• Contact Us
  • Events calendar
Entering Swellesley
Pinnacle, Wellesley

The Swellesley Report

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

  • Advertise
  • Wellesley Square
  • Deland, Gibson Insurance Athlete of the Week
  • Camp
  • Private schools, sponsored by Riverbend
  • Business index
  • Contribute
  • Eat
  • Schools
  • Top 10 things to do
  • Embracing diversity
  • Kids
  • About us
  • Events
  • Natick Report
  • Seniors
  • Letters to the editor
  • Guidelines for letters to the editor
  • Live government meetings
  • Raiders sports schedules & results
  • Fire & police scanner
  • 2023 Town Election
 
Needham Bank, Wellesley
Write Ahead, Wellesley

Search Results for: From Wayne to Wellesley

From Wayne to Wellesley: Retiring postal worker’s open letter to ‘family of friends’

June 25, 2020 by Bob Brown 10 Comments

Wellesley Square Post Office, Wayne
Wellesley Square Post Office, Wayne

AN OPEN LETTER TO MY FAMILY OF FRIENDS OF THE WELLESLEY COMMUNITY:

For approximately the past 10+ years I have had the pleasure & honor of being your “Window #2 postal clerk” at the Wellesley Square Post Office. It has truly been a great & rewarding run! It is time for me, however, to venture on into life’s next adventure as I will be retiring from the United States Postal Service on June 30th after 32 & 1/2 years of employment.
Over these past 10+ years I have made countless friends & have shared much with so many….from celebrations of newborns for younger families to the reward of becoming a grandparent, first time or many times over…….we’ve shared in the pain of the passing of beloved family and friends, far too many of my postal community….we’ve shared in & celebrated many of life’s rewarding gains and accomplishments while also sharing in life’s unfortunate losses and disappointments….I’ve had the distinct honor to have helped a few of the community’s centurions and many, many members of “the greatest generation ever”….many a local celebrity, from sports, television, and local news media have graced my window…and most importantly the countless numbers of good ‘ol genuine, down to earth townsfolk…….I was able to share with you (much to many a raised eyebrow) my celebration of being a 20 year brain tumor survivor (tho the long hair in a ponytail & long beard were grown with good purpose – it was donated to Cancer Research Centers of America for a wig- I promise not to grow it out again! 😂)……your prayers and well wishes after my rare heart attack greatly helped in both my physical and emotional recovery….you so greatly shared in and supported the publishing of my first book, Gus the Goose”, of which retirement will now afford me the time to catch up and finish writing four sequels of Gus’s adventures…a very special shout out of gratitude and thank you to the Elmwood Christian Church DOC Preschool for hosting my first book reading, the Sprague school for their 1st grade book award and presentation, and to the Wellesley Bookstore for carrying my book on their shelves and having a book signing during the towns annual July Jubilee…….you have entrusted and confided in me your own personal stories, trials, and tribulations through many a conversation at my window, sharing both many laughs and tears……..and although it was always uncanny that I was”never at work” when Santa worked my window, I have first hand knowledge that it meant more to Santa than you will ever realize, to see the glimmer, excitement, and childlike belief in Santa, in the eyes of both young and old….Santa wants you to always remember this: Santa is so very real and he does truly exist…for he lies within the hearts of each and every one of us!)…rumor has it that Santa just may be back come holiday season to greet postal patrons!!!
So, in closing this chapter of my life, I want to take this moment to thank each and every one who has shared a laugh, a tear, a handshake or a hug, a conversation…even just a smile and I’ve had the opportunity to say “I thank you kindly!” at my window these past 10 years! Your genuine friendship has touched this man’s heart and will leave lasting priceless memories of a very rewarding time in my life! I wish all the very best of health, of life’s rewards, and tomorrow’s filled with great joy, laughter, and priceless memories shared and made with family and friends! Until our paths shall meet again (or Santa shouts out to you while your in line 🎅🏼), and with my greatest heartfelt gratitude, appreciation, and very best of wishes……..God bless.
Wayne Watson
“Window #2 clerk
Wellesley Square Post Office

More:

  • Subscribe to Swellesley’s daily email
  • Please consider contributing to Swellesley to sustain our independent journalism venture

Filed Under: Neighbors

Linden Square, Wellesley
Riverbend, Natick

Wellesley Natural Resources Commission to select new member at meeting

November 2, 2022 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

nrc logoThe Wellesley Natural Resources Commission, down a commissioner following the recent move out of state by 1 elected member, is slated to interview 8 candidates and select a new member at its Thursday, Nov. 3 meeting. The meeting starts at 6:30pm and you can watch it live on TV at Comcast 8 or Verizon 40, or by streaming it.

