Champion Tomatoes, New Composting Business Highlights This Week’s Market Day

August 25, 2016 By Franklin B. Tucker Leave a Comment

Photo: Kimball Fruit Farm’s owner Carl Hills with the hardware.

Champion tomatoes and a successful composting company with a fanatical following in its hometown of Portland, Maine highlight this week’s Belmont Farmers Market that takes place today, Thursday, Aug. 25 at the Belmont Center municipal parking lot at the corner of Cross Street and Channing Road.

The market’s hours are 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Long-time Belmont market day vendor Kimball Fruit Farm won multiple top five prizes at the 31st annual state Tomato Contest held this week at the Boston Public Market. A total of 92 entries from 28 different farms competed in four categories: cherry tomato, heirloom tomato, field and slicing tomato, and heaviest tomato.

The Pepperall-farm won first place in heaviest with a weight of 2.68 pounds, second and fifth in the heirloom category with the Mortgage Lifter and the Cherokee Purple.

Kimball Fruit Farm is a third generation family run farm owned and operated by Carl and Marie Hills.

A new company will be introducing their unique composting service to Belmont residents.

Garbage to Garden will swap your bucket of food waste from the curb weekly for a fresh, clean bucket and, if requested, a bag of compost. This is a new service to Massachusetts with Belmont and Arlington being the first communities to be served by the Portland, Maine firm, which in its hometown has one-in-seven households participating in the service.

At the market today: tomatoes and corn, basil, the last of the blueberries and the first of grapes, great produce, wine and sundries.

Community Table

2 p.m.: Kids’ program: Passport for Produce. The market will be collecting passports and awarding prizes – plus a scavenger hunt.

Schedule of Events

2 p.m.: Branson Bofat will perform a mix of acoustic blues, finger-style guitar instrumentals, and other classic country favorites.
4 p.m.: Storytime by the Belmont Public Library
4:30 p.m.: The String Beans: The young musicians are students of Deborah Boykan (Belmont) and Colleen McGrary (Powers Music School) including three of the younger string players who will form a trio.

Above It All: Night Road Paving In Belmont Center [VIDEO]

August 25, 2016 By Franklin B. Tucker 1 Comment

Photo: A still from a video of the night paving in Belmont Center.

To see up close the paving of Leonard Street and its connecting roads over the past few nights has been to experience the cacophony and heat produced by massive machines as they grind and lay out a new top coat surface for Belmont Center.

But viewed from the air, the same action has an expansive grace, as the equipment appear more accessible and the entire operation has an elegance not before seen.

The video is by Belmont resident Lucas Tragos who last weekend received a national video award for a 22-minute sports documentary on the 2015 Belmont High School football team. His recent aerial video of Boston and Cambridge has been receiving great reviews.

Belmont Yard Sales: August 20–21

August 19, 2016 By Franklin B. Tucker Leave a Comment

Photo: Yard sales around town.

Here are this weekend’s yard/moving/garage sales happening in the 02478 zip code:

Addresses in bold have town permit

• 212 Trapelo Rd., Saturday, Aug. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 19, Is Final Day To Register For Sept. 8 Primary

August 17, 2016 By Franklin B. Tucker Leave a Comment

Photo: Town Clerk’s Office.

The Town Clerk’s Office reminds Belmont residents have until Friday, Aug. 19, to register to vote if they want to participate in the Massachusetts Primary on Thursday, Sept. 8.

Aug. 19 is also the deadline for registered voters who wish to change their party enrollment either to another party or to “unenrolled,” which is commonly referred to as “independent.” This should not be confused with the United Independent Party (UIP); a party that will have ballots available but with no candidates printed on them. Voters registered in UIP will NOT be eligible to take a Democratic, Republican, or Green-Rainbow ballot.

