Wellesley summer camp listings 2020 — find the experience of a lifetime

April 1, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

LINX Camps, Wellesley

The Swellesley Report’s Summer Camps page is now updated with over 75 camps in Wellesley and beyond. It’s time to sign your child up for the summer camp experience of a lifetime. Whether they’re into coding, arts and crafts, sports, drama, or nature, the perfect camp is out there for them.

Swellesley’s camps page is sponsored by LINX Camps. Over 40 Premier Camps. Perfect for your family.

Contact Deborah for more info on inclusion of your camp located in Wellesley or elsewhere, or for advertising on Swellesley. Camp parents and guardians: Please let camps know that you found them here, if you did…thanks.

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Wellesley-area Automotive Services spotlight—keep your car in top condition, safely

April 1, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

The Baker-Polito Administration has listed Automotive Services shops as transportation-related organizations that provide essential services and workforces related to COVID-19. As such, these businesses may continue to operate brick and mortar facilities. These essential businesses are following social distancing protocols for workers in accordance with guidance from the Department of Public Health.

So if you’ve been meaning to get that work on your car done, now is the perfect time to go forward. All the businesses below are following safe protocol including:

thorough cleanings of all facilities daily
staff training with specific instructions on hand washing and the importance of staying home if they are not feeling well
adhering to the recommended six feet of social distance from other staff and customers

Haskins Automotive

Haskins Automotive is open for business! Offering complimentary pick-up and drop-off of your vehicle for any service. All cars being disinfected before and after drop-off. Check out some awesome specials at www.haskinsautomotive.com/specials We are also offering FREE OIL CHANGES for first responders and emergency room workers! Stay safe everyone! “Integrity Is Our Greatest Asset”

Quinlan’s Automotive

During the Massachusetts stay-at-home advisory, Quinlan’s Automotive will be open for auto repair service. Understanding the financial situation this puts our current and potentially new customers in, we’ve decided to reduce the labor rate to $70 per hour. I’ve arranged key drops and over the phone credit card transactions to minimize interactions with one another and, arranged to disinfect vehicles steering wheels, door handles and ignition keys. Conventional Oil changes have been reduced to $24.99 and Full Synthetic Oil Changes will be $39.95. Stay safe everyone, and we hope to see you all again somewhat soon.

Bernardi Volvo Cars Natick

First and foremost, we want you to know that we value the health and safety of our customers and staff. As a business, Bernardi Volvo Cars Natick is taking the extra steps necessary to maintain a healthy and sanitary workplace while still meeting our customers’ needs. Our Service Department hours are Monday – Friday, 8am – 1pm. No matter the department you’re looking to reach, we have staff available to answer your questions and assist with your needs. You can connect with a member of our team by phone at 888-470-5335 or through our website.

Wellesley Toyota

Wellesley Toyota is open for business. Service Department temporary hours are: M-F 8am-4pm; Sat. 8am-noon. All service/repairs available. We encourage free, ‘no contact’ pick-up/drop-off from your home if your vehicle needs service. Our showroom is closed until April 7, but we can safely bring car to you for a test drive, appraisal and paperwork. Shop online – we’ll respond to all inquiries. As a family-owned business, we’ve proudly served the Wellesley community for 30 years. We encourage you to shop local and help each other out. Together we will get through this.

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Feast & Fettle will deliver a gourmet Easter meal right to your Wellesley door

March 27, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Feast & Fettle’s 2020 Easter Menu:

Mains
Herb Crusted Lamb Chop
Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham
Sweet English Pea & Caramelized Onion Ravioli w/ Parmesan Cream Sauce

Sides
Honey-Thyme Roasted Carrots
Classic Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans with Sliced Almonds & Garlic-Herb Compound Butter
Greenhouse Crunch Salad w/ Sweet Vidalia Onion Dressing
Herb Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes
Seven Stars® Durum Rolls

Add-ons
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Keep your Wellesley student’s education on track during schools closure

March 26, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

As families of school-age children already know, all school districts in Massachusetts have been closed by order of Governor Charlie Baker until at least May 4. By necessity, remote learning is the current educational model until at least then.

