57th Annual Wellesley Veterans Parade honorees: Military leaders; Local government volunteers & employees; Beloved businesses & more

The 57th Annual Wellesley Veterans Parade, set to run from 1-3pm from Wellesley Hills to Wellesley Square on Sunday, May 18, will call special attention to 20 people and organizations that have contributed mightily to the town’s character and community.

They will be among the many taking part in the annual parade during Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend that features school floats, marching bands, colorful characters, and even giant balloons. See the line of march at the end of this post.

WellesleyCountryClub

Here’s the list of honorees, with bios courtesy of the Wellesley Celebrations Committee:

Grand Marshals

Lt. Col Michael P. Madon, US Army (Ret)

Madon Our military is a place of pride and tradition. A place where standards are high, discipline is strong, and leaders are born.

The men and women of our military represent a spirit of honor and accomplishment. The values learned there make us a better town and better country.

Michael Madon reflects those values. A Bronze Star recipient, Michael has been living in Wellesley for nearly eight years, where he and his family are active members of the community. He is the proud father of two daughters, both proud Hunnewell Hawks. A retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, Michael served for nearly 25 years, including command and operational roles in the 82nd Airborne Division, and later in senior leadership positions within the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Intelligence Community as a member of the Senior Executive Service.

Michael also proudly served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Republic of Kyrgyzstan.

Today, The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honorsMichael Madon as a Grand Marshal.

Michael Madon has had amazing career and received many awards.

In recognition of his service, Michael was awarded the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal – the Intelligence Community’s highest award. In addition, he received the US Department of the Treasury’s Distinguished Service Award.

He is currently an Operating Advisor for TZP Group, a private equity firm focused on investing in lower-middle market technology & business services and consumer products. He also serves on the Advisory Boards of Cyabra, a social threat intelligence company, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a nonpartisan research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy.

Michael has and continues to contribute to improving the national security of the United States. He served as a member of the Department of Energy’s Innovation Working Group from2019-2022. In this role, he helped provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Energy on the Administration’s energy policies and economic and national security policy.

Just a few miles from Wellesley, in the towns of Lexington and Concord, a revolution was born. Patriots came together for this most momentous event.

Today we come together to celebrate patriots like Michael Madon.

Thank you, Michael, you make our town proud.

Lt. Robert H. Bradley, US Navy (Ret)

bradley Our military is without peer.

It is the highest form of citizenship to our country.

The men and women of our armed forces stand in the best tradition of the citizen soldier, who for two centuries has kept our country safe and free. All are volunteers– who willingly accept the burdens and dangers of service.

Today we honor this dedication. The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors Robert H. Bradley as Grand Marshal.

Robert H. Bradley III was born in Philadelphia in 1944. After graduating from Deerfield Academy in 1962 and Williams College in 1966, he went to the U.S. Navy OCS, graduating in December 1966, in the same class as John Kerry. He went on two deployments to WestPac, serving as the Damage Control Assistant on the USS Savage (DER-386) in 1967-1968. Volunteering to serve on Swift Boats, he was posted to Coastal Division 12 in Da Nang in 1969-1970. He served as Officer-in-Charge of PCF 24, then as Operation Officer of the Division, and lastly as ACTOV Officer responsible for turning over the Swifts to the Vietnamese Navy.

Graduating with an M.A. from the Fletcher School at Tufts University, he married his wife, Nancy. Together they spent 14 years with Citibank in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

Returning to Boston in 1985, he helped to start five companies, among which are a bank, a wealth management firm, and a faith-based prep-school — Boston Trinity Academy. He continues to serve as Chairman of Bradley, Foster & Sargent.

Rob and Nancy live in Wellesley, Massachusetts. They have two daughters, one son, and twelve grandchildren.

Despite America’s failure in South Vietnam, Rob sees the Vietnam War as just one conflict in the successful effort to counter the Communist aggression that threatened the world between 1945 and 1989. It is now time for the next generation to counter the threat posed by the new axis of evil: Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran.

This year we celebrate the American Revolution, the most significant event in the history of New England. We owe so much to those patriots and so much to people like Robert H. Bradley. We have seen in him the modesty of true strength, and the humility of real caring.

Capt. Brian J. Shortsleeve, US Marines (1995-1999)

shortsleeve The Marines wrote history with the bold strokes of courage.

Their character was tested in death marches and jungle firefights and desert battles. Fighting for people they did not know, and a future they would hope to see. And, in the end, they won an epic struggle to save liberty itself.

Brian Shortsleeve is a Massachusetts native, lives in Wellesley, a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School, and served as a Marine officer in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Persian Gulf.

