Wellesley Police warn that mail fishing remains an issue

August 26, 2023 by Bella Gonzalez

Wellesley has experienced an uptick in stolen checks and other instances of mail fishing this summer, says Lieutenant Marie Cleary of the Wellesley Police Department.

According to Lt. Cleary, “Since the fall of 2019, the Wellesley Police Department has been periodically inundated with check fraud reports stemming from checks that have been placed into the U.S. Mail via blue USPS collection boxes throughout town.”

Despite the U.S. Postal Service replacing pull-down handles on mailboxes with thin slots in recent years, mail fishing has persisted.

One Wellesley resident who chose to remain anonymous became a victim of mail fishing last month, after sending a check from one of the mailboxes outside of the post office on Grove Street.

wellesley square post office — Wellesley Square Post Office (Photo by Bella Gonzalez)

The check was originally made out for $400, but they received a notice from their bank a few days later, alerting them of a check for $14,000 being cashed under their name.

After connecting with USPS, it was discovered that areas of the check were bleached to “correct” the name and amount after being retrieved from the mailbox using double-sided tape.

“We are so grateful that these terrible people didn’t get the $14,000, but it has been such a pain for us to have to change everything,” they said, “We’re a little neurotic right now about everything.”

This story seems to line up with the Police Department’s data, which reports that instances of “bulk mail theft” are most common, during which the subject(s) will raid one or more of the blue USPS boxes, specifically those located outside of post offices.

wellesley hills post office — Wellesley Hills post office (Photo by Bella Gonzalez)

At this time, the Wellesley Police Department is recommending that residents take some protective actions, including the following:

“Do not mail letters containing checks or money in blue USPS collection boxes. If you must use a collection box, be sure to place your mail in the box before the last collection of the day.”
“Use gel pens when writing personal checks. Gel ink is more resistant to chemical washing than standard ball point pen ink.”
“Actively monitor your bank statements and follow up with intended recipients regarding the status of your payments.”

“Report check fraud to the police department, even if you are reimbursed by your bank.”

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

Public welcome at Wellesley Gateway office park cafeterias

August 24, 2023 by Bella Gonzalez

Wellesley’s Park 9 Complex has been redesigned to best accommodate both its employees and residents looking for a place to get work done, which includes a cafeteria with a digital ordering service.

Located off of Routes 9 and 95, the campus, which will soon be renamed Wellesley Gateway South, features four buildings, as well as outdoor space. Wellesley Gateway North is a near identical space just across the street.

“There’s a walking trail that loops around both properties,” said David Tinory, Beacon Capital’s Asset Manager, noting that Wellesley residents can find much more than a quiet booth and a delicious lunch at the complex.

Both campuses have a generous amount of space and great amenities, including indoor and outdoor seating and WiFi connectivity throughout.

Perhaps the most exciting update is that both Wellesley Gateways are now home to state-of-the-art cafeterias operated by Craft Food Halls.

The menu features many made-to-order meals such as sandwiches and some à la carte options, all of which are ordered digitally instead of face-to-face, making the process “as seamless and efficient as possible,” according to Tinory.

I met Swellesley editor Bob Brown at the complex for lunch. I built my sandwich and placed the order through the Toast app, while Bob used a physical kiosk to order his. One thing he liked, being a picky eater, was the ability to emphasize that no condiments should go on the sandwich.

The July Thursday we went there proved to be pretty quiet, though neither of us were able to get a strong WiFi connection on our laptops.

Currently, the team behind the redesign is working to balance new menu items with longtime fan favorites, such as an omelet station in the mornings, and is hoping to keep faithful customers coming back despite changes to the ordering system.

“We’re looking at actually trying to bring in some of those older ways of operation to these newer ways of doing it,” said Tinory, “because there’s a decent amount of people who enjoy being in a line and placing [orders] to a person.”

In addition to the new ordering system, one of Craft’s three brands at the location, Sousviderie, uses the Sous Vide technique in the kitchen, cooking with higher water temperatures to enhance the flavors.

The company operates two other brands—Vessel and Project X—creating a menu with a diverse array of cuisines, one of the most popular options being Mexican food.

“It’s to the level that you would go out on a weekend to a Boston taqueria,” according to Tinory, “that’s the experience they’re getting at lunch.”

