Q&A: Warrant Meeting On Articles Before Special Town Meeting Tuesday, Oct. 30

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Photo: Poster for the event 

The public and Town Meeting members are invited to attend a Warrant Briefing tonight, Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m. at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St.

Residents and voters will have the opportunity to ask questions about the Warrant Articles prior to Special Town Meeting scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Nov 13.

The articles that will be before the “Special” will include:

  • Appropriation of debt to build the Belmont High School construction project.
  • Amendment to the zoning bylaw to create an overlay district along South Pleasant Street.
  • Amendment to the zoning bylaw to create an adult use marijuana overlay district.
  • A Community Preservation Committee off cycle request for $400,000 for the design of an Alexander Avenue underpass.
  • A citizen petition to extend the temporary moratorium on marijuana establishment for an additional six months til June 30, 2019.
  • Reduction of the senior property tax deferral interest rate from eight percent to four-and-a half percent.

Town officials and department heads will be present to provide information. Roy Epstein, chair of the Warrant Committee, will preside. Tonight’s meeting is cosponsored by the Warrant Committee and the Belmont League of Women Voters Education Fund.

Learn About Music Whatever Your Age, Skills At Powers’ Workshop Week

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Photo: The poster for this week’s workshops.

A big event is happening beginning today, Monday, Oct. 29 and running through Saturday, Nov. 3 as the Powers Music  School is holding its first Workshop Week.

Taught by local and regional teaching artists, the workshops bring accessible music and arts programs right to the public, and provide a fun way to learn about music.

“We are offering 50-plus workshops that cost only $5 each (or free for registered Powers families) and there is truly something for everyone,” said Kelly Webber, Director of Marketing & Communications for the school, located at 396/380 Concord Ave.

Whether you’re new to music or already play an instrument, are young or old, there is a class for everyone.

All details about the event are on the Powers’ Workshop Week webpage: http://www.powersmusic.org/workshopweeks

 

IT Committee Wants Your Opinion On Improving Resident/Town Engagement

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Photo: Belmont is seeking to increase engagement with government and residents.

The Belmont Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC) is conducting a short survey to assess how residents are engaging with the work of both elected and appointed committees in our town government. We are asking for your help. 

The survey’s purpose is to gauge how residents interact with elected and appointed government committees. We want to know how and where you obtain the information you need about the work your town government does. We are interested in your feelings about different options to leverage technology to increase public engagement in town government – for example: streaming committee meetings, remote participation for committee members and members of the public, and other activities. We would very much appreciate your input!

The survey shouldn’t take more than five minutes to complete.

The link to the survey is https://goo.gl/forms/mbuNp6KT7uv0jCVs2

Paul F. Roberts, chair, Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC)

paulroberts@gmail.com

Glenn Wong, vice chair

Belmont Football Just Short In First Playoff Game, 50-35; Burlington At Home Friday

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Photo: Belmont senior RB Rhaki Joseph on the run.

When Danvers’ Matt McCarthy intercepted Belmont’s Avery Arno’s pass and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown (McCarthy’s fourth time into the end zone) early in the third quarter to make the score 43-6 in favor of the host Falcons in the first round of the Division 3 North football playoffs, it could have easily been the time for the Marauders to pack it in for the night. 

“Ninety-nine out of 100 teams would have walked off the field and thrown in the towel. Ninety-nine out of 100 defenses would have checked out,” said Belmont Head Coach Yann Kumin after the game.

But for Belmont, the night would not end after a half.

“I want to play more football and so do you,” said Kumin as Belmont would score four touchdowns against Danvers’ at times porous defense while the Marauders defense allowed a single sustained scoring drive by the Falcons to erase a blowout and make it a game Falcons had to earn, 50-35. 

“We have never been here before,” said Kumin as Friday’s game was Belmont first-ever playoff game under the MIAA postseason system established four years ago. Every journey is a long road “and this game takes us one step closer to our goal. This [playoff trip] was no small accomplishment and we know in our hearts that we were just two possessions away from winning this game.”

“Be proud of how we got here and we have three more weeks of football left,” he said. 

Belmont (3-5) will now host Middlesex League rival Burlington High (5-3) on Friday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. at Harris Field. Burlington was upset by visiting Wayland on Friday in the first round of the Division 4 North sectionals. The Devils (5-3) is led by senior running back Jake Doherty who ran for 346 rushing yards and four touchdowns against Wilmington earlier in October.

