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Words From Our Own: Celebrating Three of Arlington’s Local Authors

The shelves at Robbins Library and Fox Branch library hold about 180,000 physical books, and at least 100 books in our collection (and likely many more) were written by local authors who either grew up in Arlington, lived here for a while, or live here now. Some of these works are part of the general circulating collections, but if you want one-stop-shopping, go directly to our Local Author Shelf in the Robbins Library Reading Room– and don’t be surprised to see a neighbor’s name.

Read about these 3 local authors:

Erin Almond

Erin’s novel, Witches’ Dance, explores the charged relationship between a teenage violinist named Hilda Greer and her teacher, Phillip Manns, a former prodigy who believes he is the reincarnation of Niccolo Paganini. When Phillip becomes romantically involved with Hilda’s mother,­ Hilda begins to question her own feelings for her teacher, as well as her belief in him as Paganini. The climax of the novel takes place in Genoa, Italy, as Hilda prepares to compete in the prestigious Premio Paganini, the contest where Phillip’s career – and, perhaps, his madness – began. 

Along with her husband, the author Steve Almond, Erin has been an Arlington resident for seventeen years. Erin and Steve have three kids in the Arlington public schools- one in elementary and two in high school! – and they love their local bookstore The Book Rack. 

Erin Almond’s fiction, essays, and reviews have appeared in The Boston Globe, The Sun, Colorado Review, Literary Mama, Normal School, and on WBUR’s cognoscenti column. Her short story, “The Unbearable Weight of My Heart,” recently won First Prize in Pangyrus Magazine’s Fiction Contest, judged by Jennifer Haigh. She’s a graduate of the UC-Irvine MFA program and Wesleyan University, a long-time member of Boston’s Grub Street, and a recipient of a St. Botolph Foundation Emerging Artists Grant. Witches’ Dance was her first published novel and she’s currently working on her second, a book about the Irish famine, faeries, motherhood, and horses. She can be reached through her website at: https://erineileenalmond.com.

 

Whitney Scharer

The Age of Light is a novelization of the life of Vogue model turned renowned photographer Lee Miller, and her search to forge a new identity as an artist after a life spent as a muse. Lee’s journey takes her from the cabarets of bohemian Paris to the battlefields of war-torn Europe during WWII, from inventing radical new photography techniques to documenting the liberation of the concentration camps as one of the first female war correspondents. Through it all, Lee must grapple with the question of whether it’s possible to stay true to herself while also fulfilling her artistic ambition — and what she will have to sacrifice to do so.

The Age of Light was a Boston Globe and IndieNext bestseller and named one of the best books of 2019 by Parade, Glamour Magazine, Real Simple, Refinery 29, Booklist and Yahoo. Internationally, The Age of Light won Le prix Rive Gauche à Paris, was a coups de couer selection from the American Library in Paris, and has been published in over a dozen other countries. 

Whitney Scharer holds a BA in English from Wesleyan University and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Washington. Her first novel, The Age of Light,  was a Boston Globe and IndieNext bestseller, People Pick, Amazon Book of the Month selection, Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Pick, and was long-listed for the Massachusetts Book Award. Whitney has been awarded a Massachusetts Cultural Council Fiction Fellowship, Ragdale and VCCA residencies, a St. Botolph Emerging Artists Grant, and a Somerville Arts Council Artists Fellowship. Her short fiction and essays have appeared in numerous publications including Vogue, The Telegraph, and The Tatler. She is a co-founder and serves on the organizing committee for the Arlington Author Salon, a quarterly reading series. She lives with her husband and daughter in Arlington, MA, where she teaches writing workshops and runs literary events as part of a new writing organization she helped to found called Blaze Writers Project (www.blazewritersproject.com), and is at work on her second novel. To find out more, visit www.whitneyscharer.com.

 

Yelena Lembersky

Yelena Lembersky is an architect and an author of two books, including a recent memoir, Like a Drop of Ink in a Downpour that she co-wrote with her mother. The book traces Yelena’s childhood in Leningrad, now Saint Petersburg, in the 1970s and ‘80s. Told in the dual points of view, this memoir is a clear-eyed look at the reality of life in the Soviet Union, giving us an insider’s perspective on the roots of contemporary Russia. It is also a coming-of-age story, heartfelt and funny, a testament to the unbreakable bond between mothers and daughters, and the healing power of art.

