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Wellesley's Wonderful Weekend

Hall Educational Resources—find the best educational setting for your child

May 22, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

SPONSORED CONTENT: As every parent knows, every student is different. One child may be challenged with dyslexia, while another could struggle with an auditory processing disability, and a third may be working at an advanced pace—all within the same family.

Hall Educational Resources founder and principal educational consultant Elizabeth Hall, Ed.M. and Hall educational consultant Steffany Doolittle, M.B.A., know this from experience with their own children. As parents and education professionals, they understand the challenges and importance of finding the best educational setting for every child, regardless of learning styles.

Hall Educational Resources
Principal educational consultant Elizabeth Hall, Ed.M.

Hall Educational Resources can help your student find an independent school that supports their unique needs and learning style so they will thrive. Hall Educational works with families pre-K through post-graduate to help parents navigate their students’ educational journey, giving families a greater sense of clarity and calm.

Finding the right fit is a process

Their team supports families throughout the entire process of private school admissions, focusing on New England day and boarding schools. Hall Educational specializes in helping bright, aspiring students with learning “wrinkles” in the areas of academic, attentional, language-based/dyslexia, executive functioning, and ADD/ADHD. Hall Educational develops an appropriate school list based on individual needs, academic goals, and extracurricular preferences. Their emphasis is on a stress-free approach.

Hall Educational Resources
Educational consultant Steffany Doolittle, M.B.A.

Contact Hall Educational Resources for help finding a school that will support your student’s unique needs and learning style so they can thrive in every aspect of their educational experience. Hall Educational is currently accepting new clients for the 2022–2023 admissions season.

Contact Hall Educational: www.halleducationalresources.com/contact-us
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 781-304-4716

Learn more about how Hall can help

———————————————READ MORE————————————————–
● Hall Educational has years of experience collaborating with parents, students, and schools to provide thoughtful experienced guidance.
● Hall Educational prepares families for successful interviews and campus visits.
● Hall Educational has established relationships with admissions directors to effectively guide and support the admissions process.
● Hall Educational helps families with entrance testing clarity.
● Hall Educational works with families from greater Boston, New England and from around the world.
● Elizabeth and Steffany are active members of The Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA).

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Filed Under: Education, Kids

Linden Square, Wellesley
Wonderful Wellesley
Riverbend School

Wellesley (and beyond) summer camp listings—sign up now

May 21, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

SPONSORED CONTENT: Thanks to the LINX Companies, provider of premier summer day camp experiences to the greater Boston area, for their swell sponsorship of The Swellesley Report’s Summer Camps page.  LINX Camps creates fun, exciting, inspiring experiences for kids and teens through high quality programming in an emotionally safe environment led by extraordinary staff. The LINX Camps team offers attentive customer service and convenience-focused amenities to support the needs of parents and families. REGISTER HERE.

LINX, Wellesley

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Filed Under: Camp

Page Waterman, Wellesley
London Harness, Wellesley

Letter to the editor: “the excitement in the room was palpable”

May 20, 2022 by admin

After two years, the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries were thrilled to bring back our beloved spring book sale on April 27-May 1. This was a long-awaited moment for the community and the shoppers who depend on our spring book sale to stock up for their summer reading. And we couldn’t have done it without the whole-hearted support of the community, our volunteers, and the dedicated staff at the library.

Thanks to generous book donations, when the doors opened to the Wakelin Room the first night of the sale, there was a sea of books, CDs, and DVDs displayed on tables, in every genre imaginable. The excitement in the room was palpable.

Please, continue to save your gently used books for us. And this year, we are also accepting textbooks. You can drop them off at the Friends Bookshop any time the library is open.  For more information go to www.friendsofwellesleyfreelibraries.org.

Very truly yours,
Barbara Marx, President
Friends of Wellesley Free Libraries

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Filed Under: Letters to the Editor

Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend

Wellesley's Wonderful Weekend

54th Annual Wellesley Veterans’ Parade honorees

May 18, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

More than a dozen individuals and organizations will be honored during the 54th Annual Wellesley Veterans’ Parade on Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend. The parade takes place Sunday, May 22, 1-3pm, through the middle of town.

