Register for Dan Scharfman Memorial 5K Run on Sunday, Oct. 4

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Photo: A scene from last year’s Dan Scharfman road race.

Runners and residents can now register for the Foundation for Belmont Education‘s third annual Dan Scharfman Memorial Run being held on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 9:30 a.m. at Belmont High School’s Harris Field, 221 Concord Ave.

What is now a fall staple on the road running calendar, this family-friendly event offers a 5k and a 2k course that takes runners through a scenic route past many of the town’s schools as well as the Payson Park Reservoir and Clay Pit Pond. Awards follow each race’s end, including prizes for children of all ages.

The race is held in memorial of Dan Scharfman, a Belmont School Committee member, long-time runner and a dedicated advocate of technology and innovation in education. Last year, more than 500 runners raised $25,000 for the Dan Scharfman Education Innovation Fund in support of the FBE’s Innovative Teaching Initiative, a multi-year, $450,000 program providing teachers with the training resources that support math, science and reading instruction.

Registration for the USATF-certified and sanctioned event is available through the FBE website: www.fbe-belmont.org/race.

Contact: Amanda Theodoropulos, Foundation for Belmont Education, amanda.maria.mccarthy@gmail.com or call 617-947-4633.

Workshop To Help Residents Apply for Belmont Cultural Grants Tonight

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Organizations, schools and residents with creative ideas for cultural, scientific and technological activities and events in Belmont are invited to apply for grants from the Belmont Cultural Council, which was awarded $5,000 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council 

Grant applications are being accepted now and must be postmarked by October 15th for the 2016 funding cycle.

To assist all those interested in applying for a grant, the Council is holding a grant writing workshop today, Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Belmont Public Library. Contact Juliet Jenkins at jerbly@yahoo.com for more information about the workshop.

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Recent local grant recipient have included Belmont World Film, a multi-cultural fair, the Winslow Homer exhibit at the Belmont Woman’s Club and a printmaking workshop at Habitat.

For grant application forms, specific guidelines, and more, visit the Belmont Cultural Council website or contact Laurie Gianotti, the BCC Chair, at laurie2276@comcast.net. 

This Week: Yom Kippur, ADHD Talk, Fall is Here

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Photo:

On the governmental side of “This Week”:

  • Early Monday, Sept. 21 at 8 a.m. in Town Hall, the Planning Board is holding a meeting where it will elect officers, discuss a citizen’s petition from the Dalton Road neighborhood and potential projects that will come before the board. The Board will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. in Town Hall. 
  • Community Path Implementation Advisory Committee Agenda will create a finalized list of identified challenges at its meeting on Monday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. in Town Hall.

• Music & Movement with Rubi is an active program that will get kids – for children ages 2 to 5 –   moving, dancing and having fun. There will be two sessions held on Monday, Sept. 21: 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., held in the Belmont Public Library’s Flett Room.

• The 9th-grade book group will be held Monday, Sept. 21, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Young Adult Room. 

Tuesday is kids time at both of Belmont libraries. 

  • Pre-School Story Time at the Benton Library, Belmont’s independent and volunteer run library, 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.
  • Pre-School Storytime at the Belmont Public beginning at 9:30 a.m. We’ll read longer books, sing and dance, and make simple crafts. For 3-5 year olds with a longer attention span.

• Storytime for 2’s & 3’s on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 10:30 a.m. in the Flett Room, Come and listen to stories and rhymes, sing and even dance. For 2- and 3-year-olds.

• In her talk, “Add a Little Color to Your Life,” at the Beech Street Center on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 1:15 p.m., Maralin Manning will help participants understand how and why your color decisions are so important. Manning, a graduate of Mass. College of Art, is a former fashion director of Jordan Marsh Company and currently serves on the faculty of the Fashion Department at Mount Ida College.

• Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement which is the holiest day of the year in Judaism, begins at sunset, Tuesday, Sept. 22 until nightfall, Sept. 23. Belmont Schools are closed on Wednesday, Sept. 23.

• The autumnal equinox – the beginning of the fall season – happens on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 4:21 a.m. The word equinox means “equal night”; night and day are about the same length of time. 

• Dr. Jolene Ross of the Foundation for Wellness Professionals will give a free educational lecture on “Natural Solutions for Executive Function Struggles and ADHD” on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 7 p.m. in the Belmont Public Libray’s Flett Room.

• The Belmont Storm Water Working Group will be meeting beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24 in the Belmont Public Libray’s Flett Room.

• Literacy Playgroup is a parent and child group that supports child’s language and literacy development on Friday, Sept. 25, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Flett Room. You’ll play, read, sing and take home new ideas. Presented by educators from the CFCE grant program; for children age 4 and under.

