The Swellesley Report

More than you really want to know about Wellesley, Mass.

Wellesley Select Board member Tom Ulfelder to speak at Men’s Group meeting

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The Wellesley Service League Men’s Group Speaker Series will welcome Wellesley Select Board member Tom Ulfelder at its Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2pm meeting, at the Friendly Aid Building, 219 Washington St.

Wellesley Friendly Aid
Wellesley Friendly Aid building. Nov. 2022

Are you wondering what’s happening in Wellesley? Curious about the big issues that the town faces? Select Board member Tom Ulfelder will discuss the key issues facing Wellesley today.

Tom and his wife Jean have lived in Wellesley with their four children for 24 years. Tom is currently serving his third term on the Select Board and has been a Town Meeting member since 2006; served as a member of the St. John-St. Paul Collaborative Parish Council; the Sustainable Energy Committee (now the Climate Action Committee); the Town Government Study Committee; and as a board member of Wellesley Friendly Aid.

The Men’s Group meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Senior men fron Wellesley and surrounding communities are invited for refreshments and conversation. Guests welcome.

Please email Pamela Beckett (pamelabeckett@verizon.net) or Eunice Groark (egroark@yahoo.com) for more information.

Wellesley sports and social clubs

Wellesley Select Board office hours are Sept. 28—reserve your appointment

What happens in Wellesley Service League?

Linden Square, Wellesley

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Wonderful Wellesley
Charles River School

Wellesley Cultural Council grant applications due Oct. 17

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The deadline is Oct. 17, 2023, to apply to the Wellesley Cultural Council for a grant to present programs in the arts, humanities, or sciences for the cultural benefit of the people of Wellesley.

The Wellesley Cultural Council exists to enhance the quality of cultural life for the residents of Wellesley by helping to fund programs in the arts, cultural, and interpretive sciences. Applications that benefit the greatest possible cross section of residents of Wellesley’s predominantly highly-educated, family-oriented, and increasingly culturally/racially-diverse town are of particular interest to the Council.

Wellesley dump art
Fun fact: Mrs. Swellesley was a 2016 recipient of a Wellesley Cultural Council grant. The idea behind “Wellesley Dump Art” was simple: to create still-life arrangements on-site at the RDF  using exclusively items that came into the Give-and-Take area and flowers from my yard. I then photographed what visitors put together.

The fiscal year 2024 allotment is $7,900. Last year’s funded programs included a juggling performance, the Wellesley Symphony Orchestra, and more. See the entire list here.

The grants program operates under the umbrella of the Mass Cultural Council, which funds and manages a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils (LCCs) across the state, representing every city and town in the Commonwealth. Each council awards money based on individual community cultural needs, assessed and set by LCC members. Applicants apply directly to local councils.

More arts information

Festivals & Projects
Grants of $2,500 for organizations to fund public activities that incorporate the arts, humanities, or sciences.

New in 2024: Grants for Creative Individuals
This program aims to equitably advance creative expression throughout the Commonwealth with unrestricted grants to Massachusetts artists, culture bearers, and creative individuals. Grants are $5,000.

Programs, A-Z

What the Wellesley Cultural Council does

Page Waterman, Wellesley
London Harness, Wellesley
Details, Wellesley

Wellesley Symphony Orchestra’s opening date is October 1

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The Wellesley Symphony OrchestraWellesley Symphony Orchestra will present its season opener, “Music’s Magic,” on Sunday, Oct. 1, 3pm, at MassBay Community College, 50 Oakland St., Wellesley.

The Orchestra, conducted by Mark Lathan, will play:

  • John Corigliano: Promenade Overture
  • Gabriela Ortiz: Kauyumari
  • Haydn: Farewell Symphony (Allegro Assai and Presto/Adagio)
  • Brahms: Symphony No. 4

Tickets here.

To ensure everybody in the community can access this concert, the Orchestra offers a pay-what-you-can-system. You select the price you would like to pay for your tickets. The recommend donation is $30 per ticket.

Captain Marden's, Wellesley

Wellesley Square Parents Day Out is Sept. 22 & 23

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Wellesley Square, Parents Day OutThe Wellesley Square Merchants’ Association is getting ready for two big days of  Parents Day Out, a time when everyone can enjoy specials offered by participating merchants in the Square. On Friday, Sept. 22 and Saturday, Sept. 23, many of the area’s stores will offer discounts and deals, so make sure you stop by and shop, dine, and enjoy Wellesley Square.

