Arts & Adult Education
Arts and educational programs are open to residents of Belmont and surrounding towns, and targeted especially for participants age 50+. Please call the front desk at 617-993-2970 to inquire about session start dates or to register.
New and One-Time Offerings
50+ Job Seekers Networking Group
Join this exciting new program if you are 50+ unemployed, underemployed, returning to the workforce and seeking employment. The multi-month series takes place the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, from 1-4 p.m. starting Sept. 17 and ends with a job fair for seniors in May 2020! For further information or to register: contact Co-Facilitator Janet, (617) 993-2983. This program is free thanks to a grant from MCOA.
Join this exciting new program if you are 50+ unemployed, underemployed, returning to the workforce and seeking employment. The multi-month series takes place the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, from 1-4 p.m. starting Sept. 17 and ends with a job fair for seniors in May 2020! For further information or to register: contact Co-Facilitator Janet, (617) 993-2983. This program is free thanks to a grant from MCOA.
Ongoing and Occasional Offerings
AAA Roadwise Driver Class
Offered occasionally
Update your knowledge on the latest risk-reducing driving techniques, as new technologies assist or distract drivers and roads become ever more congested. All participants must sign up in advance. Cost: Free.
Offered occasionally
Update your knowledge on the latest risk-reducing driving techniques, as new technologies assist or distract drivers and roads become ever more congested. All participants must sign up in advance. Cost: Free.
Absolute Beginners' Computer Workshop (Town Hall Training Lab)
12 Tuesday/Thursday sessions starting July 9th, 2019
Intimidated by computer classes because you think your questions will be considered silly? This class is specifically for the person who knows nothing about computers but wants to learn. Learn what makes up a computer, how it works and what you can do with it. When the class is finished, you will be given your computer TO KEEP!
This class is located in the Town Hall Training Lab on the lower level of 455 Concord Ave, and taught by town IT manager David Petto. Transportation will be provided via BelderBus from Beech Street Center to Town Hall and back. Limit 10. Pre-registration required by calling 617-993-2970 or stopping by the Beech Street Center front desk. Cost: $50 for all 12 sessions.
12 Tuesday/Thursday sessions starting July 9th, 2019
Intimidated by computer classes because you think your questions will be considered silly? This class is specifically for the person who knows nothing about computers but wants to learn. Learn what makes up a computer, how it works and what you can do with it. When the class is finished, you will be given your computer TO KEEP!
This class is located in the Town Hall Training Lab on the lower level of 455 Concord Ave, and taught by town IT manager David Petto. Transportation will be provided via BelderBus from Beech Street Center to Town Hall and back. Limit 10. Pre-registration required by calling 617-993-2970 or stopping by the Beech Street Center front desk. Cost: $50 for all 12 sessions.
Beginner Chinese
Mondays, 10:10 - 11:10 a.m.
Have you ever wanted to say “hello” and ask about someone’s day in Chinese? Or learn the Chinese names for your favorite Asian foods? English speakers who want to learn basic Mandarin phrases are welcome. Language lessons and fun activities will prepare you to communicate with Chinese friends and neighbors at the Beech Street Center. Newcomers are welcome at any time. Taught by volunteers Katy Liang and Huifang Chen. Cost: Free.
Mondays, 10:10 - 11:10 a.m.
Have you ever wanted to say “hello” and ask about someone’s day in Chinese? Or learn the Chinese names for your favorite Asian foods? English speakers who want to learn basic Mandarin phrases are welcome. Language lessons and fun activities will prepare you to communicate with Chinese friends and neighbors at the Beech Street Center. Newcomers are welcome at any time. Taught by volunteers Katy Liang and Huifang Chen. Cost: Free.
Bel Aires Singing
Thursdays at 1:15 p.m.
If you like music and enjoy singing with others, just stop in and join the fun! We have a leader, a pianist, and large-print song books. Sometimes the group performs in concert, such as for the Grand Opening of Beech Street Center. Newcomers are welcome at any time. Cost: $2 suggested donation/week.
Thursdays at 1:15 p.m.
If you like music and enjoy singing with others, just stop in and join the fun! We have a leader, a pianist, and large-print song books. Sometimes the group performs in concert, such as for the Grand Opening of Beech Street Center. Newcomers are welcome at any time. Cost: $2 suggested donation/week.
