This week’s Wellesley Business Buzz is sponsored by Wellesley Transportation. Owned and operated by Thomas Shinnick since 1995, Wellesley Transportation, formerly known as College Taxi, has been proudly serving Wellesley and the surrounding communities for over 90 years. Originally established in 1926, Wellesley Transportation provides on-time airport, local and long-distance transportation in luxury vehicles. For reservations, call or text 781-235-2200.
Wellesley Branch Closing
Rockland Trust Bank’s tagline is “Where Each Relationship Matters,” but those who frequent its Wellesley at 330 Washington St., will soon need to connect elsewhere. The bank’s parent company has petitioned the Massachusetts Division of banks for permission to close the branch on or about May 15. That Wellesley branch was a Ben Franklin Bank until 2009, when the name changed following an acquisition by Rockland. Nearby Rockland branches currently operate in Newton and Needham.
Wellesley will still have more than a dozen bank branches.
Don’t get your hopes up too high for another type of business filling the Rockland space, since it is already outfitted to support a bank. But you never know.
Great Wok sign goes up, business opens
The Great Wok, located in the refurbished Rte. 9 East space formerly occupied by The Wok, has installed a new sign and opened for business this week. Longtime Chinese restaurant The Wok, changed hands last year, paving the way for Great Wok, which serves Chinese and Japanese cuisine. The menu features a wide variety of options from Dim Sum to sushi to Szechuan specials.
There is no connection between The Great Wok and Jin’s of Wellesley and Brookline, as a temporary website about Great Wok had stated. We spoke to one of Jin’s owners to confirm this.

DPW Park & Tree Division seeks volunteers
Wellesley ‘s Department of Public Works Park & Tree Division is responsible for maintaining town athletic fields, playgrounds, parklands, conservation areas, public shade trees, open spaces and the landscapes surrounding town buildings. It’s seeking volunteers who like to work outdoors in all weather conditions, can follow verbal & written directions , work independently and possess a strong work ethic. Volunteer responsibilities include regular hand weeding, removal of invasive plants, weed trimming of brick walkways, pruning, planting, watering, litter pick-up and emptying of trash barrels as needed.
Interested candidates can request an application by e-mail to smiles@wellesleyma.gov or call 781-235-7600, ext.3335 . Application deadline is March 6. 2020. Getting one of these gigs could gain you the sort of experience the DPW might like for its paid summer positions, too.
I have used Wellesley Transportation for 25 years and Tom has been there for me throughout! Reliable and great service and someone I can trust – I consider Tom a friend as well after all of these years – highly recommend him and keep the business local! Bill McMahon