Photo: Solstice Sackbuts.

On the government side of “This Week”:

• The Belmont Board of Selectmen is meeting twice on Monday, Dec. 14: at 8 a.m., the board will approve a boat load of Common Vic licenses as well as approve next year’s property tax rate. At 7 p.m., the board will hear from the Community Path Implementation Committee on what they’ve been doing and more licenses and stuff. Both meetings at Town Hall.
• The Belmont School Committee meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15 at the Chenery Middle School where it will discuss the district’s accountability status and vote on the PARCC testing system.
• The Belmont Vision 21 Implementation Committee meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15 in Town Hall.
• The Belmont Planning Board is meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15 in Town Hall where it will discuss monitoring the Cushing Village project and discuss cases both new and continued.

On the government side of “This Week”

• The Zoning Board of Appeals is meeting on Monday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Belmont Gallery of Art on the third floor of the Homer Building, located in the Town Hall complex.
• Community Path Implementation Advisory Committee will hold a meeting updating the committee’s work and discuss RFP for certain sections from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at Town Hall.
• Other Post-Employment Benefits Funding Advisory Group will hold a meeting with reports and public contributions beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at Town Hall.
• Community Preservation Committee is reviewing a lot of former grant recipients to see where they are in the process. At 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at Town Hall.
• Economic Development Advisory Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10 at Town Hall to discuss Belmont Center and the effect of paving on businesses in Cushing Square.

• ESL Conversation Circle for beginners takes place on Monday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Belmont Public Library’s Flett Room.

• Girl Scouts from the Butler Elementary School will lead a December caroling sing-along at the Beech Street Center on Monday, Dec. 7 at 3:15 p.m. The girls will provide song sheets so everyone can sing winter/holiday songs together.

Tuesday is story time at both of Belmont libraries.

• Pre-School Story Time at the Benton Library, Belmont’s independent and volunteer-run library, at 10:30 a.m. Stories and crafts for children age 3 to 5. Parents or caregivers must attend. Siblings may attend with adults. Registration is not required. The Benton Library located at the intersection of Oakley and Old Middlesex.
• Pre-School Storytime at the Belmont Public Library beginning at 9:30 a.m.We’ll read longer books, sing, and dance, and make simple crafts. For 3-5-year-olds with a longer attention span.

• The staff from State Rep. Dave Rogers’ office will be available for walk-in office hours at the Beech Street Center on Tuesday, Dec. 8, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

• The Beech Street Center presents The Ambassadors – Joseph Vincent and Joseph Andrea – who will bring the music of the Big Band-era to the Center on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 1:15 p.m. Vincent was a finalist in a world piano-accordion competition. Joseph Andrea is a multi-instrumentalist and World War II veteran who, at the end of the war, was asked to form a seven-piece dance band to entertain wounded G.I.s, enlisted men, and officers. He played in various symphonies including the Boston Civic Symphony and the New England Symphony.

• Tween Tuesday at the Belmont Public Library is preparing for the new Star Wars movie by talking about the Jedi Academy series by Jeff Brown from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 8, in the Flett Room. Copies of the first book available for checkout in the Children’s Room. Register by calling the Children’s Room at 617-993-2880.

• It fills up every corner of Belmont High School’s Wenner Field House and also the stands: it’s the annual Belmont School’s Band-a-Rama! at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Every band in the district; from the youngsters in fourth grade all the way to the High School’s jazz ensemble will be in performance. And all the bands come together for a rendition of some Christmas song I’ve forgotten. But it’s fun!

• Wednesday, Dec. 9, is early release for Chenery Middle School students.

• Storytime for 1’s is for walkers and toddlers under 24 months will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 10:30 a.m. in the library’s Flett Room. They will share simple stories, songs, and nursery rhymes, and end with time to play.

• Belmont’s Veterans Service Officer Bob Upton will be answering veterans quires on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at noon at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St.

• Chenery Middle School students are invited to enjoy some hot chocolate the Belmont Public Library’s Assembly Room on Wednesday. Dec. 9 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., to do your homework. This is for middle schoolers only so high schoolers are on their own. This event is provided for free, thanks to the Friends of the Belmont Public Library.

