Rats Begone! Joey’s Park Reopened; Town Asks Patrons To Carry Out Trash/Food

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Joey’s Park, certified rat free.

After being closed for nearly a month due to an infestation of rats, Joey’s Park will reopen Wednesday, Nov. 22 – just in time for the Thanksgiving Holiday – to the public after the “rodent problem” has been resolved, according to a press release from the Belmont Department of Health.

The play structure adjacent to the Winn Brook Elementary School on Cross Street has been off-limits to the public since mid-October when the Belmont Department of Public Works and the Health Department discovered rats nesting in and around the facility. The town contracted Assurance Pest Solutions, a professional pest control operator to both investigate and treat the infestation using a non-chemical irritant to force the rodents out of the area.

“We are pleased to inform you that the rodent problem has been safely resolved at Joey’s Park and the park is again open for Belmont residents and the general public to enjoy!” read the press release.

To help prevent future rodent infestations at Joey’s Park, the Health Department is encouraging those using the park “to carry in/carry out any food, drinks, and trash items, which may attract nuisance wildlife to the area.”

Four Nights In Venice: First Church Children’s Music Presents Gilbert & Sullivan’s ‘The Gondoliers’

By Leave a Comment

Photo: The poster of the show.

Be transported to Venice for a night of comic opera when you attend Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Gondoliers” performed by The Children’s Music Program of the First Church Belmont Unitarian Universalist, located at 404 Concord Ave. just outside Belmont Center.

The plot is typical G&S – a topsy turvy comedy in which two married Venetian gondoliers, Giuseppe and Marco, are told they are not brothers and that one is the long-lost heir to the King of Barataria. And the only person who does know is their former nurse who is now the wife of a pirate in a faraway land. To make matters worse, the Duke of Plaza-Toro reveals that his daughter was married to the young prince in infancy, meaning one of the gondoliers has two wives! 

Live music by professional musicians will accompany the children’s voices. A wonderful cast ranging in age from 4 through high schoolers will perform each of the four nights. This show is sure to be fun for all ages.

Performances are being held on:

  • Thursday, Nov. 9, 5:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 10, 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 12, 3 p.m.

Tickets available at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3118663 or at the door. 

Breaking: Two Planning Board Members, Including Former Chair, Resign

By 4 Comments

Photo: (left) Barbara Fiacco; Liz Allison

Former Chair Liz Allison and member Barbara Fiacco suddenly resigned from the Belmont Planning Board since Monday, Oct. 23.

The departure of the pair comes less than a fortnight after associate member Raffi Manjikian angerly resigned on Oct. 13 due to a “hostile work environment” created by newly-elected Chair Charles Clark. 

As of Tuesday afternoon, the board has three members – Clark, Karl Haglund, and newly appointed Stephen Pinkerton – efficiently making it redundant to make decisions as it needs a fourth member. It will be up to the Board of Selectmen to appoint replacements.

Allison, Fiacco, and Clark could not be reached at this time. The article will be updated if they decide to respond. 

Allison and Fiacco’s letters – received on Monday, Oct 23 and Tuesday, Oct. 24 – were brief statements that did not elaborate the reason for their decisions.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with some very fine people and served a fine town,” said Allison.

Fiacco was more specific for her resignation, noting her “current workload and travel schedule. I am unable to dedicate the time necessary to address … challenges [facing the board] effectively this year.”

Allison and former member Manjikian were accused by Clark of abuse of power in September after it was revealed the pair had advocated moving the Belmont Public Library to a public/private Waverley Square development to revitalize the once-vibrant business center. The scheme, dubbed the ‘Big Idea,’ turned controversial when supporters of the library said they were never informed of the project or the move.

In the past month, a group of residents submitted a citizens’ petition to be heard at the Nov. 13 Special Town Meeting to consider changing the Planning Board from an appointed to an elected body.

Professionally, Allison is a noted economist who has served on the town’s Warrant, and Finance committees and Fiacco is a partner at the Boston law firm Foley Hoag. 

Don’t Bee Left Behind: Registration for Annual Spelling Bee Closes Oct. 20

By Leave a Comment

Photo: A kindergarten team at last year’s event.

