1. A great school vacation event for the kids at the Belmont Public Library: The Ecology of Sound with Ricardo Frota – "The Forest Man" – is a wonderful music program for children in which Frota brings the sounds of the Brazilian rain forest with his music using traditional and native instruments including some he created on his own. The program takes place at 2 p.m.;  2. If you are a Belmont resident 60 or over, the Beech Street Center can provide rides to neighboring towns for the purpose of visiting family or friends at in nursing homes or rehab centers. The towns covered are Watertown, …

1. The Beech Street Center will be holding a free seminar for all Belmont residents called "Start Planning for Medicare: Countdown to 65" at 5:30 p.m. at the Center. The seminar will answer questions such as: • What happens to your insurance if you retire younger than 65 or work past 65? • What does Medicare cover? • What are Medicare Supplement plans? Offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, the presentation is intended for those approaching Medicare eligibility and includes an explanation of Medicare-related plans and how they work, an explanation of the health plan options …

1. It's market day in Belmont as the Farmers Market is open behind Macy's at Cross St and Channing Rd. in Belmont Center from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Part-time vendors here this week include Coastal Vineyard, Coutt's jams & jellies, Stow Greenhouses, Japonaise Bakery, Well Fed Dog and Dan's Brick Oven Bread. Back for encore performances are teen magician Ryan Lally and Bridget Curzi playing her guitar and sing.  2. Rolie Polie Guacamole, Brooklyn's hippest kiddie band brings their high-energy show to Belmont Public Library's Assembly Room from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Who knew nutritious food …

1. The Belmont League of Women Voters is holding a Brown Bag Lunch with former Selectman Paul Solomon who will discuss ideas for projects that might be funded with Community Preservation Act funds. Bring a sandwich; beverages and dessert will be provided. The one-hour lunch will take place in the Flett Room of the Belmont Public Library beginning at noon. 2. The Senior Book Discussion Group will meet at 11 a.m. at the Beech Street Center to discuss this month's book, "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan. 3. Drop-in on a brand new Vinyasa-style yoga class, taught by professional instructors, at the …

Five Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch feature that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Have an idea for  an upcoming "Five Things?" Let us know in the comments section. 1. Today is International Walk to School Day. Belmont is one of 111 communities in Massachusetts and 6,000 worldwide where children, parents, school and community officials will walk, bike and hike to bring attention to the creation of safe routes for students to take each day to their schools. 2. The Belmont Garden Club Board is meeting from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Assembly Room of the …

Five Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the new feature in the comments section.  1. Today starts the scheduled closing of upper Concord Avenue from Pleasant to Mill streets as the roadway is repaved for the second time in a year. Expect work from around 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contractors are also performing finishing work – installing concrete curbs and manhole covers – on Oakley Road from Belmont to Washington streets and School Street. And there is more …

Five Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the new feature in the comments section. 1. Ah, Belmont, whose unofficial motto is "Detour, Road Closed." There will be delays on Concord Avenue from Pleasant Street (where the Police Station and Town Hall are located) to Mill Street as the roadway is being resurfaced and the road is reduced to one lane. And there is more work on Winter Street to the Lexington line. In addition, Creeley Road (behind the Fire …

Five Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the new feature in the comments section. 1. Today is Wednesday (yes, it is Wednesday) which means it's an early release for all schools. Here's the schedule:• Burbank, Butler and Wellington: 1:40 p.m.• Winn Brook: 1:50 p.m.• Chenery Middle School: 1:15 p.m. • And it's an early release day for the High School students; they'll be getting out at 10:30 a.m. 2. Come and participate in a free Longevitology Meditation …

Five Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the new feature in the comments section. 1. After his month-and-a-half bike tour of the US, State Rep. Will Brownsberger will be holding office hours between 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Belmont Public Library.  2. Got a question about the town? Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Ralph Jones will be holding a citizen's hour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. before the meeting of the Board of Selectmen on the second floor of Town …

Each week, Belmont Patch highlights editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off and more in our feature called Patch Picks. At Patch, we know a thing or two about being green, as we deliver fresh news not to your doorstep each morning, but to your computer. But we also know that there are some great residents and groups here in town that are also staying green whenever possible. We would like to recognize those who are committed to the environment. We want you to think of an organization, individual or unofficial group of …