Make sure your children’s learning isn’t compromised during the school closure by having them work with a tutor to stay on track. Whether you’re concerned about their day-to-day learning, upcoming APs, SATs, or ACTs, or what this unprecedented situation means for next year’s college application process, there is a tutor experienced in online learning. Thanks to Sexton for major sponsorship of this post.

Sexton Test Prep & Tutoring

Sexton Test Prep & Tutoring offers online one-on-one academic tutoring, test prep, AP coaching, workshops, and classes. Our unique offerings include a workshop on vocabulary, a FREE workshop on personal finance, and more.

Admit Fit College Admissions Counseling

Martha Collins of Admit Fit College Admissions Counseling is offering her college admissions expertise to families of college-bound students. Martha is adept at counseling teens and consulting with parents. She understands first hand how to shape a positive college admissions experience for students and their families.

Inspirica at Boston Sports Institute

Inspirica at Boston Sports Institute is an industry leader for online and in-person test-prep services for the ACT, SAT, ISEE, SSAT, and graduate school tests for 37 years. It recently opened a state-of the-art facility at the Boston Sports Institute in Wellesley. Inspirica also offers online services using Lessonspace, our collaborative video-conferencing platform.

Prepped & Polished

Award-winning Prepped and Polished is a 20-year-old experienced private tutoring firm that provides online tutoring and test preparation for grades K-12. Contact Founder/CEO [email protected], call 781-753-9951, or visit www.preppedandpolished.com

Propel Tutoring

Propel Tutoring engenders a method of teaching whereby each student gains tangible skills and thereby feels more confident when taking the SAT/ACT. Each aspect of tutoring is individually tailored to the student, at an affordable rate. Propel offers online compatibility via FaceTime or Zoom.

Signet Education

Founded by Harvard graduates, Signet Education reduces stress and increases success with test preparation, admissions consultation, and subject tutoring for high school students. Get personalized 1:1 help right from home with Signet’s cutting-edge online coaching platform.

Don’t see your educational services company here?

Contact [email protected] for inclusion in Swellesley’s next Educational Services post, or for premium front-page advertising options.

Blood Drive at Wellesley Community Center — Apr. 1, 2020

March 25, 2020 by admin 2 Comments

Wellesley Blood Drive

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Wellesley Food Pantry update

March 22, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

From Wellesley Food Pantry:

We would like to provide an update to the community on our operations in light of the current health crisis. We are remaining open, as we are considered a necessary service for the town but have changed our procedures to ensure the health of our clients, volunteers, and donors.

We continue to accept donations of food but, given our limited staff available, we only want donations of the specific items requested (please see list below). Donations may be left in the food pantry collection bins at Roche Bros. and Whole Foods. We will also accept donations in a bin outside the west door of Hills Congregational Church at 207 Washington Street, where the pantry is located, but only on Monday mornings from 9:00 – 10:30.

Clients may still come to the pantry on Tuesday mornings, but will no longer enter the pantry itself, remaining in another room to complete a shopping list to be packed by volunteers in the pantry.

We will also offer clients curbside pickup on Tuesday mornings during pantry hours to give them their previously packed bags without leaving their cars. For those unable to come pick up bags, we also offer home delivery. Arrangements must be made in advance for both of these services by contacting [email protected] (or 781-235-1188 for those without email).

In this rapidly changing economic landscape, WFP realizes that there may be more people whose food security has become an issue and therefore may be in need of temporary assistance. WFP is a supplementary food resource, meaning we do not operate daily or serve meals, but instead provide assistance to ensure sufficient healthy food resources are available to those in need. If circumstances have changed such that you are in need of our service, please download a registration form from our website: wellesleyfoodpantry.org. You may either bring it with you to the pantry during operating hours, or email it to [email protected] to make arrangements for curbside pickup or home delivery.

