belmont Woman’s Club and a printmaking workshop at Habitat.

For grant application forms, specific guidelines, and more, visit the Belmont Cultural Council website or contact Laurie Gianotti, the BCC Chair, at laurie2276@comcast.net.