• Everyone is invited to Chinese Storytime which will take place in the Flett Room of the Belmont Public Library from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. 0n Wednesday, Dec. 9.

• The Belmont Public Library’s 2nd and 3rd Grade Book Club meets on Thursday, Dec. 10 from 3:30 p.m. Please register by calling the Children’s Department at 617-993-2880. After you’ve signed up, stop by the Children’s Room Desk to pick up a copy of the December book, Three Ring Rascals: The Show Must Go On.  Hurry!  Space is limited!

• The Cushing Square Merchant’s Association presents its annual Holiday Stroll shopping event on Thursday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. featuring food tastings, discounts, raffles, and the vintage carnival wheel will spin for prizes all day at Westcott Mercantile. The Belmont High School Madrigal Singers will stroll from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

• Literacy Playgroup is a parent and child group that supports child’s language and literacy development on Friday, Dec. 11, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Flett Room. You’ll play, read, sing and take home new ideas. Presented by educators from the CFCE grant program; for children age 4 and under.

• The Chenery Middle School’s Fifth Grade Concert will be performed in the school’s auditorium on Friday, Dec. 11 at 9 a.m.

• The Senior Book Discussion group will meet on Friday, Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Beech Street Center to discuss Doctor Zhivago (Part Two) by Boris Pasternak.

• Boston mezzo-soprano Heather Gallagher, the 2015 first-prize winner of Powers’ renowned Peter Elvins Vocal Competition, returns to the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St., on Friday, Dec. 11, to perform joyous holiday music with a dash of classic American “champagne” styling. The show begins at 1:15 p.m.

• The Belmont Public Library’s OTAKUrabu program offers students (7th to 12th grades) the chance to watch anime, do a craft/activity, plan for future events and nibble on some Japanese snacks (while they last – they’ll go fast) on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Assembly Room. Provided to you for free, thanks to the Friends of the Belmont Public Library. Just drop in, no registration required.

• Belmont’s three Cub Scout Packs: Pack 377 of Winn Brook/Burbank, Pack 384 of Wellington/Butler, and Pack 96 of the LDS Church, is holding an All Cub Scouts of Belmont Skating Night on Friday, Dec. 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Skip Viglirolo skating rink on Concord Avenue. There will be a short opening ceremony with skating with hot chocolate courtesy of Dunkin’ Donuts. This is the first joint Cub Scout activity organized in years. 

On the government side of “This Week”

• The School Committee meets at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the Chenery Middle School.
• The Planning Board will be holding a meeting on Thursday, Dec. 3, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Town Hall. 
• The Municipal Light Board is meeting on Friday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. at Town Hall to receive an update on the substation and transmission project.

• Music & Movement with Rubi, a movement and music program recommended for ages 3 to 5 (but 2-year-olds are welcome) will be held in the Assembly Room on Monday, Nov. 30.  There will be two sessions: 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

• ESL Conversation Circle for beginners takes place on Monday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Belmont Public Library’s Flett Room.

• Belmont Against Racism will be holding its monthly meeting on Monday, Nov. 30 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the Belmont Public Library.

• The Belmont Food Collaborative – the people who run the Belmont Farmers Market – is meeting on Monday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m., in the Flett Room of the Belmont Public Library.

Tuesday is story time at both of Belmont libraries.

• Pre-School Story Time at the Benton Library, Belmont’s independent and volunteer-run library, at 10:30 a.m. Stories and crafts for children age 3 to 5. Parents or caregivers must attend. Siblings may attend with adults. Registration is not required. The Benton Library is located at the intersection of Oakley and Old Middlesex.
• Pre-School Storytime at the Belmont Public Library beginning at 9:30 a.m.We’ll read longer books, sing and dance, and make simple crafts. For 3-5-year-olds with a longer attention span.

