Search Results for: clementine

Wellesley business buzz: Clementine ownership changes; Wreaths are coming; Breakfast Club returns to Captain Marden’s

September 27, 2023 by Bob Brown

The latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:

Clementine ownership changes

Clementine, the Church Square women’s clothing boutique, is changing ownership come Oct. 1. Judy Rizley posted on social media that it is “both bittersweet and exciting” to let people know she’s transferring the reins to Lori McWeeney.

Rizley wrote: “It has been an immense privilege getting to know so many of you over the last 15 years. I am eternally grateful. My life has been enriched by your generosity, your support, and your loyalty. I have cherished the privilege of having you share your lives with me – your greatest joys along with your disappointments and sorrows, the births and deaths, the lives of your children and grandchildren, your travel, the concerts, and yes, even politics as well. When Clementine opened, some of your children were young or just starting high school. I have enjoyed hearing about their life journeys, their trials and triumphs. As many of you know, I now have two grand babies of my own and I am ready (I think) to retire with more time for family and travel and musing….”

Clementine moved from a space just off Rte. 9 in 2018 to its current home at 30 Church St.

Wreaths are coming

The Wellesley Select Board voted unanimously at its meeting this week to approve funding for holiday wreaths that will be displayed throughout the retail shopping district from Wellesley Square down through Washington Street beginning around Thanksgiving time. The town, tapping into monies from hosting part of the Boston Marathon, approved $4,220 to be spent. The town has funded the decorations, supplied by Volante Farms, the past couple of years.

Breakfast Club returns to Captain Marden’s

The Wellesley Council on Aging’s Breakfast Club has started up again at The Captain’s Table & Takeaway after going on hiatus since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The group, which meets monthly, enjoys reserved seating and special care from the Captain’s Crew. The next gathering will take place on Oct. 12.

Seating is limited, so please call the Council on Aging if you’d like to attend at 781-235-3961.

Captain Marden's, Wellesley — Captain Marden’s in a rare quiet moment

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Orange you glad Clementine has moved to Church Square?

February 19, 2018 by Deborah Brown

Clementine, Wellesley — The sign says Xylem, but the store is actually Clementine, which has moved from Wellesley Hills to 30 Church St.

Clementine women’s clothing boutique has made its move from just off of Rte. 9 in Wellesley Hills to Church Square. The exterior sign over the 30 Church St. space may still say Xylem, but don’t be fooled. Outside, the bright orange paint on the door simply shrieks Clementine. Inside, the space is in a fresh state of transformation, with one lovely nod to the previous owner’s excellent eye for design — in evidence are former Xylem proprietor Madalene Sullivan’s signature white display frames. That must be good feng shui or something.

The Church Square shopping area has undergone significant changes over the past year; currently the former Terrazza, Blue Ginger, and Susu are shuttered. Smith & Wollensky is quickly filling up dumpsters as it renovates the former Blue Ginger space and expects to open in Spring. We’ve heard rumors here and there about what’s going into Terrazza and Susu, but time will tell.

MORE: Wellesley businesses that came and went in 2017

easter display xylem wellesley — These display circles used to hold all manner of fun gifts at Xylem. They’ve been reincarnated by Clementine owner Judi Rizley to display high-end shoes, bags, and other boutique items. Clementine has moved from Wellesley Hills up to 30 Church St. and is open for business.

Clementine moving to new Wellesley location

January 4, 2018 by Bob Brown

Clementine, the women’s clothing boutique with the familiar orange awning just off of Rte. 9 in Wellesley Hills, is making the move to Church Square.

“We are happily moving to Church St, hopefully mid to end of February. The news is spreading and the feedback has been extremely positive, making us even more excited!” says owner Judi Rizley, whose shop has been in its current Wellesley location for 9.5 years.

The business currently has Sale signs in its windows.

As for Church Square, the shopping area has undergone significant changes over the past year, and ended 2017 with retailers Xylem and Terrazza announcing their plans to close.

MORE: Wellesley businesses that came and went in 2017

Sports

Wellesley Athletes of the Week: Baseball’s Cameron Lynch & Softball’s Abby Brown

May 29, 2026 by admin

Wellesley Athlete of the Week is made possible with sponsorship support from Deland, Gibson Insurance. The family-owned and operated business has carried on this Wellesley tradition for over 30 years.

Cameron Lynch

Sport/position: Baseball/catcher

When & how you got involved in baseball: I started playing baseball because of my dad, who played in college and got me into the sport from the time I could pick up a bat. While both of my brothers played lacrosse, baseball always felt like my sport in the family. From a young age, I loved playing up a grade in Little League with my brothers’ friends, which is where I really fell in love with organized baseball.