The 5-member Commission’s stated mission is “to provide stewardship, education and advocacy of the Town of Wellesley park, conservation, and open space system.”

The appointed replacement will serve until the next town election in March.

The candidates:

  • Jaden Crawford
  • Peter D’Anieri
  • Guy DeFeis
  • Michael D’Ortenzio
  • Wayne Everett
  • Trevor McProud
  • Erin Reilly
  • Bonnie Rosalen

Update 11/4/22: Rosalen dropped out before the NRC’s recommendation meeting.


Please send tips, photos, ideas to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Filed Under: Environment, Government

Page Waterman, Wellesley
London Harness, Wellesley
Wellesley Lacrosse

Wellesley Theatre Project to present ‘PUFFS, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic’

October 19, 2022 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Wellesley Theatre Project this month presents PUFFS, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic, on Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7pm and Sunday, Oct. 30 at 2pm.

PUFFS_Social-SquareAll performances will take place at the Wellesley Theatre Project Studio Theater at 219 Washington St, Wellesley. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, and may be purchased online in advance, or at the door for $20 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. All audience members are required to wear a mask.

PUFFS  is the story of Wayne Hopkins: a regular boy who finds out he’s a Wizard and goes to school in England where he makes two best friends and has adventures.

PUFFS features a cast, composed of 11 students between the ages of eleven and seventeen. PUFFS is written by Matt Cox is produced through
special arrangements with Concord Theatricals.

Wellesley Theatre Project is an arts academy and nonprofit devoted to providing students (PreK – 12th Grade) with the opportunity to study and experience theatre and performing arts through year-round classes, staged productions, workshops and summer camps.

Upcoming performances include including Children of Eden Jr. (Dec. 2-4) and Dot and the Kangaroo Jr. (Dec. 16-18).


  • Subscribe to Swellesley’s daily email

 

Filed Under: Theatre

Sara Campbell, Wellesley

Wellesley Theatre Project this month presents PUFFS, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic

October 13, 2022 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Wellesley Theatre Project this month presents PUFFS, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic, on Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7pm and Sunday, Oct. 30 at 2pm.

PUFFS_Social-SquareAll performances will take place at the Wellesley Theatre Project Studio Theater at 219 Washington St, Wellesley. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, and may be purchased online in advance, or at the door for $20 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. All audience members are required to wear a mask.

PUFFS  is the story of Wayne Hopkins: a regular boy who finds out he’s a Wizard and goes to school in England where he makes two best friends and has adventures.

PUFFS features a cast composed of 11 students between the ages of eleven and seventeen. PUFFS is written by Matt Cox is produced through special arrangements with Concord Theatricals.

Wellesley Theatre Project is an arts academy and nonprofit devoted to providing students (PreK – 12th Grade) with the opportunity to study and experience theatre and performing arts through year-round classes, staged productions, workshops and summer camps.


  • Subscribe to Swellesley’s daily email
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Instagram
  • Please consider contributing to Swellesley to sustain our independent journalism venture

Wellesley Theatre Project this month presents PUFFS, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic

October 13, 2022 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Wellesley Theatre Project this month presents PUFFS, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic, on Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7pm and Sunday, Oct. 30 at 2pm.

PUFFS_Social-SquareAll performances will take place at the Wellesley Theatre Project Studio Theater at 219 Washington St, Wellesley. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, and may be purchased online in advance, or at the door for $20 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. All audience members are required to wear a mask.

PUFFS  is the story of Wayne Hopkins: a regular boy who finds out he’s a Wizard and goes to school in England where he makes two best friends and has adventures.

