“We had a ball doing it last year.”
-- Aeronaut cofounder Ron Friedlander

Good news, beer aficionados – the beer garden will be back!

Arlington’s beer garden will be held weekly June 1 through the end of September (except Sept. 14, Town Day), as unanimously approved by the Select Board on Monday, April 22, at a pre-Town Meeting session. The beer garden will operate every Saturday, with a Sunday rain date, noon to 7 p.m.

Again, the beer garden will be held in Whittemore Park, in front of the Dallin Art Museum, at Mass. Ave. and Rt. 60. On June 8, Porchfest will also be held in Whittemore Park, sharing the space with the beer garden.

Aeronaut Brewing Co. of Somerville will again host, but pay a one-time $1,500 permit fee, an increase from the $400 paid during last summer’s pilot season.

“We had a ball doing it last year,” said Aeronaut cofounder Ron Friedlander. “It went really well, and we got a lot of positive feedback. We also learned a lot in the process, making adaptations as we went along, such as providing extra seating, and would be thrilled to do it again.”

The beer garden will again sell food, provided by local restaurants. “We want restaurants in the area to be able to participate and publicize their business, and a lot of establishments are expressing interest this year,” said Friedlander.

“It was a very positive experience for the town last year, and I appreciate the detail in this year’s proposal. However, I wish we had a way for folks under 21 to enter the garden to enjoy the music and food without a parent or guardian,” as required by state law, said Select Board member Joseph Curro Jr.

Select Board member John Hurd added, “I went to many beer gardens last year, and Aeronaut did a great job. Everyone I saw was having fun, and it was a nice, safe environment. I’m excited to see this go through again.”

Read the documents involved >>

Rain dates

If it rains on a Saturday, the beer garden will be held the following day. “Sundays will be the automatic rain date. The plan is to use lots of social media channels, and have enough lead time so both attendees and vendors will know,” said Friedlander.

Eyemobile May 11

The Lions Club Eyemobile also returns this year – for the 81^st time. Free eye screenings will be provided on Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in front of Town Hall.

The new Eyemobile has up-to-date screening equipment designed to detect possible health issues earlier. Screenings will be conducted by volunteer medical professionals and trained Lions members, according to an Arlington Lions Club memo to the Select Board. 

Symmes Fund annual report

The Select Board unanimously approved the Symmes Property Fund annual report. Fiscal 2019 revenues were $671,269, down from $678,603 in fiscal 2018.

All debt-service obligations will be met in only two more fiscal years, when the debt is paid off, said Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine.

Read the document involved >>

Appointments

The Select Board unanimously approved the following appointments:

• Arlington Cultural Council – Scott Samenfeld (term expires April 30, 2022)

Samenfeld, a 20-year Arlington resident and lifelong musician, is a strong art advocate and activist.

“I took a hiatus from the cultural council but decided it’s time to get involved again. I’m enjoying seeing progress with live music in town, and want to help keep that moving in a good direction,” Samenfeld said.

Select Board Chair Diane Mahon said, “I appreciate that you’re coming back.”

• Community Preservation Committee – Clarissa Rowe (term expires June 30, 2020)

Rowe previously served as Community Preservation Committee chair for 18 years, before stepping down to fill Kevin Greeley’ Select Board seat after he died last November.

“I want to thank Clarissa for sitting on the Select Board when we really needed her, and am glad to put her on the Community Preservation Committee where she’ll be happier,” said Select Board Vice Chair Dan Dunn.

Feb. 13, 2019: More beer gardens on tap

This news summary, by YourArlington freelance writer Susan Gilbert, was published Wednesday, April 24, 2019.