Bee prompt bee for it’s too late!

Register now for the Foundation for Belmont Education’s annual Spelling Bee! There are very few spaces left for teams to participate in the contest taking place on Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Chenery Middle School beginning at 2 p.m. The Bee is open to all students in grades K-6 and is an exciting event for students, family, and friends.

It’s time to get ready create a team, pick a creative name, and coordinate your costumes. 

Expected Spelling Times

  • K-2nd Grades: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  • 3rd and 4th Grades: 4 p.m. – 6  pm 
  • 5th and 6th Grades: 6 p.m. – 8:30 pm 

Registration

Online registration is available at www.fbe-belmont.org/bee. Registration is completed at the individual speller level, but a team name and the names of all team members are required before an individual can register.

Space for this popular event is limited and often fills before the Friday, Oct. 20 registration deadline. Please register with your team as soon as possible to secure a spot.

Volunteer

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Bee, view the volunteer and sign-up HERE.

For more information, to register, and to view the 2017 word lists, visit the FBE website at: www.fbe-belmont.org/bee. Need assistance? Email beemaster@fbe-belmont.org.

Birthday Girl Allard Gifts Belmont 1-0 Payback Win Over Woburn

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Belmont’s Cary Allard (right) celebrating her goal as Woburn goalkeeper Kelsey Qualey (right) looking on.

The adage goes it’s better to give than receive. And Belmont High Girls’ Soccer senior co-captain Cary Allard who turned 18 Saturday, Oct. 14, decided to give her teammates a gift to celebrate her birthday: a game-winning goal.

Allard’s strike midway through first half was enough to give the Belmont (11-1-0) a 1-0 shutout victory over a physical Woburn (12-2-0) squad in a Saturday afternoon matinee to avenge a 1-0 defeat the Tanners put on a then-undefeated Marauders Thursday, Oct. 12.

“I don’t think you’ll see us play much better than this especially passing,” said Belmont’s long-time head coach Paul Graham.

Belmont’s goal was the result of a build up from the midfield with Allard picking up a through pass from sophomore midfielder Marina Karalis splitting a pair of defenders and tipping a right footed shot by Thursday’s hero Woburn goalkeeper Kelsey Qualey at the 20-minute mark. 

Belmont held the front foot for most of the first half with twice as many shots on goal, 4-2, during the first half hour. Woburn took advantage of its quickness to increase its presence in Belmont’s defensive end in the final 10 minutes with Belmont goalkeeper junior Chloe Tingos making a difficult save facing away from the field with five minutes remaining in the first half.

The second 40 minutes was a rough and tumble affair with plenty of whistles and players on the field with a Belmont player earning a yellow card. Belmont found room down the wings with Courtney Gray working with Allard on the left. The Marauders also found success in the middle with junior center forward Ella Gagnon and senior center midfielder and co-captain Emma Sass forcing the Tanners to keep players in their defensive end.

“We were using a lot of one-touch passes to beat their speed, and that allowed us to control the game,” said Graham.

With time running out in the game, Woburn stepped up its push towards Belmont’s end which kept Mauraders’ defenders juniors Emily Dexter and Megan Tan and senior co-captain Natalie Marcus-Bauer busy. Tan was specifically active on the left side using her pace to win the majority of 50/50 challenges. 

Woburn had one final push in the last five minutes as sophomore Ashlyn Pacheco – who scored the Tanners ‘ goal on Thursday – came close to earning the tie just pushing a free header by the right post. 

“We had several players come off the bench,” said Graham. “[Senior forward Emily] Duffy played, [senior forward] Eliza [Filler] did a great job as did [junior forword] Drew [Bates]. They didn’t play 40 minutes, but when they came in, they did their jobs.” 

The victory gives Belmont a slim lead in the three-team race for the Middlesex League Liberty title with the Marauders facing a rematch with Winchester (10-1-2) away on Thursday, Oct. 19.

Sports: Volleyball Bounces Back With First Win; Boys, Girls Soccer On Roll

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Volleyball for the win. 