The Wellesley Celebrations Committee has shared these profiles of this year’s honorees:

  • Grand Marshal of the Parade: Constantin Chrysafidis
  • Chief of Staff: Jim Bishop
  • Special Recognition Award: Herlda Senhouse
  • Special Recognition Award: Corcoran & Havlin Insurance Group
  • Special Recognition Award: Anderson’s Jewelers
  • Special Recognition Award: Wellesley Animal Hospital
  • Special Recognition Award: Wellesley Recycling
  • Special Recognition Award: Maugus Restaurant
  • Special Recognition Award: Jarvis Appliance
  • Special Recognition Award: Marty Ryan
  • Distinguished Service Award: Marc Waldman
  • Distinguished Service Award: Cathy Brauner
  • Community Service Award: Raina McManus
  • Community Service Award: Catherine L. Johnson
  • Community Service Award: James R. Rodrigue, Ph.D.
  • Community Service Award: Renee Spencer
  • Dedicated Service Award: Patty Hickey

 

Grand Marshal of the Parade: Constantin Chrysafidis

 

Constantin Chrysafidis
Constantin Chrysafidis

The United States of America owes so much to every generation of American soldiers. 

On Sunday, May 22, 2022, thousands of Wellesley residents will join to honor those veterans who served our country and recognize those organizations and people who serve our community. Our town is grateful to the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States military. 

This year we have a special theme: Commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart is awarded by the President to those wounded while serving. The residents of Wellesley have had a long and storied history of serving in the military. 

On this weekend we will remember those we have lost and cheer veterans from the second World War, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraqi Freedom. 

This year, The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors, Constantin Chrysafidis for Grand Marshal. 

Constantin Chrysafidis was born on 8/13/1925. His life is a story of courage and dignity. 
Constantin is a Purple Heart veteran and former Wellesley resident and now lives in Rochester, NH.   In Wellesley, he was your neighbor living at 35 Fells Road. 

Constantin Chrysafidis said he was 18 when he left high school to join the Marines in November 1942, during World War II. 

Constantin Chrysafidis
Constantin Chrysafidis

He was a corporal of the 21st Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, primarily stationed in Guam. 
“Back then, people lined up around the block to join,” Chrysafidis said. “We were all united in this fight and we all wanted to serve.” 

Wounded in battle, this injury sent him to several military hospitals to recuperate  but he suffered significant nerve damage, which ultimately cut his time in the Marines short to 28 months. 

Constantin Chrysafidis represents the noblest history and traditions of the United States military. His steadfast resolve helped us live in peace and security. 

Chrysafidis said he has many memories of the war that were terrifying, but he also has many that are good, too. He said he served with and met a lot of people in his time in the service, and that he’s never forgotten their names to this day.

“I’ve lived a very successful life that I’m proud of, and I love my three beautiful grandchildren that my son and his wife gave to me,” Chrysafidis said. 

“We’re all heroes, they say, but we were all just doing our jobs.” 

Constantin Chrysafidis, we are proud you are our Grand Marshal.

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Wellesley's Wonderful Weekend

Exercise Coach, Wellesley

Follow the yellow brick road to Wellesley Theatre Project’s production of The Wizard Of Oz

May 18, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

SPONSORED CONTENT: Follow the yellow brick road for Wellesley Theatre Project’s (WTP) presentation of The Wizard of Oz: Young Performers’ Edition, on Thursday, May 19 and Friday, May 20, at 5pm and 8pm, and Saturday, May 21, at 2pm and 6pm.

All performances will take place at the Sorenson Center at Babson College, located at 19 Babson College Drive, Wellesley, MA 02482. Tickets are priced $18 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, and may be purchased online at http://wellesleytheatreproject.org in advance, or at the door for $20 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Masking and up-to-date proof of vaccination are required for admission to performances, or—for attendees unable to be vaccinated—proof of negative test within 72 hours will be required. The performance will run for 90 minutes with intermission.

Wellesley Theatre Project, the Wizard of Oz
The Scarecrow (Liam Turner)), Tin Man (Adlai Elmore), Dorothy (Meghan Schott), and the Cowardly Lion (Oscar Allan) are off to see the Wizard!