To be eligible for a different party’s ballot, the voter must switch to another party or to “unenrolled” status by 8 p.m. on Aug. 19. Unenrolled voters or voters enrolled in political designations can ask for any party ballot on Primary Day, but someone registered in a party can only vote on that party’s ballot. A Democrat cannot take a Republican ballot, and a Republican cannot take a Democratic ballot.

The Town Clerk’s office at Town Hall will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19 for voters who wish to change their party registration status or for persons wishing to register for the first time.

Persons who are United States Citizens, residents of Massachusetts, and who will be at least 18 years old on or before Sept. 8 are eligible to register to vote. Those meeting these qualifications who have a Massachusetts Driver’s License can submit their registration online. Those registering by mail should have their form hand-canceled by the Post Office to ensure it is postmarked before the deadline. Newly registered voters will receive confirmation letters from the Town Clerk.

You may verify your voter registration and/or your voting location here.

For more information, feel free to contact the Belmont Town Clerk’s Office or at 617-993-2600.

Classical Music Returns To Beech Street With Friday Night ‘Festival’ Concert

August 17, 2016 By Franklin B. Tucker Leave a Comment

Photo: Nathaniel Meyer returns with the Belmont Festival Orchestra. (credit: Hello Stage)

Nathaniel Meyer is back in Belmont and has brought 50 of his friends to play music in his hometown.

The young musician and conductor who has been traveling throughout Europe has once again reunited the Belmont Festival Orchestra to perform in concert on Friday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St.

Meyer – a 2009 Belmont High graduate to matriculated at Yale (’13) – will conduct the youthful assemblage in Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3 and Brahms’ Symphony No. 2.

The concert is free. Residents are asked to come early as Festival concerts traditionally are “standing room only” affairs.

Friday’s concert marks the fourth time Meyer brings the youthful Festival Orchestra to the Beech Street Center for a summer event – he also led a musical performance in December 2013.

An outstanding trumpet player, Meyer has been a student of Benjamin Zander, the long-time conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra who is currently the musical director of the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Meyer obtained his Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music.

Belmont Yard Sales: August 13–14

August 12, 2016 By Franklin B. Tucker Leave a Comment

Photo: Yard sales around town.

Here are this weekend’s yard/moving/garage sales happening in the 02478 zip code:

Addresses in bold have town permit

• 136 Blanchard Rd., Saturday, Aug. 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Kids stuff)

• 78 Elizabeth Rd., Saturday, Aug. 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• 58-60 Harriet Ave., Saturday, Aug. 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• 34 Vincent Ave., Saturday, Aug. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Belmont, Most Of Eastern Mass Under Heat Advisory Until Saturday

August 11, 2016 By Franklin B. Tucker Leave a Comment

Photo: Hot.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has issued a Heat Advisory for most of the state away from the coastline for the next two days.

With temperatures expected to be in the 90’s in Belmont with high humidity, please follow the precautions listed below, to avoid a heat-related emergency.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

During hot weather, you will need to increase your fluid intake. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. (Note: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot. Popsicles, watermelon, cantaloupe and fruit salads all contain water. Avoid caffeine and alcohol whenever possible.

Wear Appropriate Clothing and Sunscreen

Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Use a sunscreen product rated at least SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 15 and apply it to all exposed skin at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun.

Stay Cool Indoors

Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library – even a few hours spent in air-conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

Monitor Those at High Risk

Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.

Infants and children up to four years of age are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.

What are heat cramps?

Heat Cramps occur after vigorous activities like running or playing tennis. Their signs are painful abdominal spasms and cramps in major muscles such as the legs and abdomen. Cramps subside with rest, cooling down and plenty of water.

What is Heat Exhaustion?

Heat Exhaustion has many symptoms:

fever,
heavy sweating,
fainting,
rapid pulse,
low blood pressure,
clammy skin,
ashen skin tone, and
nausea.

Overexertion and not drinking enough water is the usual cause.

To treat it, go indoors with a fan or air conditioning or to a shady spot, apply cool clothes, immediately lie down with your legs elevated, loosen tight clothes, and drink cool water or sports beverages.