All this and free 2-hour parking at bagged street meters on both days in and around the Square, thanks to the Town of Wellesley.

Parking fees still apply at all non-bagged meters and in municipal lots.

Enjoy live music performances on Saturday, 11am-4pm, at Central and Cross Streets.

Participating merchants and special offers

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Newton-Wellesley Orthopedic

Get cash for your Wellesley stuff during the town-wide yard sale—register by Sept. 28

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Hold a yard sale at your own home and Wellesley Recreation will advertise and distribute a town-wide map to funnel eager buyers your way. Register online: Wellesley Recreation Use activity #444388

Yard sale dates: Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1 (you don’t have to do both dates)

Wellesley, Morses Pond Yard Sale
Wellesley, Morses Pond Yard Sale 2018. The town 2023 yard sale will take place at individuals’ homes.

Suggested time: 8am- 5pm (but its OK to set your own hours)

Cost to host a yard sale: $20 per day

Cost to be a shopper: none

Deadline to register: Thursday, September 28

How to register

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Frans' Flowers

Tour the historic Hunnewell Estate with the Wellesley Historical Society

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Join the Wellesley Historical Society for a 90-minute walking tour to explore both the past and present of the Hunnewell Estate’s unique horticultural collection.

We toured Wellesley’s most iconic property several years back and can tell you it is a not-to-be-missed opportunity. Horatio Hollis Hunnewell, who made his millions in railroads, mining, real estate, and other business ventures, built the house in the early 1850s as the country estate for his wife, Isabella Pratt Welles, for whom the town is named, and their nine children. (The interior of the house is not part of the tour.) Mr. Hunnewell was an extraordinary horticulturist, credited with — among other things — popularizing rhododendrons in the United States.

Hunnewell mansion, Wellesley
Hunnewell estate, spring 2023

Highlights of that past tour of the 32-acre property for us were the pinery, the topiary garden, and the variety of rare trees.

DATE: Saturday, September 23, 2023

TIMES:
Morning tour: 9:15am-11:45am
Afternoon tour: 12:15am-2:25pm

COST: This is a ticketed event. $75 per person. Space is limited to 24 participants per tour. Tickets here.

MEETING LOCATION: Putnam Building, Elm Bank Reservation–900 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA. Transportation will be provided from Elm Bank to the Estate. All tour participants must utilize the provided transportation.

GOOD TO KNOW: 
The tour route includes uneven terrain.
There is no restroom access on the Estate. There will be restrooms available before and after the tour at the Elm Bank meeting location.

QUESTIONS: email Wellesley Historical Society’s Executive Director, Taylor Kalloch at director@wellesleyhistoricalsociety.org.

Proceeds from the Tour support the Society’s general operating fund.

Wellesley Rotary, Dinner On Us

Wandering around Wellesley over the weekend

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The only thing hotter than the weekend weather in Wonderful Wellesley were the bargains at the annual Linden Square sidewalk sale. Shoppers scoured the outside racks and tables for fashions, toys, baby gear, and more. Meanwhile, over in the Courtyard and in Wellesley Square, kids got busy at the crafting tables where they painted, glued, and decorated doodads onto a thingamabobs. The results: fun for all.

Linden Square, Wellesley
The Linden Square Courtyard was the site of free crafting for kids.

 

Wonderful Wellesley, Wellesley Square
Wellesley Square had a crafting outpost, also. The shaded area meant no melting crayons on a hot day that saw temperatures soar into the high 80s.

 

LInden Square, sidewalk sale, Sara Campbell
Shoppers could scoop up a different color pair of pants for each day of the week at Sara Campbell.

 

Pattee, Wellesley Square
Pattee waves hello from the floor of the 87 Central Street space she shares with Lyn Evans. The new business partnership means greater fashion variety at the Wellesley Square space. Pattee brings a funky vibe to the store with her silversmith talents and textiles upcycling skills. The Lyn Evan part of the business focuses on “happy clothes”  for everyday.

 

LInden Square, sidewalk sale
A garden shopping experience at Tiny Hanger in Linden Square.

