Opinion: A View Of Holidays and Freedoms On This 4th Of July

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Photo: Veterans Day and Memorial Day are our holidays to remember those who have served and those who have given their lives to win and protect our freedom.

By Will Brownsberger

The recent hate crimes in Belmont, Winthrop, and Brighton, so close to home and so near the Fourth of July, have me thinking about the meaning of our national holidays.

Seven of our eleven federal holidays celebrate our struggles for freedom and justice. Each of our national struggles have occurred in the context of broader international liberation struggles. 

Independence Day and Washington’s Birthday celebrate our declaration of independence from King George III and honor those who fought our revolutionary war to uphold that declaration. Our revolution was just the first of many revolutions to replace the autocratic rule of European monarchs with government by the people.

Our new holiday, Juneteenth, celebrates the final end of slavery in the United States. More than 600,000 died in our Civil War. By comparison, only 25,000 died in our revolutionary war. Almost as many soldiers died in the Civil War as in all our other wars combined. Roughly 10 percent of the men between 18 and 45 died in the Civil War and many more were maimed for life. The union soldiers sacrificed to free four million people from slavery.

It took a horrific convulsion to expunge the stain of slavery that ran so deep in our nation and to enshrine liberty for all in our constitution. It is fitting that we finally have a holiday that specifically celebrates that milestone in our progress. 

Martin Luther King Day celebrates a great leader and those who struggled alongside him to make freedom real for African Americans by dismantling the state and local laws discriminating against them.  

The struggle for universal civil rights and freedoms continues to this day, but it is broader and more complex. It is not just about changing laws. It is about changing the behavior of individuals and institutions who may discriminate against not only African Americans but other minorities and/or women. All nations that are committed in good faith to basic human rights continue to struggle to realize those rights universally for their citizens.

The recent hateful incidents diminish the freedom of all minorities. Whether one is visibly Black, visibly Asian, visibly an orthodox Jew or visibly transgender, one should be able to walk the streets free from the fear of random violence.

Many people who commit hate crimes may suffer from some form of mental illness, but it is hateful ideology that leads them to translate their inner struggles into hateful actions. All of us, whether healthy or unhealthy, act based on the ideas we are exposed to. That is why it is so important that all of us speak out against violence and broadcast our appreciation for diversity.

We celebrate and thank the law enforcement officers who respond when hateful violence unfolds. They, like our soldiers, put themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedoms. Veterans Day and Memorial Day are our holidays to remember those who have served and those who have given their lives to win and protect our freedom. On those days, we also honor our public safety personnel.

Labor Day honors public safety personnel, teachers, and other unionized workers, but more broadly honors all those who fought for better wages and working conditions in the international labor movement. It is easy to forget across the distance of years just how low wages often were and how cruel the workplace could be. The labor movement fought and won great victories to create the relative comfort that many of us now enjoy.  As in the civil rights movement, there is more to be done.

Columbus Day has become controversial for good reason. Columbus’ revealed the Americas to Europeans, but he did is so in the service of a monarch bent on acquiring resources for royal aggrandizement. Those who came after him destroyed the great pre-Colombian civilizations in the Americas. I support rethinking that holiday to align it better with the consistent values expressed by our other holidays.

The remaining three federal holidays — Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day — bring families together to enjoy the freedoms we have been blessed with.

What’s Open, Closed On the 4th Of July That’s Observed On The 5th; Trash Pickup Delayed A Day

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Photo: Happy 4th on the 5th

Today, Monday, July 5 is when the country observes the 4th of July, Independence Day, which we celebrated yesterday. It’s that somewhat rare case of when the holiday that commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence falls on a Sunday but the US still wants the people of the country to have an official day off. So take it.

For most Belmontians, the most impactful result of the holiday is that trash and recycling pick up will be delayed by a day.

Here is what’s closed and what’s open on the 4th of July.

