Marching To Disney: Belmont Bands Heading to Orlando in Feb. ’18

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Photo: Something like this

Heading for the long-awaited visit to DisneyWorld – or possibly your annual trip to see Mickey Mouse in the humidity of Florida – during the winter recess in February 2018? If you’re planning to go, it’s a good chance you will be entertained by a pair of Belmont High musical groups.

Next year, it’s likely the Belmont High “Marching Marauders” and the school’s award-winning Jazz Collective – a bit more than 100 kids – will be heading to DisneyWorld during the winter doldrums on a six day, five-night educational performance tour of the Magic Kingdom. 

The trip – which requires the OK from Belmont Superintendent John Phelan – is one of three Belmont students are taking next year. The other two approved last week by the School Committee (foreign travel requires a vote by the six-member committee to be approved) will be a week in June 2018 traveling, studying and performing community service in Peru for approximately 24 sophomores who passed Ancient World Civilization and a week in April 2018 going and studying in China for 20 students who are enrolled in a Chinese language course or taking Modern World History.

For the band trip – by far the largest next year – the musicians will be involved in two workshops at Disney which will result in a recording session, have an exchange clinic with a local school with an experienced marching program with the highlight of the visit will be performing in the daily parade at Disney Springs, the new shopping/eating “marketplace” (once known as Downtown Disney) just to the east of Epcot.

Hump Day: Belmont Town Day This Saturday, And Yes, That Is A Camel

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Photo: Belmont Town Day is Saturday.

Belmont Savings Bank today announced it will again be the proud sponsor of Belmont Town Day, this Saturday, May 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Belmont Center.

Town Day is a community-wide event that features a number of Belmont Savings sponsored activities, including a car show, cash cube, face painting, pony rides, and a dog show.  

New to this Town Day will be free Belmont Savings Bank Camel Rides. Attendees can line up for the rides from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. starting on Moore Street adjacent the bank.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to this year’s Town Day on May 20,” said Bob Mahoney, President and CEO of Belmont Savings Bank. “It’s always a pleasure to come together with this wonderful community and enjoy a great day with friends, colleagues, and familiar faces. We hope to see everyone there enjoying the many activities we have planned.”

“It’s always a pleasure to come together with this wonderful community and enjoy a great day with friends, colleagues, and familiar faces. We hope to see everyone there enjoying the many activities we have planned.”

Back for its fourth year is the Belmont Savings’ Dog Show which will begin at noon on the main stage. Town Day attendees will select the “best-in-show” by the loudest applause. “Best-in-show” will receive a $100 Belmont Pet Supply gift card. 

Dogs can enter the show until Saturday, May 20, and all entrants will receive a gift bag. You can enter your dog into the show by submitting the following to marketing@belmontsavings.com: name, town of residence, dog name, dog age, dog breed and a photo of the dog.

The seventh annual Belmont Savings Vintage Car Show will be held this year in front of the bank and down Moore Street. Belmont Savings Bank introduced the car exhibit in 2011, giving proud area collectors an opportunity to show off their pristine cars. Originally showcasing 12 cars, the show has grown to more than 40 cars. Anyone interested in displaying their cars can email Mike DeMarco, Marketing Director at Belmont Savings Bank, with the car year, make and model at marketing@belmontsavings.com. 

The Town Day schedule includes face painting by the green space in front of Belmont Savings Bank’s main branch located at 2 Leonard St. and pony rides from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. over in the Town Common adjacent the First Church Belmont under the Leonard Street Bridge on Common Street. 

Attendees will also have a chance to enter the cash cube adjacent to the Belmont Savings booth, where they can try their luck at catching flying dollar bills. Running from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., participants may enter the cash cube, with half the collected dollars being donated to the Foundation for Belmont Education.

Belmont Mother’s Day Flower Sale Begins Friday in the Center

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Photo: Flowers for mom at the Center.

The Friends of Belmont Softball will be hosting its annual Mother’s Day Flower Sale this weekend at the Belmont Lions Club in Belmont Center. Come by to purchase beautiful flowers and support the Belmont High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Softball teams.  

