Breaking: Select Board Agree On Aspects Of COA Memo On Senior Center’s Future;

Photo: Karen Donelan, Chair of the Council on Aging

The Belmont Select Board moved to support the leading aspects of a memorandum authored by Karen Donelan, Chair of the Council on Aging, on the future of the Beech Street Center, the town’s senior center. The memo will transition three recreation department staff members into the Beech Street Center on a “trial” basis beginning this summer. 

“So, let’s give it a try,” said Donelan, who reported that the COA had approved the memo unanimously earlier in the afternoon. 

This spring, the proposed staff move has been a highly controversial issue, resulting in heated meetings and a citizens’ petition. It is unknown how this partial agreement will affect the citizen’s petition, which will be the first article at the Special Town Meeting on Wednesday, May 21

At the Select Board meeting held before the fourth night of the 2025 Town Meeting, Donelan said the “rules of moving forward” regarding the town’s effort to move the recreation employees are that the town will maintain “senior” hours—currently 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with one day a 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. shift)—at the Beech Street Center and maintain a senior-based parking scheme. 

In return, the town and COA agree to evaluate the move to determine its impact on the senior services and elder patrons. The Select Board also agrees to abandon the plan to build a separate entry for recreational operations.

“This gives everyone a breather,” said Matt Taylor, the board’s vice chair and COA representative.

[This is an ongoing article and will be undated.]

COA Votes To Delay Transitioning Rec Dept Staff To Beech Street Center; Town, Select Board Has Other Ideas

Photo: The Council on Aging voted 9-1 to delay the transition of three Recreation Department staffers and the Veterans Agent into the Beech Street Center

At first glance, the proposal from town officials to transistion the Recreation Department to the Beech Street Senior Center this fall appears straightforward enough. Due to space needs at Town Hall with the Retirement Board heading to the Homer Building, construction work – including adding a new entry specifically for Recreation Department use – will be performed so three Recreation Department administrative staffers and the town’s Veterans Agent can relocate into a corner of the Beech Street Center as town librarians – in the location temporarily as the new library is being built – are prepared to transfer out. 

While the request didn’t appear to be contentious, don’t tell that to seniors who contend the transition is part of a “power play” by the town to reduce or remove the Council on Aging’s control of the Beech Street Center. Many senior advocates point to last year’s placement of the once-independent Senior Center into the newly-created Community Services Department – which occurred only after a protracted debate – as another example of the town interjecting its will onto its seniors.

“A lot of us see this building as just being prime real estate, and the town is licking its chops and figuring out every scheme it can use to move inside,” said Bob McGaw. The chair of the By-Law Review Committee has spearheaded a successful Citizens Petition with more than 300 signatures to bring an article to the Special Town Meeting inside the annual Town Meeting on May 21 to ask the town’s legislative to approve the Center’s “change of use essentially.” 

COA member Maryann Scali

After a month of meetings in April, the COA on Wednesday, April 30, voted 9-1 to delay the proposed transition of the Rec Department employees in the Center until the completion of the ongoing University of Massachusetts Boston community needs assessment survey of town’s seniors, and the formation of a working advisory group made up of COA members, residents, and others would then meet to hammer out a new plan. 

“We don’t have enough detail [about the transition plan],” said COA member Andrea Paschal just before Wednesday’s vote. “The thought of having the Rec Department, library, and senior services here all the way through ’til November seems almost impossible to me. So I think if I had to decide today … let’s wait at least until the fall when the library has moved out and when we have more information about the details and then come to a decision about the best way to combine rec, veterans, and senior services.” 

Yet, according to two COA members, the vote—and the hopes of senior activists—was insubstantial at Wednesday’s meeting, as the final determination on the transition lies in the hands of the town’s administrative body.

“We do have our hands tied, because ultimately, we advise the Select Board, [but] the Select Board is the body which ultimately makes these decisions,” said COA Chair Karen Donelan.

At the COA public meetings, opinions sharpened as the assembled voiced its approval of speakers who blasted the proposed transfer and vowed to halt the move. Supporters contend that inserting the Rec. Department employees violates the long-standing agreement between the town and financial donors who brought in approximately $1 million that the primary use of the building would be senior-oriented. 

For COA member Maryann Scali, the sole purpose of the Center—approved in 2005 by a Town Meeting vote—is as a “senior center, and this is why it’s here and why millions of dollars was donated.” “Now the recreation department has moved in without our consent, without discussion,” she said at an earlier meeting.

Others believe the COA has only a single course to take.

“A resounding NO!”

“There’s nothing in your charge that allows you to have the Recreation Commission come in and do anything else. Your main function is to serve the elderly people in this town. So the answer to the town: ‘Can we bring the Recreation Department?’ should be a resounding NO!” said Mark D’Andrea.