Yelena Lembersky holds degrees in art and architecture from MIT and the University of Michigan. Her writing has appeared in World Literature Today, The Forward, and Cardinal Points Literary Journal, and she was a guest on National Public Radio and BBC. She lives with her family in the Turkey Hill neighborhood of Arlington, MA.

 

Arlington Author Salon

The Arlington Author Salon is a free reading series with a twist: each author’s presentation includes something special to tickle the senses. Music, paintings, photographs, tasty treats, fabrics, even smells! Let yourself be transported with an immersive, literary experience. Stay tuned for upcoming fall events!

 

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Arlington’s Popular Swimming Hole: “The Res”

The Arlington Reservoir, located in Arlington Heights between Mass. Ave. and Summer Street, has long been a destination for local residents and visitors. Over its 150 years of use, the “Res” has evolved from a man-made means for water supply to a welcoming recreational oasis.

The reservoir’s extensive 65 acre area, half of which is in Lexington (although owned by  Arlington), connects the Great Meadow of West Arlington/East Lexington with the Mystic Lakes and Mystic River via the extensive Mill Brook, which flows through the center of Arlington.

In the early 1870s, the growing town of Arlington was in need of a dependable water supply. An earlier effort to tap Spy Pond as a municipal water supply had been short lived. Despite  objections from the town’s prosperous mill owners, the Arlington Reservoir was created by damming the nearby Munroe Brook. By 1896, the Reservoir’s water supply was deemed low quality for drinking and the town joined the Metropolitan District Commission Water Supply (MDCWS), which is  linked to the Quabbin Reservoir. Water from the Arlington Reservoir was used for piping to fire hydrants, nearby greenhouses, and even to Spy Pond in an effort to raise  its water levels.

Since that time, “The Res” has been a popular swimming destination and recreational space offering an area for non-motorized  boating and trails for walking and cycling. In 1935, a beach area was developed, and in the 1970’s filters were added to create cleaner water for swimming.  However, by the 1980’s, the water quality had diminished, and a separate swimming area was  constructed with the addition of chlorination. Over time, concern grew regarding the longevity of the Reservoir’s dam, which is vital in preserving the well-being of the land and the safety of its visitors. In 2002, the deteriorating health of the dam was addressed with steel support sheets at the base. During the renovation, a bridge was built on the southeast side of the reservoir, near Hurd field. In 2006, emphasis was placed on planting new trees  and plants around the beach area, and in 2010 a wildlife habitat garden was planted next to the bridge thanks to an anonymous donation.

In 2020, in consultation with engineering firm Weston & Sampson (which previously worked on the Robbins Farm Park renovations in South Arlington, the North Union Spray Park in East Arlington, and the Reservoir’s prior dam reconstruction project), a lengthy 3-phase renovation kicked off with the replacement of the bath house, as well as with changes to many recreational features.

The 15-year old playground was replaced with a captivating new play area, which includes swings, slides, and various climbing structures. Updates were also made to the snack bar, picnic pavilion, sports courts, water play area, and grass areas. Improvements were also made to the parking lot and boat ramp to offer guests a more enjoyable experience.

The water at the beach is fully chlorinated, with a ramp for people with disabilities, and certified  lifeguards keep swimmers safe at all times. Additional focus was given to the 1.2 mile Reservoir Trail that loops around the water and extends to the Great Meadow Trail, a scenic 1.9 mile loop that is well-known for hiking, cross-country skiing, and wildlife observation.

Completion of the project was celebrated in June 2022 and efforts continue to remove invasive species such as water chestnuts to maintain the habitat garden, and to control erosion. The trail is a great place to walk (leashed) dogs, observe wildlife, or just enjoy a beautiful day. The path also connects conveniently to Hurd Field, which sits beside the Minuteman Bikeway and is in close proximity to Trader Joe’s and Starbucks.

