Early Voting in Belmont Starts Saturday, Oct. 17 At Town Hall

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Early voting starts Saturday

Really looking to cast your vote in this mid-term election? Well, you don’t have to fight traffic to rush home on a Tuesday evening to stand in line to insert your ballot in the counting machine when you can vote without the anxiety or lost time.

Two weeks of in-person early voting in Belmont for the November general election begins on Saturday, Oct. 17. You don’t need an excuse to cast an early ballot.

Early voting will take place in the auditorium at Belmont Town Hall, located at 455 Concord Ave. Parking will be reserved for early voters in the main parking lot.

The 2026 State Election takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Days and Times for Early Voting in Belmont

First Week

  • Saturday, Oct. 17       10 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday, Oct. 18          Closed, no early voting
  • Monday, Oct. 19         8 AM to 7 PM
  • Tuesday, Oct. 20         8 AM to 4 PM
  • Wednesday, Oct. 21   8 AM to 4 PM
  • Thursday, Oct. 22       8 AM to 4 PM
  • Friday, Oct. 23            8 AM to Noon

Second Week

  • Saturday, Oct. 24       10 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday, Oct. 25          Closed, no early voting
  • Monday, Oct. 26         8 AM to 7 PM
  • Tuesday, Oct. 27         8 AM to 4 PM
  • Wednesday, Oct. 28   8 AM to 4 PM
  • Thursday, Oct. 29       8 AM to 4 PM
  • Friday, Oct. 30            8 AM to Noon

Contact the Town Clerk’s office if you have any questions.

Email: voting@belmont-ma.gov or phone: 617-993-2603

Broadway Night Opens Belmont High Performing Arts Company’s 2026 Season

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Broadway Night is “a mix of humor, heart, romance, and high-energy fun.”

The Belmont High School’s Performing Arts Company opens its 2025-26 season with its annual Broadway Night: a musical theater cabaret performed by students on Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. in the Belmont Middle and High School Auditorium

Featuring songs from contemporary and classic musicals and showcasing the talent of dozens of performers, the show is a fun evening of singing, acting and dance for all ages. Each year the show features more than 20 solo, duet and group songs, with a mix of humor, heart, romance, and high-energy fun. The performance includes a dance number and student-directed group numbers.

According to Ezra Flam, producer/director of the Performing Arts Company, Broadway Night represents “the core mission of the PAC, with an emphasis on showcasing student work. The performers have selected, staged and rehearsed the songs almost entirely on their own, with just a small amount of guidance from Lifson. In addition, the lighting design is done entirely by students, and the show ends with a finale song featuring the whole company.”

TICKETS: $5 Students, $12 Adults

Get your tickets here

Advance Ticket Purchase online recommended as performances traditionally sell-out.
Some tickets will be available at the theater 30 minutes before each performance.
For students, tickets will be on sale at school near the cafeteria during lunch the week of the show.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Is Monday, Oct. 12: What’s Open/Closed In Belmont

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Indigenous Peoples’ Day is Monday, Oct. 12

Indigenous Peoples’ Day, celebrated annually on the second Monday of October – this year Oct. 12 – is a federal holiday observed by the Town of Belmont to celebrate Native American peoples and commemorate their histories and cultures.

Curb side trash and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day due to the holiday.

What’s Closed:

  • Belmont Town offices, Belmont Public Library, and Belmont Light are closed.
  • The US Postal Service will not deliver mail, and post offices are closed.
  • Most banks, although branches will be open in some supermarkets.

What’s Opened:

  • Retail stores
  • Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts
  • Supermarkets and convenience stores
  • Establishments that sell beer and wine are also allowed to be open.

MBTA: Holidays such as Juneteenth, Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day, and Veterans Day do not have modified schedules; all services will operate on a regular schedule on these days.

Belmont Police Welcomes Citizens To Attend Community Police Academy Beginning Oct. 13

By Leave a Comment

Photo: The Belmont Police Department is beginning its Community Police Academy on October. 13.

The Belmont Police Department is opening its doors to the public with the start of its Community Police Academy starting Tuesday, Oct. 13. This immersive experience into policing will meet every Tuesday for 10 weeks to give the public a hands-on opportunity to learn about policing in Belmont.

“Come attend and see where your tax money goes,” said Belmont Police Chief Shane Smith Monday at Town Hall. 