Today he leads again. The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors, Brian Shortsleeve, as a Grand Marshal.

Brian has had a stellar career in public service.

Brian served as the Chief Administrator and Acting General Manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). He was handpicked by Governor Charlie Baker in 2015 to develop and execute a plan to put the MBTA on the path to long-term fiscal sustainability. During his tenure, Brian worked closely with the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board and led efforts to balance the operating budget, modernize internal businesses processes by leveraging technology, rapidly accelerating the pace of capital investment in critical system repairs, and build the team to turnaround the Green Line Extension project.

Before the MBTA, Brian worked in strategy consulting and investing at Bain & Company, H.I.G. Capital, and General Catalyst Partners.

This year is the official launch of the Revolutionary War commemorations. A war fought by patriots. In this spirit our town is so grateful for those who went before and those like Brian Shortsleeve who have done so much for us.

Distinguished Service Award: Lise Olney

lise olney Leadership is more than persuasion; it is envisioning the path forward.

This has been the passion of Lise Olney.

Lise’s approach on town issues is as refreshing as it is revealing.

She attacks problems, and she proposes solutions. When you look at her accomplishments you see just how much people can do with commitment and vision.

Today we have one more accomplishment. The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors Lise Olney with its Distinguished Service Award.

Here are just some of her accomplishments:

From 2019-2025, Lise served on the Select Board including roles as Chair and Vice Chair. During this time, she provided vision and leadership to the Town during COVID-19, championed the establishment of the Select Board Policy Subcommittee, served on the DEI task force, served on the Housing Task Force and Select Board liaison to the Wellesley Housing Development Corporation. She is also a founding member of the Wellesley Civil Discourse Initiative, the Wellesley Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force, and the Wellesley Freedom Team.

While serving our Town on the Select Board for the past 6 years, Lise also shared her talents with the broader community, serving as a member of the Steering Committee of Mass Municipal Associations Women Elected Municipal Office committee and as Wellesley’s Representative to Metropolitan Area Planning Council representative.

Lise is a true champion for our planet: she has been a tireless advocate for education and community actions to embrace Climate Resilience, including sustainable energy practices. Prior to serving on the Select Board, Lise served on the Natural Resources Commission and the Sustainable Wellesley Board, where she led advocacy efforts to reduce gas leaks, restrict use of single-use plastic bags, and promote reduce-reuse-recycle initiatives. As the Select Board’s representative on the Climate Action Committee, she played a leadership role in the creation of the Climate Action plan and the Hazard Mitigation Plan. She advocated for the passage of the Climate Emergency resolution at Town Meeting as well as adoption of the Municipal Sustainable Building Guidelines.

Lise accomplishments can fill many pages. But there is something bigger than that. The true strength of our town is when neighbors like Lise Olney commit themselves to make our lives better it is hopeful, optimistic and positive for our future.

Today, we thank Lise for her service to the Town and look forward to her continued advocacy.

Chiefs of Staff

LTC Robert H. Fleming –US Army (Ret)

Robert Fleming and all who serve remind us of what this country has done.

Young Americans in uniform –today’s veterans – wrote history with their courage

Their character tested.

And, in the end, all of us has won.

Today, The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors,Robert Fleming as a Co-Chief of Staff.

Robert Fleming was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve on May 19, 1969, at Boston University.

He entered active duty on August 18, 1969, at Fort Gordon, GA where he attended the Military Police Officers Basic Course. Upon graduation he was assigned as a platoon leader to the 503d MP Bn. (STRAC) at Fort Bragg, NC. While stationed at Bragg he attended the Jungle Operations Training Course at Fort Sherman, CZ.

From June 1970 to June 1971, he served with the Military Assistance Command Vietnam as an advisor to local Vietnamese paramilitary defense and territorial forces. On June 6, 1971, at the Oakland Army Base, CA he left active duty as a first lieutenant.

In the army reserve he had a variety of assignments in law enforcement, security and intelligence counter terrorism}, working primarily with the active army. As a foreign area officer, he assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency. Robert Fleming retired on June 1, 1997, at the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA. In civilian life Dr. Fleming worked as a clinical psychologist.

Dr. Fleming is a life-long Wellesley resident and Wellesley High School graduate. Thank you for your service to the country and your contributions to the Town.

Col. William F. Sinnott—US Marines (Ret)

Sinnott The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors, a heroic Marine William Sinnott as Chief of Staff.

Here is his dramatic story:

William Sinnott has had a distinguished military career spanning 32 years with the United States Marine Corps, from which he retired as a Colonel. This included active-duty tours in Bosnia and Iraq, among other assignments.