During this first week of play, Belmont High School teams are finding their winning strides:

Girls Volleyball: (Friday, Sept. 8) Belmont 3, Wilmington 0

A young Belmont Volleyball (1-1) came back from a challenging first game of the season loss at Burlington with a solid win over Wilmington, 3-0 (25-14, 25-22, 25-20) in the home opener on Friday, Sept. 8.

After a dominate first set victory, Belmont found itself down for most of the second set, trailing 18-22 after a Wilmington side out. But the set turned around on Jen Tan‘s crucial service turn as she won the final seven service chances of the set.

“That really set the tone for the last set,” said Belmont Head Coach Jen Couture. “Jen’s serving really fires the team up and raises the energy level on the court.”

The Marauders was ahead 5-2 in the third set when outstanding sophomore Mindee Lai went on her own impressive service run, winning eight consecutive services points to up Belmont’s lead to 12-3.

“Julia Logan also stepped up to play outside hitter and contributed four kills by finding holes in the defense and tooling the block,” said Couture.

Belmont victory came after a 3-1 (22-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-17) loss to Burlington. Sophomore libero Sophia Estok and junior Leah Babroudi were outstanding on serve receive, 32 for 34 and 17 for 18 against some very tough serves. Lai led the offense with 18 assists, many to sophomore outside hitter Nena Trifunovic who contributed 13 kills in her varsity debut.
 
Volleyball will be heading to Stoneham on Tuesday, Sept. 12.
 
Boys Soccer: Belmont 2, Wilmington 0
 
It took a while for Belmont Boys’ Soccer to find a way through a stubborn Wildcat defense but the Marauders found the back of the net twice in the final 13 minutes to win its home opener, 2-0, over Wilmington at Harris Field Friday afternoon, Sept. 8.
 
On both goals, Belmont attacked down the left side and with a series of in-close passes, opened the field to allow Will Hoerle to score with 12 minutes remaining and Marc Muser with the assist from Andrew Mauser to close out the victory two minutes from the final whistle. Senior Nate Espelin earned his second shutout
 
Belmont Boys Soccer’s next game is away to Stoneham on Tuesday, Sept. 12.
Girls Soccer: Belmont 3, Wilmington 1
The first significant away game of the season and Belmont (2-0-0) passed the test by defeating old nemesis Wilmington, 3-1, on the Wildcat’s home turf Saturday night, Sept 9. 
Goals by junior forward Morgan Krausse from senior Carey Allard, a long distance (estimated at 30 meters) rocket from sophomore midfielder Marina Karalis with an assist by senior Emma Sass and junior forward Elia Gagnon from Sass sealed Belmont’s second victory of the young season. 

“Great game, better than the other night,” said Head Coach Paul Graham.
 

Ramp Up: Friends Group Seeking to Raise $35K For PQ Park

By 1 Comment

Photo: The playground at PQ Park.

The Friends of PQ Park announced that the goal of raising $35,000 in private funds has kicked off and is ramping up. The fundraising efforts are a result of the Town of Belmont’s requirement that the renovation of its public spaces is supported by both public and private funds.

Pequossette Park, established in 1928, is a great open space, a playground, and tennis courts. The Park has been in need of new playground equipment and landscaping for some time. New renovation plans include walking paths, drainage, landscaping, and two new play areas dedicated to the differing needs of children.

“We are thrilled that a large portion of the New PQ Playground will be funded through the Community Preservation Act,” says Julie Crockett, President of Friends of PQ Park.

“When the Town of Belmont required residents to raise $35,000 to bring the project to fruition, we knew we’d need widespread community support. As of today, we have raised almost 10 percent of the required $35,000. With the Sept. 30, deadline looming, it is critical for us to bring in donations, large and small, from individuals, families, and businesses.”

Visit the website to learn more and make your donation. Alternatively, checks should be sent to “Friends of PQ Park,” 31 Walnut St, Belmont MA, 02478

Friends of PQ Park will be at the Meet Belmont community information fair on Tuesday, Aug. 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Chenery Middle School to share more details with Belmont residents.

