For those of you who headed off to your 2nd or 3rd homes over the summer and are only now catching up on Wellesley happenings, here’s a quick recap of summer highlights in town:
* Openings and closings: Whole Foods of course was the highest profile opening, though Wellesley also welcomed First Commons Bank, women’s clothing store Staccato and frozen yogurt shop Pinkberry to Linden Square. Meanwhile, Larry’s Barber Shop closed, and Neena’s is jilting Wellesley Square for Linden Square (MiniLuxe will take its space). Coming soon will be Pine Straw and City Sports across from each other on Washington Street, as well as Gustare Oils & Vinegars, which comes to Wellesley Square in the space previously held by Bonsoir, which left for Linden Square. Would-be restaurants Justine’s (Rte. 9) and Asian Wellesley (former Bobby’s Grille location in Lower Falls) are pursuing liquor licenses with the town in hopes of opening soon.
*Bridge replacement. The Cedar Street/Rte. 9 bridge overnight replacement went off without a hitch over July 4 weekend. Up next, the Rockland St. bridge.
*Charitable activities. The Pan-Mass Challenge cycling event wheeled through town, as did a bunch of barefoot soccer players and walkers for the Komen fight vs. breast cancer.
*Wellesley police. The local cops expanded their web presence with a Facebook page and smartphone apps. Every time you turned around, the police seemed to be dealing with another car rollover. Separately, Wellesley police made a high profile prostitution bust, only to have the charges dropped shortly thereafter.
*Town plans. An outdoor skating rink could be in the works for Hunnewell Field. The town is also exploring the possibility of loosening its restaurant liquor license rules.
*Sports. 11- and 12-year-old Wellesley baseball players made it to the state finals of the Little League World Series tourney, and Wellesley hosted a casting call for lacrosse players to be part of a new Hollywood movie.
*Highlight of the summer? Gorging ourselves on infamous The White Mountain.
