This Weekend: High School Improv Friday, Christmas Events Saturday, Concerts Sunday

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• The Performing Arts Company of Belmont High School is holding its Improv Night, an evening of hilarious, made-up, on-the-spot theater on Friday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. in the school’s Little Theater.

• A reception will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for Belmont Art Association artists Jane Wentzell and Christine Chang, who are currently being featured at unCOMMONfinds at 432 Common St. in Cushing Square from Dec. 8 through Jan. 5. The reception is being held in conjunction with a wine tasting at The Spirited Gourmet, 448 Common St. A coupon for dessert (with 2 entrees purchased) at Savino’s Grill, 449 Common St., will be available at reception, (valid for that evening).

• Since it’s sold out, this is a reminder to those with tickets for the Holly Jolly Trolley Tour that the event takes place this Saturday, Dec. 13 in front of the Belmont Savings Bank in Belmont Center starting at 4 p.m.

• Family caroling at the Belmont Center Christmas tree on Leonard Street beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13. 

• The winter sports season gets underway on Saturday, Dec. 13 as wrestling travels to Cape Ann to participate in the Triton Quad Meet at Triton Regional High School while Watertown/Belmont high schools Girls’ Ice Hockey combined team will open its season at Duxbury, the defending state champions which knocked off W/B in the quarterfinals in last year’s playoffs and also defeated Belmont in the Div. 2 semifinals in 2012.

• A hidden treasurer from right here in Belmont, the Massachusetts Youth Symphony Project based at the Powers Music School, is giving its Winter Concert sponsored by Belmont Savings Bank on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. at The Fenn School, 516 Monument St. in nearby Concord. The senior, junior and sting orchestras will perform. 

• The Belmont Historical Society presents mezzo-soprano and pianist Vanessa Schukis in an afternoon of holiday music on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Belmont Public Library’s Assembly Room. Schukis, who teaches voice and is on the faculty of the Powers Music School, has been a soloist/section leader for the historic Old North Church in Boston for 26 years and a soloist/cantor for 15 years at St. Paul’s Church in Wellesley, and continues to perform in theater, opera and concert engagements throughout the United States. She has sung the National Anthem and ‘God Bless America’ at a Boston Red Sox game. The concert is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Contact the Belmont Historical Society for more information at 617-993-2878.

Come Christmas Caroling in Belmont Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 PM

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Celebrate the final 12 days before Christmas – how appropriate! – with an old-fashioned afternoon of Christmas caroling in Belmont Center.
For the third-year running, families and anyone who likes to sing (with no actual vocal skill required) are invited to come to the town’s Christmas tree next to Bellmont Cafe and the BankAmerica branch office this Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. (weather date: Sunday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m.) for an hour of singing familiar songs. There is the good chance passersby will be corralled to join the singing.
The weather Saturday is for a slight chance of snow showers before 11 a.m. with the chance of precipitation at 20 percent. The high will be 39.
“This is for anyone and families with small kids who want a holiday activity with almost no planning or effort required,” says organizer Amanda Retting.
Retting observed that the caroling is a good kickoff for anyone going on the Parents of Music Student’s Holly Jolly Trolley Holiday Lights Ride leaving from Belmont Savings Bank around that time.
The caroling will have the same format as previous years: everyone gather around tree, bring your own illumination (sunset will be at 4:12 p.m.) and print out your own lyrics. Children are invited to run around in circles around the tree instead of singing if that’s more festive to them.
This year, the Belmontonian will be bringing hot chocolate and decaffeinated coffee (it is 4 p.m.) to the event.
Any questions? Email amanda@moger.org
Below is the song list from previous years. Its likely that only the first two verses will be sung: The website for lyrics is http://www.carolingcorner.com/
1. Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer

2. Joy to the World

3. Deck the Halls

4. Jingle Bells

5. We Three Kings of Orient Are (Star of Wonder)

6. 12 Days of Christmas

7. Feliz Navidad

8. Frosty the Snowman

9. Little Drummer Boy

10. O Come, All Ye Faithful

11. Santa Claus is Coming to Town

12. Silent Night

13. We wish you a Merry Christmas

Time/energy/enthusiasm permitting:

14. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

15. White Christmas

16. Hark the Herald Angles Sing

17. Silverbells

 

Light Icing Monday Night/Tuesday AM; Then the Deluge for Belmont

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First ice, then lots and lots of water.