We are still in need of food donations, but ONLY of the items on the list below. Please check dates! The Health Dept. does not allow us to put expired food on our shelves:

Condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise
Fruit: prunes, applesauce (jars or cups), fruit cups, canned pears
Rolled oats – old fashioned or quick cooking (not microwave oatmeal packets)
Pasta sauce
Jams or jellies (especially low-sugar or no sugar)
Canned beets
Rice – 1 lb. bags of white or brown
Cooking oil
Chicken broth (especially low-sodium)
Coffee (regular or instant) and tea
Almond milk or soy milk (shelf-stable)
Diapers size 5-6
Laundry detergent
Toilet paper and paper towels
Hand sanitizer

We currently DO NOT NEED soup, green beans, corn, diced tomatoes, canned black beans, chickpeas, tuna or canned chicken.

Information and updates to our needs list and our operations can also be found on our website: wellesleyfoodpantry.org. As always, we appreciate the support we receive from the community to enable us to fulfill our mission of helping neighbors in need. Please be safe and stay healthy.

Wellesley Business Buzz: How we can help; J. Todd Gallery closing; MBTA cuts back schedule; Wellesley Dental closed through April 7; E.A. Davis navigates new reality

March 16, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

The latest round-up of Wellesley, Mass., business news, all of which, not surprisingly, is coronavirus (COVID-19) related.

How can we help?

We’ve had many inquiries and ideas shared by Swellesley readers over the past few weeks regarding what we might do, beyond our regular reporting, to help businesses in town survive and thrive in spite of the forced and voluntary shutdowns that face them.

One idea we had was to reach out to a handful of likely suspects to see if they might like to share what’s going on behind the scenes at their operations during this period on a regular basis. We’d then roll up their experiences into reports to keep patrons up to speed on what and how these local businesses are doing.

How are they dealing with employees, customers and suppliers? What are the realities of things like business insurance? What’s it actually like running these businesses when the businesses are either closed or transforming to online only? Share photos. If you’d like to take part in this, please reach out: [email protected]

Cathy Tai from Kidville shared this with us Monday:

“2 staff members on Monday packaged ‘Bag ‘O Fun’ St. Patty’s Day activity grab bags for children 18 months to 6 years to pick up in front of our store. We are at the moment, trying to spread a little joy during this time!,” says Tai, who notes that the packages were “Made with love (and gloves!)”

Kidville St Pattys

J. Todd Gallery closes

J. Todd Gallery, located at 572 Washington St., has announced it is closing on March 25 “due to the current situation we are all experiencing.”

There’s a possibility the business could re-open in the fall, according to Mona Kumar, who has owned the gallery since 2015. It’s always been a fun surprise to see would be in the window display at this shop.

J Todd Collection

MBTA reduces schedule

From the MBTS:

The MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis), the agency’s operating partner for Commuter Rail, announced today a Reduced Service Schedule effective Tuesday, March 17. This service level provides a public transit option for people with essential travel needs, such as medical professionals and emergency responders, while helping to limit the spread of COVID-19 by encouraging people to practice social distancing and work-from-home when possible.

The Commuter Rail Reduced Service Schedule is available at www.MBTA.com/coronavirus and will proactively be handed out at major stations, such as North Station, Back Bay Station and South Station, on March 16 and available at ticket offices upon request. The Reduced Service Schedule applies to all lines and the modifications, while limited, support periods of peak travel while providing off-peak options throughout the day.

The MBTA and Keolis are implementing this Reduced Service Schedule based on guidance from public health officials as a measure to help protect passengers and Commuter Rail employees from the spread of COVID-19. As further precaution to limit the spread of coronavirus, the MBTA and Keolis are encouraging passengers to purchase tickets at ticket offices, vending machines or the M-Ticket app to limit the use of cash whenever possible.