• The Teen Book Club for 9th-12th graders will be discussing “Half Brother” by Kenneth Oppel on Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Young Adult Room of the Belmont Public Library. Any teen who has read the book is welcome to attend, no sign up necessary. There will be pizza and snacks. If you have any questions, please e-mail Kylie Sparks at ksparks@minlib.net or call 617-993-2873.

• Yoga for Everyone at the Beech Street Center on Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.: Join Susan Harris, a registered yoga teacher and associate professor of Nutrition at Tufts University for this Iyengar-inspired class which practices yoga postures slowly and with attention to alignment and safety, adapted to the abilities and needs of individual students. Practice is done with bare feet; mats and props are provided. Cost: $15/class. Non-seniors, beginners and experienced are welcome. This is a non-Council on Aging class held at the Beech Street Center. For more information, call Susan at 617-407-0816.

• Infant Storytime, for infants up to 12 months and pre-walkers, includes a short program of songs and rhymes followed by time to play and socialize. The fun takes place on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Belmont Public Library’s Flett Room.

• Sustainable Belmont will be meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 2 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Belmont Public Library’s Flett Room.

• The monthly meeting of the Belmont Historical Society Board is taking place on Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Claflin Room of the Belmont Public Library. 

• A special night for many Belmont High School students as they will be inducted into the National Honor Society at a ceremony in the school’s auditorium on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.

• Meeting of the Friends of the Belmont Public Library is taking place on Thursday, Dec. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the library’s Assembly Room.

• Belmont’s own Harry Potter Fan Club will magically meet on Thursday, Dec. 3, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Flett Room of Belmont Public Library.

• The Claus’ are coming to Belmont on Thursday! The 25th annual Turn on the Town Celebration will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3 along Leonard Street in Belmont Center. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive aboard a Belmont Fire Engine then help turn on the Christmas tree next to the Bellmont Cafe at 6:20 p.m. before heading to Belmont Savings Bank – this year’s main sponsor – where they will have their photos taken with good boys and girls until 8 p.m. There will be music, food, hot stuff to drink, fake snow, bank employees dressed up, animals and lots more. 

This year, you can help those in need and education in Belmont at the same time by participating in the Hammond Residential’s “Belmont Food Pantry Drive” For every food item donated to the Belmont Food Pantry during the food drive (Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 at Hammond Residential, 84 Leonard St. and on Turn on the Town in front of il Casale, 50 Leonard), Hammond Residential will donate $1 to the Foundation for Belmont Education. In addition, during the Food Pantry Drive, Hammond will match any cash/check donations made to the Belmont Food Pantry with a matching gift to the Foundation for Belmont Education.

• Literacy Playgroup is a parent and child group that supports child’s language and literacy development on Friday, Dec. 4, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Flett Room. You’ll play, read, sing and take home new ideas. Presented by educators from the CFCE grant program; for children age 4 and under.

Photo: 2014 Thanksgiving Game between Belmont and Watertown. 

On the government side of “This Week”:

• The Other Post-Employment Benefits Funding Advisory Group is meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall where members will report on what they are doing and the public can express its opinion.

• Music & Movement with Rubi, a movement and music program recommended for ages 3 to 5 (but 2-year-olds are welcome) will be held in the Belmont Public Library’s Flett Room on Monday, Nov. 23. There will be two sessions: 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

• ESL Conversation Circle for beginners takes place on Monday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Belmont Public Library’s Flett Room.

• Help test a new product before it goes into production. WatchRx is holding a focus group meeting open to all, on Monday, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St. Their device, now in development, reminds wearers when they need to take medications. Give your feedback on how it works and how it could be improved. Please stop by to share your opinions with staff from the WatchRx company.

• The holidays are underway with the first of the “Rama”s as Belmont’s Fine and Performing Arts Department hosts “String-a-Rama,” the town-wide orchestra concert. The concert is being directed by orchestra director Margot Reavey. The concert begins at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 23, in the Belmont High School auditorium.

• Wednesday, Nov. 25, is (yet another) Early Release Day for all grades in the Belmont Public Schools. Using a baseball term, Wednesday is a Getaway Day. But before closing, Belmont High School will be holding its annual shenanigans known as the Pep Rally with each class attempting to best (or embarrass) their peers.