No, it’s not the first steps in making a cocktail but the spate of nasty weather – ice, rain and wind – Belmont residents will face for the next day and a half.

At 3:21 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory that begins at 7 p.m. tonight, Monday, Dec. 8 until 5 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9 that will result in a minor accumulation of ice and snow on roadways and sidewalks.

The conditions will result in “slower than normal travel” due to the slippery road conditions.

“Drivers should allow extra time and be especially careful on bridges and overpasses,” the NWS suggests.

By Tuesday morning, heavy rains – between one-and-a-half to two inches with some areas receiving up to four inches – and strong winds will arrive for most of the day with the likelihood of flooding and street ponding (when water pools at low points in the roadway, generally as a result of inadequate drainage or improper grading) in areas around town. The winds, steady at 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, will cause some trees and branches to fall and may lead to power outages.

If you power does go out, call Belmont Light at 617-993-2800. Do not call 911 unless it’s a true emergency.

The heaviest rain and strongest winds will occur during the evening rush hour on Tuesday.

Clang, Clang, Clang Goes the Holly Jolly Trolley on Saturday, Dec. 13

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The Parents of Music Students and the Belmont Savings Bank are sponsoring the inaugural Holly Jolly Trolley, a half-hour tour on an old-style trolley (just like the one in the movie “Meet Me to St. Louis” which showcased the song, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”) of the holiday lights of Belmont accompanied by Belmont High School musical groups.

The tours take place on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 with children that can sit on your lap riding free.

All proceeds benefit the outstanding music program in the Belmont public schools.

Tickets are available at Belmont Savings Bank headquarters at 2 Leonard St. or on-line at www.belmontpoms.weebly.com

This Week: Bandarama Monday, Panel on Loss, Grief and Hope Thursday,

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• Author Marjan Kamali will speak on her debut novel “Together Tea,” Monday, Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to noon in the Assembly Room of Belmont Public Library. Selected by the Massachusetts Center for the Book as a “Must-Read Book 2014,” Kamali show us the complex life of Mina Rezayi, an Iranian immigrant, as she, her mother, Darya, and their family attempt to balance Iranian traditions with American culture. This book is a story of the tug-of-war between old and new, the universal quest for love and the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter. All are welcome to attend this free program.  Books will be available for purchase and signing.  Refreshments will be provided.

• It’s loud, festive and fun. Come hear the music of the Belmont Public Schools’ bands, representing musicians from elementary middle and high schools, at the 43nd annual Belmont Public Schools Bandarama! taking place Monday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at Belmont High School. The Wenner Field House will be filled from end to end with bands, highlighted by a combined band performance of “Jingle Bells.”

• Join Heather Hurd of Blue Cross Blue Shield for a talk on “Heart Health” on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 1:15 p.m. at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St. The talk is free but you should sign up.

• The Belmont Municipal Light Advisory Board will discuss and possibly vote on a solar distributed generation proposal at its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7:15 p.m. at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St.

• The Belmont Health Collaborative presents a panel discussion: “Grief, Loss, Recovery, and Hope, a candid conversation concerning the universal experience of living with loss,” on Thursday, Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Belmont Media Center, 9 Lexington St. The panel will be moderated by Rev. Joe Zarro of Plymouth Congregational Church.

• Belmont Light is inviting residents to a “Celebrate the Winter Solstice” event at its headquarters at 40 Prince St. on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. They are asking residents to donate either new or gently used blankets, bedspreads, comforters or quilts for those in need.

• The Chenery Middle School Honors Concert takes place in the Chenery Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11. 

• The Book Discussion Group for 3rd and 4th grades will take place on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Flett Room of the Belmont Public Library.

• The monthly meeting of Belmont Against Racism will take place in the Flett Room of the Belmont Public Library on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

• The 5th Grade Chorus Concert takes place at the Chenery Middle School auditorium at 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 12.

• The Belmont Gallery of Art will hold an opening reception for its Small Works Holiday Show and Sale on Friday, Dec. 12 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the gallery on the third floor of the Homer Municipal Building on Moore Street in the Town Hall complex. This is a not-to-be-missed chance to purchase affordable works of art by local artists including paintings, ceramics, photographs, sculptures, jewelry and cards. The show runs until Dec. 21.

• The Senior Book Discussion Group will meet on Friday, Dec. 12 at 11 a.m. at the Beech Street Center, continuing to discuss “Bleak House” by Charles Dickens (Chapter 32 through the end of the book). 