The Wizard of Oz: Young Performers Edition follows all of your favorite characters in this classic story based on L. Frank Baum’s book The Wizard of Oz, the 1939 film of the same name, and the original Tony-award winning Broadway musical. This is the familiar tale of Dorothy’s tornado-driven adventure in Oz, and the wonderful characters who befriend and protect her: the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion. This show includes the toe-tapping favorites, “Over the Rainbow,” “If I Only Had A Brain,” “Merry Old Land of Oz,” and “Ding, Dong the Witch is Dead.” As part of WTP’s 10th anniversary season, all productions are revivals of community favorites from the first nine years. The Wizard of Oz was first produced by WTP in April 2014.

Wellesley Theatre Project, the Wizard of Oz
Dorothy (Saanvi Sharma) and the Scarecrow (Eva Bernhardt) help the Tin Man (Tyler Constantino) by oiling him.

SHOW DATES AND TIMES:
Thur., May 19 & Fri., May 20 at 5pm & 8pm
Sat., May 21 at 2pm & 6pm
LOCATION: The Babson College Sorenson Center, 19 Babson College Drive, Wellesley, MA 02482
BUY TICKETS HERE

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Entertainment, Theatre

Deland, Gibson Insurance, Wellesley

Transportation in Wellesley—bus, shuttle and paratransit services

May 18, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

SPONSORED CONTENT: The following is a guest column by Colette Aufranc, Select Board and Mobility Committee; and Marybeth Martello, Climate Action Committee. This is the third in a “May is Mobility Month” series of guest columns about transportation actions in Wellesley that support the town’s Sustainability Mobility Plan and Climate Action Plan.

In previous columns we’ve highlighted changes in the MBTA train schedule and enhanced T service, and introduced the Catch Connect Micro Transit service. Adopting these transportation options is critical in meeting Wellesley’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals and reducing congestion on our roads. If you need a few more ideas, why not ride a bus?

Local Bus Service

“Sometimes a bus ride is all it takes to feel better.” Wise words that could come directly from our very own planet and are an incentive to ditch your car and ride a bus. While Micro Transit is a tech-enabled service with schedules that shift based on rider demand, local buses operate with fixed routes or pre-scheduled on-demand services. Fares on all MWRTA services continue to be FREE.

Wellesley Mobility Month

In partnership with the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA), there are lots of bus options for Wellesley riders:

Boston Hospital Shuttle Service—Need a ride to a doctor appointment? Take the Boston Hospital Shuttle serving the West Roxbury and Jamaica Plain V.A. facilities, New England Baptist, Brigham & Women’s, Beth Israel, Joslin Clinic, and the New England Deaconess hospitals. This shuttle runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Wellesley residents who register and book a trip through the MWRTA central reservations department can be picked up and dropped off at their homes (based on the bus schedule).

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Filed Under: Environment, Transportation

POPS senior profile: Timothy Bonis impresses with musical aptitude 

May 17, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

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.

Blaring horns and saxophones complement the abundance of wind instruments that play a rendition of “Seven Nation Army” during Wellesley High School’s home football games as part of the high school Pep Band’s role in generating enthusiasm within the crowd. This piece, which has become part of the routine repertoire, was arranged by Timothy Bonis, a member of Wellesley High School’s Class of 2022. 

“A few years ago, we thought we could use a new song for the Pep Band for football games, and it ended up sticking. Hopefully, long after I’m gone, this will still be a legacy playing at every football game,” said Bonis. 

Timothy Bonis
Timothy Bonis (Photo credit: Andrew Ng)

Bonis, an exemplary young musician, is an integral part of the high school’s Wind Ensemble and acts as a positive role model for other aspiring students. 

Bonis’s musical career started eight years ago when he fell in love with the flute. After listening to “The Aviary” from Carnival des Animaux when he was seven, the flute solo especially stood out to him. Two years ago, he decided to pursue the piccolo and now plays both instruments. Influenced by his large musical background, Bonis was destined to become a multi-instrumentalist. 

“I was always part of a very musical family. My grandfather was the president of the Boston Opera Company and my grandfather sat on the board of the Civic Symphony of Boston. It was almost a foregone conclusion that I would play an instrument later on,” said Bonis. 