It was a classic game of two half with Danvers which raced off to a 5-0 start to the season before losing its star quarterback Brendan Treacy for a pair of games – both losses – to a reported violation of a school policy. The hosts dominated the game with Treacy particularly successful through the air (252 yards, a pair of touchdowns) as the Marauders defensive line held its own against the Falcon’s ground attack. 

Treacy scored from two yards out after a three-minute opening drive. Belmont picked up a first down on an Arno to senior receiver Jared Edwards completion to Belmont’s 40 but the drive stalled on the next set of downs. McCarthy scored his first TD of the night on a 43-yard scamper with two minutes remaining in the first. The Falcon’s third score of the quarter came with some controversy as Danvers receiver Ezra Lombardi shoved Edwards who was in coverage along the right sideline to grab a bomb from Treacy for a 90 yard TD.

Belmont got on the scoreboard on a nifty drive that included one of several unsportsmanlike penalties on Danvers with senior RB Rhaki Joseph taking it 18 yards up the gut with 8:59 remaining in the second quarter. 

But Danvers’ McCarthy would end the Falcons’ final two drives in the first half, the first a 15-yard rushing TD followed by an outstanding 16-yard catch between two Belmont defenders in the corner of the right end zone with 58 seconds remaining to extend the lead to 35-6 at the half. 

“We must be faster in making our adjustments [to what Danvers is doing],” said Kumin. “We went into the half knowing what we had to do and it was successful. We just have to do our [changes] on the fly,” he said.

The overhaul of Belmont’s play calling to an in-your-face attacking offense showed immediate results in the third as Joseph scored his second touchdown (and the two-point conversion) soon to be followed by a 32-yard scamper by senior running back Kilian O’Connell, both assisted by a myriad of penalties.

A failed onside kick late in the third allowed Danvers to work with a short field and they capitalized when running back Jack Strangie scored on a 10-yard run early in the fourth quarter. Despite being down by 29, Belmont’s offense continued to take the game to the Falcons as Joseph powered in from three yards out for his third TD of the night with 7:23 remaining.
Belmont’s defense stopped Danvers on a third and 4 with 2:40 left and the offense steamrolled its way into the end zone as Arno found senior wide receiver Mike Delhome on a 31-yard pass and catch with just less than a minute to play in the game. But offsides on an attempted onside kick ended the night and the playoff run for the Marauders. 
But for Kunin, the game is part of the progress he has seen in the program over the past few years, coming from losing seasons up to where Belmont was four minutes away in its game against Arlington last week from hosting a playoff game. 

“I’m proud of this team. These guys didn’t quit and they wouldn’t let me quit,” he said.

Masquerade Concert, Haunted House At Belmont High This Wednesday, Oct. 24

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Photo: The poster for the Masquerade Concert

Preview your costume and get scared as Belmont High School turns into a House of Horrors on Wednesday, Oct. 24, as students get ready to do some pre-Halloween spooookiness.

Need a night of fright this Halloween season? Then come down to the fifth annual Belmont High School Haunted House! This event includes a walk-through spook show and a Halloween activity center for younger guests. The house, constructed and inhabited by the sophomore class, will be open from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria. There is a $5 admission fee: this year the class is donating all funds to Samaritans, the suicide prevention hotline. 

Right after the Haunted House, the Belmont High School Music Ensembles will hold its yearly Masquerade Benefit Concert which this year will assist the Belmont Food Pantry. The musical groups will be outfitted in their ghoulish best as they present a variety of magical and scary music. 

The concert starts at 7 p.m. in the school’s auditorium. Join in on the fun and wear your own costumes.

While admission is free, a suggested donation of $10 to $25 or nonperishable food items would be appreciated.

Early Voting Has Begun In Belmont; Final Day Friday, Nov. 2 [VIDEO]

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Photo: Early voting has begun.

Thanks to the 2016 changes to the Massachusetts General Laws, any registered voter of Massachusetts may choose to cast a ballot for the State Election (candidates and four questions) before Election Day on Nov. 6. The law permits registered voters to cast ballots during the designated period of Early Voting, for 2018  between Oct. 22 and Friday, Nov. 2.  

“We are excited to offer this opportunity to all registered voters of Belmont, an expanded, accessible schedule of hours at one central location, Belmont Town Hall, for this “no excuse” vote-ahead option,” said Belmont Town Clerk Ellen Cushman.

Early voting is available to every registered voter. Unlike absentee voting that is available in every election for only those voters who will be absent from Belmont, or have a physical disability preventing the voter from going to the polls or with a religious belief preventing the voter from going to the polls on Election Day.