 

135 Years Later, Belmont Town Hall Drawing Finds A Home in Town Hall

By Leave a Comment

Photo: The illustration of Belmont’s Town Hall, circa 1881.

While some people like to spend their vacation sitting by the pool or hiking on far off trails, this July Selectman Adam Dash took some of his time away from work to hit the internet with the goal of seeking out items for sale with a Belmont theme.

“I’m interested in seeing what’s out there,” said the first-term selectman who lives on Goden Street.

Dash said during one of his treks online; he happened to “stumble upon” something that immediately caught his eye: a hand-colored single-page illustration of Belmont’s Town Hall with a detailed floor plan of the building’s first floor as depicted in the Aug. 6, 1881 issue of “American Architect and Building News.”

“Somebody 135 years ago must have felt that this was worth some architectural significance because they put it into a national publication,” said Dash.

The magazine that ran the image began in 1876 before changing its name to “American Architect” in 1909. It ceased publication in 1938 when it was absorbed into the “Architectural Record” which today is one of the leading architectural monthlies in the US.

Not many issues of the “Building News” survive and most of those editions do not have color illustrations “so this is a rare find, probably the only one in existence,” said Dash.

The drawing of the familiar landmark off Concord Avenue shows that the building hasn’t changed much since it was constructed in the early 1880s although its uses have: the Selectmen’s Room was the town’s reading room while the town administrator’s office was the book room. Dash speculates that the counter likely where books were checked out by the public.

A seller from Minnesota had put the drawing up for sale for a price “that wasn’t going to break the bank,” said Dash. 

“I showed it to Phyllis [Marshall, the interim Town Administrator] and said ‘That belongs in the Town Hall.’ So I said ‘I think I’ll get it and donate to the town.'” Which Dash will do at the Board of Selectmen’s meeting on Monday, Aug. 21.

“I figured it would be nice for the public to see,” said Dash.

Chenery Closed Tuesday Due To After Effects Of Monday’s Power Outage

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Schools out for … June 13.

Chenery Middle School will be closed Tuesday, June 13 due to the impact of yesterday’s power outage on the building’s backup generator.

In an email to middle school parents and guardians, Belmont Superintendent John Phelan said that after consulting with the Belmont Fire Department “there is a concern the backup generator at the Chenery is not within the state safety regulations.”  

“Therefore, the school will not be in session on Tuesday, June 13th for Chenery students,” he said.

Phelan warned the school community there is “a possibility that this process may take more than one school day” to bring the generator up to Fire Department muster. He said he would keep adults, students, and educators updated throughout the day.

In the one bit of good news for parents and kids is that the “cancelled day of school will NOT be added to the end of the school, per Department of Elementary and Secondary Education policy,” said Phelan.

“The last day of school for all students, including Chenery students, remains Wednesday, June 21.”

Town Announces Its Scholarship Recipients

By Leave a Comment

Photo: The scholarship award winners: FRONT ROW: (from left) Judy Li, Aisling Madden, Noah Riley, Eleanor Thidemann. TOP ROW: (from left)  Bo Lan, Cindy (Xinyi) Zhang, Francesca Mei, Ava Madden, Su Jing Chen and Ms. June Yacubian, a member of the scholarship committee.

The Town of Belmont Scholarship was presented to nine Belmont High School graduating seniors at a school-wide award’s ceremony earlier in June.

They are:

  • Judy Li
  • Aisling Madden
  • Noah Riley
  • Eleanor Thidemann
  • Bo Lan
  • Cindy (Xinyi) Zhang
  • Francesca Mei
  • Ava Madden
  • Su Jing Chen

The Town of Belmont Education Scholarship is made possible to outstanding students who reside in Belmont and are members of any high school, vocational school, private or parochial school. 

The scholarship is funded by taxpayers’ check-off contributions and private donations earmarked for general scholarship purposes. Scholarships are awarded on financial need, academic performance (unweighted GPA), and extracurricular activities including community services, school groups and clubs.

Applications are scored by an independent third party, and evaluated by the seven-member Town of Belmont Education Scholarship Committee.