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Wellesley on the edge of evil Ardham in HBO’s Lovecraft Country

August 20, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

We haven’t seen HBO’s new Lovecraft Country series based on a novel that draws from the writings of H.P. Lovecraft and whose characters struggle against a racist society as well as monsters.

But reader Christine Roberts, who grew up in Wellesley and now lives on the west coast, shared this screenshot from the show indicating that Wellesley is right on the edge of Ardham, the epicenter of evil on the show. “In the Lovecraft stories, Arkham [Ardham in the show] is an approximation of Salem,” she says.

Whether Wellesley will rate a mention, well, we guess you’ll need to tune in.

Lovecraft Country


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Filed Under: Books, Entertainment

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The Wellesley Free Library reopens—a first look

August 5, 2020 by Deborah Brown 3 Comments

We’ve missed the  Wellesley Free Library terribly since it closed in March due to COVID-19 concerns, so you can bet we rushed right in to get a first look at the recently re-opened main branch. No matter how many rules we had to follow (and there are a lot of rules) it didn’t matter. We just wanted to drift through one of our old haunts and remember better days.

We managed our expectations and concentrated on molding our behavior to conform to present realities: no congregating, no computers, no copiers, no excessive chit-chat with the staff, no sitting, no bathrooms, no water fountain access. In addition, the library is not at this time taking book donations. But there are books to check out. Lots and lots of books and other materials, waiting to be checked out.

As many as 25 patrons at a time for a maximum stay of 30 minutes currently are allowed in for what Assistant Director Elise MacLennan said is a “soft opening” phase. Nobody timed me while I wandered about. The 30 minutes limit has been put in place for times when there is a line of patrons waiting to get in.

Here are a few pics:

Wellesley Free Library
Assistant Director Elise MacLennan reminds me that the library is closed for cleaning from 2-3pm on all weekdays. (Library hours listed below.)

 

Wellesley Free Library
These are the guys who are keeping the library sanitized. Mike Groh (left) and José Perez.

 

Wellesley Free Library
The library staff (that’s librarian Kristen Taft, pictured) has missed patrons, and has worked hard to develop protocols to keep everyone safe. Please limit chat with library staff (sort of a throwback to the days when libraries were a place of “Shhhhhh”). Masks must be worn and social distancing of 6-feet is a must. The library has received PPE such as gloves from the Wellesley Fire Department. Movable plexiglass shields have been placed on surfaces between library staff and patrons. Hand sanitizer has been placed throughout the library.

 

Wellesley Free Library
Wellesley Free Library periodicals room.

 

Wellesley Free Library
Wellesley Free Library, second floor. This internet-access spot has always been one of the busier areas in the library. For those who rely on public libraries for WiFi access, the building closures have been a difficult period.

 

Wellesley Free Library
Look beyond the bubblers if you’re thirsty for knowledge.

 

Wellesley Free Library
This is my spot, the section that overlooks the library parking lot and Hunnewell School. So many Swellesley posts have been written from those carrels. Wait a minute. Maybe the library staff closed off the area because they’re finally making space for my statue. Yeah, that’s definitely it.

 

Wellesley Free Library
Areas of the library look like giant toddlers have been through, overturning whatever was in their paths.

 

Wellesley Free Library
The library has put in place a Holds Express process by which patrons can enter the library via the Simons Park entrance (where the field is) and quickly pick up their items. Bring your library card and check out your books at the self check-out area. There’s no in-person fine paying for now.

 

Wellesley Free Library
The Wakelin Room has been set up as the Holds Express area for now. The library continues to offer appointment-based curbside pickup as well, where the books are checked out before you arrive.

Main Library hours:

Monday-Thursday, 9am-8pm (9-10am is limited to seniors and high-risk patrons)

Friday 9am-6pm, (9-10am for seniors and high-risk patrons)

Saturday, 10am-3pm

IMPORTANT: The children’s room is scheduled to open at 10am each day the library is open.

IMPORTANT: The library will be closed from 2-3pm for cleaning on all weekdays.

The Hills and Fells branches are not yet open.

MORE:

Morse Institute Library in Natick reopens—a first look


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Filed Under: Books, COVID-19, Health, Safety, Wellesley Free Library

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Wellesley Free Library targets Aug. 3 for limited reopening

July 27, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Wellesley Free Library looks to welcome a limited number of patrons at a time back to the main branch beginning Aug. 3 for browsing and check-out only. No word yet on the Fells and Hills branches, as the initial focus will be on the main library.