Each week, Belmont Patch highlights editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off and more in our feature called Patch Picks. And as it is Labor Day, we at Patch want to honor those who have worked hard for the community over the last year and should be recognized for their service and dedication to Belmont  Tony Valdi, Bri Norms and gerrimss@yahoo.com all nominated Mr. S, retired elementary gym teacher Richard Samaria, as the person who gave the most to the town and especially the several generation of students. And here are…

Each week, Belmont Patch highlights editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off and more in our Thursday feature called Patch Picks. With Labor Day approaching, we at Patch want to honor those who have worked hard for the community over the last year. Tell us who should be recognized for their service and dedication to Belmont and we’ll feature that person in Thursday’s Patch Picks. We’re looking for five individuals, so be sure to list your pick in the comment section below or send by email to me, franklin@patch.com

Five Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the new feature in the comments section. 1. There is a pizza and trivia party for the 7th to 12th graders who participated in the Teen Summer Reading Program at 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Assembly Room of the Belmont Public Library. There will be a chance to win great prizes including a pair of Red Sox tickets, a Nook digital reader and gift cards for great stores like Newbury Comics, Best Buy and iTunes. Sign up…

Each week, Belmont Patch highlights editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off and more in our Thursday feature called Patch Picks. This week, we're looking for the best place to get ice cream. Whether you are a rebellious double-scoop regular, a frozen yogurt fiend or a special-occasions-only partaker, choosing your supplier of frozen bliss is an important decision. The Belmont area is fortunate enough to have several ice cream eateries present, but which is the best? Leave your suggestions in the comment box below or …

Each week, Belmont Patch highlights editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off and more in our Thursday feature called Patch Picks. Recent years have seen an abundance of dating websites pop up around the Web. Even better for those looking for that special someone, sites can be searched on the local level, making it a little easier these days to find a date. But one question remains: where do you go in and around town for the all-important date? Are you a traditional dinner and a movie type of person? Maybe you like to …

Each week, Burlington Patch highlights editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off, and more in our Thursday feature called Patch Picks. A stroll around town this time of year yields an unmistakable aroma that seems to define summer cooking: hamburgers! Not everyone makes their burgers the same way, though, and so we’re asking for the absolute best burger joint in town. We want to know who makes the tastiest burger, who uses the gooiest cheese, the crispiest tomatoes, the freshest rolls. While you’re at it, let us know your…

Each week, Belmont Patch highlights editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off, and more in our Thursday feature called Patch Picks. As many of us know, the summer is great time to take a class in town. Whether it’s through the Benton or Belmont libraries, the Belmont Media Center, the Council on Aging at the Beech Street Center or the Recreation Department, opportunities exist for adults to learn something new. We want to know, what are the most creative and/or unusual classes in town? Here are a few classes and courses: …

Five Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the new feature in the comments section.  1. Tuesday's Movies for Children at the Belmont Public Library. Come join the Children's Room staff for films like "Amazing Grace," "Brave Irene," "Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge" and "Teacher from the Black Lagoon" beginning at noon. 2. Fees for Belmont High School students participating in performing and fine arts extra curricular activities, fall sports or who take …

Each week, Belmont Patch highlights editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off, and more in our Thursday feature called Patch Picks. As many of us know, the summer is great time to take a class in town. Whether it’s through the Benton or Belmont libraries, the Belmont Media Center, the Council on Aging at the Beech Street Center or the Recreation Department, opportunities exist for adults to learn something new. We want to know, what are the most creative and/or unusual classes in town? Tell us if you’re taking a class …

Five Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the new feature in the comments section.  1. State Rep. Will Brownsberger will be holding 'Office Hours' in the Claflin Room on the main floor of the Belmont Public Library from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 2. The first quarter Real Estate and Personal Property taxes are due in the Treasurer's Office by Monday, Aug. 1, at 4 p.m. Online payments are available through the links below. • FIRST TIME USERS click here to REGISTER…