The Res opens for the swimming season on June 17th, and closes on August 25th. Hours are 10am- 7pm. Day passes may be purchased at the gate (cash only) for  anyone over age 1.  Season passes are also available for residents and non-residents. Except for pre and post season maintenance, the park is open to the public approximately September – May in the off season.

This summer, be sure to stop by the Wednesday Afternoon Kids Events and Friday Night Concerts at Reservoir Beach! Grab your lawn chair and your dancing flip flops and come on down to the Res for some FREE fun performances the entire family can enjoy. Arlington Recreation will also be working with Arlington Brewing Company and local food trucks to provide the Friday night concert goers with the option for food and beverages during evening concerts.

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Arlington Center for the Arts

The Arlington Center for the Arts (ACA) is a cornerstone for the creative community in Arlington and beyond. Established in 1988, ACA is dedicated to fostering the arts in the local community by providing opportunities for artists, performers, and students to learn, create, and share their work with others.

Recently the ACA hosted a new event: Spotlight ACA! This fundraising event was designed to give their guests and community members an interactive experience and a little taste of all their signature programs, with live music, hands-on activities, delicious food and drinks, and irresistible items to take home.

Every fall, ACA also presents Arlington Open Studios, which is an event showcasing over 60 local artists displaying and selling their work. This signature Arlington event celebrates artists of all media and invites the public to engage with and support this community of talented individuals. This year’s event will be in-person with a range of virtual resources available to visitors. All application info and links will be available on June 1, 2023.

ACA also presents an ongoing schedule of compelling community exhibits and high-quality, curated shows that draw on a wide community of artists from Arlington and beyond. The Shaira Ali Gallery also serves as a rental space for performances, meetings, and parties for members of the Arlington community. They regularly present several opportunities for off-site exhibitions in the community including at WorkBar and Arlington Friends of the Drama.

Coming to a porch near you in June: Arlington’s free, festive, one-day-only music extravaganza is back…and bigger & better than ever!! Porchfest is a grassroots music festival where bands play on front porches across town and people walk, bike or drive around to enjoy tons of free outdoor music, performances, and visual arts exhibits. Visit the Arlington Porchfest website for more information.

Along with their community events like the Spring Gala, Arlington Porchfest, and  Arlington Open Studios, the ACA provides year-round education programs for children, teens, and adults in a variety of media, such as painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, photography, and fiber arts, among others. These classes are taught by experienced artists and educators who provide personalized instruction to students of all ages and skill levels.

Their creative opportunities for beginners and professionals alike help students develop skills, discover passions, and build community through the arts. During February, April and Summer vacation, the ACA offers full day camps for kindergarteners through teens. Vacation Arts Programs are fun, dynamic mixes of art, music, and drama and offer CIT and Counselor programs. The ACA also provides private studios and co-working spaces for artists to create and engage with a community of vibrant and diverse makers.

Arlington Center for the Arts is a vibrant hub of artistic activity in the greater Boston area, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for artists and art enthusiasts alike.To learn more about ACA, you can visit their website at www.acarts.org. You can also become a member, or make a contribution to support their ongoing work.

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Arlington’s Historic Theaters

In the first quarter of the  20th century, Arlington was expanding and prospering. Locals found themselves having more time for leisure activities and enjoying live theater. During this time, Arlington gained two large movie houses as well as a small community theater. More than 100 years later, these theaters continue to be culturally, socially, and economically important to the fabric of the town. In this article, we’ll talk about the history of these places.

The Regent Theatre

During the past 100 years, the Regent Theatre has remained true to its roots as one of the  premiere independent performing arts centers and film houses in the Greater Boston area. The Regent’s current ownership took the reins in 2001 and revived the theatre’s film and live programming. Its first concert was a benefit for victims and families of 9/11. Since then, the Regent has hosted a wide variety of musical artists from many decades. Some examples are Odetta, Steven Tyler, Michelle Shocked, Yo-Yo Ma, The Quarrymen, They Might Be Giants, and many more.

For years, the Regent was the Boston home of the Bellydance Superstars and the venue for such eclectic events as an 85th birthday party in 2005 for TV and film icon Mickey Rooney, as well as the 2012 funeral for Doo-Wop music legend and long-time Arlington resident Herb Reed of Herb Reed & the Platters.

