Herlda Senhouse, Wellesley’s oldest resident, needs our help

December 5, 2023 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

Wellesley’s oldest resident, Herlda Senhouse, celebrated her 112th birthday on February 28, 2023 with over 50 guests, cake, and a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday.” Lately though, the Glen Grove resident hasn’t been feeling her usual joyous self due to an illness that has landed her in the hospital. The good news is that Herlda is steadily recovering. The hard part is that she cannot go back to her familiar surroundings until health care assistants are in place to ensure that her needs are met.

Herlda Senhouse, Wellesley, 112-years old — Herlda Senhouse at her 112th birthday party, 2023. Photo credit: Town of Wellesley

A blocker to Herlda’s return home—money. Insurance will cover only a portion of her additional care expenses. So her friends are raising funds to help cover the estimated $400/week that she will need to pay out of pocket. Wellesley residents Robert Alevizos and Margaret Robinson have spearheaded efforts to ask the community to help with financial assistance for their dear friend and the town’s oldest resident.

“At 112 years old, finances aren’t great,” Margaret said. “Herlda in her younger years has given and done, and given and done, always for others. Now she needs help.”

How to help Herlda

Checks made out to Herlda Senhouse may be sent c/o Robert Alevizos, 2 Lake Road, Wellesley, MA 02482.

Checks will be deposited directly to Herlda’s bank account. “Believe it or not, Herlda still writes checks on her own to pay for her current home care,” Robert said.

Any questions may be directed to Robert at 781-738-1744 or via email at rzos@yahoo.com

Wellesley hires new human resources director

December 5, 2023 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Wellesley has hired Dolores Hamilton as its new human resources director, filling a role for which the town posted a job listing over the summer.

The town’s previous HR director and assistant director departed earlier this year, prompting the town to rethink how the department would be organized and how it would report within Wellesley’s government.

Hamilton boasts loads of experience, most recently as assistant town administrator and HR director for the town of Stow. Per her LinkedIn profile, Hamilton has also served as an HR director for the communities of Framingham and Newton. She’s also been a leader within the Massachusetts Municipal Human Resources association.

Hamilton takes on the role of HR director as the town—like other municipalities—continues to be challenged in hiring and retaining talent. Executive Director Meghan Jop regularly references this challenge, including recently during discussion of union- and salary-related motions at Special Town Meeting.

The town still lists an opening for an assistant HR director.

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The holiday spirit wasn’t dampened during Wellesley Square Holiday Stroll

December 4, 2023 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

On the one hand, the temperatures were mild during the annual Wellesley Square Merchants’ Association Holiday Stroll. On the other hand, the weather was rainy. Like, all day. Undaunted, shoppers and Scavenger Hunters donned rain gear and unfurled umbrellas as they scoured the Square for the perfect holiday gifts and the chance to win over $800 in gift cards to Wellesley Square stores.

Wellesley Square Holiday Stroll — Santa’s not telling what’s on Wellesley police officer Eric Ferrara’s holiday wish list. We’re guessing public safety is up there on “must haves.”

Hardy New Englanders aren’t easily scared off from a day of fun, and neither were Frosty the Snowman, Rudolf the Reindeer, and Barbie as they ducked in and out of stores making appearances. The Wellesley High School Keynote Singers and Rice Street Singers hit all the right notes during their yearly 7-hour songfest, to the appreciation of all. Santa took up his usual post and heard the holiday wishes of kids of all ages. And the holiday tree lighting in front of the fire station made the early evening sparkle and shine.

Scavenger Hunt winners to be announced soon

There was no hiding place too obscure for dozens of determined Scavenger Hunters in Wellesley Square during the Holiday Stroll. First, participants picked up a playing card at any of over 30 stores that signed on for the fun. From there, hunters were tasked with going to the stores, where they were to find and scan the QR Snowflake in each store. Once they completed at least 26 scans, it was game over. The prize? Over $800 in gift cards from Wellesley Square businesses.

We’ll post pics of the skilled winners when they collect their prizes.