No advance application is necessary to Vote Early in person; you can decide the date and time to cast your ballot at Town Hall during designated Early Voting hours. Once the voter has cast an Early Voting Ballot, that voter may not vote at the polls on Election Day or receive an Absentee Ballot. 

Only Belmont residents who are registered to vote by the Oct. 17 deadline are eligible to vote in this year’s State Election.  To register to vote, find out whether and where you are already registered, where to vote, visit the Secretary of State’s website.

To find out more about Absentee and Early Voting, visit the Belmont Town Clerk’s pages on the Town website.

Early Voting for Belmont Voters will be available ONLY at Town Hall, 455 Concord Ave., during the following schedule of dates and hours, no advance notice is required: 

  • Monday, Oct. 22; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 23; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 24;  8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 25;  8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 26; 8 a.m. to Noon
  • Saturday, Oct. 27; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 28; No Early Voting Hours
  • Monday, Oct. 29; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 30;  8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 31; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 1; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 2; 8 a.m. to Noon

“Pick the most convenient date and time for you and give Early Voting a try.  It’s always advisable to have your ID with you when you go to vote either on Election Day or for Early Voting,” said Cushman.

Written, signed Absentee Applications and Early Voting Applications that request us to mail you a ballot are also available, online at the Town Clerk’s webpage or at the Town Clerk’s office at Town Hall.  If you have questions or need additional information, email the Town Clerk’s office at townclerk@belmont-ma.gov or phone 617-993-2600   

‘Override’ Class Of Belmont Educators Earn Professional Status

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Photo: The ‘Override” Class of newly minted professional educators.

A quiz of teachers gathered at the Chenery Middle School on Tuesday, Oct. 9 to celebrate a milestone in their career; earning their professional teaching status in the Belmont public schools. Each in the group had successfully completed three years teaching or working with educators and had started their fourth school year last month.

And it’s a whopper of a class: 33 teachers and administrators by far the largest number of educators to earn professional status in the collective institutional memory of administrators attending the ceremony hosted by the Belmont School Committee. Mary Pederson, the schools director of human resources, said the number reflects both retirements and “that this year marks the first group of staff that was hired with the funds from the (2015) override we successfully passed.” 

“And I know the students and parents in the district … are grateful we have all of you out in the schools teaching classes and helping to keep our class sizes aren’t so big,” said Pederson. Superintendent John Phelan and School Committee Chair Susan Burgess-Cox greeted and presented each attending educator with a small gift

The educators are:

  • Elizabeth Baker, Belmont High, Director of Science
  • David Beebe, Chenery, Technology Engineering
  • Maria Bonfiglio, Burbank, Special Education
  • Jane Brandt, Chenery, ESL
  • Lauren Chancey, Winn Brook, Grade 2
  • Robyn Cohen, Chenery, Guidance Counselor
  • Abbie Dufault, Butler, Grade 1
  • Kate Ebdon, Wellington, Grade 2
  • Laura Fink, Burbank, Grade 2
  • Ezra Flam, Belmont High, Theater Arts
  • Caeli Fraher, Winn Brook, Grade 1
  • Timothy Glick, Chenery, Math, Grade 8
  • Jonathan Golden, Chenery, Math, Grade 7
  • David Gonzales, Chenery, Health+Physical Education
  • Anna Guastella, Belmont High, English
  • Jenna Judge, Wellington, Grade 1
  • Catrina Knapp, Chenery, Grade 5, Math/Science
  • Megan Marincic, Winn Brook, ESL
  • Kimberly Masterson, Belmont High, English
  • Kathryn McLeod, Belmont High, Technology Engineering
  • Stephanie Messing, Butler, Grade 2
  • Aaron Ogilvie, Wellington, Grade 4
  • Mark Olowinski, Belmont High, Math
  • Jessica Pulido, Belmont High, Math
  • Jennifer Scranton, Elementary, Science Facilitator
  • Erin Severy, Wellington, Grade 4
  • Jamie Shea, Belmont High, Social Studies
  • Cynthia St. Clair, Wellington, Grade 3
  • Leslie Sullivan, Belmont High, French and Spanish
  • Crystal Waters, Chenery, Math, Grade 6
  • Grace Yegen, Chenery, ESL

Belmont Volleyball Wins Thriller in Winchester, Battles Reading For Co-Title Tuesday

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Photo: What winners look like; Belmont in five sets over Winchester

It was a struggle, it was a war and there was nothing that anyone was giving away.