What you love most about baseball: The mental aspect. More than almost any other sport, baseball is a mental game.

Pre-game routine: I listen to reggae music, take a few swings, stretch out, and think through the first few of batters with the pitcher.

Top goal for this season: Win Wellesley’s first ever Baseball State Championship. We have the pitching, hitting, and coaching to do it; we just need to stay confident.

Thoughts about this year’s team: I think we’re a really close group. We have a ton of senior leadership that will benefit us a lot in the playoffs. We all struggled with expectations at the start of the year, but as the season progressed we started to settle down and play our game.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: I’m most proud of the culture change our baseball team has gone through over the past few years. We went from struggling to even make the tournament to becoming one of the best teams in the state, and making the elite 8, mostly with the same group of players. The difference came from a huge shift in our approach, discipline, and overall mindset.

A funny or inspiring story related to your involvement with this team: Last year, before one of our home playoff games, the entire team went to the field to clear off all the water so we could actually play. The job itself was pretty tedious, but it ended up being one of the best team moments as a team I’ve had.

Interests outside of baseball: I spend a lot of time hanging out with friends, exploring Wellesley and Boston, and going to Narragansett during the summer. In school, I’m especially interested in economics and government.

What other sports do you play, if any? Golf and hockey

Coach Ted Novio on Cameron Lynch: Cam is a 3-year starter for the Wellesley Raiders Baseball Team and is a Captain on this year’s squad. Being the catcher, you are the field general and being a strong leader is a necessity. Cam embodies that trait in every way. I trust him to make the calls on bunts and he has called every pitch for the past three years. Offensively, he leads the team in total hits and is 2nd in batting average. The program is going to miss him in a big way next year as he brings his academic talent to Harvard University.

Abby Brown

Sport/position: Softball/First Base, Pitcher, Outfield

When & how you got involved in softball: I started playing softball around second grade, and I have loved it ever since. I loved having my dad as my coach when I was younger, and he has helped me grow into the player I am, always offering to throw in the backyard or catch for me at the tunnels. I also got to know a lot of people through softball, from both school and club, and I am so grateful for the friendships that I have made on the field.

What you love most about softball: I really love how much of a team sport softball is—even though you feel separated when at your own position, the energy and trust that you have with your teammates allows you to build off of each other’s successes.

Pre-game routine: It is good luck for me to put my hair in two braids that end in a bun! I also like to eat two clementines and chocolate rice cakes as a pre-game snack.

Top goal for this season: My goal this season was to grow more confident on the mound because it had been a while since I had thrown to live batters, as I was injured last year. I have learned to trust my spin pitches, especially my drop ball, and I aim to carry this confidence as we go into playoffs.

Thoughts about this year’s team: I think this year has been pretty special for all of us, especially with the large amount of seniors on the team. We have grown up playing together, and we understand how to be the best teammates, and friends, for each other. The whole team is really close, and I am going to miss playing with everyone so much!

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: This year I hit my first out of the park home run, and I am proud that it was a line drive!

A funny or inspiring story related to your involvement with this team: There is an inside joke that has stuck with our team the last couple of years where if you hit or throw a ball outside of our field into the pond or the woods you lose a million dollars. At least once a practice you can hear all of us yell out “minus a million!” when a ball flies out, and then we wonder why our buckets are never full.

Interests outside of softball: I love spending time outside walking or playing games like hacky sack and spike ball, and I also really enjoy making art! I am in Drawing and Painting Intensive in school (shout-out to Mr. Reddy), and I like working with different mediums, but my favorite medium will always be pastels.

Coach Emily Hunt on Abby Brown: Abby Brown is an incredible leader for Wellesley softball. Whether diving for a ball in the OF or picking balls out of the dirt at first base, Abby’s defensive play has always been impressive. Abby overcame a couple of nagging, painful injuries (back and elbow) to finally be able to pitch during her senior season and we are so happy she did! Abby’s spin and speed coming from the left side has been a great addition to the pitching staff and she has helped us win many games with her pitching and defense. She is a power hitter in the middle of our lineup who can drop down a bunt or place a ball in the gap when we need it most. Abby plays with an intensity and focus that is second to none and inspiration for her teammates and coaches. Abby plays with a love of the game and high expectations for herself and her teammates.

(Athletes of the Week are nominated by their coaches.)

