A High School Doubleheader Headlights Soccer Night In Belmont On Saturday, Oct. 2

By Leave a Comment

Photo:

The Belmont High School Boys and Girls Varsity soccer teams will headline a doubleheader of top-notch soccer at the sixth annual Soccer Night in Belmont on Saturday, Oct. 2.

joined at the event by hundreds of younger players from Belmont 2nd Soccer and the Belmont Soccer Association, their coaches, and other members of the Belmont soccer community.

The games, to be played under the lights at Harris Field, will see the Marauders meet Middlesex League rivals Winchester: the Boys game at 4:30 pm followed by a Girls game at 6:30 pm. The teams will vie for the Phoenix Cup and the honor of having their team’s name engraved on it.  

Belmont youth soccer players will participate by parading out with players during the pre-game ceremonies, acting as ball-boys and ball-girls, and competing in mini-games on Harris Field during halftime of both games. Winchester Soccer Club youth soccer players will also participate in the pre-game ceremonies and other activities.

“This event showcases our varsity teams and recognizes the role of the Belmont Soccer Association in nurturing the talent that makes our high school teams year in and year out,” said event organizer John Carson. “We hope for a big crowd for a really fun night that builds bonds between our “little kid” players and “big kid” high school players, virtually all of whom came up through the Belmont youth program. In fact, one great highlight is always that our high school players wear wristbands during the game that match the color of their Belmont youth soccer team.”

Admission to Soccer Night in Belmont is free. Concessions including pizza, hot dogs, snacks and drinks will be available for purchase, provided by Parents of Music Students (POMS) so families can come for the games and feed the kids at the same time.

Soccer Night in Belmont is sponsored by the Belmont Soccer Association, Friends of Belmont Soccer (FOBS), and The Phoenix Landing.

One Week To Run The Apple 5K/2K: Tour Belmont Schools In Race To Help Enrich Education

By 1 Comment

Photo:The start of the 2019 FBE Apple 5K.

There’s one week to go before the running of the Apple 5K/2K this Sunday, Oct. 2, the annual road race that lets runners take part in Belmont’s first in the fall favorite event while supporting the Foundation for Belmont Education and the Belmont Public Schools.

The money raised funds grants to educators in the Belmont Public Schools to implement innovative programs and advanced technology that result in richer and deeper learning experiences for Belmont students. Visit the FBE website to learn more about how the FBE makes a difference in the Belmont Public Schools www.fbe-belmont.org/impact

Register here for the race.

The FBE Apple Run sponsors are:
Platinum Sponsor 2021: Cityside Subaru of Belmont
Results Sponsor 2021: Belmont Orthodontics
Bib Sponsor 2021: Didriks & Local Roots

About The Race  
The FBE Apple 5K and 2K races are events that are a celebration of education in Belmont. Passing four of Belmont’s schools (Burbank, Chenery, Wellington, and the High School), the race funds the FBE’s Education Innovation Fund that works with residents and businesses to raise private funds that are used to enrich the education provided by the Belmont Public Schools. 

Race Day Schedule: Sunday, Oct. 3

  • 8 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.: 5K and 2k bib pickup & race day registration 
  • 9:30 a.m.: The Apple 5K 
  • 10:15 a.m.: 5K Awards Ceremony 
  • 10:45 a.m.: The Apple 2K
  • 11:15 a.m.: 2K Awards Ceremony 

The Course  
Starting and ending at the Belmont High School Harris Field track on Concord Avenue, the 5k course winds uphill for the first half of the race, passing the Burbank Elementary school and the Payson Park Reservoir. The course turns downhill just past the midway mark and then passes both the Chenery Middle School and Wellington Elementary. It finishes on the Belmont High School track. 

The 2K is a timed race suitable for runners of all ages and abilities. It follows a flat, loop course starting on the Belmont track and going over by Clay Pit Pond ending back at the track.

Awards & Post-Race Events  
An awards ceremony will follow the running of both the 5K and the 2K race. Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers of the 5K and 2K races. 

Race T-Shirts  
T-Shirts will be available for both the 5K and 2K races. 

Parking  
The Belmont High School’s Harris Field is located on Concord Avenue, adjacent to Belmont High School. The track can be easily reached by car and public transportation and there is ample parking available for runners on the surrounding streets (Please obey parking signs). 

About the Foundation  
The Foundation for Belmont Education engages the community in supporting the excellence and enrichment of the Belmont Public School System. Through the generous support of private donors, the FBE ensures that all Belmont schools have the resources to inspire and prepare students for success. 