“When we do open there will no computers, no copiers, and no congregating,” Director Jamie Jurgensen said during the recent Library Board of Trustees meeting.

Wellesley library, main branch
Wellesley Free Library, main branch. Photo by Duncan Brown

 

The library is also readying a Holds Express process by which patrons can enter the library via the Simons Park entrance (where the field is) and quickly pick up their items. Expect to hear about a test run this week, as staff looks to offload some 2,000+ holds for those who come in with their library cards and are wearing masks (no in-person fine paying for now).

The library continues to offer appointment-based curbside pickup as well, where the books are checked out before you arrive.

As for those allowed in for live browsing, there will be a limit of 25 patrons at a time to start and a max stay of 30 minutes. Those visiting will be asked to keep conversations with library staff brief, and to follow up online or by phone if needed. Masks must be worn and social distancing adhered to.

Hours will be 9am-8pm Monday-Thursday, with 9-10am limited to seniors and high-risk patrons. Friday hours will be 9am-6pm, 9-10am for seniors and high-risk patrons. The library will be closed from 2-3pm for cleaning on all weekdays. Saturday hours will be 10am-3pm, and the children’s room is scheduled to open at 10am each day the library is open.

Jurgensen says the library staff misses patrons, and has worked hard to develop a reopening plan designed to keep everyone safe.


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Filed Under: Books, Wellesley Free Library

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Operation Friends: Temporary Wellesley Free Library delivery service

June 17, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Wellesley library, main branch
Wellesley library, main branch. Photo by Duncan Brown

The Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries has launched a temporary delivery service of materials for those who are unable or uncomfortable picking up holds at the library. For those able to go to the main library branch itself, curbside pickup is available by scheduling it online.

This doorstep delivery service can be arranged by calling 781-235-1610 x1117. It is available in Wellesley and adjacent communities.

The Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries fund programs and services not supported by the Library budget.

More: Time for Mrs. Swellesley to pay up at Wellesley Free Library

 

 

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Filed Under: Books, Wellesley Free Library

June 2020 author events in Wellesley

June 5, 2020 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

Wellesley BooksDespite the coronavirus pandemic, Wellesley Books has been holding author readings and discussions through the magic of Zoom. Here’s a list of the local independent bookstore’s online events — some are free, some are ticketed.

Although the store is closed right now, their website is open for business. In addition, curbside pickup service has resumed as of Monday, May 25th.

Upcoming Author Readings/Discussions 

6/12 Bedtime story with the author: Robb Pearlman – Bob Ross and Peapod the Squirrel
6/15 Wendy Francis – Best Behavior in conversation with Laura Zigman
6/17 Elin Hilderbrand – 28 Summers — ticketed event
6/19 Bedtime story with the author: Dan Yaccarino – Smashy Town and Giant Tess
6/22 Liz Climo – You’re Mom: A Little Book for Mothers (And the People Who Love Them), in conversation with Nichole Bernier and Joani Geltman
6/23 Julia Spencer-Fleming – Hid from Our Eyes and Sarah Stewart Taylor – The Mountains Wild

Event descriptions:

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Books, Business, Entertainment, Shopping

Author events—virtual book launch at Wellesley Books for Seaview Road; picture-book read alouds

May 12, 2020 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

Seaview Road, Brian McMahonBrian McMahon — Wellesley High School graduate, town resident, and author — in partnership with Wellesley Books, is holding a virtual book launch on Tuesday, May 12, at 7pm. Here’s how to attend the online event and hear the author read from Seaview, his debut novel set in a fictitious Cape Cod town. The beaches are idyllic, of course, but simmering beneath the genteel cocktail parties and intertwined personal connections lay secrets and shocking denials.

McMahon self-published the fast-moving 250-page book, which he said allowed him, “flexibility and control over the creative project and the timeline. I was able to get the book out when I wanted it to get out.”

The Georgetown University graduate shouts out “the great teachers and motivators of WHS: Mr. McCullough, Mr. Cluff; Ms. Anderson; Mr. Esposito, and “so many more.”

“I was lucky,” McMahon says, “as were the vast majority of WHS students.”