Holiday displays plugged in at Wellesley Town Hall

December 4, 2023 by Bob Brown 1 Comment

The Wellesley Town Hall interior renovation was among the challenges in setting up the usual outside holiday display of a Christmas Tree, Menorah, and Crescent Moon, but the symbols are now in place and ready to glow.

Holiday symbols 12.2023 — Town Hall holiday display (courtesy photo from Town of Wellesley)

Wellesley Executive Director Meghan Jop said: “Power and logistical issues resulting from the ongoing, significant construction at Wellesley Town Hall have been resolved, and the Town’s holiday symbols are now in place in front of Town Hall.”

Town leadership thanked the Public Works Department and Natural Resources Commission staff for their work, and the public for its input.

The town now features holiday lighting and wreaths on poles, plus a tree lit next to the Wellesley Square fire station as part of the Holiday Stroll activities over the weekend.

Concerns had been raised by the community that there was no public Menorah lighting, and a petition to have a lighting gained about 900 signatures before the organizer declared victory (“We stand together and stronger the ever!”). Others have shared opinions that no symbols associated with religions should be displayed in front of such government buildings.

Talks had been underway between town officials and religious leaders for the past couple of weeks regarding the display, and Wellesley Weston Chabad’s Rabbi Moshe Bleich said that he’s happy the Menorah will be lit in front of Town Hall.

“It’s a symbol that brings light and hope to all those who believe in it,” he said. The optics of not having the Menorah there this year in particular, in the wake of the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, would not have been good, he said. Menorahs are displayed in front of the White House, at all 50 state capitols, and by more than 100 municipalities across Massachusetts, he said.

Separately from the Menorah display at Town Hall, a Menorah lighting event is in the works to celebrate Chanukah, with details to be announced soon. Last year’s featured a coin drop from a fire truck, music, and more in front of Town Hall.

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Wellesley business buzz: Local Oath Pizza unaffected by corporate issues; Haynes sells properties for $48.5M; Whole Foods EV chargers gone

December 4, 2023 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:

Local Oath Pizza unaffected by corporate issues

The Wellesley-Nantucket connection is a strong one, with many in Wellesley being regular visitors to the island. So it came as no surprise that a story about Oath Pizza in the Nantucket Current headlined “Broken Oath: Island Pizza Joint Faces Uncertain Future” had readers forwarding the link to us and wondering what this all mean for our own Oath Pizza in Linden Square.

Oath Pizza got its start in Nantucket and has expanded through corporate-owned outlets as well as those like the Wellesley Oath Pizza that opened in June that are franchises. As the Current reports, a lawsuit has been brought against the former CEO by investors, and a handful of corporate-owned Oath Pizza shops have closed.

We reached out to Bill Ebben, who launched the Wellesley Oath Pizza, and he assured us that the corporate issue won’t affect his business.

“This corporate matter will have no impact on operations at Oath Pizza Wellesley at Linden Square,” Ebben said. “As always, we’ll continue to serve our loyal customers the craft pizza they’ve grown to love everyday. We’re grateful to the entire Wellesley community for welcoming us so warmly since we opened, and we hope to see you soon.”

Haynes sells commercial properties for $48.5M

Jumbo Capital is paying Wellesley’s Haynes Management $48.5M for a handful of Wellesley office properties, per news reports, including from The Real Reporter.

The transaction involved properties at 40 Grove St., 326-332 Washington St., 336 Washington St., 366 Washington St., 10 Prescott St. and 16 Prescott St., and 16 Laurel Ave. Haynes still has plenty of Washington Street and Worcester Street (Rte. 9) properties on the market, as the office real estate market has cooled in light of the biolab slowdown and continued remote work arrangements.

The properties by Haynes sold house tenants such as medical offices, contractors, and more.

Our inquiries to Haynes and Jumbo have gone unanswered so far.

Whole Foods EV chargers gone

The longtime electric vehicle charging station at Whole Foods is no longer there, and hasn’t been since at least October. We’ve reached out to Whole Foods then to find out if it’s gone for good, being upgraded, or something else maybe related to its planned parking lot expansion. We just reached out again, so will update this post if we learn anything.