 

Wonderful Wellesley, Linden Square
Crafting in the Courtyard

 

Babson College, Wonderful Wellesley
It’s not a stretch to say that Babson College students love a good Wonderful Wellesley bargain, like the free session provided here by StretchLab Wellesley. The students came out in droves for the Babson Resource Fair over the weekend, where participating Wellesley stores, restaurants, and fitness studios were on hand, along with a fun prize wheel and guac and chips provided by Roche Bros. 

 

Babson College, Resource Fair, Wonderful Wellesley
Bach to Rock at the Babson Resource Fair

Wonderful Wellesley College Discount Program—participating stores

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Don’t miss the Wellesley fun—Sidewalk Sale; Crafts for Kids; Car Wash fundraiser; Fiske Western Round-Up

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If you love a bargain, hit the Linden Square sidewalk—Sept. 7-10

 

Linden Square, Wellesley
Photo credit: Linden Square

The Linden Square Sidewalk Sale is back Sept. 7 – 10. If you love browsing the sale racks and finding a great deal, then this is the event for you. From kids clothes and toys to women’s fashion, you’ll be sure to snag a great bargain. Deals up to 70% off.

 

 

 

Celebrate Wonderful Wellesley with Crafts for Kids—Sept. 9

Wonderful Wellesley brings you another free Crafts for Kids event in two locations on Saturday, Sept. 9, 11am–1pm.

Don’t miss FREE fun for kids ages 3-12. Activities vary by the two locations:

Linden Square Courtyard

  • Birdhouse painting, paper butterflies, fun with clay, noodle monstahs

Wellesley Square, Central Street by iCode

  • Mobile making, paper and fabric butterflies and flowers

While supplies last. First come, first served.

Thanks to Clever Hand Gallery and Wellesley Free Library for bringing their creativity and talents.

Wellesley High Cross Country Team Car Wash—Sept. 10

 

Please support the Wellesley High School Girls and Boys Cross Country Team annual car wash on Sunday, September 10. The team has nearly 125 athletes, and this is its biggest fundraiser.

DATE: Sunday September 10
TIME: 11am – 3pm
LOCATION: 148 Linden Street (across from Linden Store)

All proceeds benefit the WHS Girls and Boys track and field teams.

Schofield School Shoppers Corner, opening day—Sept. 13

Shoppers Corner, Wellesley’s go-to spot that sells new and gently used clothing and accessories from infant through adult, will open on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 8:30am-12:15pm. Popular brands, reasonable prices, and eco-friendly. Shoppers Corner is entirely parent-volunteer run. All proceeds benefit the Schofield PTO.  Located in the lower level of the school, entry to the rear of the playground.

Wellesley Schofield School Shoppers Corner
Schofield School Shoppers Corner, 2022

SHOPPERS CORNER DAYS: most Wednesdays, 8:30am-12:15pm; first Saturday of the month, 9am-11am, throughout the school year

LOCATION: 27 Cedar St., Wellesley, MA

Walk-to-School day—Sept. 20

Wellesley’s first monthly Walk-to-School day is Wednesday, Sept. 20. All school-aged families are encouraged to take part by walking, biking or scootering to school.

The day is focused on safe, active travel to schools. Join with other families in your neighborhood and walk or scooter together. Set up walking school buses or form a bike train and ride to school. Please remember to practice correct bike safety and always wear a helmet when biking.

Wellesley Square Parents Day Out—Sept. 22 & 23

 

The Wellesley Square Merchants’ Association is getting ready for two big days of Parents Day Out, a time when everyone can enjoy specials offered by participating merchants in the Square. On Friday, Sept. 22 and Saturday, Sept. 23, many of the area’s stores will offer discounts and deals, so make sure you stop by and shop, dine, and enjoy Wellesley Square.

Fiske Western Round-Up—Sept. 30

Swagger over the Fiske Elementary School on Sept. 30 for the Goldrush Raffle, Cowboy Strut, Cookie Corral, rides, crafts, food, and more. (Tickets for activities and food are cash only.) All are welcome at the annual Western Round-Up—the Fiske community is all about hospitality and making sure that everyone has a good time. The Round-up is rain or shine, and is a family-event. No dropping off kids, please.