• If you’re looking for a great book or a holiday movie to watch over the holiday weekend, remember the Belmont Public Library will close early Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 5 p.m.

• Thursday, Nov. 26, the annual Belmont/Watertown Thanksgiving Day Football game will this year take place at Watertown’s Victory Field with kick-off scheduled at 10:15 a.m. Also featured will be the 100+ member Belmont High Marching Band. And, yes, they do serve hot dogs at the Watertown concession stand.

• All Belmont town offices and the Belmont Public Library will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26 and 27, for the Thanksgiving

• Saturday, Nov. 28 is Small Business Saturday, the relatively new annual event – conceived and promoted by American Express – encouraging holiday shoppers to patronize small and local businesses in their hometown and surrounding communities. This is especially true this year in Belmont as all three business centers experience (or are continuing to experience) big construction projects impacting the bottom line.

On the government side of “This Week.”

• The Board of Selectmen is hosting a public meeting with the MBTA and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation on the options to bring the Waverley Station commuter rail stop up to code with the Americans with Disability Act. The meeting takes place on Monday, Nov. 16, between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St. 
• The Planning Board meets at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, to discuss a request a six-month extension – the third since August – by the development team proposing to build Cushing Village, the 168,000 sq.-ft. multi-use development. There are also three requests to build new homes in town. 
• The Planning Board returns later on Tuesday to hear public discussion on the creation of SR-C Zoning Districts throughout town. The discussion will include a list of proposed zoning amendments set to address the building of McMansions around town. The discussion starts at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17 in the Belmont Gallery of Art on the third floor of the Homer Building. 
• The Warrant Committee will review next steps on its OPEB/Pension study along with the first quarter financial update at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the Chenery Middle School. 

Tuesday is story time at both of Belmont libraries.

• Pre-School Story Time at the Benton Library, Belmont’s independent and volunteer-run library, at 10:30 a.m. Stories and crafts for children age 3 to 5. Parents or caregivers must attend. Siblings may attend with adults. Registration is not required. The Benton Library is located at the intersection of Oakley and Old Middlesex.
• Pre-School Storytime at the Belmont Public beginning at 9:30 a.m.We’ll read longer books, sing and dance, and make simple crafts. For 3-5-year-olds with a longer attention span.

• A talk on “How to Help Kids Manage Stress & Stay Alcohol & Drug-Free” will be presented at the Chenery Middle School on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. Will Slotnick, founder and director of the Wellness Collaborative will lead the discussion.  

• The Belmont Board of Library Trustees is holding a public meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Assembly Room to help generate new long range ideas for the future of Belmont Public Library. 

• Wednesday, Nov. 18 is an early-release day for all students in Belmont Public Schools. It’s also parents/teacher conferences today. 

• Chenery Middle School students are invited on early release Wednesday to head over to the library’s Assembly Room on Wednesday. Nov. 18 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., to do your homework while enjoying some hot chocolate. This is for middle schoolers only, so high schoolers are on their own. This event is provided for free, thanks to the Friends of the Belmont Public Library.

• Belmont High Fall Athletic Awards Night will be held on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 6 p.m. in the Belmont High School auditorium.

• The Belmont Public Library’s International Fiction Book Club will discuss White Dog Fell from the Sky by Eleanor Morse on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. in the library’s Flett Room.  Join us on the third Wednesday of the month for fun conversation, tea and snacks.  Everybody is welcome.  If you have questions or need help finding a copy of the book, contact Kylie at ksparks@minlib.net.

• The National Weather Service is sponsoring a severe weather spotter training session as part of its SKYWARN program, in Belmont. The class happens on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Belmont High School. Bring pens and paper.

• Storytime for 1’s for walkers and toddlers under 24 months will take place Thursday, Nov. 19, at 10:30 a.m. in the Flett Room, sharing simple stories, songs, and nursery rhymes and end with time to play.

• The Belmont Public Library is hosting the Harry Potter Fan Club on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Flett Room.