The charging station, which arrived when Whole Foods did in 2011, may have been the first public one in town, even before there were many EVs around.

whole foods ev station sign — Photo courtesy of SF

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Beyond Wellesley: Viewing Boston from the top of the Pru

December 3, 2023 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Seeking a Plan B post-Thanksgiving family activity after the theater performance we had tickets for got COVID-ed out, we made last-minute plans to visit the top of the Prudential Center building in downtown Boston via the newish View Boston attraction. You may remember the Prudential Center’s Top of the Hub restaurant and Skywalk Observatory, which was closed in 2020 due to the pandemic. Fast forward to summer 2023, when View Boston in all its fanciness opened on the top three floors of the Pru. In this new iteration of taking in the Boston skyline, the 52nd floor is an enclosed observation deck and gift shop. The 51st floor has a bar and an al fresco observation deck with tables, chairs, and some couches. And there’s a 50th floor bistro that requires reservations.

As with pretty much every attraction these days, you’ll be peppered with “experience” upgrades—we went with the most basic Standard/General Admission offering, which at $30, seemed pricey enough. For another $10 or $20 you get extra stuff, such as gift or drink vouchers, and streamlined access. Whether museum passes from libraries will emerge for this is worth watching. View Boston is open 10am-10pm every day of the week.

Access to the Pru via Copley Place is a zippy 30-minute drive or a pretty direct shot via the commuter rail or green line train. If you drive and park at the Pru garage, be sure to get your parking ticket validated—otherwise the garage will kill you with its rates, which scale to $45 after just 2 hours.

Once at the entrance you’ll go through security scanners (somehow my empty glasses case set off the buzzer) and then into a speedy and ear-popping elevator ride to the 52nd floor.

If you live the open floor plan lifestyle in Wellesley, you’ll be right at home on the top story of the Pru, a cavernous and sleek space with massive windows allowing a 360-degree look all around Boston and beyond. We went at night, so whether it was possible to see Wellesley, we don’t know (maybe so after the Hunnewell field lights go up?).

But we could easily spot Fenway Park & the Citgo sign, the MIT Dome, the new MGM Music Hall (whose billboard might be the brightest light of all), a nearby apartment or condo or office complex with windows way too undraped, and many more landmarks.

The observatory space was uncrowded when we went, but if you happen to go when it is packed, know that there are elevated and accessible platforms that ensure everyone can get a good view outside. Going window by window and spotting the sites can chew up a fair amount of time. There are benches situated to give you a breather.

View Boston top of the Pru — Mr. & Mrs. Swellesley reflect on the 52nd floor of the Pru

Futuristic touchscreens were scattered about to allow you to zoom in and learn more about certain areas, though we didn’t find these particularly useful. Metallic models of various landmarks such as Fenway Park and the Museum of Fine Arts also dotted the top floor and were fun to examine.

Going down a floor to the 51st you’ll find a bar dubbed “Stratus” that offers open-air seating, though not on the cold late fall night we went. The bar is paired with the “Beacon Bistro,” which offers dining packages that include View Boston. The online menu shows no prices, never a good sign for budget-conscious visitors.

There could be something to be said for hitting this attraction when the weather is nice, and maybe even going at dusk so that you can catch views both in daylight and once everything is lit up.

We kept going down to the 50th floor, where interactive screen displays and a huge 3D model highlight Boston’s neighborhoods and sites. The multimedia show behind and over the model showcases everything from the seasons to the arts to sports, and a separate immersive movie theatre takes you through some of Boston’s top tourist attractions.

Speaking of tourists, View Boston is a great place to take out-of-town guests. Between the observatory, all the high-end shopping you could ask for at the Prudential Center mall, along with mall dining options from fast-casual (Anna’s Taqueria, Shake Shack) to dine-in (Del Frisco’s, California Pizza Kitchen), and more, you could easily kill an entire afternoon here. If you prefer to avoid the winter weather, you can conceivably get into your car in Wellesley, park in the Pru garage, and enjoy hours of activities without ever stepping onto the streets of Boston. Don’t judge. Not everyone can navigate icy sidewalks. It’s nice to have an option that allows the whole family to get out of the house and enjoy a good time in the city, no matter the weather.

