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

By 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.

Three-Sports Standout Christofori Verbally Commits To Backstop Yale’s Hurlers

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Catching the playoff win vs Woburn, 2016.

A flurry of social media announcements over the weekend of Aug. 13 report that three-sports standout and rising Belmont High School Senior Cal Christofori will be heading to New Haven to backstop Yales pitchers as he made a verbal commitment to play for Bulldog’s Head Coach John Stuper. 

Christofori has been a varsity standout since his freshman year, starting in three sports: quarterbacking the Marauders’ football team, playing goalie for ice hockey, and being the battery mate for three seasons of pitchers as an outstanding two-way catcher.  

This past high school season, Christofori (class of 2017) was behind the plate for the Middlesex League MVP senior pitcher Matt Bartels as he helped control the game. His defense was evident as the gun down numerous opponents attempting to steal second. He also batted above .400 and was a lights-out reliever. 

IMG_0901 IMG_1205 IMG_1021Screen Shot 2016-08-16 at 3.18.34 PM Screen Shot 2016-08-16 at 3.23.21 PM

Location, Location: When Temps Hit 100, Lemonade Stands Out By The Pool

By 2 Comments

Photo: It’s where you place your business that counts in the lemonade trade.

When temperatures in Belmont reached triple digits on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 14, what better place to be than the Underwood Pool?

And a pair of entrepreneurial brothers thought, what better place to make a few dollars on this very hot weekend than in front of the pool at the corner of Concord and Cottage with the quintessential summer refreshment: lemonade.

For Burbank kids Maayan and Shilo, the location and weather could not have been better for sales – at 50 cents a glass – as they serviced a steady stream of customers, both young and older. (Editor’s note: It was very good lemonade, to boot.)

And if it got any hotter? 

“We’ll go into the pool,” said Shilo. 

IMG_4211

Two words: Customer service.

BREAKING: Bookstore Joins Foodies In Former Macy’s Site in Belmont Center

By 5 Comments

Photo: A rendering that is one the Belmont Books website.

It’s official: Belmont Center will be home to a new bookstore early next year.

According to the husband and wife business team of Chris Abouzeid and Kathy Crowley (“Your friendly neighborhood booksellers”) the couple has signed a lease with owner Locatelli Properties for a reported 4,000 sq.-ft. portion of the renovated building that once housed first Filene’s and then Macy’s for more than 70 years.

The new venture will join Foodies Urban Market in the building. The market is expected to open before Thanksgiving.

The name of their store: Belmont Books. While an official opening day has not been announced, the Cedar Road residents said: “[o]ur target date for opening is March 2017.”

It marks the return of a bookseller to Belmont Center after nearly seven years when Charlesbank Bookshop, part of the B. Dalton division of Barnes & Noble, shut its doors in December 2009.

The bookstore will occupy two floors along Leonard Street, according to a press release issued on Aug. 16, “in that quaint section with the white façade and lovely molding that just screams ‘Put an awesome store in here!'” said the release.

“So when you’re looking at the building, those big, wide windows up above? Those are ours. Can you say ‘reading room with a view?'”

As for the owners, Abouzeit is an author – he wrote the young adult fantasy novel “Anatopsis” – and bookseller at Porter Square Books in Cambridge and Crowley is a primary care physician at Boston Medical Center in Boston’s South End and an assistant professor of medicine at Boston University’s medical school. It is reported that she is writing a mystery novel. 

The press release puts to a close the not-so-secret attempts by the couple to bring a bookstore to Belmont Center. Earlier this year the proprietors put online a website and a Twitter account under the “Belmont Books” moniker. Periodically, an update would be issued on “ongoing negotiations” with Locatelli but not much else.

On June 20, under the headline “Bookstore coming to Belmont, Mass. in 2017”, Publishers Weekly wrote about the couple, their plans and what to expect at the new store. 

Publishers Weekly said the store “will have a strong children’s, science fiction and fantasy, and mystery sections. The store will also carry bestsellers, classics, and cookbooks, among other book sections, along with cards, games, and gifts. Also, it will have a coffee shop that serves pastries and lunch.”

Belmont Yard Sales: August 13–14

By 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

By 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. 

Belmont Light Asks To Ease Up On Electrical Use During Heat Wave

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Sunny hot days ahead.

Belmont Light and its partner, Woburn-based energy efficiency firm Sagewell, are informing customers that today, Thursday, Aug. 11, and Friday, Aug. 12, are expected to be high electricity use days due to continued high temperatures across New England. 

And the town’s electrical utility is asking residents and customers to help it save energy and money by reducing electricity consumption between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Because Belmont Light is municipally-owned, all savings are passed onto ratepayers. 

Belmont Light is asking consumers to employ at least two of six actions to reduce the town’s peak electricity consumption including:

  1. Adjust the air conditioner a few degrees warmer and turn off the AC in rooms that are not in use. Adjusting the thermostat by two or three degrees makes a big difference.
  2. Don’t cook with an electric stove or oven.
  3. Shift laundry and dishwasher use until after 6 p.m.
  4. If you have an electric hot water heater, wait to bathe or use hot water until after 6 p.m.
  5. Run pool pumps or use hot tubs before 2 p.m. or after 6 p.m.
  6. Shift other electricity use to before 2 p.m. or after 6 p.m.