The Marines are special. Real warriors with a tradition of discipline and pride. This branch of service has high standards, discipline is strong, and here leaders are born. The men and women of this institution represent a spirit of honor and accomplishment.

Today William F. Sinnott is a Partner in Hinckley Allen’s Litigation group. He brings to his current practice more than 39 years of legal experience as a successful civil and white-collar criminal practitioner, as a line and supervisory municipal, state, and federal government attorney, and as a teacher and leader in the legal community. He advises and advocates for a diverse range of individuals and organizations including healthcare and biomedical institutions and employees, contractors, attorneys, judicial and government officers and litigates on their behalf in numerous courts, including United States District Court, the Court of Federal Claims, and the District and Superior Courts of Massachusetts.

Thank you for your service and honoring us as Chief of Staff.

CDR Crystal L. Schaefer –US Navy , Commanding Officer: USS Constitution, ”Old Ironsides

Crystal Schaefer President John Fitzgerald Kennedy grew up around the water, and with the knowledge that his grandfather had been instrumental in returning the USS Constitution, “Old Ironsides”, to her birthplace here.

He said “My earliest memories of the United States Navy go back to the days when, as a small boy, I used to be taken to the USS Constitution in Charlestown…The sight of that historic frigate, with its tall spars and black guns, stirred my imagination and made American history come alive for me….I am glad…my own family was privileged to play in [Constitution‘s] preservation.” [Old Ironsides, An Illustrated History of USS Constitution by Thomas P. Horgan, Foreword by President John F. Kennedy, 1963]

Today Old Ironsides’ commanding officer is Crystal L. Schaefer. She is the first woman, in history, to ever be the Captain of the USS Constitution, “Old Ironsides”, the oldest ship in the US Navy.

Prior to assuming her duties as the 78th Commanding Officer of USS Constitution on June 21, 2024, Commander Crystal Schaefer served at sea as Strike Officer onboard USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), Reactor Propulsion Division Officer onboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Operations Officer onboard USS Pinckney (DD 91), Chemistry and Radiological Controls Officer onboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), and Assistant Reactor Officer onboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77).

Ashore, Crystal served as Assistant Professor of Naval Science at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Naval Reserve Officer Training Corp, Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TIAM) Officer in Charge for U.S. Sixth Fleet in Naples, Italy, and Prospective Commanding Officer Course Coordinator at the Surface Warfare Schools Command in Newport, RI.

Her personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy, and Marine Corp Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal (four awards), and various unit campaign, and service awards.

Today, one more award. The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors Crystal L. Schaefer., as our Chief of Staff.

One of the things our town treasures most is the men and women of our military. Their courage, character and decency make us proud.

The USS Constitution is named after a genius document that has brought this nation stability.

Thank you, Commander Schaefer, for carrying on this noble tradition.

Community Service Awards

Wellesley Historical Society (100-Year Anniversary)

Did you know: Humans first arrived in the area that is now Wellesley more than 10,000 years ago, forming communities whose descendants became the Wampanoag, Massachusetts, and Nipmuc nations.

Just go on to the Wellesley Historical Society website and you will find out more amazing facts about our town.

“The Wellesley Historical Society was founded in 1925 with a mission to collect, preserve and share the history of Wellesley. We have a passion and dedication for our work and for you to join us to “Open the Door to History” about Wellesley, New England, the United States, and the world.”

Today the mission of the Society is to collect, preserve, and share Wellesley’s history and inspire public involvement in and appreciation of the town’s heritage and culture. The Wellesley Historical Society engages the public through events, speaker series, walking tours, and exhibits. They have a passion and dedication for their work and strive to “Open the Door” to the history of Wellesley, New England, the United States, and beyond.

Today the Wellesley Historical Society makes even more history. The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors The Wellesley Historical Society with a Community Service Award.

This year as we celebrate the fight for American Independence that started 250 years ago, history is more alive and more relevant than ever. A story of how a young America wrote history with bold strokes of courage. A famous military strategist said, “History is the source on which you must constantly draw. Do not read history to learn history but to learn war, morals, and politics.”

And you can even take that one step further. Visit wellesleyhistoricalsociety.org and learn what a wonderful heritage we all share.

Wellesley Historical Society, we thank you for the dedication you have shown to collecting, protecting, and preserving our history over the past 100 years, so we may learn, reflect, and celebrate it. We look forward to sharing the next 100 with you.