Belmont Learning Choir
Tuesdays, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Powers Music School starting September 11, 2018
Get in tune with the people around you. Sound better and brighter everywhere you sing. When it comes to musicality, our skill can keep growing at any age. The Belmont Learning Choir, a collaboration of Powers Music School and the Beech Street Center, is for adults who would like to continue their music education and share the joy of singing in a supportive group. This inclusive choir has no tryouts, welcoming both first-time singers and those who participate in several choirs. Instructor Dr. Greta Feeney is chair of the Powers voice department. Cost: TBD
Tuesdays, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Powers Music School starting September 11, 2018
Get in tune with the people around you. Sound better and brighter everywhere you sing. When it comes to musicality, our skill can keep growing at any age. The Belmont Learning Choir, a collaboration of Powers Music School and the Beech Street Center, is for adults who would like to continue their music education and share the joy of singing in a supportive group. This inclusive choir has no tryouts, welcoming both first-time singers and those who participate in several choirs. Instructor Dr. Greta Feeney is chair of the Powers voice department. Cost: TBD
Brain Wellness Lecture Series
Offered occasionally
This lecture and brain-stimulating activity series will familiarize you with a comprehensive approach to brain wellness, the science behind each component and how to apply it in daily life. Please call 617-993-2970 to sign up. $25 suggested donation for all 6 interactive sessions
Offered occasionally
This lecture and brain-stimulating activity series will familiarize you with a comprehensive approach to brain wellness, the science behind each component and how to apply it in daily life. Please call 617-993-2970 to sign up. $25 suggested donation for all 6 interactive sessions
Chinese Singing Group/中国歌唱团.
Mondays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Welcome to learn Chinese songs in a group. Instruction in Chinese. Free. 欢迎学习中文歌!免费.
Mondays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Welcome to learn Chinese songs in a group. Instruction in Chinese. Free. 欢迎学习中文歌!免费.
Clay Sculpture & Pots
Offered occasionally
Start with basic sculpture techniques and continue sculpting or switch to create a clay planter. Tools provided and non-glaze coloring techniques will be discussed. minimum 5 students needed to run. Students will pay for firing based on sculpture sizes. Cost: $60 for all 6 sessions.
Offered occasionally
Start with basic sculpture techniques and continue sculpting or switch to create a clay planter. Tools provided and non-glaze coloring techniques will be discussed. minimum 5 students needed to run. Students will pay for firing based on sculpture sizes. Cost: $60 for all 6 sessions.
Conversational Spanish
Thursdays at 10 a.m.
This group is for those who have a basic knowledge of Spanish and want practice and expand their skills. Participants watch Spanish language videos and immerse themselves in Spanish conversation for an hour. Newcomers are welcome at any time. Cost: Free.
Conversational French
1st and 3rd Fridays of each month , 10-11 a.m
A welcoming conversational French group to keep up language skills from childhood, living abroad, or advanced studies. Free.
Informal Conversational French will take place the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month, same time...10-11 am
This is a group lead, drop in gathering.
Thursdays at 10 a.m.
This group is for those who have a basic knowledge of Spanish and want practice and expand their skills. Participants watch Spanish language videos and immerse themselves in Spanish conversation for an hour. Newcomers are welcome at any time. Cost: Free.
Conversational French
1st and 3rd Fridays of each month , 10-11 a.m
A welcoming conversational French group to keep up language skills from childhood, living abroad, or advanced studies. Free.
Informal Conversational French will take place the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month, same time...10-11 am
This is a group lead, drop in gathering.
Conversational English as a Second Language (ESL) - for adults of all ages
Mondays and Fridays, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (year-round) OR Tuesdays, 11:30-1 p.m. (school-year only)
Practice your English skills with others. This group encourages conversational English in an informal, friendly environment. A trained facilitator helps keep the group going, but there is no formal training or class materials. Just talk! The more you improve your English conversational skills, the more you will have to say! Please call English at Large at 781-395-2374 to register. Cost: Free.
Mondays and Fridays, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (year-round) OR Tuesdays, 11:30-1 p.m. (school-year only)
Practice your English skills with others. This group encourages conversational English in an informal, friendly environment. A trained facilitator helps keep the group going, but there is no formal training or class materials. Just talk! The more you improve your English conversational skills, the more you will have to say! Please call English at Large at 781-395-2374 to register. Cost: Free.
