Notes from Belmont Hill

Here’s another edition of Belmont people in the news!

Posted on July 2, 2009 by Anthony Schinella
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Dick Hyde of Belmont recently participated in a Block Island boat race: “The Block party ends: Victors named in 17 classes”.

Bob Kochem is mentioned in this article from Inventors Digest: “Kicking the Tires of Edison Nation”.

Megan Maturo placed in the Top 10 of this New Hampshire road race: “Dover’s Hocking takes women’s race at MSD 10K”.

The resident was arrested by the Cambridge police last month: “Police Log, June 11″.

Who says that reporting stuff to the Belmont police doesn’t pay off? It looks like some folks in Texas have been ripping off residents: “Plano man investigated in possible investment fraud”.

NECN mentions Cityside Subaru in this story:

Tomorrow’s front page today!

Posted on July 1, 2009 by Anthony Schinella
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When the sun decides to shine again …

Posted on June 30, 2009 by Anthony Schinella
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You may need these tips.

From the inbox:

Stay Safe in the Sun: Important Tips to Protect your Skin

Boston – June 29, 2009 – As much as summer involves having fun in the sun, it also requires taking steps to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects that can lead to skin cancer, wrinkles and age spots. As the rate of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer continues to rise, experts caution against sunbathing without protection against ultraviolet rays. But how much do you really know about protecting yourself and your family from the harmful effects of the sun?

As we head to the beaches and spend time outdoors this summer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts’ Prevention and Wellness Program offers the following information and health tips to help you stay safe in the sun.

· Sunscreen: Always make sure you apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above to defend against UV rays. For infants and young children, be sure to use kid-friendly sun screen, which often has fewer chemicals. It is important to follow all directions, reapply regularly and check the expiration date.

· Minimize exposure: Try to limit direct exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the summer months. When in the sun during these hours, wear sunscreen and seek shade whenever possible. Babies under one year of age should not be exposed to direct sunshine and should always wear light colored clothing with a hat when outside.

· What to wear: If you’re spending a prolonged period of time under the sun, especially during peak hours, make sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat, pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.

· Avoid the ‘surprise’ sunburn: Even on an overcast day, 80 percent of the sun’s powerful rays can break through the clouds. Be sure to apply sunscreen just as if there were no clouds if you must be outside for a long period of time.

· Beware of the ‘base tan:’ While incremental tanning may leave you less likely to burn, the harmful UV rays still get through and are in fact what cause the base tan in the first place.

Know Your Medications: Some common prescription and over-the-counter drugs can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. You should always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of any medications you take. If one of your prescriptions increases your sensitivity to sunlight, it is important to take the necessary extra precautions.

Keeping these tips in mind, a summer of fun in the sun can be made much safer. Be sure to talk to your dermatologist if you have any concerns about your skin or the sun’s effects on it. For more information on protecting your skin this summer visit: www.cancer.gov or BCBSMA’s website at www.ahealthyme.com/topic/saveyourskin.

BCBSMA’s Prevention and Wellness Program started in January 1995 and provides initiatives to promote preventive health to BCBSMA’s 3 million members. For more information about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts’s Prevention and Wellness Program, call 1-800-262-BLUE.

New town Web site is live …

Posted on June 29, 2009 by Anthony Schinella
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Belmont’s new town Web site is now live. Check it out at www.town.belmont.ma.us

Common Cause applauds ethics bill

Posted on June 25, 2009 by Anthony Schinella
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From the inbox:

Common Cause Applauds Passage of Final Ethics, Lobbying, & Campaign Finance Reform Bill

BOSTON—The government watchdog group Common Cause Massachusetts released the following statement by executive director Pam Wilmot regarding the conference committee report on the ethics reform bill:

“Common Cause commends the members of the conference committee, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, and Senate President Therese Murray for finalizing an excellent ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance reform bill. This legislation contains a gift ban, expands the enforcement powers of the ethics commission, the secretary of state, and the attorney general, increases penalties, and will add sunshine to previously undisclosed campaign finance and lobbying activity—and more.

This is a serious, thoughtful, and comprehensive bill that deserves passage by the full legislature tomorrow. In fact, it is the most significant ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance disclosure reform in decades.

The bill shows that the legislature is serious about ethics and is willing to set high standards for itself and for all public employees.”