  • Belmont Town Hall and town offices: Closed
  • Belmont Public Library: Closed
  • State and Federal government offices: Closed.
  • US Postal Service: Both Belmont post offices are closed; express delivery only.
  • Retail stores and coffee shops: Open at owner’s discretion.
  • Liquor stores: Open.
  • Supermarkets: Open.
  • Convenience stores: Open.
  • Taverns, bars: Open.
  • Banks: Closed.

For those who want to do some day traveling using public transportation, the MBTA is running on the following schedule:

  • Subway and Commuter Rail will run on a Saturday schedule.
  • Bus and the RIDE will run on a Sunday schedule.

Belmont Public Library Is Finished With Late Fines, Joining Nationwide Practice

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Photo: Late fees at the Belmont Public Library are a thing of the past starting July 1. (Belmont Public Library)

The days of running to Concord Avenue to return a book or movie before they turn, like Cinderella, from a borrowed work into a fine are over. Effective today, Thursday, July 1, the Belmont Public Library has joined a nationwide practice of ending charging late fees on print materials, music, movies and video games.

The news in a press release from Library Director Peter Struzzierok said studies have shown for several years that “late fines on library materials create a barrier to service, do not actually bring materials back any faster, and overall are a cost negative effort, meaning that we spend more money to collect fines than the amount of the fines being collected.” He noted that late fees also disproportionately affects patrons living on a fixed income.

The library will continue to assess small fines on Commonwealth Catalog items, Museum Passes, and Library of Things items. And any items that are lost or damaged will still require replacement costs to be assessed. In addition, patrons should be aware that the 40 other libraries within the Middlesex Library Network may continue to have late fees.

While the library located at 336 Concord Ave. will no longer collect fines on most items, it will still issue due dates on the hundreds of thousands of items circulated annually.

“When you return your items on time, you are paying a great respect forward to all of our other library users. When you need an extra day or two to get an item back, we are proud to report that you will not be fined,” said Struzzierok, who said the library would “be thrilled to accept food donations” in lieu of the monetary fee, noting the library has become the largest contributor in town to the Belmont Food Pantry.

“Ending this old way of doing things will make people happier, be a fairer way of serving the community, bring new users in and former users back … and will save the town and the library money. For these reasons it’s made good sense to us to refine our process and eliminate this practice,” he said.

Get Ready For Friday’s HS Furniture ‘Give Away’ By Knowing The Rules Of The Road

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Photo: It’s yours, that’s if you can carry it home.

On Friday, July 2, from 9 a.m. to noon, Belmont residents will have the opportunity to come to the Belmont High School building and take furniture that cannot be used in the new high school wing or other school or town buildings.

Over the past year, the Belmont School Administration and the Belmont Middle and High School Building Committee conducted a thorough inventory of furniture and equipment to determine what could be used in the new building and what needed to be replaced. All of these items, as well as teaching and administrative materials, will be moved to the Skip Viglorolo (The ‘Skip’) skating rink for storage during the summer while construction on the new high school wing is completed.

Next, other schools and town departments will have an opportunity to go through the high school building to identify surplus furniture that can be repurposed to meet their needs. Other school districts will also have an opportunity to tour the building and take fixtures, like lockers, that they need for their schools. (Actually, this is how Belmont acquired lockers as our student population grew.)

Finally, on Friday, July 2, just before the site is turned over to the contractor to be demolished to prepare the site for the 7-8 grade Middle School building, any remaining surplus furniture will be made available to Belmont residents. 

Surplus items, after the redistribution to other departments, could include:

  • student desks and chairs,
  • file cabinets,
  • round and rectangular tables,
  • office chairs, and
  • display cases.

So here are the rules of the road for this Friday!

  • All surplus furniture is free; no money is required or will be accepted.
  • Surplus furniture will be distributed on a “first come, first served” basis; items cannot be held for pick-up at a later time or date.
  • Participants are responsible for carrying items out of the building; movers will NOT be on site to assist.
  • This opportunity is only available on Friday, July 2; the district cannot accommodate alternative days or times.
  • During this event, building access will be restricted; available surplus furniture will be displayed in several first floor spaces; these days are not to be used for a final nostalgic tour of the building.

