Mary Byrne

1 week ago | belmontvoice.org | Mary Byrne

Five years ago, after years of marching in the Boston Pride Parade, the Belmont LGBTQ+ Alliance organized its first local event. “These displays and events can be very important to individuals who feel disenfranchised or wonder if they’ll belong in this community,” said Fran Yuan, who founded the alliance in 2001. Anyone looking to participate in the parade is asked to meet on the Town Green next to the First Church in Belmont on Saturday, May 31, between 12:30 and 1 p.m., when the parade starts.

1 week ago | belmontvoice.org | Mary Byrne

When the Belmont Farmers’ Market kicked off for the first time 20 years ago, it wasn’t quite the event it is today. “It started out more focused on farms, and we’ve added prepared foods and non-food items over the years,” said Hal Shubin, chair of the market committee. “We’ve added the community tent where local nonprofits come in and talk to folks. We have office hours for local officials.”An event tent with music has also been added, as have a number of tents for a variety of local artisans.

2 weeks ago | belmontvoice.org | Mary Byrne

At just about 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, annual Town Meeting officially adjourned, closing out its fifth and final night of deliberations with a vote to approve the last recommendation for Community Preservation Act funding. That motion passed, 149-29 with eight abstentions, authorizing $429,433 for a joint project with the town to restore the softball fields west of Harris Field.

2 weeks ago | belmontvoice.org | Mary Byrne

After a lengthy discussion primarily focused on what a yes or no vote would mean, Town Meeting instead voted to postpone indefinitely a citizen petition relating to the restructuring plans of the Beech Street Center.

2 weeks ago | belmontvoice.org | Mary Byrne

Looking for a way to make their voices heard, residents of Belmont and the surrounding communities recently joined hundreds of women across the country in weaving a quilt with messages in support of upholding the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law. “A quilt is just a really tangible way to express something,” said Stephanie Cahoon, a 25-year resident of Belmont.