Since 1993, the FBE has awarded more than $2.8 million in grants to finance over 614 projects initiated and organized by principals, teachers, and staff. Resources are distributed through Learning Excellence Grants, which provide up to $1,000 for small projects and up to $5,000 for those benefiting a wider group of students. The Special Initiatives program funds large-scale projects that enhance the educational experience for the entire student body. The Foundation is also committed to supporting teachers and staff through ongoing Professional Development programs.

Tzom Kal: Yom Kippur Begins Sunset Wednesday

By Leave a Comment

Photo: The painting is a detail of “Jews Praying in the Synagogue on Yom Kippur” by the 22-year-old Maurycy Gottlieb c. 1878.

Yom Kippur, also known as Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year for the Jews.

Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Wednesday, Sept. 15 and concludes a few hours after sunset on Thursday, Sept. 16.

The day’s central themes are atonement and repentance. Jews traditionally observe this period with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services. Yom Kippur completes the annual period known in Judaism as the High Holy Days (the Days of Awe) that includes Rosh Hashanah, the New Year celebration.

High School athletic events and after-school activities at Belmont High School are typically curtailed for the holiday.

Flu Season Is Coming And Belmont Is Holding Two Clinics At The Beech Street

By Leave a Comment

Photo:

The annual flu season is quickly coming upon Belmont beginning in October and peaking between December to February and sending on average half a million Americans into a hospital bed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone older than six months should get a flu shot by Halloween to fully protect themselves this year.

In addition to a doctor’s office, pharmacies, supermarkets and clinics, Belmont is partnering with OSCO Pharmacy to hold a pair of flu clinics at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St. for residents 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying health conditions.

  • Thursday, Sept. 23, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Call 617-993-2977 for an appointment. Bring your insurance card and a wear a short sleeve shirt.

Despite Changing The Date, Belmont Town Day Still Brings Out The Crowd

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Another great Town Day in Belmont

Gerry wasn’t worried.

Gerry, as in Gerry Dickhaut, the owner of Champions Sporting Goods in the heart of Belmont Center, wasn’t worried about the reminiscence of hurricanes washing out the day, or the Labor Day three-day holiday syphoning away residents and especially the surge of the Covid-19 Delta-variant – the reason for the date change – turning businesses away.

The Belmont Center Business Association annual Town Day was going to happen on Sept. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Period.

And under a cloudless, sparkling late summer sky, the 30th edition of Town Day turned out to be just what Belmont ordered.

“I’ve been here since 6 a.m. directing the set up,” said Dickhaut, sitting in front of his sports store on Leonard Street. He said he had to give special thanks to the crew from the Department of Public Works “who’ve been in the center since 5:30 a.m. working closely with me to get everything (setting up tables, placing garbage cans, getting rides placed in the proper locations) done on time.”

While there was a slightly fewer table and eateries – no hot dogs or sausages this year! – the crowds came out with many youngsters having a last weekend of fun and games before the school year begins. There was the robot that captured ball then launched them into the air, carnival rides, food, tables manned by non-profits or businesses making a profit, bouncy castles and kids getting to see the inside of fire trucks.

“And the band’s good,” said Dickhaut, who once again sponsored the dunk tank. “As long as the band’s good.”

Belmont To Observe 9/11 At Fire Department HQ, Saturday, Sept. 11; At The Beech Street Center On Sept. 9

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Observance at Belmont Fire HQ recognizing those residents killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2014

Belmont will observe the 20th anniversary of 9/11 at two locations in the coming week.

At 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11, the town will hold its official observance at the Belmont Fire Department headquarters at 299 Trapelo Rd. with the reading of the names of Belmont residents who were killed in the terrorist attacks. There will also be the tolling of the bell for the first responders who died in the line of duty and the lowering of the flag to half-staff.

The Beech Street Center members to honor and remember this important day in history on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 1:15 p.m. 

Participants will have an opportunity to share their own stories and memories about this day after we’ll watch a special documentary commemorating the 20th anniversary. Bob Upton Belmont’s Veterans’ Service Officer and officers from Belmont Police and Fire Department will attend and the Belmont Public Library will provide books and movies for those interested.

To register for the Beech Street Center event, leave a message on our programs and events line at 617-993-2976.  

Pair Of Public Meetings This Week: Belmont Middle/High Building Committee And American Rescue Act

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Two public forums will be held this week

The Select Board will be joining several committees and groups for two virtual joint public meetings that will effect the lives of every resident in Belmont.

On Tuesday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m., the Select Board will be joined by the Belmont Middle and High School Building Committee and the School Committee to discuss aspects of the construction of the $295 million 7-12 school that has been in the news. One area that will be brought up will be design and construction concerns at Concord Avenue and Goden Street, the new traffic lights at the intersection, site design review as well as public comments on the evaluation of construction impacts to neighboring properties.