PUFFS features a cast composed of 11 students between the ages of eleven and seventeen. PUFFS is written by Matt Cox is produced through special arrangements with Concord Theatricals.

Wellesley Theatre Project is an arts academy and nonprofit devoted to providing students (PreK – 12th Grade) with the opportunity to study and experience theatre and performing arts through year-round classes, staged productions, workshops and summer camps.


  • Subscribe to Swellesley’s daily email
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Instagram
  • Please consider contributing to Swellesley to sustain our independent journalism venture
Deland, Gibson, Wellesley
Rick Cram, leader

Wellesley Theatre Project’s PUFFS, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic

October 13, 2022 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Wellesley Theatre Project this month presents PUFFS, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic, on Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7pm and Sunday, Oct. 30 at 2pm.

PUFFS_Social-SquareAll performances will take place at the Wellesley Theatre Project Studio Theater at 219 Washington St, Wellesley. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, and may be purchased online in advance, or at the door for $20 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. All audience members are required to wear a mask.

PUFFS  is the story of Wayne Hopkins: a regular boy who finds out he’s a Wizard and goes to school in England where he makes two best friends and has adventures.

PUFFS features a cast composed of 11 students between the ages of eleven and seventeen. PUFFS is written by Matt Cox is produced through special arrangements with Concord Theatricals.

Wellesley Theatre Project is an arts academy and nonprofit devoted to providing students (PreK – 12th Grade) with the opportunity to study and experience theatre and performing arts through year-round classes, staged productions, workshops and summer camps.


  • Subscribe to Swellesley’s daily email
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Instagram
  • Please consider contributing to Swellesley to sustain our independent journalism venture

Wellesley public has its say at NRC meeting on track & field lights; vote planned in March

February 18, 2022 by Bob Brown 1 Comment

It’s not as if the public has had any shortage of outlets, this publication included, in which to share its thoughts on the School Committee’s proposal to install lights at the Hunnewell Track & Field to accommodate night games and practices. But a public hearing held on Thursday, Feb. 17 by the Natural Resources Commission, the elected group with oversight of the land, provided another welcome forum for those with thoughts about the issue to have their voices heard. The hearing begins about 4 minutes into the Wellesley Media recording, and lasts for a couple of hours, with the public comments mainly taking up the first hour’s worth.

Before the public comments began, NRC Chair Raina McManus proposed that the committee vote on the issue at its March 3 meeting, though following later discussion that was pushed until March 17. That March 3 meeting comes two days after the town election, an event referenced by speakers, not without meaning. McManus seeks to defend her seat on the Commission in that election vs. Lisa Collins.

The hearing, which has followed a series of NRC meetings in recent months covering the issue, attracted many familiar proponents and opponents. Comments began with those from a string of neighbors or others against the proposal for a variety of reasons, including concerns about noise, environmental impact, traffic, and noise. They appealed to the NRC to stick to its policies when making a decision.

“We are trying to wind down at night,” said field neighbor Jeanne Mayell, kicking off the comments. “We need sleep to be healthy. We need quiet. People with kids need to get their kids to bed. Everyone else who comes to these games, they can go home at night, they can go home when they want to. But not the neighbors around Hunnewell Field if you pass this proposal…”

Judith Barr poked holes in a lights impact study used by the schools in part to back its proposal, and said she made a public records request to obtain and share full results of a neighbors survey with schools and the NRC that she said showed more significant neighborhood concerns that had been highlighted in public meetings. “Yes, there is a playing field problem, but it’s not going to be solved by this proposal,” she said, urging the NRC to vote against it.

Field neighbor Wayne Everett, advocating against the proposal, boiled down the plan for permanent lights as “a desire to play Friday night football” and questioned the need more field opportunities for the high school. Pointing to a need cited in a Playing Fields Task Force report for more fields for town youth sports and referring to underuse of current Hunnewell playing fields, Everett said he was encouraged that a field utilization study is being pursued. “As in the past, Hunnewell field upgrades are again being handled piecemeal. Here again we have the cart before the horse. There is a study on how to optimize fields, while at the same time proposing to add lights. Do it the correct way: Have a completely established plan for total field utilization before moving ahead on anything.”