• Explore opera with La Traviata on DVD, at the Beech Street Center on Friday, Sept. 25, at 1:15 p.m. Hosted by the center’s own Rosemary Cancian and Barbara Dillon, there will be program handouts and English closed captioning.

Two Massive Belmont Neighborhood Yard Sales, Sept. 19-20

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Photo: Yard sale in Belmont.

Yard sales in the “Town of Homes.”

This week two of Belmont’s largest combined yard sales of the year take place:

“Shop Around the Block,” is being held on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located a short walk from the Chenery Middle School parking lot on Oakley Street, 18 homes will be participating in the sale include:

• 12 Hurd Rd. Saturday, Sept. 19, noon to 2 p.m. 

• 18 Hurd Rd. Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

• 21 Hurd Rd. Saturday, Sept. 19, 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

• 36 Jackson Rd. Saturday, Sept. 19, 8:30 a.m. to noon.

• 179 Oakley Rd. Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• 185 Oakley Rd. Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• 201 Oakley Rd. Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• 54 Selwyn Rd. Saturday, Sept. 19, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• 53 Selwyn Rd. Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• 65 Selwyn Rd. Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 66 Selwyn Rd. Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• 96 Washington St. Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kendall Gardens Annual Neighborhood Yard Sale also takes place on Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20. Participating homes include:

• 73 Brookside Ave. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 112 Brookside Ave. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• 115 Brookside Ave. Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• 127 Brookside Ave. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 139 Brookside Ave. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 145 Brookside Ave. Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to noon.

• 10 Lorimer Rd. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 11 Lorimer Rd. Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 12 Lorimer Rd. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 59 Lorimer Rd. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• 64 Lorimer Rd. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 82 Lorimer Rd. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• 87 Lorimer Rd. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• 88 Lorimer Rd. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• 94 Lorimer Rd. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

•  12 Mayfield Rd. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

•  24 Mayfield Rd. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 3 Regent Rd. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• 5 Regent Rd. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 23 Regent Rd. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• 15 Standley Rd., Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• 3o Standley Rd., Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 33 Standley Rd., Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• 36 Standley Rd., Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 39 Standley Rd., Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 3 Vernon Rd., Saturday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• 10 Vernon Rd., Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 72 Vernon Rd. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Others

21 Wiley Rd. Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

236 Brighton St., Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

This Weekend: US Rep. Clark In Belmont for Coffee Saturday

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Photo: Let’s have coffee.

Saturday Sing-Along with Liz Buchanan 

Well-loved local musician Liz Buchanan performs original songs and traditional favorites.  For all ages on Saturday, Sept. 19, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Belmont Public Library’s Assembly Room.

Girls Soccer matinee on Saturday 

For everyone who can’t make the weekday games, here is your chance to see the Belmont High School Girls Soccer team take the home pitch as the Marauders take on a tough Arlington High squad at Harris Field on Saturday, Sept. 19 at noon. Head coach Paul Graham will be seeking his 300th win with a victory over the SpyPonders.

US Rep Clark in Belmont Saturday for coffee

U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark invites Belmont residents to have “Coffee with Katherine” on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Bellmont Caffe, 80 Leonard St. Join the Congresswoman to share your ideas, opinions, and concerns. 

Winslow Homer’s Women Exhibit

Don’t miss the Winslow Homer’s Women exhibit and tour at the 1853 Homer House, 661 Pleasant St.,  which ends Sept. 30. Tours this Saturday, Sept. 19 are at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and by appointment, 617-484-4892. Belmont residents have free admission.

Saturday afternoon at the Benton

Make the Benton Library, Belmont’s independent and volunteer run library, your Saturday afternoon destination for the entire family from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19. The collection has books suitable for every age. Gently-used sale books will be available to buy; all proceeds benefit the library. The Benton is open on the third Saturday afternoon of every month. The library is at the corner of Old Middlesex and Oakley. 

Recipients: Medal of Honor Greater than Acts of Bravery

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Photo: US Army Capt. William Swenson at Belmont High School. 

The Blackhawk helicopter kicked up a cloud of debris, sand, and dirt as it descended from the cloudless sky to touched ground on Hittinger Field adjacent to Belmont High School on a warm, midmorning on Wednesday, Sept. 16.

The sophomore class, the school’s band and students with “frees” came to the parking lot to create a corridor for the day’s special guests who got out of the ‘copter with several people in uniform.        

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The pair – an older gentleman and his much younger bearded companion – didn’t appear out-of-the-ordinary, both in business casual attire and ties as they greeted town and state officials, school personnel and administrators, teachers and student.

But there was one item each was wearing that distinguished them from everyone else; a distinctive sky-blue ribbon around their neck which hung a small, detailed star-shaped medal. 