The Transportation Advisory Committee and the High School Traffic Working Group have also been invited to join the meeting.

The meeting will be conducted Via Zoom Meeting. By computer or smartphone, go to:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89055600185?pwd=alNQLzVHOFM3bEZuU2dUWjczaTVYdz09 and follow on-screen instructions.

On Wednesday, Aug. 18, the public is invited to join the Select Board’s joint meeting with the School, Warrant Committee, and Capital Budget Committee also at 7 p.m. via Zoom to discussing the how the town will distribute the approximately $7.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding the town received earlier in the year.

By computer or smartphone, go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84474554147

Both meetings can be seen live at the Belmont Media Center:
Channel 8 on Comcast
Channel 28 or 2130 on Verizon
Or watch online at belmontmedia.org/watch/govtv

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Town Administrator’s Office at townadministrator@belmont-ma.gov or call 617-993-2610

Belmont Remembers Those Whose Sacrifice In Combat Were Awarded The Purple Heart

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Honoring those awarded the Purple Heart.

On a return to summer on Saturday morning, Aug. 7, a dedicated number of residents, public safety personnel and town officials came to the Belmont Veterans Memorial off Concord Avenue to honor all who earned the nation’s oldest military award.

At the town’s annual Purple Heart Day Ceremony, “we want to show our honor, respect and appreciation to each of our Purple Heart recipients,” said Bob Upton, Belmont’s Veterans Services Officers who hosts the year event.

The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the armed forces who are wounded in a war zone and given posthumously to the next of kin of those killed in action or died of their wounds while in action. The familiar heart shaped medal with the bust of Washington was designed in 1932 replacing the cloth Badge of Military Merit that was first awarded in 1782.

“It’s interesting that the metal is purple,” said Adam Dash, chair of the Select Board, in his opening remarks. “The color is not red or blue, right or left. It’s a blend of both colors and beliefs because self sacrifice knows no politics.”

“Military uniforms do not designate race, creed or political persuasion. Soldiers fight for United States of America, not for a faction. They put aside their personal political thoughts to do their duty and risk their health, all for the love of country,” said Dash.

Guest speaker Belmont resident Paul Mutch, a retired Sgt. Major in the USMC reserves, said it was important when the statistics of those killed and wounded in conflicts are reported that we do not allow ourselves to focus only on the numbers.

“I asked you pause each time and take a moment to consciously realize that there is a name and face associated with each number. It is a service member, a human who has life has been forever been impacted by a specific violent event in the service of our country. And with our service member, we might find a husband, a wife, a child, a parent, a brother, a sister, relatives and friends that most likely number in the hundreds who are also touched by the strategy Think about the magnitude of impact,” said Mutch.

“Those who wear the Purple Heart paid a significant price for us all. And those who are awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, may be able to pay the ultimate price.”

Time To Learn About Time Of Use Rates, A Pilot Program For Belmont Light Customers

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Poster for the Time of Use Rates

Over the past two years, Belmont Light, the Light Board Advisory Committee, and the Municipal Light Board have joined together to explore an innovative rate design called Time of Use Rates for Belmont Light customers. 

The coalition is currently planning to run a pilot rate program to begin late this autumn and would like to invite customers to an informational public forum to introduce the community to the concept of Time of Use Rates, to give an overview of the progress already made, and to answer any questions you might have. 

The public forum will take place Monday, July 26 at 7 p.m. in the Select Board Room at Town Hall and will be live on Zoom, as well as broadcast on Belmont Media Center channels (Comcast – ch. 8; Verizon – ch. 28). The public forum will also be recorded for future viewing. A page has been set up on the Belmont Light website with information on the public forum, a feedback form, and many more details on Time of Use Rates. 

Back On The Roads Again: Well Known Belmont Road Races Return To Live Running

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Road racers will be back on Belmont streets real soon.

After being forced to have their events run virtually in 2020, a pair of well-known “5K” road races will be back on the streets of Belmont after the Select Board approved the races that raise funds for scholarships.

The sixth annual Becca Pizzi Family Fun 5K is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 8 with the familiar start/finish line at Harris Field off of Concord Avenue. Pizzi, who came from Logan after running a marathon in Montana the day before, said the race has raised $30,000 in student scholarships at Belmont High School.

On Sunday, Oct. 3, the Friends of Belmont Education 5K/1M Apple Run will kick off from Harris Field. Now in its ninth edition, the race has raised $175,000 to support education in Belmont by helping the Foundation provide grants to teachers and for events that supplement student learning in all of Belmont schools.