Wellesley Gateway South and North are open to the public Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Park 9 outdoor seating — Outdoor seating at Wellesley Gateway South

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Wellesley restaurant news: Latest on Black & Blue Steak and Crab; Fiorella’s expanding alcohol service

August 17, 2023 by Bella Gonzalez

The Wellesley Select Board this week approved a new restaurant to fill the space at 65 Central St. (previously inhabited by CVS, and further back, F.W. Woolworth), as well as an update to Fiorella’s liquor license to allow it to serve drinks both inside and outside.

During the Select Board’s meeting on Tuesday night, Meghan Jop, Executive Director of General Government Services, facilitated the discussion about these two proposals.

Black & Blue Steak and Crab Coming to Wellesley in late 2023

The Select Board has approved Black & Blue Steak and Crab’s fifth location, set to open ahead of the winter holidays on Central Street.

Charlie Fitzsimmons, a Rochester, N.Y. native and CEO and President of the Two for Seven Restaurant Group, joined the meeting to get board members and Wellesley residents excited about the surf and turf spot.

“We pride ourselves on getting people around a table for good food, good drinks and having a good time,” he said.

The new Wellesley location will be the restaurant’s second in the state; its Burlington location opened in 2018.

Describing the chain as “a blend between fine dining and fun dining,” Fitzsimmons explained that Black & Blue’s price points land roughly 15-20% lower than The Capital Grille, Smith & Wollensky and other comparable establishments.

65 Central St where black and blue restaurant will go, where cvs was — Future home of Black & Blue Steak and Crab

As the name suggests, Black & Blue’s menu features a variety of different cuts of steak and seafood, which will be mostly sourced locally, with the exception of the wintertime: Fitzsimmons’s sister works with seafood down in Tampa, Fla. and will help him out during Boston’s colder months.

Representing Fitzsimmons and Black & Blue, lawyer David Himmelberger (of Wellesley) provided the Select Board with details regarding seating plans.

“The restaurant will have 246 maximum,” he said, “It does have seating on the lower level [and] it also has 24 seats at a bar area on the first level.”

Himmelberger also disclosed that the hours of operation are currently scheduled to be 4:30-11:30 p.m. Sunday to Saturday, but it is possible that lunchtime may be factored in as well.

Additionally, the restaurant has “submitted for an entertainment license to allow the playing of television [and] music […] and the alcohol license as well,” according to Himmelberger.

Members of the Select Board expressed their excitement for this upcoming addition to Wellesley, especially attracted to the possibility of a new lunch spot in town.

“We love the community, we love Massachusetts, we think our brand and Black & Blue really fits,” said Fitzsimmons.

Updates in the works at Fiorella’s

Wellesley staple Fiorella’s has been approved by the Select Board to extend alcohol service to those sitting outdoors.

“We have been working with outdoor seating with Fiorella’s,” said Jop, “We’re at the point where they have their alcohol license, we’ve tested out the temporary seating and now we are looking to modify the exterior as part of the license to encapsulate the outdoor dining provisions as part of their ability to serve alcohol in those locations.”

Fiorella's, Wellesley — Photo by Brice MacLaren

Jop explained that since the area that will become the restaurant’s outdoor seating technically sits on the town’s land, the town had to “authorize an access agreement” of the Select Board’s plan before they could vote.

There was a bit of contention surrounding the exact layout of Fiorella’s outdoor space with some Board members specifically concerned about the disruptions caused by trees and sidewalks, but nevertheless, the motion was passed.

Fiorella’s will have 18 outdoor tables—a change from the 20 included in the original proposal—on Washington and Church Street.

Thank you to Truly’s for its generous support of our 2023 Swellesley Report Summer Internship Program.

Wellesley Free Library airs its 5-year plan

August 9, 2023 by Bella Gonzalez

The Wellesley Free Library (WFL) has published its new Strategic Plan outlining the next five years, focusing on both interior and structural/social changes to best support its beloved spaces. (We’ve embedded the plan below).

This is a follow-up to the plan for 2019-2023, during which time the main branch underwent a major renovation and Wellesley’s institution was named one of 258 “Star Libraries” by Library Journal.

2021 wellesley free library from above — New look Wellesley Free Library after 2021 renovation

Each library that the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners oversees— including the WFL and many neighbors, such as the Needham Free Public Library and Newton Free Library—is required to submit a plan outlining what it hopes to prioritize every five years.