Lisa Collins

More to come…

John Lanza

Today The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors John Lanza as a Community Service Honoree

Here is his story:

John Lanza is a member of the American Bar Association. But here we know him for some other remarkable achievements. As Commissioner of the Recreation Committee for the past three years, we can thank him for the opportunities the Recreation Department offers us to play.

John embodies traits what we value in our elected leaders: Hopeful Positive. Gifted. And always sincere. His bright refreshing tone heard in Recreation Commission meetings and in Town Meeting shows his passion for the community and belief in the importance of getting it right.

John has been the Treasurer, Northeastern University School of Law Alumni Board. He and his wife Ann-Mara Lanza have lived in Wellesley for more than two decades and are proud parents of two young adults.

Thank you, John Lanza, for your service. You embody the permanent hope and the durable dreams of this town.

Craig Mack

Craig Mack, candidate for Wellesley School Committee

Craig Mack led of one of the noblest of causes: the improvement of Wellesley’s public schools. He championed our teachers and schools to provide our children with the very best education possible.

Today we give our thanks and something more. The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors Craig Mack with its Community Service Award.

Craig Mack has been a Wellesley resident for 13 years. He served on the Wellesley School Committee from 2022 to 2025, holding roles as both Secretary and Chair, and as the Committee’s liaison to the Permanent Building Committee. Since 2022, he has served as a Town Meeting Member and has volunteered in leadership roles at both the local and national levels for more than 20 years.

With a deep passion for educational excellence and student achievement, Craig has dedicated his 30-year professional career to higher education. He holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts, a Master of Education, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Craig and his wife, Melissa, are the proud parents of two Wellesley High School graduates, as well as a current 11th and 12th grader at WHS.

Our town has a deep belief in our public schools and their mission – to build the mind and character of every child, of every background, in every Wellesley community.

Thank you, Craig, for your service to our community and its schools.

Dedicated Service Award

Nathanial Brady (Assistant Fire Chief)

nat brady

More to come…

Special Recognition Awards

Deland Gibson Insurance (125 Year Anniversary)

Today The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors Deland, Gibson Insurance Associates, Inc.with a Special Recognition Award.

Here is their story:

Deland, Gibson Insurance Associates, Inc. is a Trusted Choice®, Five Star Accredited independent insurance agency with deep roots in Massachusetts. Established in 1900, they are proud to be a fourth-generation, family-run firm that has earned the confidence of individuals, families, and businesses for 125 years.

They deliver tailored insurance and risk management solutions designed to protect what matters most—your home, your business, and your family. With a legacy of experience and a client-first mindset, our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized service and proactive guidance from start to finish. Their offerings span personal insurance, commercial insurance, and employee benefits, ensuring our clients have the coverage they need through every stage of life and business.

Wellesley Hills is the location of their flagship office and they are proud to serve communities across Massachusetts and beyond through five additional locations in Dennis Port, Franklin, Duxbury, Worcester, and Westwood.

Deland, Gibson has been deeply involved and supportive of the Wellesley community. They initiated and continue to sponsor The Swellesley Report’s Deland, Gibson’s Athlete of the Week, supported numerous local athletic programs, and remained a consistent partner in cherished events like the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club Wellesley Kitchen and Home Tour.

Deland, Gibson Insurance, we thank you for your 125 years of commitment to providing reliable, personalized, and high quality insurance solutions to the community. We congratulate you and look forward to your continued success.

Dover Saddlery (50 Year Anniversary)

Today The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors Dover Saddlery.with a Special Recognition Award.

Here is their story:

Dover Saddlery was founded in 1975 by Jim and David Powers, former members of the USET Three-Day Event Team. Fresh from the 1972 Olympic Games in Germany, Jim Powers wanted to offer riders in New England a saddlery shop dedicated to providing a broad selection of the best tack available from around the world. His vision was to use the knowledge he gained from having trained and competed with top international riders to select and develop the best products for horses and riders. Soon, David Powers joined Jim with the idea of making Dover Saddlery’s expertise available to equestrians across the United States with a mail order catalog.

While Dover Saddlery grew rapidly and expanded quickly beyond its first retail store location in Wellesley, Massachusetts, its founding principles of offering world-class service and products remained the focus of the organization. The company is staffed by a team of experienced, dedicated equestrians who understand the needs of horse owners and riders. They know how to “turn out” riders and horses. They know the importance of a comfortable performance breech or a well-fitted saddle and the unbeatable durability of properly tanned leather.

When the right product at the right price is not to be found in the marketplace, teams at Dover Saddlery develop their own by collaborating closely with world-class competitive riders. In this way, Dover Saddlery as a brand has evolved to include highly functional riding apparel, outerwear, and full collections of tack for riders of all levels and disciplines. All products are developed in the saddle by riders, field tested, refined, created under strict quality control guidelines, and then offered only when performance, quality, and reliability are 100% guaranteed.