In all, about 20 residents had their voices heard, about three-quarters of them against the proposal. This despite encouragement from school officials and School Committee members for those in favor of the proposal to speak up at the meeting.

raiders scoreboard hunnewell fieldThe School Committee earlier in the week discussed the status of the lights proposal (about 2 hours into the Wellesley Media proposal), and expressed frustration about the process. Some NRC members and neighbors have proposed trying out rental lights on a limited basis, but School Committee Member Linda Chow said temporary lights aren’t a viable option, and she planned to share documentation of that to the NRC. Chair Catherine Mirick at one point said during the School Committee meeting: “At their last meeting it was said that ‘It is not up to us to say what we think is appropriate, our job is to judge what comes before us.’ I’m sorry, if their job is not to say what’s appropriate on NRC land… I don’t know what their job should be…”

Among those who spoke in favor of the proposal at the NRC hearing was longtime high school neighbor Chris Spagnuola. “We live with a 3,000-ton commuter train that plows through our town over 40 times a day, we live with new construction that has destroyed wildlife and insect life. Will four light posts harm the public any more than those past examples?” he asked. The resident said he believes public comments on this topic go back as far as 2007, and stated that four independent task forces since then have been in favor of lights. “The NRC continues to delay, and ignore its role as representatives and thoughtful collaborators,” he said.

A couple of other speakers recalled the fun had at night games of the past, and argued in favor of making this a more regular option in town. Molly Bruni, a resident and WHS grad, recalls enjoying a night game when she was a high school senior in the 1990s. “I remember my friends piling into the family station wagon excited to cheer on the Raiders under the lights in Framingham. I also remember thinking how fun this would be if it was in Wellesley…” Bruni said. “I paint this picture for you tonight in the name of progress. We need to move forward. This field light request is not new. It is not a pet project…,” she continued, emphasizing the important role lights could play as a community resource.

One other speaker in favor of lights, Andrew Boyle, raised the issues of “obesity, mental health, and electronic addictions” and the need for kids to play. He also stressed what he called the “extremely limited” scope of the project. “We are not talking about a Fenway Park arrangement here. Yes, there will be a handful of night games for some of the varsity sports. But what we’re mostly trying to accomplish here is finishing day practices and games…,” he said.

Following public comments, NRC members discussed the topic, with a couple of them raising the issue of next steps. The NRC’s Jay McHale asked: “How do we anticipate as a board to move this to some conclusion?” When the NRC votes, he’d like to see each board member summarize how they see the change-of-use criteria being met or not by the proposal.

NRC Member Laura Robert, who has previously stated her opposition to the proposal, acknowledged that the pressure is on for the commission to vote, and that that might be the way to go. “If it passes, great. If it doesn’t, keep working…” she said. “I don’t know how you get out of the logjam if you don’t vote.”

In the end, the NRC decided it will reach out to the School Committee to let it know of plans to vote March 17, and to give the School Committee a deadline to make any changes to its proposal before that.


  • Subscribe to Swellesley’s daily email
  • Please consider contributing to Swellesley to sustain our independent journalism venture

Filed Under: Education, Environment, Government, Sports

Next Page »

Tip us off…

Please send tips, photos, ideas to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

 

Advertisements

Wellesley Square, Wellesley Merchants
Wellesley, Jesamondo
Beacon Hill Athletic Club, Wellesley
Fay School, Southborough
Sexton test prep
Feldman Law
Wellesley Theatre Project
Volvo
Cheesy Street Grill
Mature Caregivers
Admit Fit, Wellesley
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
Never miss a post with our free daily Swellesley Report email
Name: 
Your email address:*
Please wait...
Please enter all required fields Click to hide
Correct invalid entries Click to hide

You can subscribe for free, though we appreciate any contribution that supports our independent journalism.