The author took a “gap year” from his full-time consultancy job to write the book, but now thinks he may dive into the chasm that is the life of a full-time writer. We welcome him to the club.

More Wellesley author readings

Two award-winning Wellesley authors have heard the great news from their publisher, @KidsCanPress, that their picture books have been selected for the  United Nations #SDGBookClub. The club asks kids around the world to read 17 books in 17 months that relate to 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Get together with Katie Milway and Liz Suneby via youtube or the authors’ social media channels for author read-aloud fun.

When to tune in:

Razia, Elizabeth Suneby, WellesleyTuesday, May 26, 11am The Good Garden by Katie Smith Milway

Tuesday, June 2, 11am Razia’s Ray of Hope by Elizabeth Suneby

Videos will post on @UNPublications youtube channel  and on authors’ social media.

Catch up  with Katie Smith Milway on her Facebook page.

Find out about Elizabeth Suneby’s books here.

Katie Smith Milway, Wellesley

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Filed Under: Books, Entertainment, Environment

Beyond Wellesley: A walk around Walden Pond in Concord

March 30, 2020 by Deborah Brown 7 Comments

Social isolation was getting me down, so I decided to pay a visit to someone who would understand. A writer, like me, only one who self-isolated not to avoid pandemic but, in a purposeful way, to avoid people. I wanted to ask 19th-century Transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau how he stayed serene after he chose to “live deliberately” in a tiny cabin  on the shores of Walden Pond in Concord.

Walden Pond, Concord
All  Department of Conservation & Recreation properties are open, and parking is free so as to keep staff and visitors apart from one another and safe. Bathrooms are not open, and water fountains have been turned off.

 

A pilgrimage was therefore in order to Thoreau’s most well-known place of residence, his 10 x 15 foot cabin in the woods, where the famous free thinker lived for two years in the late 1800s. When I stopped by, Thoreau wasn’t receiving visitors — the author of the American literature classic Walden  died in 1862. Nor could I even rap on the door of his cabin, perhaps to rouse his ghost. Only the original foundation remains of the simple structure he purchased and had moved here. With a roof over his head, and town not too far away for occasional supply runs, Thoreau considered himself perfectly set up for his experiment of the effects of living simply, among nature.

Please consider this post nothing more than a bit of armchair travel right now. Although the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) property is open, as are all DCR sites, during my visit I found that there’s no way to walk around Walden Pond and social distance. Much of the trail is simply too narrow. Fencing on either side of the trail is there for erosion control purposes, and thus doesn’t allow for folks to stand aside for each other to keep the requisite 6 feet of social distancing currently recommended.

Walden Pond, Concord

I was at the pond by 7:30am on a weekday, and had the place to myself. The sound of nearby Route 2 traffic and the roar of the commuter rail mingled with birdsong. It was a cold morning, but as long as the temps are are at least half my age plus 7, I’m good for a hike.

Walden Pond, Concord

In the middle of the pond, a migrating flock of about 20 mergansers (not pictured — too quick for me) took a break. Suddenly they rose en masse, the males with their black heads and white chests especially striking against the backdrop of pine trees. The birds flew toward me, settling into a cove just around the bend. Would I stress them with my approach? No, they were as unconcerned by my presence as that of the man with his fishing pole and hip waders, sharing their very water.

Walden Pond, Concord
Much of the path allows for single-file only hiking along the 1.5 mile pond loop. There would have been no way along this stretch for me to give way to approaching hikers and maintain a healthy 6-feet distance. The fencing is there as an erosion control measure. About a half million people per year visit Walden Pond.

 

Walden Pond, Concord
The DCR has included many openings in the fencing so that visitors can walk down to the pond’s edge and enjoy the views or wade right in.

 

Walden Pond, Concord

As I hiked along the pine-needle strewn path, an occasional swarm of lethargic mosquitoes congregated, not yet awake enough to seek blood. A pileated woodpecker was hard at work, his bright red head a dot of color against the backdrop of the brown-barked trees. He’d found the perfect perch on a small branch, which gave him all the stability he needed while giving the tree what for.