The Regent has also welcomed many comedians such as Paula Poundstone, Steven Wright, and Lenny Clarke, and jazz musicians such as Rebecca Parris, and now Grammy-certified rising star, Samara Joy.

On its big silver screen, the Regent has presented many Boston, US, and world premiered including the Janis Joplin film, “Little Girl Blue” (2015), and “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart: A Film About Wilco” (2002); along with 50th anniversary screenings of “Singin’ in the Rain” (2002) and “The Seven Samurai” (2004).There are also beloved Regent traditions such as showings of “The Sound of Music”, “1776” and “Grease”. This modest-sized, independent venue could be dubbed “The United Nations of theatres” having presented countless cultural, many charitable events compromising countries and communities from every continent on earth, with the exception of Antarctica… maybe.

The Regent has recently completed major sound and lighting upgrades along with improvements to the stage and backstage areas. Having survived two worldwide pandemics, one in each century, and with the support of its patrons, the stage is set for “Arlington’s Show Place of Entertainment” to thrive for generations to come. You can even rent the theatre for special events. More information here.

There are many upcoming shows coming this spring, such as The Great Guitar Night, What the Hell Happened to Blood, Sweat & Tears?, Boston Comedy Blowout, Johnny Peers & The Muttville Comix, and A Little Wonder.

 

The Capitol Theatre

The Capitol Theatre has a rich history. The building opened its doors in the fall of 1925. The 1920s were a time of great productivity and optimism and the new theatre was a monument to this period. Built by the Locatelli family, builders of other area theatres like the Ball Square Theatre and Central Theatre, both in Somerville, the Capitol’s original auditorium held almost 1600 patrons between the expansive orchestra section and balcony. A mural above the proscenium arch incorporated Arlington’s town seal into its design. Films were accompanied by a powerful orchestral pipe organ, capable of making one hundred and fifty effects, at the time the largest of its kind in New England. The Capitol was one of the largest and most luxurious of the area’s neighborhood theatres. Even though Arlington’s unemployment rate was at 20%, people lined up down the street to see the latest movies. A night out at the movies was a nice pick me up during the depression years of the 1930s.

The Locatelli family sold the theatre in the late 1930s after which it was leased by various local cinema chains. Eventually Arthur Viano of Viano’s Theatres took over for many years. Along with other Viano’s locations like the nearby Regent Theatre, and the Somerville and Broadway theatres in Somerville, the Capitol became well known for its fresh popcorn and friendly atmosphere. The theatre was eventually sold to the Fraiman family, who restored the lobby back to its original glory, and they expanded to a new 5-screen multiplex in 1989.

Arlington movie-goers were now able to choose more films to see, with modern, comfortable seating and stereo sound. Today the Capitol continues its tradition of affording locals a steady mix of movies including family-friendly films, Hollywood blockbusters, and art house delights. Check out this week’s showtimes!

AFD Theatre

The Arlington Friends of the Drama, now known as AFD Theatre, was founded in 1923 and is one of the ten oldest continually operating community theatre groups in the United States.

Incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation in the early 1930s, Arlington Friends of the Drama, Inc. bid $8,200 on the St. John’s Episcopal Church building, which is now the theatre. The theatre now designs and produced a season of four shows annually, usually including a comedy, drama, a “smaller” musical and a major musical Its productions provide a home for some of the most creative directors, designers, and performing artists in New England and regularly garner regional and national awards. AFD Theatre is considered to be among the finest area playhouses for actors, directors, production designers and audiences to produce and enjoy live theatre. You can see Nunsense in May, and keep checking the website for upcoming performances!

 

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Old Schwamb Mill – An Arlington Treasure

The Oldest Continuously Operating Mill Site in the United States. 

When people visit the Old Schwamb Mill in Arlington, MA for the first time, they are often amazed when they step inside- it’s indeed a workplace from another century. The smell of decades of birch, bass wood, and black walnut, the sight of period tools resting on a polished workbench, and the gentle sound of belt-driven lathes immediately transport young and old to America’s industrial age.

