Category: discussion

Federal stimulus goodness for house, auto upgrades

A trio of blog posts that I came across recently help explain how those of us who aren’t being foreclosed on or sagging under the weight of bad bets on derivatives can still take advantage of federal stimulus programs.

The Wellington victory: turning a page

If nothing else, the Wellington reminds us all that investing in our public schools — investing in the future of Belmont — is something that’s just…good. It enriches us all far beyond the meager costs we pay (around $1 a day, on average, for the new Wellington school).

Belmont family profiled in Globe story on cuts to social services

Bella English’s excellent story about Belmont’s Burke family and their struggle to raise three lovely daughters who were born with Sanfilippo syndrome, a very rare and fatal degenerative brain disease, put a very human face on the otherwise sterile and bureaucratic machinations on Beacon Hill, where talk of “reductions in services” and “necessary cuts” often mask a more brutal reality. Without help from the State, the caseworkers and educators who help them shoulder the load of caring for three profoundly disabled children will disappear, the lives of families like the Burkes, already hard, will get much harder.

Information session on the Wellington – Tuesday evening!

A town-wide forum to answer questions about the Wellington Elementary project is being held this Tuesday, May 19, at 7:00 pm. Officials from the State, Town and School Dept. will be available to talk about the

State’s fiscal freefall could jeopardize local aid

A precipitous drop in State revenues could jeopardize local aid payments and eviscerate funding for social services and education. Suddenly “Read my lips: No new taxes!” doesn’t sound so cool.

Survey asks for ideas on Belmont’s future

A new survey from the Belmont Planning Board asks about residents hopes and visions for a future Belmont. Make your voice heard!

The kids are alright: new book argues for less parent supervision

A new book (and blog), Free-Range Kids, tries to explain why we’re so afraid to let our kids go unsupervised and encourages parents to set their kids free.

News without Newspapers

An article in the New York Times talks about the growth of hyperlocal news, led by community and neighborhood blogs. In Belmont, the Citizen Herald says it will do a revamp of its print edition in the coming months to modernize the look and coverage of the paper and BloggingBelmont is planning changes as it nears its second anniversary!

Get involved: important meetings happening this week

There’s a full schedule of important meetings this week covering everything from school funding to the town’s budget and an opportunity to have your thoughts on education heard by leaders at the state level. Check it out.

Report: Romney to sell Marsh St. residence

According to a report in the Boston Globe, Mitt Romney’s Marsh St. home is one of two he is putting up for sale, along with a spacious ski lodge at the Deer Valley resort in Utah.