Past Athlete of the Week profiles

Sports

Wellesley Athletes of the Week: Tennis players Charlotte McDonough, Deniz Eryilmaz, and Deren Bayulgen

May 8, 2026 by admin

Athlete of the Week: Charlotte McDonough

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Sport: Tennis, singles

When & how you got involved in tennis: I started playing tennis for fun during the COVID pandemic, so when I was around 12 years old. I didn’t start playing for the high school team until my sophomore year, but I’ve really enjoyed getting more into it since.

What you love most about tennis: I really love the girls on the team, there’s always a lot of laughter and it makes practices and matches something to look forward to. With tennis, I really like how competitive it is, both physically and mentally. Also being outside is a nice part of it too, especially when the weather is good.

Pre-match routine: I always like to have a snack, normally a clementine and some type of pretzels or Chex Mix.

Top goal for this season: My goal for this year is to go as far as we can and try to win states, but I also just want to have fun and enjoy it as much as possible for my senior season.

Thoughts about this year’s team: This year’s team has been so much fun to be a part of. We lost a few players from last year, so it’s been really great seeing how everyone’s been able to step up into different roles. I also really love how supportive everyone is on the team, it makes every match super memorable.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: This year was my first time playing singles after previously only playing doubles for the team. I was a little nervous at first, but I’m proud of how I’ve improved at singles over the course of the season and how my confidence has grown.

A funny or inspiring story related to your involvement with this team: One of my favorite team traditions is doing hot yoga together. It’s always a fun way to bond with the team since everyone is kind of struggling in awkward poses at the same time.

Interests outside of tennis: I like hanging out with friends, watching movies, playing hockey, and playing the tuba. In school, my favorite subjects are probably biology and anatomy.

What other sports do you play, if any? Hockey

Coach Rob Miller on Charlotte McDonough: Charlotte has had a great start to the season. Currently her record at third singles is 7-1. Against Natick she won the deciding match to eke out a 3-2 team win. Though her only loss at third singles came against Needham, she avenged the loss last week by the same girl she lost to the first time. Off the court Charlotte is one of the most well liked teammates. She represents the Girls Tennis Team well and I am very proud of her.

Athletes of the Week: Deniz Eryilmaz and Deren Bayulgen

Deren Bayulgen playing tennis — Deren Bayulgen

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Sport: Tennis, 1st doubles

When & how you got involved in tennis:

Deniz: My first experience with tennis was joining a group lesson at the Wellesley Rec Center with Coach Sabin. That was in 6th grade, I have played ever since.

Deren: I started playing when I was 8. I started taking tennis more seriously when I moved to Wellesley through tournaments and joining the school team.

What you love most about tennis:

Deniz: The thing I love about tennis is the mix of athleticism and technique. Being strong and having good cardio is one thing, but combining that with technique and strategy is on a different level.

Deren: My teammates, how supportive my coaches are, and being able to play my favorite sport.

Pre-match routine:

Deniz: I keep my warm ups minimal and try to go into the match with a clean slate and mental game. If I warm up for an extended period of time, and lose confidence with a certain shot, I avoid hitting that shot and lose momentum.

Deren: I don’t have a pregame ritual but I warmup with my team

Top goal for this season:

Deniz: My top goal would be to sweep Brookline for the second time this season and to beat Newton-North during the night match this year.

Deren: To win the individual tournament starting Memorial Day weekend.

Thoughts about this year’s team:

Deniz: Going into the season, I had very little confidence with the state of the team. We lost a couple of good players last year and it seems as if all of our opponents have gotten better. However, the team has improved since the beginning of the season and we have proven ourselves against good teams with a record of 9-3 so far.

Deren: We didn’t start off great but we’ve improved a lot over the course of the season and have been winning more matches.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of:

Deniz: Beating Lexington’s first doubles team last year was definitely a highlight of my tennis career at Wellesley. Additionally, beating Needham’s, BC High’s and Brookline’s first doubles teams this year cemented me as one of the best doubles players in the division.

Deren: I’m proud of winning 8 of 11 matches this year.

A funny or inspiring story related to your involvement with this team:

Deniz: Watching a BC High mom yell at our first singles because of how bad her son was getting outplayed even while he was cheating.

Deren: A funny moment for me was when I forgot that I only had one ball in my pocket and went up to serve with just one ball during a tiebreak.

Interests outside of tennis:

Deniz: I love hanging out with my friends and going to new places. I am an avid poker player and play often with my friends. I also love to work on and drive cars

Deren: I like watching and playing football with my friends.

What other sports do you play, if any?

Deniz: I play a lot of golf in my free time and I do distance running.