Congratulations on 50 years in business and thank you Dover Saddlery for making our town a better place.

Café Mangal (25 Year Anniversary)

mangal Turkey is a land of magic and wonder, where history, culture, and nature blend together in a way that is truly unique.

We in Wellesley don’t have to travel to get the unique cuisine of Turkey: it’s all there on Washington Street at Café Mangal.

Celebrating its 25^th anniversary, come in and enjoy a special balance of flavors, fresh ingredients, and plenty of love.

Today, The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors Café Mangal with a Special Recognition Award.

Here is their inspiring story: Cafe Mangal is a family-owned and highly rated Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of Wellesley, MA. Founded in 2000 by the Ozargun Family, whose culinary roots trace back to 19th-century in Turkiye. Cafe Mangal offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where every guest is treated like family. The motto is “Smile, Serve and Share”. Known for unique recipes, fresh ingredients and top-quality service, Cafe Mangal serves a variety of lunch and dinner items, desserts, and beverages.

Over the years Cafe Mangal has won various prestigious awards such as “Best of Boston”, “Boston Top 50 Restaurants”. Cafe Mangal will continue to proudly serve the community.

Thank you Café Mangal, you are making our town a restaurant destination.

Green’s Hardware (20 Year Anniversary)

greens logo Do you need the screen on your door replaced? A new grill delivered and set up? Or help finding the right parts for a home repair project?

The place to go Green’s Hardware.

While the big box impersonal home improvement warehouses are dotting the landscape, Green’s Hardware has been the place to shop for top quality merchandise with a friendly, knowledgeable staff you will find only in this classic hardware store.

Green’s Hardware stocks the brands we know and trust. Their goal is to provide you with knowledgeable service at competitive prices. They have it all from paint and housewares to nuts and bolts. The experienced staff at Green’s assists you with locating any item or offer advice for your latest project. They also carry your purchases to your car.

Tom Green founded Green’s Hardware in 2005 on the same site where his family operated Green’s Stationery for more than 40 years. He had a vision to serve the town of Wellesley and surrounding area with an independent hardware store that offered old-fashioned service and convenience with an inventory that reflects the needs of today’s homeowners and contractors. During the past twenty years, Tom, along with an outstanding, experienced crew, has realized that vision. Green’s Hardware gives Tom the opportunity to greet his customers and serve them with pride. It is a family tradition he is proud to carry on. Green’s Hardware greatly appreciates the community’s support, and they look forward to continuing to be a part of this wonderful town.

Today, The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Wellesley Select Board, honors Green’s Hardware with a Special Recognition Award.

Isabel Harvey (20 Year Anniversary)

isabel It is so refreshing to see the American Dream alive and well and living on 41 Central Street in our town.

One of the things that makes Wellesley strong and unique is we honor small unique businesses. Alexis and Kimberly started Isabel Harvey from the ground up and named it after their grandmother.

Isabel Harvey has a robust and effective tagline: Be sparkly. And of course they call the sales associates ‘the sparklers’.

Isabel Harvey is a welcoming store with great customer service and sparkly vibration which is contagious.

Today The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors Isabel Harvey, with a Community Service Award.

Here is the story of Isabel Harvey in their own words:

“Our Grandmother, Isabel Harvey, is the inspiration behind our business. Classical in her taste and creative in her fashion, she taught us that every woman should express her own style through beautiful, fun, and unique accessories. Most importantly, however, she believed that good character, strength, and confidence were the keys to good taste.

With the launch of Isabel Harvey, we have created a line of jewelry and home goods of which we are deeply proud. Throughout the line, we have made sure that each piece represents our grandmother’s graceful demeanor and keen sense of style, as well as our own individual spirit and artistic vision. We are excited to have created a place online where women can find unique and beautiful pieces that represent everything from everyday modern elegance to night-on-the-town bohemian chic.

As experienced stylists and skilled jewelry consultants, our goal is to guide women and help them find special pieces that will enhance their personal style and define their sense of fashion. Our Grandmother not only had great taste- but she also had an intuition about what worked and what didn’t. We, at Isabel Harvey, refer to this as Style Intuition, an ability to see something, try it on and know that it possesses that trend-setting element that sets you apart. This trait passed on to us is what sets us apart from other boutiques and shops. With a diverse, ever-changing collection of jewelry, there is always something that’s just perfect for everyone.”