• The 5th annual Wellington Shopping Night, this year in Belmont Center, takes places on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Do your holiday shopping at bessie blue, Marmalade, Revolve, bells&whistles, Thirty-Petals Boutique and il Casale to benefit the Wellington.   

• Karen Halloran of the Lexington Health Care Center will present a documentary on the benefits of music for people with dementia while discussing activities and topics that help loved ones feel good and engaged at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St., on Friday, Nov. 20 at 1:15 p.m. 

• The Belmont Public Library has begun its OTAKUrabu program. Watch anime, do a craft/activity, plan for future events and nibble on some Japanese snacks (while they last – they’ll go fast) on Friday, Nov. 20 from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Assembly Room. Provided to you for free, thanks to the Friends of the Belmont Public Library. Just drop in, no registration required.

Photo: The rededication of the WWI memorial will be held at 1 p.m. Veterans Day.

The government side of things “This Week”:

• The Belmont Board of Selectmen will hold an abbreviated meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9 in Town Hall. 
• At 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, the Selectmen will conduct a public ascertainment hearing on the performance of Verizon in its capacity as a cable provider.
• The Community Preservation Committee is meeting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10 in Town Hall to discuss Belmont’s recreational needs, preliminary applications for CPC grants and preview the committee’s Nov. 12 public meeting.
• The Belmont Board of Selectmen is hosting a community meeting to discuss a presentation of a new Minuteman Regional Vocational and Technology High School at 7 p.m. at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St.
• The Belmont School Committee is meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at the Chenery Middle School to discuss the district’s technology plans, a SPED update and the first quarter report.
• The Capital Budget Committee will meet in the Selectmen’s Room at Town Hall at 5 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, to discuss outstanding capital projects and approach to coordinating, addressing and funding projects. 
• The Board of Health meets at Town Hall at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, to discuss the town’s off-leash permit program with John Marguranis, the town’s animal control officer.
• The Community Preservation Committee is holding a public meeting to introduce the final application of projects seeking to fund. Each project’s sponsor will present their case before the public and the committee. The meeting takes place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12 in the Selectmen’s Room at Town Hall.

• The ELS Conservation Circle for Beginners will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, Nov. 9 in the Belmont Public Library’s Flett Room.

• Belmont author Len Abram will read from his novel Debris: A Novel of Love, War and the Lusitania in the Belmont Public Library’s Assembly Room from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, Nov. 9. Debris offers a human tale of courage and conflict, lives shattered and rebuilt, and loves formed and lost amid war’s debris. All are welcome to attend this free program. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Refreshments will be provided.

• The Belmont High School Girls’ Soccer team will travel to Marblehead on Monday, Nov. 9 for a 4 p.m. game against second-ranked Marblehead High Magicians in the quarterfinals of the Division 2 North sectional finals.

• Tuesday is story time at both of Belmont libraries.

On the government side of This Week:

• The Board of Selectmen will be meeting at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2 at Town Hall.
• The Planning Board is also meeting on Monday, Nov. 2  at 7 p.m. but in the Homer Building where they will hear requests for decks, a floor addition and two special permits for home day care centers.

• Music & Movement with Rubi, a movement and music program recommended for ages 3 to 5 (but 2-year-olds are welcome) will be held in the Belmont Public Library’s Flett Room on Monday, Nov. 2. There will be two sessions: 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

• Belmont’s Leah Brams will seek her third title in four years when she and the Marauders race at the Middlesex League meet at Woburn Country Club on Monday, Nov. 2. The race should begin at 3:30-ish p.m.

• The Belmont Boosters are meeting in Room 113 at Belmont High School, 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2.

Tuesday is story time at both of Belmont libraries.

• Pre-School Story Time at the Benton Library, Belmont’s independent and volunteer-run library, at 10:30 a.m. Stories and crafts for children age 3 to 5. Parents or caregivers must attend. Siblings may attend with adults. Registration is not required. The Benton Library is located at the intersection of Oakley and Old Middlesex.
• Pre-School Storytime at the Belmont Public beginning at 9:30 a.m.We’ll read longer books, sing and dance, and make simple crafts. For 3-5-year-olds with a longer attention span.

