By Gina Redican
My objective when joining the BHCA board was to create new events to bring neighbors closer together and find ways to support local businesses. One of my favorite aspects of Belmont Heights is that a majority of the businesses here are small, family and locally owned, and I want them to thrive. Also, selfishly I suppose, I really wanted to meet some new people in my neighborhood who had similar interests to mine (like good beer). The BHCA came up with a great idea: The Belmont Heights Libations Society! The Libations Society is a group that mingles over a drink, any kind of drink, at a Belmont Heights location. All are welcome, of course, but must be 21 or over.
Our first Belmont Heights Libations Society meeting will be at The Firkin Pub & Grill (date TBD as we have postponed this event in accordance with the Stay-at-Home Order). Mia and Bruno, the owners of the Firkin, worked really hard with us to create a spectacular event! There will be music, appetizers sponsored by the BHCA, a specialty cocktail made just for the Libations Society with a Belmont Heights theme, wine tasting with a sommelier, and beer on tap from local breweries. No promises, but there is talk of obtaining an actual firkin of beer to be tapped at our event. A firkin is one-quarter of a barrel of beer that is tapped while laying on its side and uses only gravity for flow which enhances the flavor. The tapping of a firkin is quite a site to see! Entry to the event will be free, people who become new BHCA members at the event, or those that make a donation of at least $30.00 will receive a voucher for a free beverage of choice. This will be a fun way to make some new friends and perhaps visit a local business that you haven’t tried yet.
I want to give a special thank you to not only Mia and Bruno for helping us with our first Belmont Heights Libations Society event but to Ryan Shea, owner of Open Hand Media and Belmont Heights resident, for creating our logo.
Now more than ever we need positive things to think about and I hope you all are looking forward to this event as much as I am. The health and safety of our community is of the upmost importance to the BHCA. This event will only occur once it is 100% safe to resume social gathering. Check back in with our website and follow the BHCA on Instagram for announcements about The Belmont Heights Libations Society.