WFL Director Jamie Jurgensen elaborated on the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, which includes four overarching goals:

“Improve space within the library’s buildings to support the WFL as a community gathering place and cultural destination and maintain facilities’ excellence”
“Enhance access and outreach to promote free and convenient use of resources, reduce barriers to service, and communicate offerings to the community”
“Foster a fearless, flexible and fun workforce, supported by strong operational processes and systems, in order to provide exceptional Library services”
“Design programs and educational opportunities which reflect the evolving needs of the community”

What Differences Can Library-Goers Expect to Notice?

Looking ahead, Jurgensen said the most noticeable physical change for those familiar with the WFL will likely be the “significant interior improvements” that are in store for the Hills’ branch, which she estimated would occur in 2025 or 2026.

The Strategic Plan also accounts for upgrades to be made to rules regarding fees and fines, the creation of new programs to best meet the needs of the community and mandatory Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training for WFL staff.

“It was clear that the community liked the option to continue to attend ‘live/in-person’ programs remotely, so we will continue to improve that process and increase the number of hybrid programs, when possible,” said Jurgensen.

The Benefits of a Library Card

Despite the rising popularity of e-readers, a library card still holds great value.

The WFL belongs to the Minuteman Library Network, along with more than 40 other libraries in the state, allowing anyone with a WFL library card to access content at any of those locations. If a certain item is not available within the network, it can usually be accessed through the Commonwealth Catalog.

Aside from books, the WFL is home to a variety of educational online programs, such as Mango, a language-learning site, and Creative Bug, which, according to Jurgensen, teaches users “how to knit, sew [and] paint.”

One lesser-known feature of the WFL is its “Library of Things” collection, where patrons can check out small items such as telescopes and puzzles.

Additionally, cardholders can gain entry to Massachusetts State Parks, the Boston Children’s Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and other local attractions for a reduced price, thanks to funding by the Friends of WFL.

[gview file=”https://media.theswellesleyreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/08162514/WFL-Strategic-Plan-2024-28-FINAL.pdf”]

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

Wellesley’s Young Birder, Henry Malec-Scott

July 22, 2023 by Bella Gonzalez

The American Birding Association (ABA) has named Wellesley resident Henry Malec-Scott its Young Birder of the Year for the 10-13 age group.

The ABA awarded him gold for the Conservation and Community Leadership module, silver for the Illustration module and an honorable mention for the Photography module.

Malec-Scott, who recently turned 11, enjoys birding in and around town. His favorite spots include Centennial Park, Rosemary Brook and Longfellow Pond, where we met to talk about what he does and the impact he has had on the Wellesley community.

After taking up photography and drawing to commemorate the birds he has spotted, he began sharing his work on an Instagram account (@parkerbirds) run by his parents, as well as via a website with the same name.

Malec-Scott, his mother, Nicole, and I each donned a pair of binoculars (his were gifted to him by the ABA) and explored Longfellow Pond earlier this month.

During our hike, Malec-Scott explained how he learned to memorize bird calls and taxonomy names, pointing out species such as Chickadees—Massachusetts’ state bird—and Eastern Kingbirds.

"What's For Breakfast?" Gray Catbird, Henry Malec-Scott — “What’s For Breakfast?” Gray Catbird, Henry Malec-Scott

Malec-Scott is homeschooled, allowing him to explore his personal interests in depth and ultimately transforming his hobby of birding into exposure to biology, statistics, art and physical education, among other school subjects.

When he’s not birding, Malec-Scott enjoys learning languages on Duolingo—he’s currently mastering Klingon—and writing his very own newspaper about Minecraft.

His knack for birding began at an even younger age, inspired by his father, who he likes to challenge to a friendly competition to see which birder can “stump” the other first.

“I got more serious in the last few years,” said Malec-Scott, leading him to craft an entry for the ABA’s Young Birder of the Year at the age of 10.

Common Gallinule, drawn by Henry Malec-Scott

In late 2022, he convinced his family to make the switch from sun-grown coffee to shade-grown coffee as a test-run for his larger project, which “increase[s] density and diversity of bird species, sustain[s] wintering areas for migration [and] improve[s] bird health and habitats” by not engaging in deforestation.

Malec-Scott used his artistic skills to design prints, stickers and informational posters about the benefits of shade-grown coffee as related to bird conservation, which were displayed at the Wellesley Public Library, along with some of his sketches of birds.