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For US Army Capt. William Swenson and Thomas Norris, a moment of valor and bravery during the chaos of battle, in which their selflessness preserved the lives of their fellow soldiers, have allowed them to wear the nation’s United States of America’s highest military award, the Medal of Honor.

The recipients of the award were visiting Belmont as part of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s annual convention, in Boston this week, where honorees spoke at 10 high school locations through eastern Massachusetts.

In the high school’s auditorium with approximately 300 10th graders who are taking current US History their sophomore year, the men spoke how the award is greater than the events that earned them the honor.

While many call them Medal of Honor “winners” assuming that the award is handed out as a sporting event, said Swenson.

“The reality is quite different. This award, with my name on it, allows me to fly around in helicopters. But this award is about everyone I fought for that day,” he said.

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This award is representation of what is inside of each and every single service member and when they are called upon to serve, they push and they push and every single on of them has the ability, when called upon, to reach this status of heroism as a team,” said Swenson,

“So this award with my name on it, is a recognition of everything we do as a country. This is a representation of us, of our capabilities … and what each and every one of you can do with your future lives,” he said. 

“People think we are really something amazing, something special, but we aren’t any different than you,” said Norris, who would serve for 20 years as an FBI agent after his military career ended.

“We grew up the same way as you, went to school like you did; we just did something someone thought was incredible, put ribbons on us and everyone thinks we’re really super. But we’re not,” he said.

Norris emphasized that students should not just think of themselves but as a member of a greater team. 

“Don’t just always think about yourselves. Think of others around you and try to help them gain their goals they set.” 

For former Selectman Ann Marie Mahoney – whose husband was an Army Ranger in Vietnam while a son and daughter currently are serving their country – the visit from recipients was exciting for each student in attendance. 

“It’s good for another generation to hear what these guys did, the sacrifice and bravery, and to see them and talk to them. That is so important to understand what they did and why. It’s very impressive,” she said. 

This Week: Medal of Honor Visit, Big Band Concert, Office Hours and Book Groups

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Photo: The three present day variations of the Medal Of Honor.

On the governmental side of this week:

  • The Zoning Board of Appeals will discuss a number of variances and special permits requests for two family day-care businesses at its Monday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. in the Belmont Art Gallary in the Homer Building, located in the Town Hall complex. 
  • The Other Post Employment Benefits Study Group will review its charge from the Belmont Town Meeting, discuss its work plan and discuss its schedule at its meeting on Tuesday, Sept 15 at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall. 
  • Community Path Implementation Advisory Committee Agenda will create a finalized list of identified challenges at its meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. in Town Hall. 

Tuesday is story time at both of Belmont libraries. 

  • Pre-School Story Time at the Benton Library, Belmont’s independent and volunteer run library, 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.
  • Pre-school Storytime will be held in the Belmont Public Library’s Flett Room at 9:30 a.m.

• Meet Kelsey Perkins of US Rep Katherine Clark’s staff at noon, Tuesday, Sept. 15 at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St. as she hold office hours.

• Storytime for 2’s & 3’s on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 10:30 a.m. in the Flett Room, Come and listen to stories and rhymes, sing and even dance. For 2- and 3-year-olds.

• Join our SHINE counselor Ed Siegfried for his presentation: “Your Options: Medicare Open Enrollment Period” on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 1:15 p.m. in the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St. The Open Enrollment Period – which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 – is when those on Medicare can change their supplementary insurance for 2016. Each year the pricing and coverage of Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and Part D drug plans change. Very often you can save money by reviewing your coverage. SHINE counselors are able to quickly search all the available plans and discuss their costs for 2016.

• Graphic novel fans in fourth to sixth grades, discuss your favorite graphic novels, hear about some you may not know about and try making your own during Tween Tuesday Book Discussion Group’s “Make Your Own Graphic Novel” on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the Library’s Flett Room.  Please register by calling the Children’s Room at 617-993-2880.

• The Belmont Art Association is meeting Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Flett Room 

• Medal of Honor recipients Tom Norris, Clint Romesha and Donald Ballard will speak to mostly sophomores at Belmont High School about themselves and the courage, commitment and sacrifice they demonstrated to earn the nation’s highest military honor at Belmont High School on Wednesday, Sept 16. The honorees will arrive onto Hittinger Field by helicopter around 8:45 a.m. and speak to the students from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

• Infant Lapsit Storytime on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 10:30 a.m. in the Flett Room is for infants up to 12 months and pre-walkers, a short program of songs and rhymes that is followed by time to play socialize.

• On Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in the Flett Room, the Belmont Book Discussion Group will discuss The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd.  Everyone is welcome to attend. Copies of the book can be requested through the library catalog or call the library Reference staff at 617-993-2870.