Every bit of electricity reduced during peak times will help Belmont mitigate rising electricity costs. If you have any questions or would like advice on how to decrease peak energy consumption, contact Sagewell’s Belmont Light Peak Reduction Program at:
support@sagewell.com or 617-963-8141.

Belmont Officers, Town Agree to Contract … And Prepares For Another

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Police Headquarters.

It took a while, but the town and the union representing the cops on the beat have OK’d a new agreement in which Belmont officers receive a wage increase with some concessions – including limited drug testing – on their part.

And in a few months, the two sides will be right back at the bargaining table for another three-year contract.

The Belmont Board of Selectmen voted Monday, Aug. 8 to approve a three-year deal – from July 2014 to June 2017 – between the 31 member Belmont Police Patrolmen’s Organization and the town. 

“We’re very happy with the agreement and [the union’s] negotiating team which settled on a very reasonable settlement,” said Belmont Human Resources Director Jessica Porter. 

The contract’s highlights include:

  • An annual two percent cost-of-living-adjustment which is consistent with other town/union contracts.
  • While not random testing, the union agreed to drug and alcohol testing “based upon reasonable suspicion.” 
  • Newly hired officers as of July 1, will see their health insurance contribution rate go up from 20 percent to 25 percent in exchange for a 25 cents an hour increase n hourly pay. 
  • The stipend for officers who have associates/bachelors/masters degrees in criminal justice is increased to $5,000/$9,500/$11,000 as long as the officers complete their degrees within three-and-a-half years for graduating from the Police Academy. 
  • The 12 patrolmen who have reached Master Patrolman status – based on ten years of experience, training, and performance appraisal – will see their differential from the base salary increase from 2 percent to 2.4 percent. 

Just after the agreement was signed, Porter said she’d begin the next set of contract negotiations for a three-year agreement soon as this new contract expires this coming June 30. Porter is hopeful the new “new” contract will take less time to negotiate and settle. 

“It should be a little smoother for a new contract as we have recently discussed everything that will be on the table,” said Porter.

BREAKING: Belmont PD Officer Injured In Two Vehicle Incident On Trapelo [VIDEO]

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Scene of the accident.

An on-duty Belmont Police motorcycle officer was taken to Mount Auburn Hospital with undisclosed injuries after he crashed into the side of a late model Subaru near the intersection of Trapelo Road and White Street in Waverley Square just after 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8.

Eyewitnesses told the Belmontonian the unnamed officer was both conscious and talking as he was placed into a Belmont ambulance for the trip to the Cambridge hospital.

IMG_4158  IMG_4164 IMG_4166 IMG_4167

As of 7:30 p.m., the condition of the officer was still unknown.

Afternoon traffic was diverted from Trapelo Road for more than an hour as an accident recreation team viewed the motorcycle – laying on its side in the inbound lane – and the other vehicle which was parked along the outbound side.

A line of MBTA buses stood idling on Trapelo for nearly an hour before the roadway opened to limited traffic. 

“The accident is currently under investigation but it appears that one of our motorcycle units collided with [a] black Subaru on Trapelo Road,” Belmont Police Assistant Chief James MacIsaac told the Belmontonian at the scene. 

MacIsaac said the probe of what happened is still in its early stages.

“We’ll have our crash investigators come out, people with a little more experience and training than your standard officer to understand what happened,” said MacIsaac. 

Night Time Is The Right Time: Center’s Final Paving Starts Monday, Aug. 22

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Laying down a new roadway.

With the big bumps and potholes in and around Belmont Center smoothed out last week and the final sidewalks being laid near the commuter rail bridge, the Board of Selectmen voted Monday, Aug. 8, to OK the final layer of asphalt to be applied to Leonard Street and adjacent roadways as the $2.8 million Belmont Center Rehabilitation Project nears its completion.

But unlike the recent milling and smoothing of the streets which caused morning and evening commuters to endure detours and endless lines of traffic for nearly a week, this street restoration will be performed under the moon rather than the sun.

The selectmen voted to allow Charles Contracting of Watertown to do major paving between 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Monday, Aug. 22 and running through Thursday, Aug. 25. As with the repair of Belmont Street and Trapelo Road by the state in the past year, the paving schedule will occur overnight so not to disrupt Center businesses (with the exception of restaurants and other eateries) or clog the main way for commuters through the town’s retail center, according to David Kale, Belmont’s town administrator. 

Neighborhoods and business in the Belmont Center area will be leafleted and a “reverse 911” call will be made to notify residents when the work takes place. 

Kale said the same prohibitions on lights, radios, loud noise and idling equipment and vehicles the town placed on work on Belmont and Trapelo will be in effect. 

Once the paving is completed, the new roadway will undergo the marking of lane lines, parking spaces and crosswalks beginning on Monday, Aug. 29 with that work also being done during the overnight. That work should take approximately a day less than the paving, said Kale.