Keolis and the MBTA will provide updates on service to passengers via Twitter at @MBTA_CR, MBTA.com, T-Alerts, station signage and onboard announcements.

Wellesley Dental Group closed through April 7

Wellesley Dental Group is doing its part to stop the spread of COVID-19 by closing through April 7th.

The Seaward Rd. office will be open for emergency appointments only. If you are in a dental emergency, please call the 24-hour emergency line at 781-237-9071. That number may also be used Mon. – Fri., 8am – noon for non-emergency calls.

Dr. Femina Ali said, “During this time, we will continue to compensate our employees — the people that make Wellesley Dental Group so special. Over the next few weeks, we’re figuring out how to best help our community. From engaging in public health dialogue to assisting local non-profits, we’re doing everything we can to keep our community — especially those most vulnerable — safe, protected, and taken care of.”

E.A. Davis navigates new reality

E.A. Davis, the longtime clothing and interior design shop on Washington Street, has temporarily closed as of Monday in light of the COVID-19 situation.

“We have so many wonderful customers and staff that are in a higher risk category. We thought it would be prudent to keep everyone home as we develop our strategy,” say owner Rob Skolnick. “Our interior decorators are working on projects at home, and in our studio working independently. We plan on enhancing our at home design service by delivering samples of fabrics and wall coverings to our clients doorsteps so we can continue to create their dream home.”

Keep an eye on their social media accounts for more updates.

E.A. Davis has temporarily closed the shop since this sign went up

Got tips on business openings, closings or whatever, feel free to email us here: [email protected]

Also email us if you’re interested in sponsoring our weekly Wellesley Business Buzz roundup

Subscribe to The Swellesley Report’s daily email

Wellesley election postponed from March 17, 2020 to a date TBD

March 13, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

UPDATE: Wellesley’s Town Election has been postponed from Tuesday, March 17, 2020 to a date to be determined, but on or before June 30, 2020.

The Town of Wellesley depends on the active participation of its citizens in governance of the Town. Wellesley has 11 Boards and Committees on the ballot at the Annual Town election each year in March.

The 2020 local election for Wellesley will be held on Tuesday, March 17, as scheduled.

This Election 2020 post is sponsored by Lauren Duprey for School Committee. Lauren Duprey says, “I will bring a fresh perspective to the School Committee and focus on engaging openly with people. As a business and HR leader, I have experience managing large budgets and leading change. I look forward to serving our amazing community!”

What about absentee voting dates?

The Town Clerk’s office is offering Absentee Voting over the counter at Town Hall, 525 Washington St., on the following
days and times:
 Friday, March 13, 8am – 5pm
 Saturday, March 14, 8am – noon
 Monday, March 16, 8am – noon

The Clerk’s office will closed for all business at noon on Monday, March 16 to prepare for the March 17 Election Day.

Can I mail in my absentee ballot?

Voters may mail in their absentee ballots. Absentee ballots are also available via mail. Requests using the Absentee Ballot Request Form may be emailed to [email protected]. As all ballots requested by email must be mailed through the US Postal Service, the clerk’s office encourages these email requests to be sent in by Friday, March 13.

Mail-in absentee ballots may be dropped off at the Payment Drop Box outside of Town Hall or returned directly to the Town Clerk’s Office by Tuesday March 17, 8pm.

Voting on Tuesday, March 17th — it’s on

Although the Wellesley Public Schools and the Tolles Parsons Center currently are closed to regular daily programming, school buildings and the Tolles Parsons Center WILL BE OPEN from 7am to 8pm on Tuesday March 17 for the election.

Voters will be restricted to the polling areas only.

All polling places will be disinfected prior to opening on March 17, 2020. In addition, high traffic areas and surfaces will be disinfected throughout the day.

Black-ink pens will be available at the polls; voters are welcome to bring their own black-ink pens. Voters are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer.