• The Beech Street Center’s Movie of the Month for December is 1989’s “Driving Miss Daisy,” with Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman on Friday, Dec. 12, 1 p.m. No cost.

• The Belmont Public Library continues its OTAKUrabu program. Watch anime, do a craft/activity, plan for future events and nibble on some Japanese snacks (while they last – they’ll go fast) on Friday, Dec. 12 from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Assembly Room. Provided to you for free, thanks to the Friends of the Belmont Public Library. Just drop in, no registration required.

 

Santa Makes Annual Arrival (with the Mrs. This Time) to Turn On Belmont

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Photo: One youngster got very shy when greeting Santa Claus at the Belmont Savings Bank during the 24th annual “Turn on the Town” in Belmont Center, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2015.

Why was Santa and Mrs. Claus coming out of the basement of Champions Sporting Goods? It was expected the famous couple was coming down from their workshop beyond the Arctic Circle using the sleigh pulled by reindeers on the annual visit to Belmont Center to light the Christmas tree and say hello to all the town’s kids.

But there they were, climbing out of the section of the store where hockey and baseball equipment are located.

Turns out there was a “reasonable” answer to the question so many were asking on Thursday, Dec. 4.

“There’s a tunnel from the North Pole to the store. It’s easier,” said Champion’s owner Gerry Dickhaut.

Another mystery solved.

And before you could say “Ol’ Saint Nick,” Santa was on top of a Belmont Fire Department Engine for the short trip to the town’s tree and the official start of the 24th annual “Turn on the Town” celebration.

Residents came out with their children while pre-teens and some high school students wandered closed Leonard Street to participate in the night’s activities.

After the tree was illuminated, the Claus’ headed to the Belmont Savings Bank’s headquarters for a round of photos with a larger than usual number of toddlers who made it quite clear they didn’t want to sit on Santa’s lap.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be around somewhere before Christmas,” said Santa to a child and her mother.

Outside, Leonard Street was filled with free eats, the Belmont High School Madrigals (many who were auditioning at the same time for the spring musical), a petting zoo, Frosty and Rudolph and a train ride.

And in a sign of the times, one young girl took a “selfie” with Rudolph rather than wait for her mother to show up to take a photo.

This Weekend: Benton Open House Saturday, A-B Chamber Chorus on Sunday

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• The Benton Library, Belmont’s independent library located at Oakley and Old Middlesex, is holding it’s annual Open House on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Join the board of directors and volunteer staff to celebrate the season. Everyone in the community is welcomed to attend and anyone who hasn’t tried the Benton is urged to stop by.

• Students from Belmont’s Powers Music School are performing  their winter recitals with a holiday theme as they tour the area. They will be performing at the Watertown Mall, 550 Arsenal St. in Watertown on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Come early as the group will be a special holiday music story at 2 p.m. On Sunday, Dec. 7 at 1:30 p.m., the group heads to the Mall at Chestnut Hill in Newton.

• The Belmont Hill School’s Winter Concert will take place in Hamilton Chapel on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Performing will be the school’s orchestra, jazz band, piano trio and the Belmont Hill B-Flats, the senior choral group, as well as the 9th grade’s A-Sharps. The concert is open to the public. 

• The Arlington-Belmont Chamber Chorus under conductor Barry Singer presents NOT-QUITE-WINTER CONCERT on Sunday, Dec. 7, beginning at 3 p.m. at Payson Park Church, 365 Belmont St. The concert will consist of six masses each from a different century and songs of poets over five hundred years. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $7 for 17 years old and younger.

The Claus’ are Coming to Belmont Tonight to Turn on the Town

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Santa and Mrs. Claus are visiting Belmont Center tonight as the main attraction of the 24th annual Belmont Center Business Association’s “Turn on the Town” celebration taking place Thursday, Dec. 4 beginning at 6 p.m.

The Claus’ will arrive via Belmont Fire Department truck to the town’s Christmas Tree located adjacent to the Bellmont Cafe at 6:20 p.m. and then head over to the Belmont Savings Bank headquarters on Leonard Street where children (and some adults and pets) can have free photos taken with Jolly Ol’ St. Nick from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. While inside, enter to win one of five Holiday Prize Stockings stuffed with goodies.

Celebrate the season of giving and bring non-perishable food items or unwrapped toys to be donated to the Belmont Food Pantry.