The community police academy will offer to the community a behind-the-scenes look at the department “and the good people who work there,” said Smith. Attendees will get to meet the officers and staff, learn how the department functions, gain insight into the criminal justice system, and discover how the public can make a difference in making the community safer. 

Each week, the public will witness a different aspect of law enforcement, such as the role of dispatch, the duties of each officer, and the department’s focus on community service. Participants will also get to go on a “ride along” in which they will spend some part of a shift inside a patrol vehicle observing law enforcement operations. And you’ll meet Bingo!

“I really hope this will build stronger relationships between our people and the community we serve,” Smith said. 

To obtain registration forms, contact Lt. Paul Cowing at pcowing@belmontpd.org

Belmont Prepping To Trash Talk As New Solid Waste/Recycling Contract Going Out To Bid In 2017

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Waste Management has been the town’s solid waste and recycling hauler since 2018

It’s time for the town to talk trash.

With the solid waste and recycling contract “pretty much at its end of life,” Belmont is readying to put the contract for curbside removal out to bid by next summer, according to Town Administrator Patrice Garvin.

And with this contract that begins in 2028, Belmont will be looking for some ‘extras’ that could include the return of multi-week yard waste removal.

In 2018, Select Board signed a five-year contract with national firm Waste Management to become the town’s trash/recycling hauler beginning July 2018, taking over from Russell Disposal. A five-year contract extension with Waste Management was approved in 2023.

In the five-year WM contract extension, the price tag for curbside collection expenses—which includes trash, recycling, and yard waste collection along with Christmas trees and bulky items—increased from $2.449 million in fiscal ’23 to $2.948 million by fiscal ’28.

The town will be accepting bids in July 2017 from firms that are “able to service all three collection points, which are trash, recycling, and waste,” said Jay Marcotte, DPW director. While the new contract will not commence until July 2028, “the long lead time is to allow the successful vendor time to familiarize themselves with the town, understanding our four-day a week collection schedule and to procure the equipment required to service the town.”

But due to the nature of the waste hauling industry, it’s likely that Belmont will have a limited number of companies – between four and five – to select from when the bid is submitted next summer, according to Marcotte. Due to the tonnage of trash and recycling needed to be hauled away, only the largest firms would consider bidding. In addition, the town will be “exploring” alternatives to traditional diesel-powered trucks, including low-emission hybrid collection vehicles.

“We were having back and forth with fuel-alternate vehicles. There’s natural gas. There’s electric, and then there’s traditional diesel. The jury’s out on the electric trash trucks, but compressed natural gas has come a long way since the 2018 bid. So we’ll probably see alternatives to fuels for either diesel or natural gas,” said Marcotte. “I know Waste Management and Republic have their own filling stations for natural gas, which is a huge advantage when they’re bidding. So I’m anticipating we’re only going to get most likely two to three firms submitting a bid.”

In addition to carrying away trash and recycling, the town will be “exploring” alternatives to traditional diesel-powered trucks, including low-emission hybrid collection vehicles.

“We will also investigate curbside organics, yard waste, and Christmas tree collection programs,” said Marcotte. Another service being considered for inclusion in a contract is composting.

Belmont High Mini-Forest Dedication Set For Saturday, Oct. 3

By Leave a Comment

Photo: The Belmont High School Mini-Forest

A year after being planted, the official dedication of Belmont High School Mini-Forest will take place on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The afternoon will include tours, arts and crafts, poetry contest winners, science stories and games about the forest.

The celebration comes a year after volunteers spent two day planting approximately 1,145 trees and scrubs between two walking paths in the front of the Belmont High School campus. The forest is a dense planting of native trees and scrubs to recreate old growth forests. By planting the saplings close together in a compact area – the size of a small swimming pool – the area grows in a third of the usual time.

The mini-forest is seen as being used by educators as a living laboratory on the impact of Climate challenges on the community, while enhancing urban biodiversity, improve air quality, and providing a green space for residents.

The forest was inspired by the work of Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki, known for his work in the restoration of natural forests.

The Cambridge Department of Public Works planted the first min-forest in the northeastern US in Danehy Park near Fresh Pond in Sept. 2021.

Too Big To Park: ‘Giant’ Pickups, SUVs Not Welcomed At Rink’s New ‘Jug Handle’ Lot

By Leave a Comment

Photo: The “jug handle” parking lot

Signs will be going up at the newly-renovated parking location known as the “jug handle” advising owners of many popular vehicle models to take their vehicles somewhere else. 