Decluttering Peer Support Group
Thursdays, 1:15 - 2:15 PM (open to all ages)
Are you having difficulty organizing your papers or belongings? Discarding items? Acquiring too many things? The goal is not to get rid of everything, but to make your home safe and comfortable. This group continues, self-led through the summer. Cost: Free.
Thursdays, 1:15 - 2:15 PM (open to all ages)
Are you having difficulty organizing your papers or belongings? Discarding items? Acquiring too many things? The goal is not to get rid of everything, but to make your home safe and comfortable. This group continues, self-led through the summer. Cost: Free.
Digging Into Your Family History
Thursdays, 10 - 11:30 AM (currently full, join waitlist)
Forget Ancestry DNA. This class will take a fresh approach by focusing on what you want to know about your ancestors. We will discuss how to get started, how to keep going, and what to do when you reach a dead-end. We will look online at some of the largest sources of information. Most importantly, each class will have time for you to do your own search, with hands-on guidance and suggestions. Anne Harrington is a Beech Street member and former writer who has spent many years digging out information, including her own family history. Note: you will create online user accounts for some tools. Class size will be limited to 4. Cost: $6.
Thursdays, 10 - 11:30 AM (currently full, join waitlist)
Forget Ancestry DNA. This class will take a fresh approach by focusing on what you want to know about your ancestors. We will discuss how to get started, how to keep going, and what to do when you reach a dead-end. We will look online at some of the largest sources of information. Most importantly, each class will have time for you to do your own search, with hands-on guidance and suggestions. Anne Harrington is a Beech Street member and former writer who has spent many years digging out information, including her own family history. Note: you will create online user accounts for some tools. Class size will be limited to 4. Cost: $6.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes - for adults of all ages
Thursdays at 10 a.m.
Small Group ESL classes are available for beginners, intermediates, and advanced students. Classes run for 8+ weeks in the fall and spring, taking breaks for local school vacation weeks. First semester costs include materials. Please look for fall and spring class registration days in our newsletter or call the front desk at 617-993-2970 if you would like to join a class late. Cost: $50 for new students, $35 for returning students.
Thursdays at 10 a.m.
Small Group ESL classes are available for beginners, intermediates, and advanced students. Classes run for 8+ weeks in the fall and spring, taking breaks for local school vacation weeks. First semester costs include materials. Please look for fall and spring class registration days in our newsletter or call the front desk at 617-993-2970 if you would like to join a class late. Cost: $50 for new students, $35 for returning students.
English for Chinese Speakers - for adults of all ages / 英语课.
Tuesdays, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Taught by bilingual teacher Sarah Ma, this popular class for all ages meets year-round. Learn English in a friendly atmosphere, and stay for conversation with class members at lunch. Newcomers are welcome at any time. Cost: Free.
与双语老师 Sarah Ma 和英语老师 Natalie Stoller 一起练习英语.免费.
Tuesdays, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Taught by bilingual teacher Sarah Ma, this popular class for all ages meets year-round. Learn English in a friendly atmosphere, and stay for conversation with class members at lunch. Newcomers are welcome at any time. Cost: Free.
与双语老师 Sarah Ma 和英语老师 Natalie Stoller 一起练习英语.免费.
Healthy Eating Course
Offered Occasionally
This engaging program is for those who want to learn more about nutrition and how lifestyle changes can promote better health. Learn about heart and bone healthy nutrition strategies to for wellness and to help prevent chronic disease development or progression. An exercise routine is built in weekly. This course is offered FREE by Mount Auburn Hospital at the Beech Street Center. Sign up required in advance.
Offered Occasionally
This engaging program is for those who want to learn more about nutrition and how lifestyle changes can promote better health. Learn about heart and bone healthy nutrition strategies to for wellness and to help prevent chronic disease development or progression. An exercise routine is built in weekly. This course is offered FREE by Mount Auburn Hospital at the Beech Street Center. Sign up required in advance.
International Phonetics
Fridays, 9:30-11 a.m.
New English speakers, learn basic sounds for pronouncing English words, using a learning method developed in China. Free. 新英语人士使用中国发展的学习过程,学习发音英文单词的基本声音。 免费.
Fridays, 9:30-11 a.m.
