Town Changes July 4th Cooling Center From Beech Street Center To Public Library

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Photo:

The Morrissey Hall Community Room of the Belmont Public Library, 336 Concord Ave., will be open to provide air-conditioned relief on Saturday, July 4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The

The library location replaces the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St., as the cooling location in town. In addition, the Underwood Pool, adjacent to the library on Concord Avenue will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch because of a prolonged period of dangerous heat and humidity. Dangerous heat continues into the Saturday holiday with heat indexes reaching 98F to 115F.

Persistent exposure to high heat and humidity may cause illness. All residents are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned buildings, avoid direct sunlight, and check on relatives and neighbors. 

What’s Open/Closed On July 3 And Independence Day

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Photo: John Trumbull’s painting, Declaration of Independence, depicting the five-man drafting committee of the Declaration of Independence presenting their work to the Congress.

Saturday, July 4, the country observes the 250th anniversary (that would be the semiquincentennial) 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.” 

Saturday also marks the 200th anniversary of Adams died on July 4th, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the document’s adoption. It also marks the bicentennial of the death of the declaration’s chief author, Thomas Jefferson, the third president.

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

Open on July 3rd

  • Massachusetts state government offices and the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Unlike federal employees, the state does not observe Saturday holidays on the preceding Friday, so normal weekday state operations proceed.

Closed on July 3rd

  • Belmont Town Hall, the public library, Benton Library, and town offices.
  • Federal government offices.
  • US Postal Service: Both Belmont post offices are open.

Open on the the 4th of July

  • 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 10 p.m., but the pharmacy will be closed.
  • Coffee shops: Starbucks and Dunkin’s on Trapelo Road will operate regular hours. The Dunks on Pleasant and Church will also be open.
  • 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 10 p.m., Pharmacy 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed on the 4th of July

  • USPS offices in Belmont.

For those who will be traveling using public transportation, the MBTA is running on the following schedule on the 3rd and the 4th

  • 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. After 8:30 p.m., bikes will not be allowed on board on trains. The last train from Boston’s North Station on the Fitchburg line, which serves Belmont and Waverley commuter stops, will depart at 11:40 p.m.
  • There is no fare after 8:30 p.m. on all lines.

Where to see fireworks celebrations near-ish to Belmont:

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

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Photo: Old Glory, Belmont

Friday, 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 died on July 4th, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the document’s adoption, on the same day as the declaration’s chief author, Thomas Jefferson, the third president.

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

Closed on the 4th

  • Belmont Town Hall, the public library at the Beech Street Center and Benton Library, and town offices.
  • 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 10 p.m., but the pharmacy will be closed.
  • Coffee shops: Starbucks and Dunkin’s on Trapelo Road will operate regular hours. The Dunks on Pleasant and Church will also be open.
  • 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 10 p.m., Pharmacy 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For those who will be 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. After 8:30 p.m., bikes will not be allowed on board on trains. The last train from Boston’s North Station on the Wachusett route, which serves Belmont and Waverley commuter stops, will depart at 11:40 p.m.
  • There is no fare after 9:30 p.m. on all lines.

Riders are encouraged to purchase the $10 Holiday Weekend Pass for unlimited travel, July 4 – July 6.

Where to see fireworks celebrations near-ish to Belmont:

  • Arlington: Robbins Farm Park on Eastern Avenue just over Route 2. There will be music, and refreshments, with the Boston Pops Orchestra and fireworks on a giant screen. Starts at 6 p.m.
  • Boston/Cambridge: along the Charles River at the Esplanade, 10:30 p.m. A great option: Use the Paul Dudley White Charles River Bike Path along the Charles to get to Boston. A great option for viewing the fireworks is the BU Bridge which remains open all night.
  • Newton: Albemarle Field/Halloran Sports Complex. Carnival rides, food trucks, and a crafts fair starts at 1 p.m. with fireworks at 9:10 p.m.

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

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Photo: Old Glory, Belmont

Thursday, 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 document’s adoption, on the same day as the declaration’s chief author, Thomas Jefferson, the third president.

