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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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. 

Second Becca Pizzi Family Run Fun Set For Sunday, April 30

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Photo: Becca Pizzi Family Fun Run 2017

The second annual Becca Pizzi Family Fun Run organized by the Belmont Boosters and sponsored by Belmont Savings Bank will take place on Sunday, April 30, starting at the Belmont High School track at Harris Field. 

  • 7:30 a.m.: Registration/Bib Pick Up Open
  • 9 a.m.: 1-Mile Kids Race begins
  • 9:30 a.m.: 5K Race begins

Register on RaceMenu.

The race will include a 5K run. It will also include a 1-mile run for kids around the Belmont High School track. Registration fee is $25 for 5K runners and $10 for kids running in the 1-mile race (ages 12 and under).

The Becca Pizzi Family Fun Run celebrates Becca Pizzi, the first American woman to win the World Marathon Challenge, in which contestants run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents.

Registration for the 5K will be $35 the day of the race. Proceeds will benefit the Becca Pizzi Scholarship Fund and Belmont Boosters.

Bibs can be picked up on site or at Belmont Savings Bank in Belmont Center on Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Check out our Facebook event page.

Town Meeting Preview: Warrant Briefing Monday Night at the Beech

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Photo: Warrant Committee Chair Roy Epstein

The Belmont League of Women Voters and Warrant Committee is co-sponsoring the annual warrant briefing to acquaint Town Meeting members and residents with the non-financial articles on the Town Meeting warrant.

The meeting will take place Monday evening, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St.

This is an opportunity for Town Meeting members and the general public to ask questions of town officials and department heads concerning any of the warrant articles prior to the 2017 Town Meeting beginning in one week on Monday, May 1. 

Warrant Committee Chair Roy Epstein will preside.

This year, Town Meeting Moderator Michael Widmer will hold an orientation/information session for new Town Meeting members at 6:30 p.m. immediately prior to the warrant discussion. All Town Meeting member is welcome to attend this session.

18 Belmont Runners Cross Boston Marathon Finish Line

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Photo:

On a race day that proved to be a challenge for the elite and the back of the pack runners, 18 Belmont residents gutted out the 26.2 miles from bucolic Hopkinton to bustling Boston in the 121st running of the BAA Marathon on Monday, April 17.

Despite warm conditions – temperatures topped out in the low 70s – and a tail wind, the cadre of Belmontians joined 26,393 other runners to finish the Patriots Day race.                                                              

The results are “net” times which is when the runner crosses the start line and not when the gun goes off.

Emily Adams    3:49:28

Jennifer Ausrotas    4:28:37

Justin Bakule    4:35:31

Sarkis Chekijian    4:04:51

Scot DeDeo    3:26:07

Paul Firth    4:36:22

Satomi Kato    4:21:07

Tony Luongo    3:27:12

Samuel Millen    5:20:10

Jana Montoya    4:00:02

Laurie Nahigian    3:29:32

Stephen Najarian    5:14:21

Damien Pinault    3:47:04

Becca Pizzi    3:39:38

Peter Tagge    4:05:29

Peter Thomson    4:48:59

Konstantin Tyurin    3:23:43

Peter Walker    5:16:03

Parent/Teacher Band Concert Set for Wednesday at Chenery

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Photo: Parent/Teacher Band in action.

The 60-strong Parent/Teacher Band is holding its annual Spring concert on Wednesday, April 12 at 7 p.m. at the Chenery Middle School with a special guest soloist who is well known among local music fans.

Nathaniel Meyer, a 2009 Belmont High graduate who was an International Trumpet Guild Champion which still in high school, will perform the solo in Leroy Anderson’s work “A Trumpeter’s Lullaby.”

The concert will include:

  • Victory at Sea by Richard Rodgers;
  • Carmina Burana, by Carl Orff;
  • Selections from Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim;
  • Hello Goodbye, a Beatles Medley;
  • Shenandoah, Frank Ticheli.
Billed by Director John McLellan as “a family band”, the Parents of Music Students (POMS) sponsored group embraces the concept of bringing full families together to perform in the same ensemble, with students and teachers performing, including sixth-grade teacher Laura Tracey, the darling of the tuba.