According to Belmont DPW Director Jay Marcotte, the recently opened parking area that is the preferred location for hockey parents bringing their kids to the Belmont Sports Complex on Concord Avenue. And while the width of the refurbished space was increased, it turned out that Americans’ love of heavy-duty workhorses made for a tight squeeze at the site.

The site was redesigned and reconstructed to increase the number of vehicles that could park there from the mid-30s to nearly 60, thus “maximizing efficiency,” said Marcotte. There is also a new parking configuration: previously vehicles would parallel park due to the narrowness of the site. Now the lot is lined for angled parking.

Anyone who has spent time traveling to hockey or skating rinks will immediately notice the parking lots will be occupied by a good number of pickup trucks and full-sized SUVs such as the Ford F-1500, the Ram 150, Chevy Tahoe, and the Ford Expedition. (Hockey bags take up a lot of room). And that’s where the problem lies. At least twice in the past month, a pair of the largest vehicles were parked either opposite or close to the other, creating a bottleneck that only allowed compact cars to pass. Midsized or larger vehicles could not wiggle their way past and needed to reverse out of the jug handle. 

Based on those observations and rink users’ feedback, Marcotte said the town will begin regulating the size and type of vehicles permitted to park in the jug handle. The DPW will soon install signs restricting pickup trucks and large SUVs from the site and other signs instructing owners to pull all the way up to the parking space berm/curb to increase the roadway. 

“Implementing these adjustments will significantly optimize the parking space and flow,” said Marcotte.

Soccer Night Success: Belmont High Girls, Boys Soccer Remain Undefeated Winning Home Town Tourney

By Leave a Comment

Photo: The Belmont High Girls’ with its silverware

Before one of the largest crowds each team will likely play before this season, both of Belmont High’s varsity soccer teams remained unbeaten as the Boys’ and Girls’ carried off the silverware as winners of the Soccer Night in Belmont tourney held Saturday, Sept. 19 on Harris Field. 

[On Wednesday, both Belmont teams remained undefeated, with the Girls’ defeating host Wakefield, while the Boys’ drew 1-1 against visitors from Wakefield]

Girls’ Power Past Strong Westford Academy Squad in 2-0 Shutout

A game-winning goal in the first three minutes of the game by junior Casaie Grinder and an insurance tally from Elsa Dubois off a header early in the second half spurred a solid, complete team effort as Belmont (4-0) shut out Westford Academy (2-2) 2-0 in the first game of the doubleheader. Both goals were assisted by sophomore Clara Sciandra, the second coming from her corner kick.

If a good baseball team is built “up the middle” with an outstanding catcher, pitcher, second and shortstop, and center fielder, Belmont has constructed a strong squad similarly with three-year starting senior goalkeeper Martha Dimas, a top notch central defender in Dubois, the veteran midfield tandem of seniors Zoe Marion and Madhavi Ramadas, and forward Sciandra at the point of the spear. 

Belmont is built from the back with a young but solid defensive corps that tracks down opponents and thaws any dangerous runs into the box, resulting in two clean sheets this year. Dubois captains the defense like a sentinel on the bulwark, calling out coverage and any strategic changes on the field. 

“My main goal was to talk to all of my teammates. Just trying to get everybody under control to stop being super stressed over the ball. Even if I was very nervous at the start, going through the game, my one goal was to make sure everybody was included in the play.”

Against Westford, that cohesive approach Dubois spoke of was demonstrated when junior defender Vianne Capitani cleared a shot from the Belmont goal line while covering a corner attempt midway through the second half. 

“We work very hard,” said the sophomore starter. “We try to stick together and communicate with each other because it’s super important to stay together to make sure none of us like break apart or go off too far. So as long as we’re in line and really kind of try to stay like in a brick formation, and one goes up, pressure cover balance.

And the goal for the remainder of the season is elementary for Dubois.

“We’re going for a strong year. We’re hoping to make it further in the playoffs this year than we did last year.” 

“You went to the semifinals last year [after defeating the top seed Needham in the quarterfinals before falling to the eventual MIAA Division 1 state champions Natick],” she was reminded.

“Yes, we want to take it all,” said Dubois.

Boys’ Continuous One Goal Win Streak with 2-1 Victory Over Newton North

It came out of nowhere.