• Storytime for 1’s for walkers and toddlers under 24 months will take place Thursday, Sept. 17, at 10:30 a.m. in the Flett Room, sharing simple stories, songs, and nursery rhymes and end with time to play.

• Join other second and third graders to talk about this month’s book, Dory Fantasmagory, by Abby Hanlon Thursday, on Sept. 17, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the Flett Room. Please register by calling the Children’s Room at 617-993-2880.

• The Community Preservation Committee is holding a public meeting to discuss the process in applying for a grant from a pool of $1.2 million that will be distributed in fiscal 2016. The meeting will take place on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m in Town Hall. 

• Al Natale, famous Belmont bandleader, returns to the Beech Street Center with his Classic Swing Orchestra to perform another of his very popular concerts of big band music on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m to 9 p.m. Admission is $10 per person at the door. This concert will also feature the talented vocalists Sandi Bedrosian and Jim Bamante in a repertoire of old-time favorites and new selections. Don’t miss this very entertaining evening of music! The event is open to the public, so bring family and friends. The concert is presented by Friends of the Belmont Council on Aging and all proceeds will support Senior Center programs and services.

• State Sen. Will Brownsberger‘s Chief of Staff Barbara Miranda will be holding office hours at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St., on Friday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m

• OTAKUrabu program for teens: 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, Sept. 18, from 2:30 p.m to 5 p.m. in the Belmont Public Library’s Assembly Room. Provided to you for free, thanks to the Friends of the Belmont Public Library. Just drop in, no registration required. 

 

Belmont Yard Sales, Sept. 12-13

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Photo: Yard sale in Belmont.

Yard sales in the “Town of Homes.”

• 48 Concord Ave. Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• 34 Foster Rd., Saturday, Sept. 12, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• 53 Hillside Terr., Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m. to noon.

• 75 Lorimer Rd., Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12 and 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 67 Trowbridge St., Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• 12 & 14 Walnut St., Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• 110 Watson Rd., Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12 and 13, 8:30 a.m. to noon.

This Weekend: Green Garden Tour Sunday, Pet Some Instruments, Honesty in Art

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Photo: Poster for this year’s Green Garden Tour.
Artist’s Limited Exhibit at Bellmont Caffe
 
Belmont Gallary of Art and Belmont Art Association artist Shahen Zarookian will present his “Four Hour Exhibit” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (thus the name of the exhibit) on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Belmont Caffe, Leonard Street.
 
Green Garden Tour  Sunday

Explore organic gardens in town as Sustainable Belmont hosts its 5th annual Green Garden tour on Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine.

This free self-guided garden tour highlights a variety of safe and healthy organic garden practices. You’ll have a chance to visit Belmont’s only farm, talk to the gardeners at the Burbank Elementry School, and Belmont High School students who are growing food for Belmont’s food pantry. Also visit local growers who specialize flowers or vegetable gardens, chicken-raising, composting, and bee keeping. Participants will have an opportunity to enter a chance to win a free home-garden visit with master gardeners, Nancy Forbes and Lucia Gates, with each garden you visit.

Garden Tour maps can be picked up at the Beech Street Center at 266 Beech Street on Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 pm, or you can find information here www.sustainablebelmont.net

Pet and Play Musical Instruments at the Powers

The Powers Music School, 380 Concord Ave., is holding its annual open house and instrument petting zoo from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday,  Sept. 13. Visitors can take several different instruments for a test drive, speak to teachers at the zoo, make a craft to take home and listen to a demo from an early childhood class, including Music Pups, Dalcroze Eurhythmics and Suzuki classes. Admission to the event is free, and registration is not required.

Final Day a Crowded One As Residents ‘Test Drive’ Underwood Pool

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Photo: Lifeguard Elizabeth Levy, 17, watching over the wadding pool at the Underwood Pool on Labor Day, Sept, 7, 2015.

A line of nearly 20 people – young, old, families and singles – lined up outside the entry of the new Underwood Pool complex at around 5 p.m. on a hot and hazy Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7.

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The reason for the delay getting inside the one-month-old facility? Simple popularity. The weather and knowing it would be the last day residents would be able to use the $5.3 million double pool for nearly 10 months brought the crowds out to at least “test drive” the structure that replaced the former 102 year old outdoor “pond” once before it goes into hibernation. 

One lifeguard at the entrance said more than 1,000 people had come during the Monday holiday, causing the pool to be temporarily closed due to the sheer numbers enjoying the amenity. 

“This is great. We need to build another one,” said Adriana Poole of Belmont, as she made her way up and back in one of the lanes in the deep end of the pool. 

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Another resident said he came “just to see what I paid for,” referring to the $2.9 million debt exclusion approved by Belmont voters in 2014.

The verdict: “Very nice, although I’d like it more if it was open tomorrow,” he said, noting Tuesday’s highs would top 90 degrees.

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