Within An Hour, Belmont’s Ellie Shea Grabs A Pair Of U20 National Track Titles

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Belmont Ellie Shea doing what Ellie Shea does: win the 3000-meter at the U20 Nationals

An hour after running away from the field to win the 1500 meters national title, Belmont’s Ellie Shea decided, why not add the 3000-meter crown to her weekend trip to Eugene, Oregon?

Ten minutes later, the 17-year-old raising Belmont High School senior held off a former teammate and will be coming home with a pair of national titles in an impressive 60 minutes of racing at the 2023 USATF U20 Outdoor National Championships on Sunday, July 9.

The Emerging Elite Club runner is one of only three double winners at the US Outdoor Nationals, along with JaiCieonna Gero-Holt, who won the heptathlon and high jump, and Christian Miller, who took the sprint double, winning the men’s 100 and 200.

With the victory in the 1500 meters, Shea qualifies to represent the US in the upcoming Pan American U20 Championships held in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, Aug. 4-6. If she competes, it will be the second time Shea will represent the USA on the international stage, having been a member of the U20 women’s team at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in February, coming home from Australia with a bronze medal.

Shea started her week on Thursday, July 6, running with the pros in the first heat of the Women’s National 1500 meters, a race – which included 800 meters world champion Athing Mu – the recent 11th grader led through 800 meters. But the field soon showed its class in the final 300 meters as Ellie finished 11th in 4:20.99.

While Shea was scheduled to run four events, she finally took to the track at Hayward Field in the 1500 meters against two newly-minted champions, Angelina Napoleon (3000-meter steeplechase) and Sophia Gorriaran (800 meters) from the Moses Brown School in RI. But it wasn’t a race as it followed the leader with Shea out in front from the start, stretching her lead to five seconds at the midway point over Gorriaran and Napoleon. Shea maintained her 30-meter lead until the final 300 when Harvard commit Gorriaran used her outstanding sprint speed to eat into the lead but came up short as Shea broke the tape in 4:19:58.

About an hour later, Shea would change tactics and tuck into the lead pack in the 3000 meters, which included University of Michigan’s Rylee Tolson and Zariel Macchia, a rising high school junior from New York who was Shea’s teammate on the history-making US team at the World Cross Country Championships.

With 600 meters remaining, Tolson upped the tempo. In the curve after the bell, Shea passed on the outside and held off the collegian coming off the backstretch. With Tolson fading, Macchia charged down the final straight, cutting into Shea’s lead with every stride but could not catch the Belmontian, who finished in 9:46.56 to win by a second.

As one of the commentators on the USATF.TV webcast said about Shea on Sunday: “That is a long day but a good one.”

What’s Open/Closed On The 4th Of July, Trash Interrupted, Fireworks Close To Belmont

By Leave a Comment

Photo: The 2014 USPS First Class Forever Stamp – The Star Spangled Banner

Tuesday, July 4, the country observes Independence Day, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 (the document was signed on July 2nd).

Massachusetts’ own John Adams, who signed the Declaration and was the nation’s second president, said the Fourth should be celebrated the day with “Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” Adams would die on July 4th, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the original signing, on the same day as the declaration’s chief author, Thomas Jefferson, the third president.

For most Belmontians, the most impactful result of the holiday is that trash and recycling pick up will be interrupted for one day due to the holiday. So Tuesday’s pickup will take place on Wednesday, and so on.

Here is what’s closed and open on the 4th of July.

Closed on the 4th

  • Belmont Town Hall and town offices.
  • Belmont Public Library.
  • State and Federal government offices.
  • US Postal Service: Both Belmont post offices are closed; express delivery only.
  • Banks.