New English speakers, learn basic sounds for pronouncing English words, using a learning method developed in China. Free. 新英语人士使用中国发展的学习过程,学习发音英文单词的基本声音。 免费.
Open Art Studio Thursdays and Fridays, 1 - 3:30 p.m., Tuesdays 1-6:30
The Beech Street Center Arts Room is available for drop-in use. Bring your own supplies for any arts or crafts. Cost: Free.
The Beech Street Center Arts Room is available for drop-in use. Bring your own supplies for any arts or crafts. Cost: Free.
Drawing and Painting with Charlotte Kaplan Fridays 1-3 pm starting Sept 20-Oct 24 (6 weeks)
Learning to draw is learning to see, and learning to paint is learning to see in color. We'll start out with basic drawing---shapes, shading, and perspective---and then use what we have learned to create paintings with watercolor pencils. All levels are welcome. Your art can start anywhere and go as far as you like. The instructors will bring a sampling of materials for you to try on the first day of class. Sign-up at the front desk. Minimum of 6 people needed for class to run. Cost: $10 bring your own materials.
Charlotte Kaplan has been creating and exhibiting art for many years, following a career in architecture. She has taught in college and at adult education programs senior centers and has completed commissions for the Boston Children's Museum and Logan Airport.
Learning to draw is learning to see, and learning to paint is learning to see in color. We'll start out with basic drawing---shapes, shading, and perspective---and then use what we have learned to create paintings with watercolor pencils. All levels are welcome. Your art can start anywhere and go as far as you like. The instructors will bring a sampling of materials for you to try on the first day of class. Sign-up at the front desk. Minimum of 6 people needed for class to run. Cost: $10 bring your own materials.
Charlotte Kaplan has been creating and exhibiting art for many years, following a career in architecture. She has taught in college and at adult education programs senior centers and has completed commissions for the Boston Children's Museum and Logan Airport.
Social Drawing and Painting Wednesdays, 1 - 3:30 p.m.
Join a friendly group of artists who display some their work together at the Beech Street Center. Bring your own drawing or painting supplies. Newcomers of all skill levels are welcome at any time. Cost: Free.
Improving Your Technology Skills with Dan Siagel Thursdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
With over 20 years of working experience in the information and technology field Dan comes to us with a wealth of knowledge. If you are interested in learning or improving your computer skills for either Windows, Apple or Android operating systems then you should stop by to make an appointment with Dan. Some skills and knowledge you will walk away with include: learning the internet, Microsoft Office, Adobe, e-mail, and social media applications. Sessions are one-on-one for 30 minutes. Sign up at the front desk, or call 617-993-2970. Cost: Free.
Join a friendly group of artists who display some their work together at the Beech Street Center. Bring your own drawing or painting supplies. Newcomers of all skill levels are welcome at any time. Cost: Free.
Improving Your Technology Skills with Dan Siagel Thursdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
With over 20 years of working experience in the information and technology field Dan comes to us with a wealth of knowledge. If you are interested in learning or improving your computer skills for either Windows, Apple or Android operating systems then you should stop by to make an appointment with Dan. Some skills and knowledge you will walk away with include: learning the internet, Microsoft Office, Adobe, e-mail, and social media applications. Sessions are one-on-one for 30 minutes. Sign up at the front desk, or call 617-993-2970. Cost: Free.

Writing About Your Life and Your Family
Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m beginning Sept 10
Leave a written legacy for your children, grandchildren, and friends: your memories of the important events in your life and your family's life. Join us to get the stories from your life and your family's life on paper in a fun and supportive environment. Instructor Lynette Benton is a published writer who, along with class members age 50+, will give you tips and encouragement. Please visit the front desk to register in advance. Cost: $75 for 6 classes.
Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m beginning Sept 10
Leave a written legacy for your children, grandchildren, and friends: your memories of the important events in your life and your family's life. Join us to get the stories from your life and your family's life on paper in a fun and supportive environment. Instructor Lynette Benton is a published writer who, along with class members age 50+, will give you tips and encouragement. Please visit the front desk to register in advance. Cost: $75 for 6 classes.
Beech Street Center
266 Beech Street Belmont, MA 02478 Front Desk 1-617-993-2970 Transportation (617) 993-2980 Rentals (617 ) 993-2975 |
HOURS
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Holidays When Belmont Schools are closed for inclement weather, Beech Street Center activities are canceled. |
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