What is Heat Stroke?

Heat Stroke (Sunstroke) can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical help. The symptoms include not only those associated with heat exhaustion, but also very rapid pulse and breathing, delirium, unconsciousness, and lack of perspiration to cool the body.

Remember, to prevent a heat illness:

Avoid direct sun from late morning until 4 p.m.
Limit vigorous exercise or chores to early morning or late afternoon
Dress in light colored, loose-fitting clothes
Continually drink plenty of water or juice
Avoid caffeine or alcohol
Eat light meals

The following Town Facilities are available to residents to visit for a place to cool off:

The Council on Aging The Belmont Public Librar

266 Beech Street 336 Concord Ave.

Thursday, Aug. 11: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 12: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 13: Closed 9 a.m. – 1 pm

For More Information:

Please contact the Belmont Health Department at 617-993-2720 or the director at abraun@belmont-ma.gov if you have any questions. You may also visit this site.

Connect With Your Town: MEET BELMONT Set For Tuesday, Aug. 30

August 3, 2016 By Franklin B. Tucker Leave a Comment

Photo: Meet Belmont last year.

Belmont residents and prospective residents are invited to learn more about town departments, local government, schools, nonprofits and volunteer opportunities at the MEET BELMONT Community Information Fair, which takes place on Tuesday, Aug. 30, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Chenery Middle School, 95 Washington St.

The event is free of charge and fully accessible.

MEET BELMONT, now in its 14th year, is a local institution originally designed to introduce new residents to community resources. All residents are encouraged to attend. More than 90 exhibitors will be on hand, including:

Belmont Board of Selectmen; Police, Fire, Health, Treasurer, Facilities, Recreation, School, Public Works and Belmont Light Departments; Belmont Council on Aging; Philharmonic Society; Citizens Forum; Friends of the Belmont Public Library; Republican and Democratic Town Committees; Human Rights Commission; Cub, Boy and Girl Scouts and much more.

State Rep. Dave Rogers and State Sen. Will Brownsberger will also attend.

Everyone is asked to support the Belmont Food Pantry with a non-perishable food or toiletry item.

MEET BELMONT is sponsored by the Belmont Vision 21 Implementation Committee and is co-sponsored by Belmont District Schools with support from Belmont Car Wash and Belmont Light. For more information about MEET BELMONT find us on Facebook or email meetbelmont@gmail.com

Day Two On Your Staycation In Belmont: A Pond And A Working Farm

August 2, 2016 By Franklin B. Tucker 2 Comments

Photo: Beaver Brook Reservation’s spray pool.

By Shodai Inose, Belmont Citizens Forum

Vacations are fun and relaxing, but can also be harsh on your wallet and the environment. A perfect way to stay environment and budget friendly is by having a Staycation!

A Staycation is exactly what it sounds like; it’s a vacation in your hometown. Come with us to explore what Belmont has to offer for fun. We at the Belmont Citizens Forum have created a Staycation Passport with categories to check off, as well as a suggested schedule to follow. Try to discover as many new activities as possible, mixing and matching to accommodate your interests and your schedule.

These are only suggestions: feel free to enjoy and suggest other activities Belmont has to offer! Thank you to those who already suggested ideas; we tried our best to incorporate as many as we could.

Please also join us on Aug. 13 from noon-3 p.m. for the Belmont Staycation Picnic at the Wellington Station. You bring your blankets and picnic baskets and we’ll bring the popsicles in a historic Underwood family ice chest! We’ll also bring frisbees, a croquet set from the Belmont Woman’s Club, and other games and activities. Groundwork Yoga+Wellness will also be there to teach a free yoga lesson for kids at 1:00. Be sure to stop by!