Deren: Nordic Skiing in the winter

Coach Mike Sabin on Deniz Eryilmaz and Deren Bayulgen: Our 1st doubles team has been playing better and better as we go deeper into the season. At the beginning of the season our doubles positions were definitely not a strength of our lineup. Deniz and Deren have worked hard and have started getting more positive results. This has, in turn, led to us getting some important wins over good teams, most recently Needham. They lost to Needham in early April when we lost all 5 matches, but last week helped lead us to a big win with their comeback win at 1 doubles. We are looking for their continued improved play to help us finish the season strong and go deeper into post-season play.
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(Athletes of the Week are nominated by their coaches.)
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Past Athlete of the Week profiles
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Hats off to Wellesley High School Class of ’24

June 8, 2024 by admin

Congratulations to the 356 members of the Wellesley High School Class of 2024 who graduated on Friday night, June 7.

WHS graduation 2024 — (WPS courtesy photo)

Among those individually honored were: Lily Jin, valedictorian and Senior Cup winner; Alexandra Vella, Senior Cup winner; and Meghan Church, Excellence in Teaching Award (Biology). The student speaker was Clementine Zei.

Congrats as well to the Wellesley High faculty, staff, and administration, and of course, WHS families.

Thank you to Wellesley Public Schools and Darren Bovie for sharing these photos. We’ll add Wellesley Media’s recording of the ceremony when it is posted.

Valedictorian Lily Jin Yellow Tassel & classmates

Steven Scott and Band — Steven Scott and WHS Band

Kevin MacDonald leads WHS singers (Photo by Darren Bovie)

Jamie Chisum David Lussier — WHS Principal Jamie Chisum and WPS Superintendent David Lussier (WPS courtesy photo)

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

Wellesley POPS Senior Profile: Classical and Contemporary—The Duality of Ritvick Abrol

May 30, 2024 by admin

Special to The Swellesley Report courtesy of the Wellesley High School Bradford and Parents of Performing Students (POPS). This is one in a series of POPS Senior Profiles we’ll be publishing.

While Wellesley High School senior Ritvick Abrol has been heavily involved in music throughout his life, it wasn’t until recently that he began to sing. Joining the choral elective, Subharmonics (previously Brooks Brothers), in his sophomore year of high school, Abrol’s talent allowed him to quickly rise in the department, making it into the All-State Festival Chorus.

Before beginning to sing in high school, Abrol was a committed pianist. In middle school, he would practice for three to four hours a day. “Piano was very isolating for me because it was a very big rat race—especially during COVID-19—to be the very best at my instrument,” said Abrol.

Ritvick Abrol at the Hatch Shell
to perform in the MAJE Gold Medal
Showcase. (Photo credit: Maeve Kelley)

After joining chorus, Abrol’s friends encouraged him to audition for a cappella. He ultimately joined A Cappella Anonymous, and has been a member ever since.

Unlike with piano, he has less pressure in chorus to enter competitions and win awards. This is something he can do for just himself, regardless of external validation. “It’s a very selfish reason for me. I really like to self express.”

However, Abrol has also received numerous accolades for his singing. He is a Rice Street intensive, a two-time MMEA Senior District and All-State Festival musician, and was selected as an alternate member for the NAfME All-National mixed choir in 2022. In the spring of 2023, he also received the Leslie Holmes Choral award from choral director Dr. Kevin McDonald. “Ritvick is an exceptionally intelligent student who loves music and loves sharing music. His humility is what is most unique about him. He is one of the top musicians in the state, but doesn’t take up air space to let others know it.” said McDonald.

Abrol’s approach to sharing music is notable. He is a member of Music for Society, a club at the high school which is designated by students to simply share music with the community. He is willing to take any role just to be able to share: whether it is playing the piano, being in the background, performing a solo, or serving as accompaniment, he is always ready to follow and also willing to lead. Abrol’s interest is so genuine it brings out the best kind of music-making. Through cultivating genuine desire to share music with others, the audience can hear one musical message and it only makes the performance better.

This year, Abrol became a music leader of A Cappella Anonymous alongside Kate Taplin ‘24, meaning he arranged and taught the music to the group for performances such as Acatober and Acastock. When discussing his nomination to be music leader, Abrol recalled something Dr. McDonald told them: “You should really consider putting yourself out there if you think you’re in the position to put yourself out there.”

Taplin describes working with Abrol to be “the best ever,” as he brings his perfect pitch and humor to the table. “Ritvick is one of those people who, before you meet him, is just such a myth. And then you meet him and he’s just as smart and talented as you thought he was going to be,” said Taplin.