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Wellesley residential property sales for the week of Nov. 5, 2023

December 3, 2023 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

A quiet week on the Wellesley residential property sales front…

Buyer/s	Seller/s	Property address	Date of sale	Sale price
Berseneva, Ekaterina	Swedenburg, Eric & Swedenburg, Charlotte	11 Oak St Lot 35	11/7/2023	$725,000
Zhang, Ping	Sewall, Richard C & Sewall, Judith N	82 Beechwood Rd	11/7/2023	$1,450,000

The attached report is republished with permission from The Warren Group LLC.

Past Wellesley residential real estate reports

Reader contributions help The Swellesley Report license this data.

Wellesley Holiday Happenings 2023

December 2, 2023 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

Our roundup of holiday activities taking place in Wellesley:

Don’t see your low-cost or free community-oriented holiday event here? Contact Deborah at deborahcb100@gmail.com for inclusion.

Wellesley High School Winter Band Concert—Dec. 6

The talented members of the Wellesley High band will perform for the community at the annual Winter Band Concert, Wednesday, Dec 6, 7pm-8:00pm, at the WHS Katherine L. Babson Auditorium.

Linden Square Holiday Stroll—Dec. 10

Tis the season to celebrate at the Linden Square Courtyard with its beautiful holiday decor and stunning tree, Sunday, Dec. 10, 11am-1pm.

The Wellesley Food Pantry will be collecting of unopened boxes of mac & cheese, raisins, and canned tuna.
Cradles to Crayons will be collecting new or gently used infant and kids coats.

Holiday jazz concert—Dec. 10

Pianist Alexander Xhoja and vocalist Melony Gabriela Sanchez will present a Holiday Jazz Concert at the Wellesley Free Library on Sunday, Dec, 10, 3pm-4pm.

Temple Beth Elohim Dreidel Dash—Dec. 10

Temple Beth Elohim will hold its fifth annual Dreidel Dash 5k on Sunday, Dec. 10, 9:30am-noon, at TBE, 1o Bethel Rd. The race is a great opportunity to connect as a community and celebrate Chanukah, and is open to all.

The first 250 registrants and volunteers will receive a custom knit hat. Runners and non-runners are encouraged to come dressed in your most festive fun Chanukah attire. There will be an award given to the best solo and the best group costume during the award ceremony. More information and race registration here.

dreidel dash

Community Messiah Sing at UU Wellesley Hills—Dec. 10

UU Wellesley Hills will hold it’s 3rd annual Community Messiah Sing on Sunday, Dec. 10, 1:30pm at 309 Washington St. Local choral singers, lovers of classical and holiday music, young and old—all are welcome to come usher in the holiday season with this festive offering of Part I of George Frederic Handel’s Messiah oratorio (which covers the Christmas story). Handel’s best-known and widely loved music comes to life realized by four stellar professional soloists, a professional chamber orchestra with organ and harpsichord, and YOU, the audience, standing to sing along on the choruses. (Not a singer? Not a problem! Listeners of all ages are very welcome to come enjoy this seasonal classic.)

Entry is free; donations are gratefully accepted.

Wellesley High School Winter Choral Concert—Dec. 14

The talented members of the Wellesley High choral ensemble will perform for the community at the annual Winter Choral Concert, Thur., Dec 14, 7pm-8:30pm, at the WHS Katherine L. Babson Auditorium.

Holiday harpist concert—Dec. 17

Harpist Shelley Otis will present a Holiday Concert at the Wellesley Free Library on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2pm-3pm.

Mass Hort Festival of Trees—through Dec. 29

Massachusetts Horticultural Society‘s 15th Annual Festival of Trees showcases dozens of decorated trees, the Snow Village, and a festive model railroad display, Nov. 24-Dec. 29, at the Garden at Elm Bank, 900 Washington St., Wellesley.

Visitors vote with their raffle tickets for trees they would like to win and take home at the end of the event. Trees range from one foot to nine feet tall, and many have gifts in addition to beautiful decorations.

Don’t miss the Snow Village, an indoor model train exhibit, or the holiday lights and decorations that fill the Garden. Paid tickets include a cup of hot chocolate at admission and a s’mores kit for the fire pit at the end of your visit. Tickets are on sale now.