Belmont High’s Sarah Firth Takes Consecutive All-State Pole Vault Titles [VIDEO]

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Photo: Belmont High’s Sarah Firth (third from left) and the other medalists at the 2021 MIAA All-State Track and Field meet (courtesy photo)

Despite a pandemic and a more than a two-year wait, Belmont High Senior Sarah Firth vaulted to consecutive MIAA All-State pole vault titles clearing 11-feet, 6-inches at the event held in Westborough on Wednesday, June 23. Firth’s victory came 747 days after she won her first state title jumping 11′ 9″ in June 2019. The 2020 outdoor track season was cancelled.

“I think having to wait so long to compete again made this victory extra sweet,” Firth told the Belmontonian.

Firth beat out Westborough High sophomore Melinda Haagensen who equaled the 11′ 6″ mark but Firth made the height on her first attempt. In fact, she cleared all her vaults on the first try.

Belmont High School’s Sarah Firth’s winning vault (11′ 6″) at the 2021 MIAA All-State Meet. (Courtesy video)

“The competition was the cleanest I’ve ever had. Even though I didn’t make a personal best at 12 feet like I wanted to, I didn’t miss any jumps the entire meet,” said Firth. “Overall, I felt the best I’ve felt all season. At the North Division 1 meet last week [she retained her 2019 sectional title with an 11 foot vault] I hadn’t jumped my best due to the heat and humidity. However, at All-States, every jump felt really light and springy, and I felt ready to go,” she said.

“There were a lot of people there, so I was also feeding off the crowd. The next two competitors, Haagensen and Megan Frazee [third place from Westford Academy], both had excellent days as well. It’s more fun to win when there are great competitors spurring you on,” she said.

“Although the second state meet was definitely a lot more stressful than the first because I had higher expectations for myself going in, it was still a great way to end the season. I’m glad I was able to finish my high school career on a high,” said Firth.

Unlike many high school athletes affected by COVID-19, Firth not only couldn’t compete, she lost a year of high-level training.

“The missed year definitely impacted me because I had to work to get back to where I had been sophomore year, instead of pushing forwards. I had qualified for the High School Indoor Nationals in 2020, but the meet was cancelled the night before due to COVID-19, and I wasn’t able to train regularly until about March of this year,” she said.

Belmont High School’s Sarah Firth at the Middlesex League Championships in 2021. (Courtesy photo)

Notwithstanding all the hurdles that stood before her, Firth said the past two years taught her that “hard work combined with passion can help you reach new heights, both literally and figuratively.”

Firth’s athletic career will continue in the coming academic year as she’ll take her skills on the runway and in the classroom four-and-a-half miles up the road to Tufts University where she’ll add running the 100-meter hurdles to her track resume.

“It was difficult to decide where to go school, especially since I wasn’t able to go on any visits to meet the teams and coaches or check out the facilities in person until after I had to commit. I also struggled for a long time to make the decision whether to do Division 1 or Division 3 sports, because all of the other schools looking at me were D1. Ultimately, however, I just felt most at home at Tufts, and I knew it was the right decision after I committed,” she said.

“I’m really excited to become a Jumbo next year, and to hopefully compete at NCAA Nationals!”

During Current Heat Wave, Beech Street Center Will Become Town’s ‘Cooling Center’

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Photo:

Due to the current period of high heat and humidity – New England is under a heat advisory with Heat Index Values between 98 and 104 degrees through Wednesday afternoon – the Town of Belmont encourages everyone to stay cool and hydrated and to check on elderly friends and neighbors while following good social distancing practices. 

The Beech St Center, 266 Beech St, will be open as a ‘Cooling Center’ today, Monday, June 28, until 4 p.m.

Seniors with questions about staying cool during this especially warm period are encouraged to contact the Beech Street Center by phone at 617-993-2970.

Please help Belmont save energy by reducing your electricity consumption between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. 