There will be stuff happening throughout the Center:

  • Face painting at The Toy Store of Belmont.
  • Cupcake decorating at Champions Sporting Goods.
  • Charity Central at il Casale sponsored by Hammond Residential.
  • Hot cocoa at Belmont Savings Bank & Hammond Realty.
  • The Powers Music School will be performing at Chocolate Dream at 6:30 p.m. with the Vanezia Dance Group at 7:15 p.m.
  • The Belmont High School Madrigals will be caroling everywhere.
  • Frosty and Rudolph will be greetings the tall and small throughout the streets.
  • Hot fried dough at Stonehearth Pizza, sponsored by Coldwell Banker.
  • Glow bracelets will be given out inside Belmont Savings Bank.
  • A balloon artist is sponsored by East Boston Savings Bank.

While at the bank, residents can purchase tickets for next week’s Holly Jolly Trolley tours.

See you there.

Belmont Police Collecting Toys for Area Tots

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The Belmont Police Department will once again be a collection point for the annual Toys For Tots campaign.

The Police’s HQ is located across Concord Avenue from Belmont Town Hall at 460 Trapelo Rd. at the corner of Pleasant Street.

The United Sates Marine Corps Reserves, which runs the program each year, is asking for new, unwrapped toys which are needed for children in Belmont and surrounding communities. 

(Here’s some trivia: The “Toys for Tots” logo was designed by Walt Disney.)

Donation bins are set up in the department’s main lobby and are accessible seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Donations made before Dec. 15 will be helpful to ensure the toys are distributed on time. Please call 617-993-2550 if you are in need of assistance or have any questions.

This Week: Santa’s Here on Thursday! All-Night Shopping Tuesday, Flu Clinic Friday on the Beech

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• On the government end of things, the Belmont Board of Selectmen are meeting on Monday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. in Town Hall while the Zoning Board of Appeals will hold court in the Belmont Gallery of Art at the same time and date. The Belmont Planning Board will meet on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Town Hall while over at the Chenery Middle School, the Belmont School Committee will be in session beginning at 7:30 p.m.

• The Belmont Public Library’s 7th-8th Grade Book Club will discuss Fever, 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson on Monday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Young Adults Room. Attendees will also choose January’s book and enjoy some snacks.

• Pre-School Storytime will be held at the Benton Library, Belmont’s independent and volunteer run library, on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 10:30 a.m. Stories and crafts for children age 3 to 5. Parents or caregivers must attend. Siblings may attend with adults. Registration is not required. The Benton Library is located at the intersection of Oakley and Old Middlesex.

• Growing in popularity since beginning in 2010, Belmont Center’s fifth annual Midnight Madness will allow shoppers to buy locally from 21 stores which will stay open from 6 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday, Dec. 2. There will be snacks, drinks and each hour, customers can expect even deeper discounts. 

• The Belmont Public Library is hosting a Homework & Hot Chocolate for Chenery students from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3. Stop by the Assembly Room, work on your homework, enjoy some hot chocolate, and try out an activity. Provided to you for free, thanks to the Friends of the Belmont Public Library.  Just drop in, no registration required.

• The extremely popular Art Classes resume for the year at the Beech Street Center with the first class taking place on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Catherine Tang, now a senior at Belmont High School, returns to teach – without charge – her popular art class on Wednesday afternoons. Catherine uses, and provides, a variety of media including colored pencil, water color, charcoal, etc. There is no cost to attend but you must sign up.

• Representatives from Belmont and Watertown that serve on the Logan Airport Community Advisory Committee are hosting a public meeting on airplane noise from Logan airport on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. in Belmont’s Town Hall. 

• The Beech Street Center is holding hearing screenings on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Receive a free hearing test, and if needed your hearing aid battery replacement. Mass Audiology offers this service free of charge to Center participants. Sign up at the front desk or call 617-993-2970.

• It’s LEGO time at the Belmont Public Library from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4. The library’s LEGO club is for kids in kindergarten through second grade who want to meet and create their own unique structures.  All LEGOs will be provided so just bring your imagination to the Assembly Room.

• Mrs. Claus joins Santa for the Belmont Center Business Association’s 24th annual “Turn on the Town” celebration on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sponsored by Belmont Savings Bank, the holiday festivities will run along Leonard Street in Belmont Center.

• Rogers Pharmacy will conduct a flu immunization clinic at the Beech Street Center on Friday, Dec. 5 from 1 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. The flu shot is covered by Medicare, Part B and by most health insurance plans. Otherwise the cost is $25.99.