• State Rep. Dave Rogers will be holding office hours at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St., at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 3.

• It’s an early release day for Belmont’s elementary, middle school and high school students on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

• Crafternoon is for students in Kindergarten and elementary school (first to fourth grades) where students can get creative and do an assortment of crafts on this early release day, Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Belmont Public Library’s Assembly Room.

• The Belmont Public Library is hosting the Harry Potter Fan Club on Thursday, Nov. 5 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Flett Room. 

• Everyone is invited to Chinese Storytime which will take place in the Flett Room of the Belmont Public Library from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. 0n Wednesday, Nov. 4.

• Sustainable Belmont is holding its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. in the Belmont Public Library’s Assembly Room. 

• The Belmont Historical Society’s Board meeting will be held in the Belmont Public Library’s Claflin Room, on Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• The Belmont Council on Aging will host its inaugural Veterans’ Breakfast sponsored by East Cambridge Savings Bank, free for veterans on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 9 a.m. at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St. Meet Belmont Veterans’ Service Officer Bob Upton, Council on Aging staff, and local representatives over coffee and breakfast. Breakfast is limited to 50; please call the Health Department at 617-993-2720 to reserve your seat.

On the government side of “This Week”:

• The Belmont Housing Authority will meet on Monday, Oct. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall to discuss the fiscal year 2016 budget.
• The Belmont Board of Selectmen will vote on amendments to the Land Development Agreement related to Cushing Village at an early morning Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 8:15 a.m. at Town Hall.
• The Planning Board is meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall to vote on a special permit for a new house at 54 White St. and discuss the a Shaw Garden and Hittinger Farm Overlay Districts.
• Community Path Implementation Advisory Committee will discuss a finalized list of identified challenges at its meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at Town Hall.
• The Warrant Committee and town officials are holding a public education forum on the committee’s recently-released pension report at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St. The meeting will give residents an opportunity to ask questions of officials and the committee. Michael Libenson, chair of the Warrant Committee, will preside.
• The Tree Committee will be holding a hearing to discuss removing four five-foot tall Newport plum trees from around Belmont Savings Bank in Belmont Center at its 7 p.m. meeting, on Thursday, Oct. 29 at Town Hall.

• It’s a Teen Halloween at the Belmont Public Library’s Assembly Room from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday night Oct. 26. Come for henna tattoos with Mandy Auberge, origami making with Anthony Khoory, pizza and snacks. Costumes/cosplay are welcome. For preteens in the 5th grade to teenagers. Questions? Email Kylie Sparks at ksparks@minlib.net.

Tuesday is story time at both of Belmont libraries.

• Pre-School Story Time at the Benton Library, Belmont’s independent and volunteer-run library, at 10:30 a.m. Stories and crafts for children age 3 to 5. Parents or caregivers must attend. Siblings may attend with adults. Registration is not required. The Benton Library is located at the intersection of Oakley and Old Middlesex.
• Pre-School Storytime at the Belmont Public beginning at 9:30 a.m.We’ll read longer books, sing and dance, and make simple crafts. For 3-5-year-olds with a longer attention span.

The Beech Street Center is holding a panel discussion on “Reducing Homeownership Costs for Seniors” on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 1:15 p.m. at the Beech Street Center. Join us for a panel discussion on cost-saving options for seniors who own their home and renters. Panelists will include:

• Daniel Dargon, Town of Belmont Assessor;
• Jennifer Shaw of the Metro Boston Housing Partnership;
• Becca Keane of Belmont Light;
• Mary McKenney of Community Teamwork, Inc.;

• Senior Leah Brams, one of the best harriers in Belmont High School history, will run one final time on her home course, Clay Pit Pond Cross Country course as Belmont, at 5-1, hosts Watertown at 3:45 p.m., on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Brams is undefeated at home and has lost only a single race in the Middlesex League in her four years as a varsity runner. 