As we celebrate our American Revolution, there is a spirit we inherited of knowing we can make it on our own. These are today’s entrepreneurs. Small businesspeople, who fuel America’s growth.

It is not easy to start, operate and expand businesses.

Alexis and Kimberly, you did well. Congratulations to Isabel Harvey on 20 years of success.
<

The Swellesley Report (20 Year Anniversary)

On its masthead, The Swellesley Report has an intriguing visual and this promise:

The Swellesley Report

Since 2005: More than you really want to know about Wellesley, Mass.

swells masthead They have delivered. Move over Boston Globe, they have it covered.

Everything from what’s happening at Town Meeting, to Kid stuff, to Business news and of course restaurants. Find it online and you will find something remarkable, thoughtful, specific, and fun. The Swellesley Report provides a glimpse into the heart and soul of our town.

Today we have good news for them. The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors The Swellesley Report with a Special Recognition Award.

Here is their story:

Swellesley is the brainchild of Bob & Deborah Brown.

They started it in 2005 after they moved to town and were looking for places to go sledding with their kids. They could not find the information online, so Bob created a webpage about this. He followed that up with a page about running every street in town, to get to know the town.

A friend suggested that the town could use a better news source over breakfast one morning. Bob was working full time as a reporter and editor for a business technology magazine/later website called Network World, so really didn’t have time for a second job. But he started Swellesley just to dabble in blogging and just to provide a community service, and before he knew it, had created a monster.

They accepted no advertising for the first 5 years, but since then have converted Swellesley into a small business. Deborah joined in on the fun after about 5 years, and Bob went full-time on site in 2023. Deborah has a background in communications and copyediting. Bob has been a journalist throughout his career, covering everything from sports to technology to local news. Both Deborah and Brown are active in the community in numerous ways: Deborah has belonged to a garden club and is a member of the Wellesley Conservation Land Trust; Bob has coached baseball and basketball, been a member of the Wellesley Historical Society Board and Wellesley Trails Committee. Both Bob and Deborah actively engage with numerous interest groups in town.

The mission has been to present more than you really want to know about Wellesley. They keep our fingers on the pulse of what people want to know, have many ways to get local information, including from social media and the local access channel/website, with a focus on complementing what is out there and not duplicating it.

One measure of their relevance in covering the information you really want to know is the extent to which it goes viral. Their scoop on the You’re Not Special speech by David McCullough Jr (which they essentially named) crashed the site. Numerous other stories have gone viral over the years, including the sleepwalker sculpture at Wellesley College and a local family getting one of Tom Hanks’ typewriters. They have also been spending increasing energy and focus on the “meaty” stories, covering everything from Town Meeting and local Board meetings to local elections.

Swellesley attributes much of its success to its partnership with its readers, who regularly share tips with them, send photos that they claim are often better than their own, and keeping them honest through comments; Town officials, local businesses, and others have been greatly supportive as well. Their coverage capacity has been enhanced over the years through volunteer writers, paid interns, and welcome pitching in by their kids. They have long been part of local news trade groups where members help each other. Over the past year they have been invited into a BU program which provides them with student journalists. They recently joined the Tiny News Collective, which can collect tax deductible contributions and pass them through to Swellesley as grants.

Over the past twenty years, they have published more than 15,000 stories, been visited by tens of thousands of visitors per month and had more than a million views per year. They are recognized as an important content source: they have thousands of social media followers as well as thousands of weekday newsletter subscribers.

Swellesley Report today we honor you for the past 20 years of contributions to our Town. We love that you love our community and hope that you continue your passion in what you do for us for years to come.

Wellesley/Weston Magazine (20 Year Anniversary)

Today The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors Wellesley Weston Magazine with a Special Recognition Award.

Here is their story:

2025 is a special year for WellesleyWeston Magazine as they celebrate their 20^th year covering the community. In May 2005, publisher Beth Furman had the idea to launch a magazine dedicated to enriching the experience of living in two of Massachusetts’ most desirable communities. A team was put together to turn Beth’s dream into reality, and the first issue hit the ground running with local advertisers signing on (many of whom are still advertising).

The original team is still together after two decades. Editor Jill Nilsen has worked with Beth from early on, developing and creating content that’s consistently compelling and noteworthy and hiring talented writers to make it happen. The creative director, graphic designers, advertising salespeople, production team, writers, and photographers have also worked with the magazine consistently over the years, many from the magazine’s inception.