The volleyball match between Belmont and Winchester highs was between 13 win contestants with a chance to take a share of a league title, an opportunity that each squad would not surrender without a drag out, back and forth shootout.

And at the end of the day, it was Belmont taking the emotional marathon match from host Winchester, 3 sets to 2, (18-25, 25-21, 25-22, 10-25, 19-17) with the final set ending with Belmont saving a game point with a soft tip shot to an outside spot by senior co-captain/middle blocker Jane Mahon before winning it with a service ace from senior opposite hitter Gabby Viale.

“We were on fire!” said Mahon whose blocking and kills were critical in Belmont controling the front of the net. But Mahon praised the entire team – Belmont’s Head Coach Jen Couture uses a slew of players throughout the game – for its collective effort.

“My teammates were absolutely incredible tonight. Every single person on the court for Belmont gave it their all and refused to give in or give up as we rolled into overtime,” said Mahon, who is one of the top players in kill percentage in the state.

Both teams came into Friday’s game at 11-2 in league play with Winchester with a 13-5 and Belmont a 13-2 over all record. The Sachems coming off a statement win over Reading, shutting out the Rockets, 3-0, at home a week before.

Belmont took two sets after dropping the first. The Sachems then responded to the home crowd’s enthusiastic urging to push the Marauders to a take it all fifth set.

Belmont started off on the front foot by taking a 4-0 lead “but Winchester was not giving up. And from then on it was close battle,” said Mahon. The the Sachems took a late lead and were a point from taking the game at 12 -14.

“Then we sided out and senior setter Mindee Lai served to tie it at 14-14. Then it was back and forth,” said Mahon. Belmont would survive a pair of game winning serves (the final one at 16-17) by Winchester leading to the final two points and the win. (Start the video at 1:58:00 to see the final points of the game.)

Friday’s win sets up a showdown with Middlesex Liberty leader Reading Memorial High (14-2, 13-1) on Tuesday, Oct. 23. A Belmont win, on Seniors Night at Wenner Field House, will give Belmont a share of the title lead with two games remaining this week. If the Marauders than takes a victory over Arlington, they will be league co-champions, the first time Belmont Volleyball will raise a championship banner. 

Back on Sept. 25, Reading beat the visiting Marauders, 3 to 1. 

But on Friday night, Mahon and her teammates thoughts was on one of the biggests victories in Belmont volleyball’s history. 

“I just have to say, this is one night we will all remember. I’m so lucky to have such talent on the floor with me,” said Mahon.

Opening Reception For Belmont Gallery of Art’s The Emotion Of Color Friday, Oct. 19

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Photo: “Oceanlife” Nedret Andre

THE EMOTION OF COLOR; ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM IN THE 21ST CENTURY opens Friday, Oct. 19 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a reception for the public at the Belmont Gallery of Art, third floor of the Homer Building, 19 Moore St. in the Town Hall complex.

The show runs from Oct. 19 to Nov. 30.

This latest Belmont Gallery of Art show features contemporary abstract art by four well-known artists; Susie White, Jeanne Arthur, Kirsten Reynolds and Nedret Andre. The show centers around the theme of emotional connection to color and venue in contemporary art. These four abstract artists together in one gallery will be a visual delight, with powerful images filled with color and light viscerally connecting us to our collective emotions. They are linked through their shared inspiration from the natural world, their innovation, their boldness, their immense talents and the emotional core of their work.                                                                                                                                                                            

The show is curated by Chris Arthur. Please join the artists and the gallery in seeing this remarkable show.

For more information, please contact the Belmont Gallery of Art via its Facebook page.

Belmont Boosters Plus Belmont Savings Brings In $27K (So Far) On ‘B’ Drive

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Photo: “B” Drive: Boosters annual fundraiser.

Going out in teams and pairs, Belmont High athletes took the town for the annual Belmont Booster’s “B” Drive on Sunday, Oct. 14.

And according to Larry Christofori, Boosters president, this year’s fundraiser generated approximately $19,500, which compares favorably to last year’s total of about $17,500. The amount reached allowed the group to achieve a full $7,500 “match-fund” from the Belmont Savings Bank Foundation, making the total for the one day event to $27,000. 

Also, Christofori said the historically the Boosters can expect to generate another $4,000-5,000 in mail-in donations, putting the total somewhere in the neighborhood of $32,000.

“Thanks so much to all of you for your help and  who ran an incredibly efficient and tight ship in leading this effort for the Boosters,” said Christofori.