Please note: Advanced purchase of timed tickets is required for both MHS members and general admission. Tickets will not be sold on site.

Sign up to ring the Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell—through Dec. 24

Every year outside Roche Bros. an army of volunteers rings the bell for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive. Sign up to volunteer here.

Shoppers on their way in or out of the store historically help make the Wellesley kettle one of the fullest in the state. Donations come back to the Wellesley community, supporting neighbors needing assistance through the Wellesley Board of Health, the Council on Aging, the Veterans Service office, and Wellesley Friendly Aid. The Red Kettle accepts donations via cash or check. All donations are appreciated. No donation is too small.

See you at the Red Kettle. We’ve already grabbed our spot, but there’s plenty of room for more bell ringers.

Salvation Army, Wellesley — We always have a swell time with friends at the Red Kettle.

The gift of free parking

Free 2-hour holiday-time parking in Wellesley has begun.

The Select Board has waived parking fees at 2-hour street meters in Wellesley’s commercial districts through Monday, January 1, 2024. Remember to look for bags designating specific free meters. Fees WILL be charged in all municipal parking lots, and at 4-hour and 10-hour street meters.

Free parking is offered to help support our local businesses and to bring more shoppers to downtown areas. Shop local and enjoy free parking at all 2-hour bagged street meters during the holiday season. Please note: Parking attendants will ticket cars after 2 hours. Please do not move cars to a different meter; this will also result in a ticket.

Wellesley free parking

Beyond Wellesley: Nutcracker Ballet performances

Commonwealth Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker (Weston, MA)—Nov. 24-Dec. 17
Share the merriment of the holiday season as the accomplished dancers of Commonwealth Ballet and guest artists frolic, battle and dance through Clara’s holiday dream. The performance lasts approximately 2 hours, including one intermission. Recommended for ages 4 and older.

A special sensory/family friendly performance will take place on Friday, Nov. 24, 1pm, featuring a shortened version of the ballet at reduced prices.

LOCATION: Eleanor Welch Casey Theater, Regis College, 235 Wellesley St, Weston, Mass.
TICKETS here

Studios Dance Academy’s The Nutcracker Ballet (Wayland, Mass.)—Dec. 9
Enjoy the magic of the holiday season at this beautiful presentation on Saturday, Dec. 9, 4pm, at Wayland High School auditorium, 264 Old Connecticut Path, Wayland, Mass. The role of Sugar Plum is being played by Brooke Bovie, a senior from Wellesley.

Call the studio 781-235-3638 or email to reserve tickets studios@comcast.net Limited tickets available at the door.

Calling all Girl Scouts, Brownies and Daisy—call for discounted tickets, and attend the performance to earn a fun badge.

Walnut Hill’s Nutty Nutcracker (Natick, MA)—Dec. 9 & Dec. 10
The Community Dance Academy at Walnut Hill has teamed up with local children’s author David Ira Rottenberg to bring his well-loved children’s book Gwendolyn’s Nutty Nutcracker to life. The fun 1-hour kid-friendly performance features the most loved music from the Nutcracker and intermission meet-and-greets with the characters and the author.

LOCATION: Perrin Theater, Keiter Center for the Performing Arts
PARKING: 146 Bacon Street, Natick MA 01760

TICKETS here

[Read more…]

Wellesley town government meetings for the week of Dec. 4, 2023

December 2, 2023 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

A sampling of Wellesley, Mass., meetings and agenda items for the week of Dec. 4, 2023:

Planning Board (Dec. 4, 6:30pm, online)

192-194 Worcester Street/150 Cedar Street Condo Project Update; Large house reviews; Zoning Board of Appeal cases; Annual Town Meeting articles; Operating budget; Discussion of public comment policy

Design Review Board (Dec. 6, 6:30pm, online)

Sign permits for Bank of America, Atrius Health, The Cottage

Select Board (Dec. 5, 6:30pm, Tolles Parsons Center at 500 Washington St.)

Tax classification public hearing and vote; Boston Marathon invitational entry awards; Town Meeting discussion; 489 Worcester St. condo project update

Advisory Committee (Dec. 6, 6:30pm, Wellesley Police Station at 485 Washington St.)