The woodpecker took a break from the insect hunt and let out a call that sounded more primate than bird, a series of about ten loud and quick staccato caws. Then it was back to work. A few more pecks. A cock of the head as he inspected his handiwork (beaky-work?). A few more pecks. Another inspection. Then a family of humans came along and scared both of us off, further into the woods on this more open part of the trail.

pic 6 Walden Pond, Concord
The Walden Pond loop is part of the 200-mile Bay Circuit Trail, which connects the outlying suburbs of Boston from Plum Island in Newburyport to Kingston Bay in Duxbury. This is the sort of view that inspired Thoreau to write perhaps his best-known and most influential essay, “Civil Disobedience.”

 

pic 8, Walden Pond, Concord

The early-rising family that drove me further into the woods also drove me closer to my destination — Henry David Thoreau’s house site.

pic 9, Walden Pond, Concord

A sign with some of Thoreau’s most famous words greeted me. I read slowly to put myself in the right frame of mind as I toured the site. “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”

A couple small cairns were stacked atop the sign, along with many larger piles of the balanced stones behind Thoreau’s words. The impermanence of the piles, the remains of the long-gone cabin, seemed a reminder of the ashes-to-ashes, dust-to-dust nature of the physical world. Yet it was spring, and the birds still called out as they do every spring, their activity seemingly increased around the site. A titmouse chirp-chirped. The chickadees, always curious and ready with a greeting, chittered their chick-a-dee-dee-dees.

Pic 10, Walden Pond, Concord
Stacks of cairns at Thoreau’s Walden Pond home site.

 

Pic 11, Walden Pond, Concord

I entered the miniature stonehenge area and conducted my self-tour of the cabin’s holy ground. Mostly I wanted to see Thoreau’s view of Walden Pond, assuming the cabin once boasted a window overlooking the body of water. One of the granite pillars told visitors that the previously forgotten cabin site was discovered on November 11, 1945, by Roland Wells Robbins. Robbins was something of a Thoreau kindred spirit who dropped out of high school in 1924 and held various odd jobs during the Great Depression. A similar discovery today would lock in a doctoral student’s PhD candidacy for sure. Like Thoreau, Wells was something of a nonconformist type who researched, wrote, and lectured, all without the benefit of an advanced degree.

Pic 12, Walden Pond, Concord
Site of Thoreau’s wood shed, located directly behind the cabin’s site.

 

Pic 13, Walden Pond, Concord

Depending on the age of the towering pines, Thoreau and his visitors may have had an untrammeled view of the pond. Yes, visitors, and plenty of them. He was at Walden Pond as an experiment in solitude, not solitary confinement, so the cabin was something less than a hermitage. It’s said that mom helped him out with groceries and a couple loads of laundry every now and then, and no less a personage than his good friend Ralph Waldo Emerson, and many others, popped in from time to time. After two years of a life designed to strip away the frivolous, Thoreau moved back in with his parents and resumed a life of community.

Back on the path, a red-tailed hawk did a low soar across the pond, through the pine trees, and then buzzed the pond’s perimeter. In a tree, a titmouse sharing a branch with his mate sang his heart out to her. Just for spite, a male robin swooped onto a branch above the pair, his chaperone’s presence silencing the smaller songbird. Robin’s jealousy over not yet having a partner was on obvious display. Best to focus less on spoiling the fun of others, Mr. Robin, and more on locking in a mate of your own. In the avian world, cuffing season is right now.

I saw fewer than a dozen people on this early-morning jaunt. Back at the lot, my car is as lonely as I left it, with several empty spaces on either side. In another more civilized time, I’d have set out for this adventure a little later in the day with a couple friends. Then we would have stopped into Concord center for some lunch and shopping and called it a day well spent.

Still, I left satisfied with a spiritual connection kindled by one who embraced simplicity and solitude in his own way. If Thoreau didn’t spend his two years at Walden Pond entirely off the social grid, he at least stayed out of its whirl. To those who expected of Thoreau a more disciplined, Spartan way of being, perhaps the man’s words can help them transcend their narrow thinking:  “The question is not what you look at, but what you see.”

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Filed Under: Beyond Wellesley, Books, History, Outdoors

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Sun 07

World of Wellesley community book read

March 7 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Wed 10

Open House at Boston Outdoor Preschool Network

March 10 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Wed 10

Super Frogs! Early Spring Wildlife of Vernal Pools: Part 1

March 10 @ 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Wed 17

Wellesley Police Department & Red Cross blood drive

March 17 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tue 23

Community Conversations: How Citizens Are Rebuilding the Public Square

March 23 @ 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm

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