Opened

  • The Underwood Pool: Open to members and those purchasing day passes
  • Retail stores: Open at owner’s discretion
  • Supermarkets: Star Market on Trapelo Road in Waverley Square is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Coffee shops: Starbucks and Dunkin’s on Trapelo Road will operate during their regular hours.
  • CVS: 89 Leonard St. (Belmont Center) Store 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Pharmacy 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • CVS: 264 Trapelo St. Store 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Pharmacy 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For those who want to do someday traveling using public transportation, the MBTA is running on the following schedule:

  • Subway will run on a modified Saturday schedule until 3 p.m. After 3 p.m., the subway will run on a weekday schedule.
  • Bus and the RIDE will run on a Sunday schedule.
  • Commuter Rail will run on a weekend schedule. The last train on the Wachusett route, which serves Belmont and Waverley commuter stops, will be held until 11:25 p.m.

Where to see fireworks celebrations near-ish to Belmont:

  • Boston/Cambridge: along the Charles River at the Esplanade, 10:30 p.m.
  • Newton: Albemarle Field/Halloran Sports Complex, 9:10 p.m. Note: From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile – which recently was rebranded as the “Frankmobile” – will be available for tours and photo ops.

Take This Survey: Tell The Belmont Health Department How It Benefit Residents

By Leave a Comment

Photo: The Belmont Health Department wants to know what you think about them

The Belmont Health Department would like residents to take a very short online survey about your experience and opinion about the department.

This survey is intended to measure the ways in which the community benefiting from the work of the health department, and its understanding of the resources available to you. In addition, it wants to identify any expectations or misconceptions concerning the department.

Answering the questions should take no more than 10 minutes, and residents may chose to write additional comments at the end.

Fill out the survey by clicking here.

Belmont First Cannabis Dispensary Opens Its Doors To Newcomers And Seasoned Patrons

By Leave a Comment

Photo: They’re open (Credit: Cal Verde Naturals)

For all you “seasoned” customers out there, the Town of Homes is now a place for people to find a righteous time.

Belmont’s first cannabis dispensary, Cal Verde Naturals at 1010 Pleasant St., has officially opened its doors to adults – it is 21+ to get inside – and will have a grand opening celebration on Saturday, July 8.

Store hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“I am so thrilled to bring the Cal Verde vision to life in Belmont,” said Cal Verde owner Kelly Tomasello. “It has been a labor of love for [more than] four years.”

And from reading the press release, Cal Verde is all in with their products and services. Saying it is staying true to its motto, “Nurture with Nature,” the adult-use dispensary is focused on curating a “unique, worthwhile experience” for “seasoned consumers and newcomers alike,” as the store provides “exceptional cannabis products through a hands-on, first-class retail experience.”

“We are happy to serve the communities in which we operate. We believe that cannabis can enhance any lifestyle … [we have] all the products and strains to meet your needs,” said Tomasello.

With the Massachusetts cannabis marketplace getting more crowded by the day, Tomasello hired Belmont resident Emma Thurston as the firm’s Chief Operating Officer, saying their quarter century cumulative experience in the retail industry is more relevant than ever.

“Cannabis consumers are seeking not only exceptional products but an exceptional shopping experience, something which [the executives] believe they are set to deliver on,” said the release.

“Emma and I have created what we believe to be a first-class operation. We are looking forward to being able to contribute to the town through our business and volunteer work. We can’t wait to meet all of our new patrons,” said Tomasello.

Belmont Pair Leave Their Mark Over Two Miles On The Track

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Belmont High student and Emerging Elite athlete Ellie Shea (Credit: Sage Zipeto, Brooks PRI)

Two young Belmont track runners – one already well-established and the other a newcomer breaking into the spotlight – came home with silverware over the same distance captured at separate national competitions earlier this month.

And this coming weekend, Ellie Shea and Dana Lehr could be competing against each other for the first time at the National Championships for athletes under 20 years old.

Shea continues her impressive track results, winning the two-mile at the annual Brooks PR Invitational (PRI) on June 14. Toeing the line against a deep field of speedy athletes, Shea was at the top of her game having smashed her PR in the mile two weeks earlier with a 4 minute, 37.22 second, the fastest mile ever by a Massachusetts high schooler (although it is not an official record as it was set in a mixed gender race).