Forty-five minute tours of the main building’s first and second floor are available by a museum staff member on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Some highlights: In the original office, you can view an 1898 roll top desk, a “hidden” closet door and a substantial 1905 safe. Visitors can also encounter a rare and remarkable sight: a very intact Civil War-era shop floor that contains multiple generations of tools and machines. Upstairs, you’ll see the glue room, admire examples of finished frames in the frame showroom, and enjoy a temporary art show or historical exhibit in our galleries.

Old Schwamb Mill has a unique history. Charles Schwamb emigrated from Germany in the 1840s, one of six Schwamb brothers who came to America between 1837 and 1857. The brothers brought wood working skills and the ability to adapt and thrive in towns dominated by the descendants of English settlers. After working for years with his brothers, Charles and his brother Frederick bought the mill in 1864 and commenced the manufacture of oval picture frames. The Charles Schwamb business sold picture frames and linear moulding to frame shops and galleries throughout the northeast, including in the cities of Boston and New York. For the next century this Mill, along with two other Schwamb manufacturing concerns, were major sites of commerce and employment in Arlington.

When fourth-generation owner Elmer Schwamb retired in 1969, Patricia Cunningham Fitzmaurice, a visionary local community activist/preservationist, saved the Mill from almost certain destruction. She raised both awareness of its historical value and the funds needed to secure the property. She brought together a group of remarkable, civic-minded citizens to form the Schwamb Mill Preservation Trust. Within six months, she and the Trust had founded the Old Schwamb Mill as an  industrial museum a decade before the Lowell National Historical Park, allowing generations of visitors to experience the small family-run factories that once covered nineteenth and twentieth-century New England.

Today, the Mill’s customers include museums, frame shops, and architectural and interior design firms as well as individuals looking for fine-crafted frames that will display family portraits, photos, artwork, or mirrors. The hand-turned frames are constructed from solid hardwoods such as black walnut, maple, cherry, mahogany and zebrawood.

The Old Schwamb Mill maintains a schedule of events that make visiting the Mill a regular occurrence for its many friends. In its second-floor gallery, the Mill offers various shows throughout the year by local painters, photographers, collagists, and sculptors, plus one show with a focus on the Mill’s own history. Frequent lectures, including an annual Frame Lecture, give visitors another chance to experience the Mill’s beautiful interior.

There is also a summer music series, as well as children’s programs including storytelling, crafts, music and a puppet show. Two signature events include the Mill’s annual outdoor Oktoberfest on the first Saturday in October, as well as a holiday craft fair in November.

The Old Schwamb Mill is located at 17 Mill Lane in Arlington, just off the bike path. Those who are interested can donate, and receive updates to find out about the latest happenings.

If you’re hungry, be sure to head over to The Roasted Granola for a cup of coffee and a treat. Or you can grab a slice of pizza at Andrina’s. You could also stop by for a drink or dinner at The Heights Pub or Jimmy’s Steer House.

 

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Winter in Arlington: Ideas for Getting Outside and Exploring

Hikes and Walks in Arlington

It’s a new year, and even though the days are gradually getting longer, gearing up to head outside doesn’t always seem like the most exciting idea. Especially when there’s a cold drizzly mist and there’s no epic snowstorm in the forecast. A new study from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare in Helsinki claims that “physical activity is thought to be the key mediating factor in the health benefits of green spaces when availability or active use of green space are considered.”  Luckily Arlington has much to offer when it comes to walking and hiking, and exploring!

The Rail-Trail Hall of Fame Minuteman Bikeway travels from one end of Arlington to the other, and connects the nearby towns of Bedford, Lexington, and Cambridge. All 3 business districts can be visited from the bikeway, whether you’re walking or biking, it’s a great way to explore the town, at any time of year. The Alewife Brook Greenway is another biking and walking path that ties into the Minuteman Bikeway. The Greenway connects with routes to Davis Square in Somerville, Harvard Square and Fresh Pond in Cambridge, and Belmont. Go for a run, a walk, ride your own bike or rent one from one of the six Bluebike stations located in Arlington.