• “Why are Vampires Sexy?” (If you have to ask!) Tom Greene gives us the backstory on the subject, from Dracula to Edward Cullens, on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Belmont Public Library’s Assembly Room. A professor of English at Northern Essex Community College, Greene outlines the evolution of the modern vampire legend and reveals how vampires captivate us by addressing not only our deepest fears, but also our most secret desires.

• “Progress Since Laramie: A Community Dialogue on Inclusivity,” will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Belmont High School Library, 221 Concord Ave. The discussion, in coordination with the Performing Arts Company’s fall play, “The Laramie Project,” will include panel discussion with staff members from the Belmont Public Schools, some students as well as community members. There will be time for Q&A, including an opportunity to submit questions anonymously to the group. The event is free and open to the public. This event is co-sponsored by the BHS GSA and PATRONS.

• It’s early release for the elementary and middle school students on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

• Chenery Middle School students are invited on early release Wednesday to head over to the library’s Assembly Room on Wednesday. Oct. 28 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., to do your homework while enjoying some hot chocolate. This is for middle schoolers only so high schoolers are on their own. This event is provided for free, thanks to the Friends of the Belmont Public Library.

• Students in second to fourth grades are invited to explore Lego WeDo robotics on Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Flett Room. Register by calling the Children’s Department at 617-993-2880.

• It is the meet that will determine the Middlesex League Girls Swimming and Diving championship as Belmont, led by multiple individual state champion senior Jessie Blake-West, takes on Reading Memorial at the Higgenbottom Pool (at the high school) at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28. If you have never been to a swim meet, this is the one to attend. Oh, and bring your ear plugs – it gets loud. 

• Everyone is invited to Chinese Storytime which will take place in the Assembly Room of the Belmont Public Library from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. 0n Wednesday, Oct. 28. 

• The annual Masquerade Concert, a family-friendly Halloween-themed concert, will take place on 7  p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28 in the Belmont High School Auditorium. Admission is free. Wear your costumes!

• Belmont Storm Water Working Group meeting takes place in the Assembly Room of the Belmont Public Library, Thursday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Jeannie Mack performs the perfect combination of songs, stories, rhymes and hand displays about pumpkins, trick-or-treating, jack-o-lanterns, spiders, and silly witches to delight children from 1 to 5 years old on Friday, Oct. 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Belmont Public Library’s Assembly Room. Halloween costumes are encouraged. 

• Learn about protecting your security online and avoiding malicious software and scams at a presentation by Belmont Police Officer Jim Schwab, experienced cyber crimes investigator, and Paul Roberts, town meeting member and writer for Security Ledger, held at the Beech Street Center on Friday, Oct. 30 at 1:15 p.m.

• Halloween starts early in Belmont as the Cushing Square Business Association sponsors the annual Cushing Square Halloween Extravaganza on Friday, October 30, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Common Street and Trapelo Road.

Photo: The Hanneke Cassel Band.

On the government side of “This Week”:

• The Board of Selectmen is holding an abbreviated morning public meeting at Town Hall on Monday, Oct. 19 at 8 a.m. in which there will be the usual granting of licenses and hear from the Town Administrator. 
• The Belmont School Committee holds its annual Boston meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at the Shelburne Community Center at 2730 Washington St. in Roxbury beginning with a reception at 6 p.m. with the meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. when the committee will update the METCO program in Belmont. 
• The Town of Belmont Energy Committee will discuss the Solarize Belmont initiative which is part of Belmont Light’s new Solar Policy at its meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 8 a.m. in Town Hall. 
• The Belmont Cultural Council will meet at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22 at Town Hall to discuss grant applicants and guidelines for receiving money from the group. 

• The Teen Book Club for 9th to 12th Graders will meet on Monday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Belmont Public Library’s Flett Room to discuss Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. Snacks will be provided. If you have any questions, please e-mail Kylie Sparks at ksparks@minlib.net or call 617-993-2873.

Tuesday is story time at both of Belmont libraries.