Click on Entering Natick sign to read our Natick Report

Entering Natick road sign

Most Read Posts

  • Sign up now for summer camp in Wellesley (and beyond)
  • Before you dump that box of Pokémon cards at the Wellesley Give & Take...
  • Business buzz: Nantucket wine bar to boast Wasik's cheeses; Needham Bank has new Wellesley branch manager; Thanks to new sponsor Beacon Hill Athletic Clubs
  • Does Wellesley need a new traffic light? Slow down before you drive to any conclusions
  • Live music coming to Wellesley's Lockheart Restaurant

Upcoming Events

Jan 31
9:00 am - 11:00 am Recurring

Coffee and Conversation with the Wetlands Administrator and Staff

Jan 31
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Families Eat Together online presentation

Feb 1
11:59 pm

Deadline for Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club grants application

Feb 3
Featured Featured 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sara Campbell winter warehouse sale

Feb 4
Featured Featured 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sara Campbell winter warehouse sale

View Calendar

Popular pages

  • Wellesley’s 7 official scenic roads

Recent Comments

  • David B on Does Wellesley need a new traffic light? Slow down before you drive to any conclusions
  • LADY WELLESLEY on Wellesley police officer injured in crash at intersection of Grove and Benvenue
  • Peggy Heffernan on Wellesley police officer injured in crash at intersection of Grove and Benvenue
  • Beth Dublin on Wellesley police officer injured in crash at intersection of Grove and Benvenue
  • Erika on Where to buy the Wellesleyest stuff in Wellesley

Links we like

  • Danny's Place
  • Great Runs
  • Jack Sanford: Wellesley's Major League Baseball Star
  • Tech-Tamer
  • The Wellesley Wine Press
  • Universal Hub
  • Wellesley Sports Discussion Facebook Group

Categories

  • 2021 Town Election (24)
  • 2023 Town Election (3)
  • Animals (428)
  • Antiques (49)
  • Art (592)
  • Beyond Wellesley (52)
  • Books (376)
  • Business (1,559)
  • Camp (11)
  • Careers/jobs (53)
  • Churches (82)
  • Clubs (236)
  • Construction (300)
  • Dump (130)
  • Education (3,190)
    • Babson College (252)
    • Bates Elementary School (18)
    • Dana Hall School (36)
    • Fiske Elementary School (11)
    • Hardy Elementary School (47)
    • Hunnewell Elementary School (46)
    • MassBay (57)
    • Schofield Elementary School (26)
    • Sprague Elementary School (19)
    • St. John School (2)
    • Tenacre Country Day School (11)
    • Upham Elementary School (35)
    • Wellesley College (613)
    • Wellesley High School (996)
    • Wellesley Middle School (204)
  • Embracing diversity (84)
  • Entertainment (814)
  • Environment (772)
  • Fashion (144)
  • Finance (15)
  • Fire (173)
  • Food (358)
  • Fundraising (641)
  • Gardens (164)
  • Government (604)
    • 2020 Town Election (47)
    • 2022 Town Election (15)
  • Health (866)
    • COVID-19 (203)
  • Hikes (6)
  • History (400)
  • Holidays (440)
  • Houses (162)
  • Humor (47)
  • Kids (867)
  • Law (8)
  • Legal notices (10)
  • Letters to the Editor (73)
  • Media (72)
  • METCO (4)
  • Military (13)
  • Morses Pond (109)
  • Music (580)
  • Natick Report (30)
  • Neighbors (280)
  • Obituaries & remembrances (86)
  • Outdoors (655)
  • Parenting (63)
  • Police (778)
    • Crime (395)
  • Politics (554)
  • POPS Senior Profile (10)
  • RDF (6)
  • Real estate (344)
  • Religion (138)
  • Restaurants (340)
  • Safety (155)
  • Scouts (2)
  • Seniors (127)
  • Shopping (163)
  • Sponsored (6)
  • Sports (1,012)
    • Athlete of the Week (12)
  • STEM (108)
  • Technology (165)
  • Theatre (397)
  • Town Meeting (23)
  • Transportation (240)
  • Travel (17)
  • Uncategorized (1,244)
  • Volunteering (350)
  • Weather (179)
  • Wellesley Election 2019 (21)
  • Wellesley Free Library (280)
  • Wellesley Holiday Gift Guide (2)
  • Wellesley's Wonderful Weekend (20)

© 2023 The Swellesley Report
Site by Tech-Tamer · Login