The flowers will be on sale:

  • Friday, May 12: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 13, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
  • Sunday, May 14, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shhhhhh! Foodie’s Market Is Open In Belmont Center

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Photo: Open for business.

Pssst. Keep this under your hat, but …

Foodie’s Market is open for business. 

Just a little more than two years ago when it first announced plans to place a store in the former Macys’/Filenes’ location on Leonard Street in Belmont Center, the South End-based supermarket chain opened its doors, albeit quietly, on Wednesday afternoon, May 10.

For Christina Hooley, the assistant store manager of the fourth Foodie’s in Greater Boston, it’s exciting to finally have customers and staff in the store located at 87 Leonard St. 

“We are happy to be open, but we aren’t making a big announcement. This is really a ‘quiet’ opening,” said Hooley, opening five days before the upcoming weeklong Grand Opening celebration beginning Monday, May 15 and lasting until Town Day, May 20. 

While customers were moving between rows of produce, fruit, meats and the freshly-made meal counters Thursday morning, there were workers with ladders and tools doing final repairs and installations as cashiers and staff continued to bring in product to the store.

Foodie’s has released its Opening Week schedule of tastings and events:

Monday, May 15, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.:

  • Deano Pasta – Ravioli and Sause
  • Farmer Willie’s Craft Ginger Beer

Wednesday, May 17, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.:

  • Andrea Alexander from Giannoni Selection Wines

Thursday, May 18, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.:

  • Indaba Wines
  • Eric Spitz from Baystate Wine
  • SABRA FOODS – Middle Eastern food

Friday, May 19:

  • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: SID WAINER- Bacon, Chicken Sausage, Cheese
  • Noon – 4 p.m.: YANKEE TRADER – Seafood Appetizers
  • 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.: FOOD MATCH – Olive/Wine/Cheese 
  • 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Casey Gruttadauria from Ideal Wine & Spirits

Saturday, May 20 (Belmont Town Day)

 

  • Outside giveaways: KIND BARS, POLAR SELTZERS
  • FOOD MATCH: Wella Bars, Fig Spread, Cheese
  • 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Dave Bove from Vineyard Brands

Reduced Price Rain Barrels Now On Sale Thru Sustainable Belmont

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Photo: The rain barrels come in three suburban colors.

It’s Rain Barrel time in Belmont

Again this year, Sustainable Belmont is partnering with the Great American Rain Barrel Company of Hyde Park, to offer rain barrels to residents at nearly half the retail cost.

“Last summer’s drought was a wake up call that every drop of water is precious. We’re offering this program to help manage rising water costs and save vegetation from drought conditions,” says Amanda Mujica, a volunteer with Sustainable Belmont.

“Rain barrels are an effective way to collect and save water… and plants love unchlorinated rain water.” Barrels are easily connected to the downspouts and fill quickly, resulting in a significant source of water that homeowners could be tapping into for free.

Residents that use a rain barrel collect as much as 1,500 gallons in a season. This will save existing or new landscaping when a dry spell hits and supplement outdoor water usage, which spikes during the growing season. 

Just keeping a small 10’ x 10’ garden irrigated during the summer months can mean using up to 1,700 gallons of water. Based on the average roof size, more than two 60 gallon rain barrels would fill for every fifth of the inch of rainfall. The Great American Rain Barrel Company recommends one barrel for every 100 square feet garden. Multiple barrels are easily linked together for additional collection and storage.

The barrels are offered in three colors; Forest Green, Earth Brown or Nantucket Gray at the low cost of $69; 40 percent off the retail price of $119. Belmont buyers benefit from an additional savings of $10 because Sustainable Belmont volunteers are handling the distribution. The barrels are made from recycled food shipping containers.

Mujica will be at the Belmont Farmer’s Markets on June 8 and 15 with a Rain Barrel and Composter display. If you’re curious and want to learn more about integrating rain barrels and composters into your gardening, stop by. The Belmont Farmer’s Market is from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Belmont Center in the Clafin Municipal Parking Lot.

To take advantage of this offer please visit the company’s website, click on “Community Programs” and look for “Belmont” or contact via email info@tgarb.com, or phone 800-251-2352.