Unlike some of her previous distance races where she would run away from the competition, Shea – wearing her trademark cobalt-blue sunglasses – would have all she could handle with a familiar opponent, senior Leah Stephens from Maryland (they battled each other at the Champs National Cross Country Championships in December) who ran shoulder to shoulder with the Emerging Elite athlete as they were running steady laps.

On the final of eight laps, Shea and Stephens were stride for stride as the Florida State-bound runner held off Shea on the final corner. But at the head of the home stretch, Shea increased the pace to pass Stephens breaking the finishing tape in 9:53.36 to be the fastest high school two-miler in the US this year.

See Ellie’s outstanding race here

Unlike the past two years, Shea would skip racing at the annual Nike Outdoor Nationals for high school student in Eugene, Oregon that weekend, leaving the stage to her Emerging Elite teammate Lehr.

At the New Balance National Outdoor Championships in Philadelphia, the Belmont High 10th grader ran in the Rising Star meet, highlighting the nation’s up-and-coming tracksters on June 14. Running in the first of two heats at the historic Franklin Field track, Lehr would benefit from the brave pace setting of junior Reece Landis of Ohio. Almost from the start, the race was a three runner affair with Landis out front followed by Lehr and junior Maggie Powers from Indiana in that order.

Landis would slowly stretch her lead in the second mile where a the bell lap she appeared to have shed her pursuers with nearly a 10 meters lead. But Lehr would erase the 1.2 second deficit using her impressive 800-meter speed – she won the MIAA Division 2 title in May – to marshal a 74 second final lap to take the heat in 10:41.59, winning by five seconds over Landis as the Belmontian lowering her 2-mile PR by a minute and five seconds since February. And when the second heat developed into a tactical contest, Lehr’s time stood up to take the title.

You want to see Lehr’s race? Here it is

After winning her contest, Lehr decided – why not – to jump into the Championship Mile, placing 6th in her heat and 33rd overall in 4:57.88, just a second off her PR.

With her time, Lehr made the qualifying time for the 3000 and 5,000 meters at the USATF U20 Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene taking place on July 6-9. And with Shea also qualifying in the 1,500, 3,000 and 5,000 meters – just a reminder: since it has been a very long season for both young women, there is no guarantee either will attend – it could be big couple of days for these residents.

Widmer Honored At State House Ceremony As A Commonwealth Heroine

By Leave a Comment

Photo: State Rep. Dave Rogers honors Belmont’s Jeanne Widmer (Credit: courtesy photo)

State Rep. Dave Rogers honored Belmont’s Jeanne Widmer as the 24th Middlesex District’s Commonwealth Heroine Award on the Status of Women at the State House on June 23.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the award recognizes the often-unsung heroines who devote their time, talent, and civic spirit to make a difference in their communities and enrich the lives of others.

“In her personal and professional life, Jeanne has exemplified what it means to be a Heroine,” said Rogers. “She is driven by her kindness and desire to give back. I was delighted to honor Jeanne with this award and to participate in a day dedicated to uplifting the women who help build and improve our communities.”

Rogers nominated Widmer for her varied and passionate work in Belmont. Soon after moving to the “Town of Homes, Widmer worked on the town’s campaign for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment and has since volunteered on dozens of local campaigns. She was elected three times to the Belmont School Committee, serving two years as its chair, and has been a Town Meeting Member since 1981.  

Widmer also founded the Belmont Women’s Resource Center, which provides monthly programs on issues of concern to women. For 20 years, Jeanne has worked as a tutor and counselor, helping students access education and unlock their potential. She was awarded for volunteer work with Belmont Parent Teacher Organizations, METCO, and youth sports teams.

Belmont Adds the 3rd To July 4th Holiday, But Trash Will Be Picked Up Monday

By Leave a Comment

Photo: The 3rd and the 4th in 2023

This year’s Independence Day holiday got a day longer for Belmont town employees as Monday, July 3, has been added to the July 4 celebration.

“The town was scheduled to be open on July 3. But with a lot of discussion from some stakeholders in the community – the school department, the library, the DPW, and the Beech Street Center – we are closing town offices on July 3 in recognition of the holiday,” Belmont Town Administrator Patrice Garvin told the Select Board at its Monday, June 26 meeting.