The posters were also shared digitally by Sustainable Wellesley and posted in Whole Foods’ staff room and on Truly’s community bulletin board.

In the year ahead, Malec-Scott will continue his local birding endeavors with a plan to submit to the ABA’s contest again, and he and his family hope to travel to areas where they can spot birds that are uncommon to see in the New England area.

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Wellesley’s July Jubilation 2023 in Review

July 19, 2023 by Bella Gonzalez

This past Saturday was Wellesley’s annual July Jubilation sidewalk sale, bringing even more than the usual liveliness to Wellesley Square.

Running from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the event closed off Central Street to vehicles, providing space for businesses from all areas of town to host sales and for organizations to share information about their doings.

July Jubiliation_street view — Photo courtesy of Town of Wellesley

Wellesley-ites of all ages—as well as those from other communities—filled the street, celebrating a day with clear skies, which seem all too uncommon this summer.

Novelty events such as a bouncy house, cornhole and live outdoor fitness classes accompanied sales from some of the town’s most beloved businesses.

“There were good vibes all around and people seemed to be enjoying themselves,” said Demian Wendrow, who owns London Harness and serves as the head of the Wellesley Square Merchants’ Association.

He observed that the heat brought more foot traffic than usual off of Central Street and into the stores this year.

The merchant group works to plan the event, ensuring that all of the businesses set to participate are well prepared.

This year’s July Jubilation was sponsored by Boston Veterinary Clinic.

“We like to have these kinds of events to give back to the community,” said Wendrow.

[Read more…]

Increased bus service in Wellesley brought on by MWRTA updates

July 7, 2023 by Bella Gonzalez

As of June 19, the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) has updated public transportation schedules, adding an additional bus and new stops, making service more accessible to Wellesley residents.

The new Route 1 bus will be available in the mornings and evenings and has been updated to include stops at Babson College, MassBay and Cross Street, placed between stops at Woodland Station and the Natick Mall.

Wellesley’s Department of Public Works plans to install a sign for the stop at Cross Street, which will be located where the street intersects with Central Street.

The MWRTA will continue to use its “flag down” system, allowing passengers to get on by waving the bus down away from scheduled stops, as long as it can safely pull over.

Fare for the Route 1 bus can be paid in cash, with a pre-loaded CatchCard or with purchase of a monthly pass.

For questions or additional information, contact MWRTA via info@mwrta.com) or by calling 508-935-2222.

Catch Connect, too

Wellesley residents can also make use of the MWRTA’s Micro Transit Service, called “Catch Connect.”

Designed to operate similarly to rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft, Catch Connect can be accessed through a mobile app and allows passengers to be picked up anywhere in Wellesley, as well as select locations out of town (Newton Wellesley Hospital, Trader Joe’s and Volante Farms in Needham, the Natick Community Center and Woodland and Waban MBTA stations).

According to the Town of Wellesley, “Catch Connect service is first-come, first-served; trips can be booked when the customer is ready. Wait times for pick up average between 10-30 minutes, but may be more at peak times. Service hours are 6:45 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. All vehicles are fully accessible.”

The service has been free during its pilot period over the past few years, but it now costs a flat rate of $2 per ride, which can be paid through the app. If travelers cannot access the app, reservations can be made through the MWRTA customer service center (508-283-5083).

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

Meet Swellesley Report summer intern Bella Gonzalez

June 5, 2023 by Bella Gonzalez

Hi, Swellesley! My name is Bella Gonzalez and I will be interning for the Swellesley Report this summer.

I am a rising junior at Boston University studying journalism and media science.

Outside of academics, I am an avid reader and the editor-in-chief of BU’s intersectional-feminist satire magazine, the Pinky Toe.

I have lived in Needham for most of my life (I graduated from Needham High School in 2021), so I am looking forward to working in such a familiar area, as well as strengthening my writing and reporting skills beyond what I have learned in school.

As an aspiring political journalist, I am excited to begin covering politics at the local level here in Wellesley. I also plan to report on the town’s accessibility and summer events such as July Jubilation.

I have an extensive background in the performing arts and love music, so I hope to publish about concerts in the area, such as Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. I cannot wait to get started!

Feel free to reach out at sabellaluciago@gmail.com with story ideas.

More: Please help fund our Swellesley Report summer internship