Reducing electricity consumption helps Belmont Light maintain a safe electric delivery system and ultimately saves you money on your bill.

Beginning Monday, Concord Ave. Undergoing Street Construction At New High School

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Photo: An image from the Belmont Police Department of the impacted location

With the high school wing of the new Belmont Middle and High School just weeks from opening in September, construction will get underway on Monday, June 28 on the new intersection and completing the road work connected to the high school on Concord Avenue, according to Belmont Police.

Police are advising motorists to avoid this area if possible.

The work will focus on the intersection of Goden Street and Concord Avenue where the entrance/exit for the new building will be located, including installing a new set of traffic lights at the intersection and modifying the center traffic Island in the location.

Waverley VFW Post Bestow Scholarships To Belmont High Seniors

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Photo: Chantal Dunn and Kenneth Teng with their scholarship certificates

A pair of Belmont High School 2021 graduates were named co-honorees of annual scholarship from Belmont’s Waverley VFW Post 1272.

Chantal Dunn and Kenneth Teng were presented the Post’s scholarship certicates by John Kuterbach, a life member of the VFW who served in Afghanistan and currently a member of the Post color guard.

Dunn and Teng wrote about their experience and achievements while at Belmont High.

“I will be attending Wesleyan University in the fall. During high school I performed with the Performing Arts Company and enjoyed dancing and acting in musicals such as Little Shop of Horrors,” said Dunn. “I also love to sing, and was an active part of groups like Chamber Singers, the Madrigals, and Senior a Cappella. Every spring, I was a varsity sprinter on the track team and this year I had the opportunity to be an Outdoor Track captain.”

“I spent many years involved with the music program. I played the saxophone and was lucky enough to be a part of the Marching Band for four years,” said Teng. “I also worked at the BASEC program at Burbank Elementary School as a teaching assistant and taught English lessons online to students in China. This fall, I will be attending Northeastern University. I greatly value my time at Belmont High School but I am also very excited to see what the future holds for me”.

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Chenery Educator Zmijewski Lin Named Teacher Of The Year By National History Day

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Photo: Suzanne Zmijewski Lim, Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award winner in the Junior Division (6th to 8th grades) by the National History Day Contest

When Suzanne Zmijewski Lim, an eighth-grade history educator at the Chenery Middle School, heard she was named the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award winner in the Junior Division (6th to 8th grades) by the National History Day Contest, her first reaction was to burst into tears.

“The Zmijewski women are happy criers, and I was so honored to be chosen,” said Zmijewski Lim in an email interview with the Belmontonian.

The award is sponsored by Patricia Behring in recognition of the pivotal role teachers play in the lives of students. As the winner of this award, she will receive $10,000, according to a press release from the NHDC. Zmijewski Lim received the award during National History Day’s live-streamed National Contest Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 19.

“I have put my heart and soul into History Day during my entire 26-year career (plus another year when I did my student teaching at Belmont High School), so I was grateful that my work was recognized in this way, especially in such a difficult year,” she said.

By studying history, students learn about cause and effect, how to have civil discourse, and how to evaluate and make arguments.

Suzanne Zmijewski Lim, Chenery Middle School

National History Day is a year-long interdisciplinary program focused on historical research, interpretation, and creative expression for students in grades 6-12. A student-led project by design, NHD asks students to conduct primary- and secondary-source research on a historical topic of their choosing and present their work through a documentary film, website, performance, paper, or exhibit. Students can compete at local, regional, state, and national levels with the opportunity to win prizes and recognition for themselves and their school. Approximately 6,000 students annually participate across the Commonwealth, sponsored in the state by the Massachusetts Historical Society.

With increasing demands are placed on the middle school curriculum in the past decade highlighted by an increased emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and advanced maths classes, Zmijewski Lin believes it is equally important to study history, as it helps people understand their world and their government.

“History is useful as middle school students develop their own identity and figure out how they can contribute to their community and nation. By studying history, students learn about cause and effect, how to have civil discourse, and how to evaluate and make arguments,” she said.