Fiske Western Round-Up, Wellesley
Fiske Western Round-Up, 2022

EVENT: Fiske Elementary School Western Round-Up
DATE: Saturday, Sept. 30
TIME: 11am-3pm

Craft Beer Oktoberfest—Oct. 5

Wellesley Historical Society is kicking off the fall with its 5th Annual Craft Beer Oktoberfest on Thursday, Oct. 5, 6pm-9pm, on the Sunset Terrace at the Wellesley Country Club.

The event is a chance to connect with friends new and old while sampling local craft beers accompanied by pretzels, sliders, pizza, and more!

Tickets: $55 per person, includes 6 sample pours and food.

Wellesley Historical Society, craft beer tasting event
Wellesley Historical Society, craft beer tasting event, 2021

 

Wellesley Library to spark creativity of teen poets

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Sign up for September’s Teen Take and Make Blackout Poetry Kit. 24 kits will be available to pick up on Sept. 1, 9am-6pm at the Wellesley Library’s Information Services Desk. Each bag contains a variety of book, magazine and newspaper pages as well as an instruction sheet and black permanent marker.

Wellesley Free Library, main
Wellesley Free Library, main, 530 Washington St.

Blackout poetry is using words from books, magazines, newspapers or other text, and creating poetry by selecting words on those pages that create a poem and then coloring over the words around them. You can use black marker, colored pencils, paints or anything else and can get creative with drawing images or designs in addition to the poems!

We created our own Blackout Poem from the above press release. Here’s what we came up with:

Sign up for September’s Teen Take and Make Blackout Poetry Kit. 24 kits will be available to pick up on Sept. 1, 9am-6pm at the Information Services Desk. Each bag contains a variety of book, magazine and newspaper pages as well as an instruction sheet and black permanent marker.

Blackout poetry is using words from books, magazines, newspapers or other text, and creating poetry by selecting words on those pages that create a poem and then coloring over the words around them. You can use black marker, colored pencils, paints or anything else and can get creative with drawing images or designs in addition to the poems!

Our swell poem

Make Poetry, am-pm, a variety

Permanent mark, using words

Poetry on pages

Color the words

Draw, design, add

Poems!

-The editors

We like to think Sylvia Plath, Wellesley’s own Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and a WHS Class of 1950 graduate, is smiling down at our efforts.

Suspect we won’t make it as poets? Keep us in the independent journalism game by contributing or advertising.

Wellesley Choral Society announces 2023-24 season

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The Wellesley Choral Society under the direction of Edward Whalen has announced its 2023-2024 season, and seeks all interested singers.

Wellesley Choral Society
Director Edward Whalen (red bow tie) and the Wellesley Choral Society, spring 2023

The Wellesley Choral Society is a non-audition chorus, open to singers of high school age and older. All voice parts are welcome.  Members are from Wellesley and many other MetroWest communities. The Society performs a variety of music from traditionally classical to world premieres, and popular music at the annual Winter Cabaret.

Fall concert—Romantic Classics for Chorus and Piano

PROGRAM: Music of Brahms, Elgar, McDowell, and Sullivan
DATE: Sunday November 19
TIME: 3pm

Winter Cabaret—Over the Moon

PROGRAM: Songs of, for, about, and to the moon, performed in a light “pops” atmosphere
DATE: Saturday February 3
TIME: 7pm

Spring Concert—Beethoven Mass in C

PREMIER: Whalen, Shakespeare Songs
DATE: Sunday May 12, 2024,
TIME: 3pm

Join the Wellesley Choral Society’s 76th season

Come see if the Wellesley Choral Society is the chorus for you during open rehearsals on Sundays, Sept. 11, 18, 25, 7:30-9:30pm, at UU Wellesley Hills, 309 Washington St. The building is accessible, and there is ample free parking.

The Wellesley Choral Society is a non-audition chorus, open to singers of high school age and older. All voice parts are welcome.  Members are from Wellesley and many other MetroWest communities. The Society performs a variety of music from traditionally classical to world premieres, and popular music at the annual Winter Cabaret.

Contact president.wellesleychoral@gmail.com with questions.

 

 

Call and Haul, Wellesley
Refined Renovations, Wellesley
Deland, Gibson, Wellesley
Rick Cram, leader