As the tussle between Belmont and Newton North appeared to be heading towards a tie [and under the tournament’s rules the game would be decided by penalty kicks), Marauder senior Itai Golani found himself in space in the center of the field with 17 minutes remaining. But being more than 25 meters from goal, it would have been prudent for the midfielder to find a teammate in the penalty box.

But rather than be cautious, Golani let loose a rocket that took a straight line into the back of the net. Set off the celebrations.

With senior goalie David Klimasmith anchoring the defense – and stopping a one-on-one encounter in the final seconds of the game – allowed Belmont Boys’ to lift the tournament trophy. Belmont took the lead three minutes into the second half on a fortunate fumble from the Newton North goalie. While saving a cross, the keeper allowed the ball to come off his leg and onto the foot of Belmont senior Allessio Elia, who spun quickly to deposit the ball into the upper netting.

Town-Wide Garage Sale Postponed This Weekend As Fall Nor’ester Approaches; New Date Oct. 3

By Leave a Comment

Photo: A yard sale on a town-wide scale

Due to the arrival this weekend of a really early in the season Nor’ester, the Belmont Town-Wide Yard Sale has been postponed and will now take place on Saturday, October 3rd, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

View details of the sale, an interactive map, and a list of the locations of properties participating that will make up the 121 registered yard sales here.

Those interested can pick up a physical map at the Belmont Library, 336 Concord Ave., or the Beech Street Center, 266 Beach St. or, by scanning the QR code in the flyer below to view every stop on an interactive Google Maps page.

This program is brought to you by the Belmont Public Library, the Belmont Council on Aging, and Belmont Recreation Department.

Garvin Nixes Merit Pay Increase … Again After Select Board Gives Town Administrator Outstanding Performance Review

By Leave a Comment

Photo: Belmont Town Administrator Patrice Garvin

For the second year running, Belmont Town Administrator Patrice Garvin has rejected a merit pay increase voted by the Select Board after giving her an outstanding annual performance review.

“I want to thank the board for recognizing my hard work,” said Garvin of the 1.5 percent bump. “But I would like to let the board know that given the issues with the town in terms of the budgetary constraints, I’d like to waive that merit, have it stay within the salary reserve, and have it go towards police and fire negotiations.”

The increase comes out to approximately $3,300 that will placed in the salary reserve account to be used to fund new public safety contracts. Garvin’s annual salary was set in 2025 at $229,500.

This marks the third time Garvin has passed up a proposed pay hike in her nearly decade long tenure. She refused a two percent annual boost in pay in September 2025 with the funds then supporting the town’s non-union Employee Recognition Program. In June 2020, she nixed a two percent increase “in response to the significant budgetary shortfalls as a result of the unanticipated COVID-19 pandemic.” 

“I think that is incredibly generous and thoughtful of you, Patrice,” said Board Chair Taylor Yates. “So thank you always for thinking of the entire organization.”

The Select Board’s latest recap of Garvin’s annual performance review was similar to past assessments: she’s doing an outstanding job, scoring a 4.7 out of 5 getting high marks for her leadership skills and organization of the town departments.

“I think you are exceptionally organized, and you have led phenomenal drive towards professionalization of the town’s services, which is critical because that’s pretty much the most powerful tool we have to get more for less. And I see it in how you approach your work,” said Yates. He noted Garvin’s list of hires since arriving in Belmont in 2018, pointing to several department heads”[who are] all exceptional at what they do, and they are able to do it by … your excellent work building an organization to serve the residents of Belmont, and that’s a credit to your talented efforts.”

“[Garvin has] an incredible amount of institutional knowledge, the ability to work through difficult situations, and work through pretty much anything that comes up. It really shows your strength,” said Board Vice Chair Carole Berberian. “The financial management ability to restructure and work to increase efficiencies … is all really strong and contributes to the successes in the position.”

“When I did your performance review, what I used as a standard was the field of possible town administrators or town managers. You’re the best,” said Board member Matthew Taylor. “I wish all of our residents could see how much work Patrice does behind the scenes to solve problems, to get to further our relationships with our staff and our unions, [and] to improve our presentations and communications.”

Responding to the comments, Garvin said that she “loves working for the town of Belmont. I love working for the people here. I pretty much in here more than I am at home, so I just feel that my drive and my effort all go goes towards the improvement of this town. And I think over the last eight years, I’ve been able to to do that with thete staff I work with.”

“It’s a great team effort I bring to the town every day. I don’t think I would work as hard as if I didn’t enjoy it as much as I do. I love a problem I need to solve,” she said.