Above all, Abrol loves leading the rehearsals for a cappella and seeing all of the “talented people” come together. Being a solo pianist for so long, he appreciates this opportunity to experience collaboration in music. “It was always about understanding the humans in the group first and then the music happens second,” said Abrol. He is an exceptionally versatile musician, but doesn’t carry himself this way. He can write music, he can lead from the piano, and he can lead with his ear. He can do classical music, pop, and vocal jazz. His expression is so sincere that it all contributes to his strength as both a leader and a performer, which, remarkably, he always manages to balance with his strong sense of humor.

Looking ahead, Abrol is excited for what college music opportunities are to come. He plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis, where he hopes to continue to participate in a cappella groups.

Article written by WHS Bradford Editor-in-Chief Clementine Zei.

Wellesley Athletes of the Week: Ice hockey’s Emery McGraw & Max Paladino

February 2, 2024 by Bob Brown

Athlete of the Week: Emery McGraw, Wellesley High School junior

Sport: Girls ice hockey (center, captain)

When & how you got involved in this sport: My dad played hockey when he was younger and my mom figure skated. This led to my older siblings and I all growing up skating. I then started to play hockey in kindergarten.

What you love most about this sport: I love the competition it brings. I also love growing closer with my teammates and making memories along the way.

Pre-game ritual: Before games I eat a banana and listen to my favorite pump-up music.

Top goal for this season: To make it as far as we can into the playoffs.

Thoughts so far about this year’s team: I have enjoyed getting to know the new people on the team and getting closer with the returners. We all make each other laugh, while also pushing each other to our potential. We are lucky to have coaches who encourage and motivate us, while also making it fun.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: I am proud of being a part of a team that goes into competitive games with positivity, grit, and belief. We all strive to support each other. It is great to see us connect as a group and work together to achieve our individual and team goals.

An inspiring story related to your involvement in the sport/this team: After the first and second period against Newton North, the team was frustrated because we knew we weren’t playing to our fullest potential. In between the second and third period we play the song “Calabria” and go around a circle, each person taking turns dancing. Everyone hyped each other up, while singing and laughing. Then during the third period, we played much better, scored multiple goals, and ended up winning the game.

Interests outside of your sport: I love hanging out with my friends, family, and dogs.

Other sports that you play, if any: Lacrosse

Coach Ashley Means’s take: Emery McGraw is an outstanding student athlete. It has been a pleasure getting to know her and see her compete. Emery brings an unmatched intensity and dedication to the team. She always gives 110%, supports her teammates, and goes the extra mile. She challenges her teammates to be better players. Emery consistently keeps a positive attitude and is unwavering in her work ethic. She is a fierce competitor who loves a battle and does it with a smile on her face. She is a calm and respectful leader who is accepting of her teammates while also having high expectations for their performance.

Athlete of the Week: Max Paladino, Wellesley High School senior

Sport: Boys ice hockey

When & how you got involved in this sport: I started skating ever since I could walk. My dad has played hockey his whole life so that’s what really got me playing. I began playing Wellesley Youth Hockey when I was around 4.

What you love most about this sport: I love how fast paced hockey is. I also love how much of a team game hockey is. Coming together as a team to win a game is a great feeling.

Pre-game ritual: I always eat two clementines and one banana.

Top goal for this season: My top goal is to get a home playoff game.

Thoughts so far about this year’s team: I have enjoyed every second of hockey this year. Coming off a phenomenal year last year, we have a great core of guys from that team. The bond has been awesome, and everyone is close.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: I’m proud that after making JV as a freshman I’ve been able to be a part of the varsity team for three years. I grew up going to Wellesley high school games and I’m proud to be able to be a part of it now.

An inspiring story related to your involvement in the sport/this team: A lot of guys on our team have grown up playing hockey together. Most of the Juniors and Seniors have played together on youth teams throughout our hockey career and it’s been cool to see us all end up on the same high school team. We talk a lot about the memories we have from youth hockey teams, especially our tournament in Lake Placid that we won on the same ice where the Miracle on Ice was played.

Interests outside of your sport: I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, and playing golf when it’s nice out.

Other sports that you play, if any: Football and baseball

Coach Paul Donato’s take: Max is a senior forward for the Wellesley High Boys Varsity Hockey Team who plays multiple roles for the team. So far this year, Max has played on multiple lines in multiple different positions and has made the transition flawlessly. Max is always willing to do whatever is needed for the team, including playing penalty kill, power play, and switching positions in the middle of a game. Just last week, Max had the game winning goal late in the third period to help the Raiders beat Weymouth 5-3 on the road.