Other noted events occurring on July 4th:

1845: Henry David Thoreau moved to his cabin at Walden Pond in nearby Concord, where he wrote his series of reflective essays titled Walden; or, Life in the Woods.

1865: Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was published.

1939: New York Yankee great Lou Gehrig gives his famous “Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth” speech before 63,000 fans at the Stadium after being diagnosed with ALS.

1960: The 50-star US flag is flown for the first time.

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 Thursday’s pickup will take place on Friday.

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

Closed on the 4th

  • Belmont Town Hall, the public library and town offices will also be closed on the 5th.
  • 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 10 p.m., but the pharmacy will be closed.
  • Coffee shops: Starbucks and Dunkin’s on Trapelo Road will operate during regular hours. The Dunks on Pleasant and Church will also be open.
  • 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 10 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 at North Station until 11:25 p.m.
  • There is no fare after 9:30 p.m. on all lines.

Where to see fireworks celebrations near-ish to Belmont:

  • Arlington: Robbins Farm Park on Eastern Avenue. There will be music, refreshments, with the Boston Pops Orchestra and fireworks on a giant screen. Fireworks starting at 10:30 p.m.
  • Boston/Cambridge: along the Charles River at the Esplanade, 10:30 p.m. A great option: Use the Paul Dudley White Charles River Bike Path along the Charles to get to Boston.
  • Newton: Albemarle Field/Halloran Sports Complex, 9:10 p.m. Carnival rides, food trucks and a crafts fair starts at 1 p.m.

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

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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.

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

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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

What’s Open/Closed This 4th Of July, Trash Delayed A Day, Where Are The Fireworks Close To Belmont

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Photo: 4th of July fireworks on the Charles river, Boston, MA 2011-07-04 Pablo Valerio

Today, Monday, July 4 is when the country observes Independence Day, which the country commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Although the holiday wasn’t made an official nation-wide holiday until 1870 (and not a paid holiday for federal workers until 1941), Massachusetts has recognized the day as an official state holiday since 1781.

For most Belmontians, the most impactful result of the holiday is that trash and recycling pick up will be delayed a day.

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

  • Belmont Town Hall and town offices: Closed
  • The Underwood Pool: Open to members and those purchasing day passes
  • Belmont Public Library: Closed
  • State and Federal government offices: Closed
  • US Postal Service: Both Belmont post offices are closed; express delivery only
  • Banks: Closed
  • Retail stores: Open at owner’s discretion
  • Supermarkets: Star Market on Trapelo Road in Waverley Square in open regular hours.
  • Coffee shops: Starbucks and Dunkin’s on Trapelo Road will be operating 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.
  • 264 Trapelo St. Store 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Pharmacy 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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

  • Subway will run on a modified Saturday schedule until 1 p.m. After 1 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 Fitchburg line will be held for 30 minutes after the end of the Boston Pop fireworks.

Where to see firework celebrations near-ish to Belmont:

  • Boston/Cambridge: along the Charles River at the Esplanade, 10:30 p.m.
  • Newton: Albemarle Field/Halloran Sports Complex, 9:30 p.m.
  • Wakefield: Lake Quannapowitt at the end of Beacon Street, 9:30 p.m.

What’s Open, Closed On the 4th Of July That’s Observed On The 5th; Trash Pickup Delayed A Day

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Photo: Happy 4th on the 5th

Today, Monday, July 5 is when the country observes the 4th of July, Independence Day, which we celebrated yesterday. It’s that somewhat rare case of when the holiday that commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence falls on a Sunday but the US still wants the people of the country to have an official day off. So take it.

For most Belmontians, the most impactful result of the holiday is that trash and recycling pick up will be delayed by a day.

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

  • Belmont Town Hall and town offices: Closed
  • Belmont Public Library: Closed
  • State and Federal government offices: Closed.
  • US Postal Service: Both Belmont post offices are closed; express delivery only.
  • Retail stores and coffee shops: Open at owner’s discretion.
  • Liquor stores: Open.
  • Supermarkets: Open.
  • Convenience stores: Open.
  • Taverns, bars: Open.
  • Banks: Closed.