“Employees that are overworked will be able to enjoy a long weekend with their family and their friends,” said Garvin of the extra paid holiday.

Board member Elizabeth Dionne said she and her colleagues support the added day off as employees “are working very, very hard under challenging circumstances and [this] felt like something small that we could support as an appreciation of thanks.”

There is also the realization that nearly every non-retail business and government entity would likely find workplaces empty as employees would take a day off to make the 4th four days long.

But while the town is closed, trash and recycling will occur on Monday. After the 4th, the curbside schedule will return with Wednesday, July 5, the Tuesday collection day.

For problems with trash and recycling collections on Monday, call the town’s trash contractor, Waste Management, at 1-800-972-4545

Library Temp Spaces Selected As Planning Advances On New Building

By Leave a Comment

Photo: The Benton Library at the corner of Oakley and Old Middlesex Roads.

Despite being closed for nearly two years as the new building is being constructed late in 2023, the Belmont Public Library will continue to serve the community at three locations around town.

Kathy Keohane, member of the Library Building Committee and chair of the Board of Library Trustees, came before the Select Board on June 26 to identify the temporary spaces it will be used to serve patrons.

“I’m thrilled to state we have a solution,” said Keohane, announcing where services will be held beginning in October/November.

  • Benton Library: Children’s collection
  • Chenery Upper Elementary: Staff
  • Beech Street Center: Adult services and circulation

“It’s taken a number of months, but I think with great leadership from [Town Administrator] Patrice [Garvin], from the Council on Aging, the School Board, and [Facilties Director] Dave Blazon, we found a solution for the community,” said Keohane.

“It was a victory to secure the spaces and work collaboratively. This is a wonderful example of how all the different groups came together to find a shared solution that can work,” said Keohane.

Since most of the permanent collection will be in storage for the next two years, the library will heavily rely on the Minuteman Library Network to provide books and media material to residents, said Keohane.

Keohane told the board the beginning of the demolition of the current library will begin in November/December, with the opening of the new facility in the second quarter of 2025.

Six Pack Of Pale Blue Donation Bins Set To Help Residents Get Rid Of Unwanted Textile/Clothes

By Leave a Comment

Photo: One of the bins in Belmont, at the cemetery entrance on Fairview Avenue.

Did you know as of Nov. 1, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection banned all textiles from being thrown in the trash? Now that you do, it has become imperative for Belmontians to find an alternative way of ridding their closets of last decade’s fads and yesterday’s fashion.

The town is now offering residents a solution as Belmont has begun a partnership with Northborough-based textile exporter CMRK to locate six donation bins to collect clothing and shoes now barred from the black waste carts.

This new partnership will provide a primary method for residents to recycle clothes, blankets, bedding, and shoes in six pale blue bins located throughout Belmont:

  • 310 Trapelo Rd. in the VFW parking lot
  • Grove Street tennis courts
  • The entry to Belmont Cemetery on Fairview Avenue
  • The Belmont Street delta adjacent to the Oakley Country Club
  • Two bins at the Claflin Street parking lot in Belmont Center

Donations left in the bins are limited to textiles, clothes, shoes and rags. All contributions must be placed in a secured/tied plastic trash bag.

Other municipalities working with CMRK include Winthrop, Bedford, and Pittsfield.

In addition, residents can schedule a home pick-up by the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation by going to the website or calling 800-483-5503. Pick-ups offer a larger number of items to donate, including household items (dishes, pots, pans, LPs), books, DVDs, and even art.

Remembering Belmont Pride 2023: ‘You Need Some Rain To Make A Rainbow’ [VIDEO]

By Leave a Comment

Photo:

It was a wet June 17 for Belmont Pride 2023, but a steady rain couldn’t dissuade many marchers, public officials, and spectators who came out to celebrate Belmont’s support for the LGBTIQA+ community.

“You need some rain to make a rainbow,” said one of many teens who came out to march.