Zmijewski Lin said those Chenery students who seek academic challenges are drawn to the National History Day competition.

“While it is open to all 8th graders, I often invite students I know would love it or who would benefit from pushing themselves to learn new skills. A number of parents also contact me directly because they have heard of History Day and want their students involved. There is a lot of choices within History Day including topic, partners, and type of project, so students get excited about exploring subjects they are passionate about,” she noted.

As examples of students who tested themselves with NHD projects, Zmijewski Lin points to rising Belmont High School 9th graders Sam Geiger and Isabella Hu. 

“In addition to spending hours researching his topic ‘How Feminism in the 1920s Affected Fashion,’ Sam made a professional-looking website and was able to connect to his new sewing hobby by making a dress as part of his project. Isabella wrote an amazing paper on the use of spy satellites during the Cold War which went all the way to Nationals. Both of them really threw themselves into the project, learning and practicing many skills along the way,” she said.  

Zmijewski Lin’s work and passion for NHD was recognized by state and national colleagues.

“Sue is an exceptionally talented teacher, admired by colleagues, administration, and students alike,” said Dr. Elyssa Tardif, director of education at the Massachusetts Historical Society. “Her warmth and guidance are remembered by students years after they’ve left her classroom. In fact, one past NHD student wrote: ‘your class, as well as the whole NHD experience, helped me love learning and believe in myself more.’ Sue embodies the best of what NHD teachers can offer students, and we are incredibly proud to have her representing the entire NHD in Massachusetts program.”

And how will Zmijewski Lin use the award to promote history and NHD activities in Belmont schools? 

“That is a great question! I actually haven’t had a chance to catch my breath after hearing that I won the award, so I will have to think about that over the summer,” she said.

To learn more about how to get involved in NHD, visit masshist.org/masshistoryday.

Town Cuts the Ribbon On DPW Renovation/Addition But Says It Will Be Back Within A Decade For A New Facility

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Photo: The ribbon cutting at the DPW renovation and addition with Highway Division Director Mike Santoro doing the honors

After decades of “inhuman working conditions,” the day finally came that employees at the Department of Public Work have a place worthy of their hard work as the town officially opened the newly renovated building and addition which has been in operation for a couple of months.

“I really want to thank my building committee, they were just awesome,” said Ann Marie Mahoney, chair of the Belmont Police Department/Department of Public Works Building Committee which oversaw the renovation work at both the DPW and police headquarters since Town Meet approved the appropriation back in 2016.

But before residents feel content with the $1.6 million spent on the current project, it remains only a temporary fix as a new DPW facility – with a price tag in the range of $25-$30 million – is less than a decade a way as a complete renovation of the entire plant is just not cost effective.

“Wonderful as this is, I do want to remind people that the clock is ticking,” said Mahoney. “When we started, we said 10 years for a permeant building … so put that on your calendars.”

Mahoney also called out architect Ted Galante of THE GALANTE ARCHITECTURE STUDIO in Cambridge as the “creative genius” behind this relatively inexpensive project as well as the recently wrapped up renovation of the Belmont Police Department headquarters.

“I think the biggest challenge for this project was how do you invest in a building wisely but do it in a cost effective way, to provide the DPW with their needs so that it can be a much better place while knowing it will be replaced in a relatively short time,” said Galante.

After the ribbon was cut by Highway Division Director and 40-year DPW veteran Mike Santoro, the committee took a tour of the building which featured segregated facilities for male and female workers to shower, change, and take a break, a conference room while new bays for repairs and maintenance of the department’s vehicles have been installed.

The chief improvements for those who work out of the building “is it brings a sense of dignity to the place,” said Mahoney.

“When I started here all we had was a small area with lockers but no showers and the bathroom facilities were inadequate. We would take a curtain meant to clean the trucks and use it for privacy,” said John Sheridan, a 12-year veteran of the department. “Now we have that privacy; nice locker rooms, a nice kitchen. As you can see, it’s a world of difference.”