Yet the town and the Select Board stand firm in their belief that there is reasonable cause to move forward with the transisition. While wanting to be very respectful of the COA, Select Board Chair Elizabeth Dionne said at its Monday, April 28 meeting that the board has long committed to continuing to have the Beech Street Center dedicated to seniors “from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.” For that reason, Dionne opposes the suggestion of bringing in a small number of town employees, which constitutes a full-fledged abandonment of the Center’s main role. 

“I really object to this claim that it’s a change of use. I don’t want that claim to go out there unanswered. To say there’s a change of use, in my mind, is to perpetuate a falsehood,” said Dionne. Town Administrator Patrice Garvin noted a recent reading of the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding by the town’s legal counsel refutes the change of use claims and renders the advocate’s challenge moot.

The board has pointed to practical reasons for the transistion. Select Board Vice Chair Matt Taylor said the move is coming at an opportune time as “there is a renewed energy and enthusiasm around our Senior Center” and the extra pair of hands and ability to extend the building’s hours that “there are real opportunities to serve our residents.”

“Bringing staff to the administrative offices would allow both staffs to share responsibilities while freeing up staff from the desk to help programming and services throughout the building, especially at later hours that seniors have been requesting,” said Taylor.

Community Services Director Brendan Fitts said the move would enhance efficiency while supporting cross-departmental collaboration. The COA and Rec. Department use the same software and share the same administrative backbone within the Community Service.

“[It] aligns with town goals,” said Fitts, as it is doing more with less with long-term savings, all the while maintaining the senior Center’s focus on serving the town’s elder community.

However, the chief cudgel the town holds over the COA vote are two past acts: stripping the independence of the Center and the COA, and Town Meeting passing changes to the Town Administrator’s position. After several seniors at the last public meeting suggested a much stronger response than a slowdown of the process – one going so far as suggesting the council resign en masse for failing its mission to promote elder services – COA member Joel Semuels told those attending that the COA is restrained by past presence from halting the move.

Samuels explained that the COA vote was only on whether to proceed with the construction project—including creating the new entrance and interior modifications—and on getting the Veterans and Recreation Department staff into this building. “That’s what this meeting is about,” he said. 

“The Recreation Department and the Veterans [Agent] and the COA are part of a Community Services Department. That is a reality right now. That horse has left the bar. The fact that the COA is not a free-standing Senior Center has already been decided. Last year, we fought that and lost, so we’re not returning.”

COA Chair Karen Donelan

“Town meeting by its vote a number of years ago, gave the town administrator the authority to oversee the staff of the Council on Aging,” added Our board can advocate. Our board can plead. Our board can suggest our board does not hire and fire staff. That is in the town administrator’s authority by vote of Town Meeting,” said Donelan.

“What we are saying [with the vote] is we want to delay until we can answer many of the questions that have been raised,” said said. “We don’t want to move ahead with what a legitimate policy process is. We’re doing our best to hear your questions and say, ‘Let’s answer them before we take a vote’.”

Belmont Issues Heat Advisory, Opens Cooling Center At Beech Street, 1/2 Price Pool Admission

Photo: The Underwood Pool will have reduced admission during heat advisory.

Due to the upcoming period of high heat and humidity, the Beech Street Center at 266 Beech St. will be open as a cooling center from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, and Wednesday, July 16-17.

Additionally, the Underwood Pool at the intersection of Concord and Cottage will be open Monday July 15 through Wednesday July 17 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is half price admission for Belmont residents until the close on Wednesday.

“We encourage everyone to stay cool and hydrated. We ask that you check on elderly friends and neighbors, along with others, who may need help during this period of high heat and humidity,” said a message from the Belmont Police Department

Belmont Opens Cooling Centers To Help Alleviate Midweek Heat Wave

Photo: Cooling center opened for all residents

With temperatures during a midweek heat wave expected to reach the mid-90s to over 100 degrees, Belmont is providing a pair of cooling centers to help all residents stay comfortable and safe during the peak of the hot weather.

The Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St., will be open on Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Center will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, as part of the Juneteenth holiday.

The Belmont Media Center, at 9 Lexington St., will be open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Water will be provided at both locations.

Town Sets Up Cooling Centers During Current Heat Wave, Thursday Through Saturday

Photo: It’s gonna be like down south for the next three days

Beat the heat at a pair of Belmont Cooling Center this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; July 27-29.

Due to the upcoming period of high heat and humidity, the Beech Street Center at 266 Beech St. and the Belmont Public Library at 336 Concord Ave. will be open as cooling centers.