Over the past two decades, the magazine has featured hundreds of articles written by a veteran team of local writers and new voices, all beautifully illustrated. Topics include personality profiles, historical features, articles about fitness and health, education, local restaurant and book reviews, the latest home design and gardening trends, and much more. Each issue reflects the interests, concerns, and noteworthy topics important to the people who live in our very special towns. The Magazine is a must read – found on coffee tables on family room coffee tables and in business waiting rooms throughout Wellesley and Weston. The colorful, tasteful, and timeless covers invite us to open the cover and enjoy the content.

Thank you WellesleyWeston Magazine for enriching our lives over the past twenty years. You honor us and today we are proud to celebrate you.

Representing our Wellesley Veterans

Joe Nickerson (98 years)

The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors a true war hero Joe Nickerson who during the 57th Wellesley Veterans Parade is representing our Wellesley Veterans.

Here’s his dramatic story:

Joe Nickerson is a World War Two US Navy veteran and a retired Wellesley Firefighter. Born in Framingham, Joe and his wife Celesta lived most of their lives in Wellesley.

During World War 2, Joe joined the Civil Air Patrol while still in high school. In a small Piper Cub airplane, he and a pilot would fly from Framingham Airport out over Boston Harbor searching for German U-Boats.

Joe enlisted in the US Navy after his graduation in June 1944. After basic training in the Finger Lakes region of New York, he joined his ship the USS Pitt, an assault transport over 500 feet long, capable of carrying several hundred soldiers or Marines and all their gear and heavy equipment. During the shakedown cruise outside San Francisco Bay, he experienced his one and only bout of seasickness, including later that year when sailing through a typhoon. Setting out across the Pacific, his job was to steer the ship while they stopped at various islands to deliver cargo. In the Philippines, they picked up soldiers from that campaign. Eighty years ago, in April 1945, the crew of the Pitt set them on the beaches to invade the island of Okinawa, about 350 miles from Japan. Because the ship had a doctor aboard, they remained in the anchorage near the beach as a hospital ship, receiving the wounded.

While the land battle raged across the island, a series of air and naval battles occurred offshore. Kamikaze aircraft battered the naval force, striking over 150 ships. During one assault on the transport fleet, Joe was at his battle station located just above the rudder at the emergency steering station. The single-engine planes that Japan was throwing at the fleet were too small to sink a large cargo vessel, but there were two places that a hit might disable a ship: the bridge and the rudder. Completely enclosed in the steel hull, he listened on his headset to running commentary as lookouts sighted an enemy pilot closing in on the stern of the ship. The climax came when the lookouts told him that the enemy plane had been shot down, crashing into the water behind the ship. He said that his ship was one of only two that were not damaged.

At the end of World War 2, he steered his ship through a minefield to deliver occupation troops to Japan, as well as to South Pacific islands to return American servicemen home. Joe was present in Tokyo Harbor for the signing of the Japanese surrender.

After his discharge from the Navy, he worked at the Dennison Manufacturing Co in Framingham, where he met his beloved wife, Celesta. Marrying in 1950, they moved to her father’s home in Wellesley in 1953. They were married for 71 years until her death at age 94. Joe served as a Wellesley firefighter for 30 years, rising to the rank of Captain and town Fire Inspector. On his 95th birthday, he was made an honorary Deputy Chief. Joe continues to live in Wellesley and is the proud father of three children and enjoys his six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

57th Annual Wellesley Veterans Parade line of march

1 Aleppo Motorcycles
2 Police Department – Color Guard
3 Wellesley Police Cruiser – Start of Parade
4 1945 Dodge Oil Truck
5 Parade Banner – 250th Anniversary – US Army, Marine Corps., Navy
6 Master of Ceremonies – Tory DeFazio
7 Wellesley Friendly Aid Association
8 Parade Banner Holders for Sponsor Name
9 Italian American Band
10 Color Guard – Army
11 Grand Marshal – Michael Madon, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired)
12 Color Guard – Marines
13 Grand Marshal – Brian Shortsleeve, Captain, US Marines
14 Grand Marshal – Robert Bradley, Swift Boat Officer-in-charge, Lieutenant U.S. Navy
15 Color Guard – Air Force
16 DAV – Disabled American Veterans Color Guard
17 Fire Department – Color Guard
18 Honoree – Dedicated Service Award – Nat Brady – Assistant Chief, Fire Department
19 Fire Trucks
20 Coastal Ambulance
21 Central MA Model T Club
22 Minuteman Model A Club of Sudbury
23 Bay State Antique Auto Club
24 Mike Forte – Antique Car
25 Honoree – Community Service Award – Craig Mack, School Committee
26 Wellesley School Committee
27 Aleppo Shriners – Clowns
28 Fiske Elementary School PTO with Peter Pineo Wagon
29 Team Ultraviolet & the LigerBots
30 The Reminisants
31 Hardy Elementary School PTO
32 Hunnewell Elementary School
33 New Liberty Jazz Band
34 Schofield Elementary School PTO
35 Sprague Elementary School PTO
36 World of Wellesley with League of Women Voters
37 Unicycle – Peter Panic