Arlington is also home to a number of beautiful parks and green spaces. The view of the Boston skyline from Robbins Farm Park is spectacular. On a clear morning, you can head up to the top of the hill to watch the sun come up over Boston. It’s stunningly beautiful, and you’ll always have company; it’s a popular spot for photographers and early morning walkers and runners. When it snows, there are a couple great hills for sledding at that park. 

Magnolia Park is home to some of Arlington’s sports fields, as well as a basketball court and a dog park. You can also head over to Spy Pond, which has a new playground, as well as scenic paths along the water. Spy Pond is a coveted spot for watching the sunset. Menotomy Rocks Park is a 35 acre hilly woodland park that’s perfect for a walk or family hike, any time of the year. It’s a great place for dogs as well. In the winter it can be a popular spot for sledding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating. But be careful!

Also, located in Arlington Heights, the Arlington Reservoir has long been a destination for local residents and visitors. It’s a popular swimming hole in the summer, but during the rest of the year, people can enjoy the beach with dogs, and hike on the 1.2 mile loop around the water, which connects to the Great Meadow Trail, well-known for walking and hiking, cross country skiing and wildlife observation during any season.

There is no shortage of trails in the surrounding Arlington area. You can also check out Whipple Hill, Turkey Hill, Arlington’s Great Meadows, McLennan Park, and the Middlesex Fells. Spending time outdoors is essential for health and well-being. It can be difficult to establish new patterns, but you can start small. Even 15 minutes outdoors can boost your mood and energy. Read more tips on safety and motivation. Be safe and have fun!

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Explore East Arlington & Capitol Square

Just over the border from Cambridge, East Arlington/Capitol Square is a lively, bustling neighborhood and home to the historic Capitol Theater, independently owned retailers, and excellent eateries.

The Minuteman Bikeway is just 1/4 mile away making East Arlington the perfect refueling stop for cyclists before heading to Harvard Square or Lexington/Concord.

Here are just a few of East Arlington’s highlights.

The shops of the Capitol Square block offer books, gifts, floral, home decor, baked goods, and more! This block is anchored by the Capitol Theatre. Since 1925, this movie palace has delighted visitors with old-world charm and the most up-to-date movies.

Before seeing a movie at the Capitol, grab a drink or a bite to eat from the scratch kitchen at Town Tavern, directly across the street from the theatre. The Tavern also offers live music so check their schedule.

Looking for some exercise? Pick up a Bluebike at either Linkwood St. or Grafton St. and ride to Arlington Center, Arlington Heights, Lexington, and beyond!

 

 

 

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Arlington Open Studios 2021

Arlington Open Studios returns on Saturday, November 13 in a mostly with lots of new features and visitor favorites.

Over 50 participants will be featured this year at 3 locations in Arlington Center. The Robbins Library will offer a Book & Art Sale as a new addition to the event. Six Studio Artists will open their doors to visitors. Participating artists will present a range of mediums including painting, photography, fiber, ceramics, glass, fine jewelry, mixed media, printmaking, and sculpture.

As a bonus, this year’s event will feature a Porchfest Stage on the steps of Town Hall and poetry readings from the Red Letter Poems Project.

For more info visit: https://www.acarts.org/arlington-open-studios

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Pine Forest in Arlington Offers A Place for Reflection

Please join the Arlington Commission for Arts & Culture for poetry, music and conversation in an inspiring setting: an evocative art installation — woven into a beautiful pine forest — that invites you to reflect on Arlington’s experiences of the pandemic.

Experience the installation before it closes in mid-November and meet the artist Nilou Moochhala. Enjoy poetry by Francesco Fiondella from his collection of pandemic writing “#SpontaneousCoronaverse”. Delight to short performances by clarinetist Todd Brunel and french hornists Hazel Dean Davis and Nick Auer. Hear reflections by Dr. Robin Schoenthaler, Arlington’s “COVID Dr.,” and Kickstand Cafe co-owner Emily Shea on sharing their stories through Moochhala’s project.

Reflecting on our Pandemic Experience was funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and contributions from the Friends of Menotomy Rocks Park and generous individual supporters.

 

 

 

 

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