Here’s a list of polling places in Wellesley

Precinct A, Bates School, 116 Elmwood Rd.
Precinct B, Sprague School, 401 School St.
Precinct C, Upham School, 35 Wynnewood St.
Precinct D, Schofield School, 27 Cedar St.
Precinct E, Fiske School, 45 Hastings St.
Precinct F, Dana Hall School, Shipley Center, 142 Grove St.
Precinct G, Wellesley Free Library, 530 Washington St.
Precinct H, Tolles Parsons Center, 500 Washington St.

But which one is my polling place?

We’ve looked a lot of “services” that offer to help you find your polling place. Generally, these supposedly easy tools are run by some big-dawg campaigns looking to mine your email and other personal data. (No Wellesley candidates use such techniques.)

The best and easiest way we know of if you need to find out where to vote in Wellesley is the State of Massachusetts page. You just plug in your address, and your polling place pops up. You don’t get re-directed to some sketchy place on the web, and there’s a lot of helpful info such as who your elected officials are and how to get in touch with them.

Who’s running for office?

Here’s the list of who’s running for Wellesley office. Four of the races are contested: Moderator; Board of Selectmen; Board of Public Works; School Committee.

What is the referendum question?

There is one non-binding referendum question. It reads as follows:

Do you believe the Town of Wellesley should keep our current 7 neighborhood elementary school model by rebuilding and/or renovating the Hardy, Hunnewell and Upham Elementary Schools instead of closing one school and redistricting all our elementary students into 6 schools? Please vote YES or NO.

A YES vote would advise the Town of Wellesley to retain our current neighborhood school model by renovating and/or rebuilding the Hardy, Hunnewell and Upham Elementary Schools.

A NO vote would advise the Town of Wellesley to close either Hardy Elementary School or Upham Elementary School, without voter input on which school to close, and to re-district all our town’s elementary students into six schools.

Please get out the vote on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

We’ve seen the signs — Wellesley votes on March 17th

March 11, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

This Wellesley Town Election 2020 post is sponsored by Mirick for School Committee. Catherine Mirick says, “The School Committee needs experience, balanced leadership to move forward with implementing the new strategic plan and to get schools built. As a leader, I bring people together, listen to all viewpoints, collaborate, build consensus and then move forward to get projects done.”

Signing on

As the March 17th date for the annual Wellesley Town Election moves closer, we’d like to issue a public service announcement to play nice with the political yard signs. As in no sign stealing and no defacing of signs. If you think Wellesley is far too civilized for such shenanigans, well all I can say is that it’s happened before.

This time around, let’s play nice, voters.

Here are the hometown rules:

Under the Town of Wellesley Sign Bylaw, signs are not defined or regulated by their message (ex. real estate sign, political sign, etc.) but rather by their type (ex. wall sign, ground sign, temporary sign, etc.). In the Town, signs commonly referred to as political or campaign signs fall under the category of standard informational sign. Each property in Town is allowed to display one (1) standard informational sign throughout the year, and an unlimited number of such signs beginning 30 days before and ending 5 days after any federal, state or local election, ballot initiative and/or referendum. These signs are restricted to a maximum size of six (6) square feet per side (ex. 2’ x 3’) and a maximum height of three (3) feet (a maximum height of six (6) feet for “post and arm” style signs). In addition to the above, all signs are prohibited from being located within the right-of-way of a street or on Town-owned property without the permission of the Board of Selectmen.

This means political signs should not be placed on street islands, corners, park land or other public property. Residents who wish to display signs should place them well back from the street line for sight line safety of motorists and pedestrians. On election day signs at polling places must be attended at all times.

Now doesn’t that sound simple?

Win or lose, the Wellesley Recycling & Disposal Facility encourages all candidates and their supporters to recycle all political signs once the Wellesley town election is over.

Remember to vote in Wellesley’s Town Election on Tuesday, March 17.

Here’s how to find out where to vote in Wellesley.