The Staycation Challenges:

We will have several August challenges with prizes, so you will definitely want to participate:

Our first challenge will be the Belmont Staycation Selfie challenge. Take a selfie at any of the locations we have listed on this article and post it on the Belmont Citizens Forum facebook page to get entered into our raffle!
Our second challenge will be the Belmont Staycation Passport challenge. Pick up your physical passport at the Belmont Public Library and other locations around town, email us at belmontstaycation@gmail.com to request one, or check our website for an online version. To get entered into our second raffle, fill out what you do in each category and send it to:

Belmont Citizens Forum

P.O. Box 609

Belmont, MA 02478

Want an extra entry into our raffle? Take the Belmont Staycation survey by Sunday, Aug. 7 to help us understand more about how residents plan their vacations — we’re hoping to do this again based on what we learn in 2016!

Finally, go ahead and Like the Staycation on the Belmont Citizens Forum Facebook page!

A Suggested 7-day Staycation in Belmont:

Notes: See bottom of the article for a calendar view; a tree symbol (?) denotes an environmentally friendly activity.

Tuesday:

?Claypit Pond: Take a walk around the pond, bring a library book to enjoy on one of the park benches as you enjoy the historic trees and a beautiful view of the water.

Location: In front of Belmont High School

?Belmont Acres Farm: Did you know Belmont has a farm? Enjoy the green and the country feel in your town! Stop by the farm and pick up some fresh food. This local five-acre farm also features many recipes on their website.

Location: 34 Glenn Rd.

Family Game Night at the Belmont Public Library: Come to this free event (with snacks and drinks) to play some games with other families. You will meet new people and have fun learning how to play an assortment of games.

Location: 336 Concord Ave.
Date: Aug. 16.
Time: 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

The Belmont Council on Aging’s 4th Annual Talent Show: Stop by the Talent Show to get a sense of some local talent.

Location: 266 Beech St.
Aug. 23 at 1:15 p.m.

See what you missed:

Monday’s staycation events.

Moving Day: Food Pantry Finds Temp Home on Pleasant Street [Video]

August 2, 2016 By Franklin B. Tucker Leave a Comment

Photo: The move.

When the “Burbank Brownies” of Girl Scout Troop 69200 arrived at the Belmont Food Pantry behind Belmont High School on Saturday morning, July 30, Patty Mihelich beamed.

The founder and manager of the pantry welcomed them to join nearly 50 residents in helping to transport the pantry’s entire contents – two rooms filled with food, appliances, miscellaneous material and even the six-foot high shelves – from the location next to the commuter rail tracks to one across from the Star Market parking lot on south Pleasant Street.

“I told you they would come,” said Mihelich, proud of the quick response of friends, long-time volunteers or just from residents who heard that the pantry needed a hand.

The move from its home for the past four years was necessitated by the school district’s need to find classroom space for the exploding student enrollment coming to Belmont High School.

And just five days earlier, Mihelich was still waiting for a place that could accept them on a temporary basis while a more permanent location at Mt. Hope Church on Lexington Street is being retro-fitted to accept the pantry which serves more than 200 families in Belmont.

“I was about to rent a ‘pod’ and throw everything inside,” said Mihelich about a movable storage unit.

But just five days before the move was scheduled, Paul Tocci of Belmont Car Wash made a spare garage/repair space at 1010 Pleasant available to the organization.

“He really came through as did so many people like the Board of Selectmen and these volunteers,” she said as she drove a U-Haul between the locations transporting the large shelving.

For Debbie Eisenberg and her son, Chenery eighth grader Nate Fox, “it was nice to lend a hand. We are a small town, and this is what people do.”

With the help of students such as Lilah Isenberg, Del Bonnin and Grace Kane (who learned they could lug large tubs of food while securing cereal boxes under their arms), the old location was stripped bare after 80 minutes after arriving at 8 a.m.

While there were a few false starts at Pleasant Street – the re-stacking of food and cans after some cross wires – the pantry officially was ready to resume helping families in need.

“And just think, we get to do this all over again in just a few weeks,” said Mihelich.