38 Stilt Walker – Joanne
39 Troop 185 Wellesley With Flag
40 Wellesley Girl Scouts
41 Wellesley Cheer Coalition
42 Saint John School
43 Gangi Baystate Strutters
44 Wellesley High School Band
45 Honoree – Distinguished Service Award – Lise Olney
46 Wellesley Select Board
47 Wellesley Free Library
48 Natural Resources Commission Board
49 Sustainable Wellesley
50 Wellesley Animal Control
51 Massachusetts State Police Mounted Unit
52 DCR Park Ranger Mounted Unit
53 Sweeper
54 Norfolk County Sheriff’s Department
55 Big Nazo
56 Parade Banner Holders for Sponsor Name
57 Natick American Legion Band
58 Representing Wellesley Veterans – Joe Nickerson
59 Bus for Veterans – Old Town Trolley Tours of Boston
60 Parade Balloon – U.S. Army – Carried by WHS Lacrosse Team
61 Chief of Staff – Robert Fleming – US Army, LTC
62 Parade Balloon – U.S. Marines Carried by WHS Football Team
63 Chief of Staff – William Sinnott, Colonel, U.S. Marines
64 Parade Banner Holders for Sponsor Name
65 Boston Firemen’s Band
66 Parade Balloon – U.S. Navy Carried by Wellesley Country Club
67 Color Guard – Navy
68 Chief of Staff – Crystal L. Schaefer, Commander, U.S. Navy
69 26th “Yankee” Division Reenactors
70 2024 – Loaded Dice – Middlesex Bank
71 Honoree – Special Recognition Award – Deland Gibson – 125-Year Anniversary
72 MLP Trucks
73 DPW Trucks – Thank you Veterans
74 Honoree – Special Recognition Award – Cafe Mangal – 25-Year Anniversary
75 Parade Banner Holders for Sponsor Name
76 Tony Barrie Band

77 Le Regiment Bourbonnais
78 Honoree – Special Recognition Award – Wellesley/Weston Magazine – 20-Year Anniversary
79 Wellesley Neighbors
80 Honoree – Special Recognition Award – Green’s Hardware – 20-Year Anniversary
81 Parade Banner Holders for Sponsor Name
82 McGann Marching Band
83 Car – ABLS – Sponsor Vehicle
84 Rotary Club of Wellesley
85 Stray Pets In Need
86 Honoree – Special Recognition Award – Isabel Harvey – 20-Year Anniversary
87 Parade Banner Holders for Sponsor Name
88 Roma Band
89 Parade Banner Walkers – Cottage Restaurant
90 Car – Cottage Restaurant
91 Democratic Town Committee
92 Honoree – Community Service Award – Wellesley Historical Society – 100-Year Anniversary – 2-Horse Carriage
93 Two Horses with Carriage – Hobby Knoll Stable Inc – HKS Clydesdales
94 Wellesley Historical Commission
95 Oompa Band
96 Honoree – Special Recognition Award – Swellesley Report – 20-Year Anniversary
97 Wellesley Mothers Forum
98 Yee’s Southern Lions
99 Wellesley Chinese Language School
100 Wellesley Chinese American Network
101 UU Wellesley Hills
102 Parade Banner Holders for Sponsor Name
103 Waltham American Legion Band
104 Council on Aging – Bus
105 South Shore Joeys Clown Group
106 The Salvation Army
107 The Cycling Murrays
108 Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club
109 Parade Banner Holders for Sponsor Name
110 North End Marching Band
111 Wellesley Society of Artists
112 Clowning For Kidz Foundation
113 Royal Irish Artillery
114 Parade Banner Holders for Sponsor Name
115 Sudbury Fife and Drum

116 American Red Cross
117 6-Hitch Clydesdale Horses – Hobby Knoll Stables – HKS
118 Sweeper
119 Brookline Bank Vehicle
120 Lions Club Eye Mobile
121 Parade Banner Holders for Sponsor Name
122 Boston Police Gaelic Column Bag Pipe Band
123 TANK and any other military equipment – Tim Morine
124 Aleppo Minutemen
125 Aleppo Shriners – Mini Haulers
126 Wellesley Theatre Project
127 Wellesley Celebrations Committee
128 Wellesley Police Cruiser – End of Parade