Through his family’s musical ties, he met his current out-of-school instructor, Ellen Bender. Bender’s husband wrote an opera that premiered at the Boston Opera Company at the time Bonis’s grandfather was president. 

In addition to his independent musical practice, Bonis is heavily involved with Wellesley school music programs. In middle school, Bonis joined the school’s band and continued to practice under Director Henry Platt. Bonis not only looked up to his teacher but also turned to famous musicians Emmanuel Pahud and Marcel Moyse for inspiration. Bonis often listened to their recordings, attempting to emulate their skill and music. 

Now at the high school, Bonis is first chair in flute and second chair in piccolo. While the high school used to put on a musical performance every month or two, performances have stopped since the start of the pandemic. Bonis misses the satisfactory feeling of performing for people and recalls his old concerts. 

“At a recital when I performed ‘Méditation’ from the opera Thaïs by Jules Massenet, I played it with poise and technique that my teacher and family didn’t expect, which was one of my proudest moments,” said Bonis. 

It hasn’t always been a perfect road for Bonis; all musicians have their moments. Bonis emphasizes that a part of learning and growing is remembering the mistakes made along the way. 

“In seventh grade I had a disaster concert,” said Bonis, “I was performing the ‘Sicilienne’ by Gabriel Fauré, and I completely ruined it. I was a pretty new player at the time and not a really good one either. I chose a piece that was reasonably hard and above my level. It opened very gently and it was a soft piece. I ended up cracking every note and even after trying to restart, it didn’t work. I remember putting my flute down and running off stage.” 

Bonis wants younger students to understand that moments like these do not define a player, but rather make them stronger.

“Mistakes are a part of learning to perform. No matter how much you practice, you may never know how to perform in front of a crowd. When you have a moment like that, it teaches you a lot about how to pick yourself up after a fall.”  

Bonis’s skill comes from his rigorous practice schedule. Throughout high school, he practiced for about 45 minutes to an hour every day. Even during the fall of his hectic senior year, Bonis continued to pay attention to his instrument. Believing individual practice is essential to becoming a successful player, he fondly looks upon the communal aspect of music. 

“It can be a lot of pleasure to play on one’s own,” said Bonis, “but when you can get into a section and play with people who also understand your instrument, you can talk about the performances and the pieces and the repertoire. The social experience from the school’s ensemble is something I look forward to.”

Furthermore, Bonis credits Steven Scott, conductor of the Wind Ensemble, with helping him learn and improve as a musician. Scott reciprocated this mutual admiration, and gushed over Bonis’s presence in the ensemble, with his unique combinations of fun and focus greatly uplifting his peers. 

“Tim’s strong musicianship coupled with his fun and focused demeanor make him a real asset to the ensemble,” said Scott. “Tim…[leads] by strong example. He is always working on his flute parts outside of class and bringing excellent preparation to our work together,” said Scott. 

Peers around Bonis also remember his positive attitude and remarkable hard work in Wind Ensemble. Senior Eleni Livingston who has been friends with Bonis for since their time at Fiske Elementary School, recalls Bonis’s attentive and eager presence in class.

“Tim is one of the most thoughtful people I know,” said Livingston. “He is always willing to help his section mates. He has an incredible musical ear and is able to identify things that need improvement very quickly. His social nature always brings the class community together and encourages younger students to reach out of their comfort zones in both music and academics.” 

Bonis also has diverse accomplishments and interests beyond music. As an officer of the high school’s National Honor Society, he organized a pie sale fundraiser during Thanksgiving, combining his passion for baking with contributing to the greater community. 

“I am a very keen baker. I’m especially interested in a type of Hungarian baking,” said Bonis, whose grandfather emigrated from Hungary. 

Bonis has many plans looking forward both in terms of his post-high school academic life and his growing musical interest. 

“I hope to continue playing in college even if it’s for individual enjoyment. Balancing academics and music is something I am familiar with. Music has been such a fundamental part of my life, and I can’t imagine a future without it,” said Bonis. 

Article written by WHS Bradford staff: Iris Xia ‘22 and William Liu ‘22.


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Filed Under: Music, POPS Senior Profile, Wellesley High School

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