Council on Aging, Recreation Department briefings

Board of Health (Dec. 7, 9:30am, online)

Director’s report, nurse’s report

Wetlands Protection Committee (Dec. 7, 6:30pm, online)

489 Worcester St. condo project plan

See info on all upcoming town government meetings.

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Wellesley shares update on its MBTA Communities zoning plan for multifamily housing

December 2, 2023 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Town officials this week shared an update at a public forum on Wellesley’s efforts to comply with a new state law for communities near public transit stations to allow multifamily housing to be built more easily (see Wellesley Media recording and the town’s MBTA Community page for more details). The meeting, held at the library, was largely attended by event sponsors and town officials, including those from town boards and committees, religious organizations, and advocacy groups.

As those focused on this law emphasize, the call is for zoning that allows multifamily housing to be built, but does not require it to be built. The law specifies no requirement for affordable housing, but does require most of the zoning to be within a half mile of a public transit station.

The town has already met the first MBTA Communities deadline by submitting a basic action plan to the state, and now will seek Town Meeting approval in March for zoning bylaw changes that would allow Wellesley to submit its compliant zoning district plan by the end of 2024. If things were to “go sideways” at that meeting, said Wellesley Executive Director Meghan Jop, the town would still have an opportunity to get a plan approved through a Special Town Meeting later in 2024. Not complying could lead to legal action and loss of access to grants.

As Select Board member Ann-Mara Lanza outlined at the start of the forum, the MBTA Communities initiative is part of the state’s effort to address a housing crisis that in part has been created by restrictive zoning in communities like Wellesley. There are economic and moral reasons to support it. The law seeks to, among other things, promote new housing stock in areas close to businesses and public transit, provide housing opportunities to those who work in town, support a more diverse population, and enable more energy efficient buildings.

The big irony with the MBTA Communities plan is that the MBTA itself is such a mess, with spotty service, inaccessible stations, high fares, and inconvenient schedules raising questions of whether those who would live nearby stations in Wellesley would even use the T much, especially if they work from home or in town (I watched this meeting after the fact…I spent roughly 4 hours that night getting back and forth via the T between Wellesley to Harvard Square, in part due to a late commuter rail train, a slow red line train, and a nearly 2-hour gap between trains out of South Station. At least the conductors failed to check my ticket, not that that’s good for the T’s health either.). Well publicized efforts are of course underway again to fix the MBTA, and locally, work is afoot to make Wellesley’s MBTA stations more accessible for those with disabilities. As it is, the multifamily housing development at William Street, technically within a half mile of a green line stop, isn’t exactly easy to get to by foot or bike.

The good news for Wellesley on its MBTA Communities compliance effort is that relatively minor changes need to be made to its zoning bylaw for the town to show that 1,392 units—the number required here by the state—could be built “by right” without special permits in Wellesley’s compliant zoning district. The big change that will be up for Town Meeting approval is ditching the special permit requirement for multifamily projects in MBTA zones—Wellesley already meets other rules, such as zoning density. This would build on changes related to inclusionary zoning recently approved at a Special Town Meeting.

Between its William Street (the “Nines,” etc.), Wellesley Square, and Wellesley Hills, an area of more than 77 acres, some 1,433 units have been built or could be.

While some some would like to see Wellesley blow by its requirement, the town does have broader plans to address housing needs. It recently got approval at Special Town Meeting to conduct a strategic housing study that would serve as a sequel to its aging housing production plan. Numerous housing projects are also underway or proposed in town, several of them on Worcester Street (Rte. 9).

The town will be exploring new areas to develop as well, with Wellesley Farms, Linden Square (a development agreement would need to be redone or amended), the Tailby Lot at Wellesley Square also being mentioned.

Questions raised at the forum included those about what building in Wellesley Hills might look like, how to ensure more housing is truly affordable, and whether there are any development restrictions in Wellesley Square regarding historic preservation (nope).

Numerous public meetings will address the emerging MBTA Communities plan in weeks and months to come. Among them, the Planning Board (Dec. 18), Select Board (Dec. 19), and another public forum at a date to be determined.

The Swellesley Report