Prepaid barrels will be available for pick up on Saturday, June 24, from 9 a.m. to 11:00pm at the Belmont DPW parking Lot, C Street.

Annual Lone Tree Hill Volunteer Day Takes Place Saturday, 9AM-1PM

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Photo: Working at the Pine Allee
On Saturday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Belmont Citizens Forum in conjunction with the Judith K. Record Memorial Conservation Fund is sponsoring its fifth annual Lone Tree Hill Volunteer Day. 
High school and middle school students can earn community service credits.
This year, there is a pair of volunteer efforts:
Pine Allee Tree Planting Work
If you’d like to work on the Pine Allee, meet at the Belmont Citizens Forum white canopy in the Lone Tree Hill parking lot on Mill Street. Please bring a shovel and gloves to plant the trees along the Allee. The Judith K. Record Memorial Conservation Fund and Land Management Committee are currently funding the Allee project to replace the trees that were either diseased or not viable in some other way.  The Tree Specialists, Inc. will be supervising the work.
Trash Cleanup at South Pleasant Street
If you’d like to work on the much-needed trash removal along South Pleasant Street, meet at the green-and-white “Belmont Bikes” Belmont Citizens Forum tent at the bottom of Coal Road, basically opposite the Star Market. Star Market has generously given us permission for volunteers to park at the Pleasant Street end of their lot. 
This volunteer event is made possible by our corporate sponsors, including:
  • Platinum Level Sponsor: Northland Residential
  • Gold Level Sponsors: Ann Mahon Realty, Cityside Subaru, East Boston Savings Bank and Watertown Savings Bank 
  • Silver Level Sponsors: Artefact Home and Garden, Belmont Land Trust, Belmont Savings Bank, Cambridge Savings Bank, Century 21 Adams Lawndale, East Cambridge Savings Bank, Middlesex Savings Bank, Renaissance Realty and The Great American Rain Barrel.
  • Our Community Cosponsors include Belmont Land Management Committee for Lone Tree Hill, Mass Audubon Habitat Sanctuary, and Sustainable Belmont.
Visit belmontcitizensforum.org for details, or e-mail us at bcfprogramdirector@gmail.com. 

It’s Official: The Final Day of School For Belmont Students Is …

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Photo: The day has been set.

How appropriate the final day of school for Belmont students is the first day of summer.

The Belmont School Committee voted unanimously on Tuesday, April 26 to approve Wednesday, June 21 as the last day of classes for all grades in Belmont. With a mere three snow days used this school year, families will get a bit of a jump on the summer season.

The 21st will be a half-day/early release for K-12 students while it will be a full-day for staff and teachers, said Janice Darias, Belmont’s assistant superintendent. 

Belmont High Dems Screening Oscar-Nominated Documentary ’13th’ Thursday

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Photo: The poster for the documentary 

The Young Democrats of Belmont High School invite the town to join them for a panel discussion featuring local politicians and others on the criminal justice system, following a screening of the 2017 Oscar-nominated documentary “13th”.

The 2016 documentary will be shown on Thursday, April 27 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Belmont Studio Cinema, 376 Trapelo Rd. 

Directed by Ava DuVernay, “13th” explores the intersection of race, justice and issue of mass incarceration in the United States. It is titled after the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which freed the slaves and prohibited slavery, unless as punishment for a crime.

“This is an incredibly important event for the citizens of Belmont and surrounding towns to attend in order to educate themselves on the criminal justice system in the context of race,” said Rebecca Turner of the Belmont High Young Democrats.

“Also, this is a unique opportunity to be able to discuss our justice system and learn how to start these important conversations outside of the event. 13th is a stunning movie, and raises crucial questions on the nature of American society since slavery,” said Turner.

Tickets for the screening is $5 for students and $10 for adults. Bring your friends and family for an enlightening experience. All proceeds go to ACLU Massachusetts.

Belmont’s 2017 Outstanding Teachers Named With A Surprise Visit and Balloons

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Photo: (from left) Janice Darius, Assistant Superintendent, BPS; Jennifer Pressey, OTA Honoree; and Danielle Betancourt, Principal, Butler Elementary School.

