Belmont-Story-Project

Interview by Alison Smith of Aviva Brescher at BMC.

Dr. Lai first volunteered abroad in the aftermath of the South Asian Tsunami, in 2005, and has since been a part of nearly 30 global humanitarian relief efforts. In this interview, she discusses the South Asian Tsunami; her work in Liberia and Sierre Leone during the 2014 Ebola outbreak; her time in Bangladesh in 2018, helping Rohinga refugees fleeing religious persecution in Myanmar; and her most recent volunteering stint in Yemen, in 2019, where a cholera outbreak has occurred due to the ongoing civil war.

Veteran Hal Learson speaks with librarian Nancy McMenemy McColm about growing up in Portland, ME during the Great Depression and WWII, and his 30+ years of service in the U.S. Navy.

Belmont resident, Sharisse Zeroonian reads from 2 of her short stories, "Rock of Gibraltar", and "Drowsy".

Local artist Ottavio Forte discusses his time working as an electrical engineer on the Apollo 11 program, and his hobbies - beekeeping, wine making, and sculpting. He is interviewed by librarian Nancy McMenemy McColm.

Chemist and teacher Jim Roth discusses his work on the Apollo program and his volunteer work with the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund, and Belmont's Conservation Commission.

Sandra Rosenblum shares what it was like to see Thai villagers "in full holiday mode" over the 1969 lunar landing. She also talks about how the "space race" influenced her daughter's education and career. She is interviewed by Librarian Nancy McMenemy McColm

Sharisse Zeroonian shares her memories of growing up in Belmont and discusses her career as a filmmaker and writer. Recorded on August 31, 2019.

Listen to friends Fran Yuan and Jean Gauthier talk about Fran's work on social justice causes, and Jean's highs and lows living in Belmont, as part of the LGBTQ community.

Belmont Assistant Chief of Police James "Jamie" MacIsaac speaks with Joanna Tzouvelis about growing up in Belmont and his 20+ years in public safety.