The hours will be as follows:

  • Beech Street Center: Thursday, July 27: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday, July 28: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Belmont Public Library: Thursday, July 27: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.,  Friday, July 28: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, July 29: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The town encourages everyone to stay cool and hydrated, and check on elderly friends and neighbors who, along with others, may need help during this period of high heat and humidity.

State Rep Rogers Announces June Office Hours In Belmont

Photo: State Rep Dave Rogers at the Belmont Farmers Market

State Rep Dave Rogers has announced his June office hours in Belmont. They will be:

– TuesdayJune 13from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Beech Street Center in Belmont (266 Beech Street, Belmont, MA, 02478) 

– TuesdayJune 20from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Bellmont Café in Belmont (80 Leonard Street, Belmont MA, 02478

Celebrate Ensuring Belmont As A Welcoming Town On Saturday, March 11

Photo: The Beech Street Center will host an informal, non-partisan gathering of community groups

On Saturday, March 11, various groups are coming together for an informal, non-partisan gathering of community groups dedicated to ensuring Belmont is a welcoming town.

Belmont Against Racism (BAR), The Belmont Human Rights Commission, and The Belmont Democratic Town Committee invite the community to celebrate our people, learn more about each other, and help create a more welcoming town. Let us know what you love about Belmont and what you would like to see improved. Meet with others from our community and share ideas with Belmont neighbors in an informal setting.

All are welcome to this free, non-partisan event.

Please RSVP – belmontagainstracism@gmail.com – so we know how much pizza and drinks to get!

We look forward to seeing you at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St., on Saturday, March 11, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Talk On How Supreme Court Ruling Effects Gun Ownership in Belmont Friday At The Beech Street Center

Photo: The talk will take place at the Beech Street Center, Friday, Aug. 12 from 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 pm.

The decision in June by the US Supreme Court to loosen handgun restrictions in New York City will have an effect on Belmont residents seeking to purchase a weapon that they wished to carry on them in public.

Belmont Police Chief James MacIsaac will host a conversation and discussion about the court’s gun reform ruling, gun reform laws in general and how it impacts Massachusetts at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St., Friday, Aug. 12 from 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 pm. Cost is free.

“I was approached by the senior center about … the court decision and what effect it would have in Massachusetts,” MacIsaac told the Select Board at its Monday, Aug. 8 meeting.

The June 23 decision struck down a New York law requiring people to show a specific need to carry a firearm in public. Gun safety advocates, however, emphasize that the court’s ruling was limited in scope and still allows states to regulate types of firearms, where people can carry firearms and the permitting process, including requirements for background checks and training. 

MacIsaac said the commonwealth had “pretty good gun laws” prior to the ruling: an applicant would need to present three letters of recommendation and then questioned on their need to carry a weapon in public. In Belmont, the police chief who was the issuing authority could then either reject the application or grant either a Class A license – which allowed for a person to carry a concealed at any time – or a Class B which allowed them to carry to and from a shooting range.

The Supreme Court’s ruling did away with the classification systems and the need for letters of recommendation, said MacIsaac. “It’s still up to the police chief in the community if there’s a reason that they find someone’s not suitable and we still have the statutory exemptions that prevent people from obtaining a firearm.”

Belmont Opens Cooling Centers Over Weekend During Heat Wave

Photo: The town has opened cooling center over the weekend

Due to the current heat wave, the Beech Street Center at 266 Beech St, and the Belmont Public Library at 336 Concord Ave, will be open as cooling centers this weekend, according to a press release from the town. 

The hours will be as follows: 

Beech Street Center:  

  • Saturday, July 23, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 24, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Belmont Public Library: 

  • Friday, July 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for a free movie night
  • Saturday, July 23, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

“We encourage everyone to stay cool and hydrated,” read the press release. “We ask you to check on elderly friends and neighbors, and others who may need help, during this period of high heat and humidity.”

With Covid Variant On The Rise, Town Holding Vaccine Clinic Thursday, July 14

Photo: The clinic will take place at the Beech Street Center

As the BA.5 offshoot of the Omicron Covid-19 variant is on the rise, the Belmont Health Department is offering COVID-19 vaccines to eligible residents (ages 3+), including 1st, 2nd, and booster shots.

Thursday, July 14, 10 a.m. to Noon
The Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St.

This clinic will be operated through a partnership between VaxinateRX and the Belmont Health Department. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available.

NEW! Those 3 years and older can now sign up to receive their primary vaccine series at this clinic.

Look here for information and to register for a vaccine appointment.

If you have difficulty with registration call  617-993-2720
or Email: Lsharp@belmont-ma.gov for assistance
*Please present insurance cards, photo ID, and vaccination cards at appointment.