• Pre-School Story Time at the Benton Library, Belmont’s independent and volunteer-run library, at 10:30 a.m. Stories and crafts for children age 3 to 5. Parents or caregivers must attend. Siblings may attend with adults. Registration is not required. The Benton Library is located at the intersection of Oakley and Old Middlesex.
• Pre-School Storytime at the Belmont Public beginning at 9:30 a.m.We’ll read longer books, sing and dance, and make simple crafts. For 3-5-year-olds with a longer attention span.

• Kelsey Perkins from US Rep. Katherine Clark’s office will be holding office hours at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St., from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

• Storytime for 1’s is for walkers and toddlers under 24 months will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 10:30 a.m. in the library’s Flett Room. They will share simple stories, songs, and nursery rhymes, and end with time to play.

• It’s early-release day for students at the Chenery Middle School on Wednesday, Oct. 21..

• The International Fiction Book Club will discuss Please Look After Mom by Kyung-sook Shin on Wednesday. Oct 21 at 7 p.m. in the Flett Room. Come for fun conversation, tea and snacks.  Everybody is welcome. If you have a question, or need help finding a copy of the book, contact Kylie at ksparks@minlib.net. The book club is a great way to explore different cultures and read great books international fiction books.

• Hogwart lovers, the Belmont Public Library is hosting the Harry Potter Fan Club on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Flett Room. 

• The Belmont Public Library’s OTAKUrabu program offers students (7th to 12th grades) the chance to watch anime, do a craft/activity, plan for future events and nibble on some Japanese snacks (while they last – they’ll go fast) on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Assembly Room. Provided to you for free, thanks to the Friends of the Belmont Public Library. Just drop in, no registration required.

• After spending a two-day residency at Belmont High, the Hanneke Cassel Band will perform in concert on Thursday, Oct 22, at 7 p.m., in the school’s auditorium. This concert is free and family friendly. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Both high school and middle school string students will perform on the first half of the show, followed by a second set of the Hanneke Cassel Band – Hanneke Cassel, violin; Mike Block, cello; Christopher Lewis, guitar – showing off their fan favorites. 

• The Belmont Historical Society welcomes historian Doug Stewart who will speak on “Massachusetts’ Role in the 19th Century China Trade” (including Belmont’s) on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Belmont Public Library’s Assembly Room. 

• Literacy Playgroup is a parent and child group that supports child’s language and literacy development on Friday, Oct. 23, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Flett Room. You’ll play, read, sing and take home new ideas. Presented by educators from the CFCE grant program; for children age 4 and under.

Photo: Broadway Night in the Little Theater.

On the government side of “This Week”:

• The Planning Board is meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Town Hall to discuss a myriad of topics including the demolition of 26-28 Dante Ave. to allow a two-family to be built and a new landscaping design for the new TD Bank on Trapelo Road.
• The Belmont Housing Trust will discuss its first-time homebuyer project and a housing production plan when it meets at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Town Hall.
• The Community Preservation Committee will discuss and vote on the preliminary applications eligible for final application at its 5 p.m. meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Town Hall. 
• The Community Path Implementation Advisory Committee meets from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Town Hall.
• The Warrant Committee will discuss and then vote on its pension report at its 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14 meeting held at the Chenery Middle School.
• The Belmont Board of Health meets at 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15 at Town Hall.
• The Capital Budget Committee will get an update on capital projects and speak some on the proposed new skating rink when it meets at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15 at Town Hall.

• Tuesday is story time at both of Belmont libraries.

• Pre-School Story Time at the Benton Library, Belmont’s independent and volunteer run library, at 10:30 a.m. Stories and crafts for children age 3 to 5. Parents or caregivers must attend. Siblings may visit with adults. Registration is not required. The Benton Library is at the intersection of Oakley and Old Middlesex.
• The Belmont Public Library on Concord Avenue will have preschool story time at 9:30 a.m. 
• Story Time for 2’s and 3’s is at 10:30 a.m.

• Infant Storytime, for infants up to 12 months and pre-walkers, includes a short program of songs and rhymes followed by time to play and socialize. The fun takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Belmont Public Library’s Flett Room.