The Foundation for Belmont Education announce t0day, Tuesday, April 25, the recipients of the 2017 Outstanding Teacher Awards and of the S. Warren Farrell Award for Educational Excellence, sponsored by Belmont Savings Bank Foundation. The teachers received their notification with a surprise visit from administrators and foundation members carrying the certificates and balloons. 

The ceremony to honor this year’s recipients of the Outstanding Teacher and the S. Warren Farrell Awards will be held on Tuesday, May 2, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Chenery Middle School. The award celebration, sponsored by Belmont Savings Bank Foundation, is open to the public.

Outstanding teachers are recognized for their excellence in the classroom and for consistently making a difference in the lives of Belmont’s students. Recipients were selected from nominations submitted by students, parents, colleagues, and community members. 

In addition to the teaching honors, a newly-established award for educational excellence named after S. Warren Farrell in recognition of a teacher or other educator for their longstanding dedication and leadership in Belmont’s public schools.

This award honors Farrell, a former managing director for Smith Barney and an independent director at BSB Bancorp., for his many years of volunteer leadership in Belmont and its public schools.

The 2017 Outstanding Teacher Honorees are:

Screen Shot 2017-04-25 at 4.31.15 PM

Meaghan Clow, Wellington Elementary School, Grade 3

“Fun, interactive, energetic, clever, and engaging are only a few words that describe
Ms. Clow’s personality and ability to engage students in the classroom.”

Screen Shot 2017-04-25 at 4.33.00 PM

Kathryn Doyle, Winn Brook Elementary School, Kindergarten

“Ms. Doyle works with each student’s needs, knowing that each child arrives in kindergarten with a wide range of skills in reading, writing, and math.”

Screen Shot 2017-04-25 at 4.33.57 PM

Cliff Gallant, Burbank Elementary School, Grade 4

“Mr. Gallant consistently delivers and maintains the highest quality teaching in a way that meets the individual needs of each of his students.”

Screen Shot 2017-04-25 at 4.34.37 PM

Daniel Moresco, Belmont High School, Mathematics

“As a student in AP and honors courses, I am under a lot of pressure. Mr. Moresco genuinely cares about my well-being and helps manage my work and stress.”

Screen Shot 2017-04-25 at 4.35.26 PM

Jennifer Pressey, Butler Elementary School, Grade 1

“It is evident that Mrs. Pressey has acquired a wealth of tools over the years and yet she has maintained the joy of sparking ‘aha’ moments in young minds.”

Screen Shot 2017-04-25 at 4.36.13 PM

Dorothy Pulizzi, Chenery Middle School, Grade 5

“Ms. Pulizzi consistently goes above and beyond to support her students’ learning and social and emotional health, and she connects with students at numerous after-school and extracurricular events.”

2017 S. Warren Farrell Award Honoree is:

Screen Shot 2017-04-25 at 4.36.56 PM

John McLellan, Chenery Middle School, Music; and Saturday Morning Music School

“Thousands of young people have benefitted from Mr. McLellan’s ingenious methods of instruction. Students display the utmost respect for his experience, direction, and wise and witty words.”

For more information about this event or the Foundation for Belmont Education, please visit its website or contact info@fbe-belmont.org.

Belmont Police to Collect Old, Unused Prescription Drugs Saturday, April 29

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Photo: Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative this Saturday.

The Belmont Police Department in conjunction with the Belmont Auxiliary Police and the federal Drug Enforcement Agency will host a Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative to prevent the abuse and theft of old, unused and expired prescription drugs.

The Belmont Police will have a collection point set up at the DPW yard, 37 C St., on Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Old or unused prescription drugs – no liquids, please – may be dropped off for free with no questions asked. You won’t even have to get out of your car

Unfortunately, these drugs are highly susceptible to misuse by family and friends. In addition they can be improperly disposed of and end up in our environment, posing a potential health hazard.

Please take some time to check your medicine cabinet and visit us on the 29th. 

For more information on the Rx Drug Take Back Initiative or a list of additional collection sites, visit  the DEA’s webpage.

Residents may also contact Lt. Daley at kdaley@belmontpd.org. We also have a permanent Rx drug collection kiosk located in the lobby of the police headquarters in Belmont Center that is accessible 24/7.