5 Things: Gatsby at the Beech, BBQ at Beth El

1. Movies at the Beech are back. What a great way to cool off during this extended heatwave then to attend Friday Movies at the Beech Street Center at 266 Beech St. And what better way to start then with the best film version of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," from 1974 starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow. It all starts at 1:15 p.m. and everyone in town is invited. 

2. Join the Beth El Temple Center community at 6 p.m. for a Summer barbecue following Shabbat services. Members, prospective members and everyone from Belmont are welcome. Enjoy a classic BBQ and a summer evening with congregants under the stars behind the Temple at 2 Concord Ave. Please bring something to grill, a side dish, drinks or dessert. There is a playground so bring the kids! Event will move indoors in case of rain. Please call the Temple at 617-484-6668 for more information. 

3. Today Lenora Ellison leads Summer Storytelling at the Benton Library, Belmont's independent and volunteer-run library at the corner of Oakley and Old Middlesex. Stories are for children ages three to five. Parents and caregivers must attend.  Registration is not required. The fun starts at 10:30 a.m.

4. Remember that all town offices will be closing at 1 p.m. on Fridays in the summer. 

5. On this day in 64, the Great Fire of Rome began, first in the merchant (business) area and then soon after burning completely out of control as most of the city's residencies - three to four story apartment blocks - were made of wood and dry plaster held together with straw. And while untrue, I still like to think that Emperor Nero fiddled as the city burned.