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

  • Subway and Commuter Rail will run on a Saturday schedule.
  • Bus and the RIDE will run on a Sunday schedule.

4th of July Celebrations/Fireworks Close To Belmont (But Arlington’s Not One)

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Photo: Over the Charles River.

While Belmont does not hold a community 4th of July celebration, many neighboring and close-by cities and towns do. Here are just a few events and fireworks in adjacent communities and in Boston. 

• Lexington: The annual Lexington Lions Fourth of July Carnival takes place at Hastings Park (continue on Massachusetts Avenue past Lexington center) from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Youth Games take place on July 4 at 10 a.m. Sorry, but the fireworks were shot off on July 3.       

• Boston: Fireworks will fill the sky over the Charles River adjacent to the Esplanade after the Boston Pops concert a little after 10 p.m. 

• Newton: Newton Community Pride’s July 4th Celebration is an all day affair with an open air market, food vendors and children’s activities beginning at 1 p.m. at Albermarle/Halloran Field, located on Watertown Street, Route 16. The music starts at 6 p.m. and the fireworks get underway at 9 p.m.

Today, from 10 a.m. to noon, is Kids Morning (for children from 3 to 12) at the Newton Centre Playground at Tyler Terrace. There will be a Grande Pet Parade, a Teddy Bear Parade, Decorated Doll Carriage Promenade and Foot Races. There will also be free ice cream provided by Cabot’s Ice Cream.

• Waltham: The City of Waltham 4th of July Events begins with a kids celebration at Prospect Hill Park (off Totten Pond Road) include family activities like mini gulf, animal adventures, music, food and trolley rides.

Then it is over to Leary Field, 19 Athletic Field Rd., (a block from Lexington Street and close to Waltham City Hall) at 5:30 p.m. for a concert by “Back in Time” with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

• Arlington: A favorite of many Belmont residents for its panaramic view of Boston’s firework celebration, this year’s events at Robbins Farm Park, just over Route 2 in Arlington, have been cancelled due to large-scale construction in the park that is part of a Community Preservation Act project. 

Ready, Set … Last Minute Things To Know on July 1

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Photo: Don’t let traffic get you down this July 4th holiday.

Make no mistake about it; with the 4th of July on a Monday, today, Friday, July 1 is the beginning of a four-day holiday for a majority of Belmontians. So here are a few helpful tips before you start your holiday 

• Heading out of town on the roads today? Take time to get the latest travel advisories.

For traffic and road conditions, drivers may use new technology:

  • Travelers may dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions for more than one thousand miles of roadways in Massachusetts and for some roads in other states.
  • Visit the website, mass511.com, to find real-time traffic and incident information.
  • Access MassDOT traffic camera images of portions of Rt. 3, Rt. 6, Rt. 28, and I-90, I-91, I-93, and I-95 by visiting:  https://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/TrafficTravelResources/TrafficInformationMap
  • Download the Ridewise app to obtain travel times for various routes including Route 3, Route 6, I-93 and portions of I-90.  The app is available on Android and iPhone.

• Stock up on best-sellers, get the books on your reading list or find that favorite film as the Belmont Public Library will be open until 5 p.m., Friday, July 1. It will be closed until Tuesday, July 5.

• If you are looking to pay that parking ticket, town offices will be closing at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 1.

• Looking to sneak out of town via the commuter rail or trolley? You’ll have to dig a bit deeper in you wallet as the MBTA is raising fees today, Friday, July 1. Also, if you are traveling by the T on the 4th, there is no fare on the subway lines after 9:30 p.m. 

• Staying in town? Not leaving ’til later? Then come to the Benton Library for a bit of quiet time  at 75 Oakley Rd. on the corner of Oakley and Old Middlesex. The Benton is open on the first Friday evening of every month.