The Swellesley Report

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

Wellesley’s own Elizabeth Suneby to read from her new picture book, “No Room For a Pup!”

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Elizabeth Suneby, Wellesley
EJ the pup.

When Mia’s mom says there’s no room for a pup in their apartment, she really, really means it. Mia doesn’t understand. It’s not like she’s asking for an elephant. When mom gets multiple-teamed by Mia, the neighbors, her book-club ladies, and even her own mother it seems resistance may be futile.

Author and Wellesley resident Elizabeth Suneby dedicated her new book, No Room for a Pup!, to her own precious pup EJ, who sadly passed away on Oct. 30 at 15 3/4 years old.

Suneby will read her book at Wellesley Free Library’s Children’s Room on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 10am.

 

 

Liz Suneby, Wellesley

 

 

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Linden Square

Linden Square in Wellesley is holiday-ready

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First, the big breaking news. Linden Square has changed its Courtyard Christmas tree decor scheme from the red and gold they’ve gone with for years to to a purple and silver palette, just to freshen things up for the 2019 holiday season. Federal Realty representatives led the crowd in a dramatic countdown as the 15-foot high balsam fir from Canada was set aglow with white lights.

The 15-foot high balsam fir from Canada was set aglow with white lights. Pile of white, fluffy snow at the base of the tree lend a North Pole atmosphere to the scene.

Carols were sung, with the talent once again provided by Bach to Rock‘s talented music students who led the crowd in holiday favorites. In the background, Red Kettle bell volunteers rang a siren song to shoppers entering Roche Bros. I’ve got too many quarters rattling around in my purse ever since the Town of Wellesley earlier this month got into the holiday spirit and hooded most of the parking meters. Plunk goes my change into the Red Kettle as I run into the store to pick up a few things. I’m lucky that way, with my ability to just sashay in and buy what I want. The Kiwanis Club knows that not everyone is so fortunate, and counts on shoppers’ generosity to help the Wellesley kettle bubble over with over $25k in donations. If you want to help the all-volunteer organization get to that goal, stop by and donate. You can also sign up and tend the kettle for a one-hour shift.

Linden Square, Wellesley
Terry Connolly, Office Manager for the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant, takes a turn ringing the bell.

Sign up here for shifts through Dec. 20.

Sign up here for Dec. 21 – Dec. 24 shifts.

If you have any questions or would prefer to discuss your sign-up time, call Dwin Schuler at 781-235-5615 for assistance.

You will receive an email reminder the day before your scheduled time slot.

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Holiday happenings in Wellesley

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There are lots of opportunities around Wellesley to get into the holiday spirit:

Town of Wellesley has kicked off the festivities

The Town of Wellesley has draped trees with holiday lights from the Hills to the Square. The tree lights and wreaths throughout Town are made possible by very generous donors and businesses in the community and are hung by Wellesley’s own Municipal Light Plant workers, all to make Wellesley festive during the holiday season.

In addition, look in front of Town Hall for the menorah, the Christmas tree, and the crescent to appear soon. And of course, the high holy tradition of free metered parking has been put in place.

Details on free 2-hour parking in Wellesley:

The Board of Selectmen has waived parking fees at all two-hour street meters in Town through Tuesday, December 31. This includes two-hour meters in all municipal-owned parking lots.

Parking fees are NOT waived at four-hour meters, private parking lots and commuter rail lots.

Wellesley Free Library activities for kids, teens, and adults

The Wellesley Free Library has a full roster of fun holiday activities planned including a holiday wrapping station at the Hills branch; a holiday jazz concert with the Kareem Sanjaghi Band; gingerbread houses construction with graham crackers and icing; Sankta Lucia story and craft; holiday sing-a-long with David Polansky; a LEGO Winter Village set-up; Giant Snowpeople craft; and more.

Details here.

Every neighborhood has that one over-the-top holiday house — nominate it for Town contest

Wellesley Holiday House

Wellesley Theater Project, Frozen, Jr., Dec 13-15

Wellesley Theatre Project, FrozenWellesley Theatre Project (WTP) will present Disney’s Frozen, Jr. Friday, December 13th at 5pm and 8pm and Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th at 2pm and 5pm. All performances will take place at the Sorenson Center at Babson College, located at 19 Babson College Drive, Wellesley, MA 02482.  Tickets are priced $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, and may be purchased online at http://wellesleytheatreproject.org in advance, or at the door for $18 for adults and $12 for students and seniors.

Breakfast with Santa at The Cottage, Dec. 14

The Cottage, WellesleyThe Cottage will host the 8th Annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday December 14th at 8am and 9:45am. Call 781-239-1100 for reservations.

Brunch with Santa at the Wellesley College Club, Dec. 14

The Wellesley College Club will host its annual Brunch with Santa. December 14, 10am – noon. Spend a delightful and fun Saturday morning enjoying a wonderful brunch buffet, while the children are entertained with holiday activities. Don’t forget to bring your camera and skip the hassle of the crowded mall to get your most memorable pictures of your child with Santa. Call 781-283-2700 for reservations.

Wellesley Symphony Orchestra, Holiday Pops, Dec. 15

Get into the holiday spirit with the Wellesley Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, December 15, at 3pm at MassBay Community College, for its presentation of Holiday Pops.

Community Messiah Sing, Dec. 15

Professional soloists and orchestra will perform the Christmas portion of Handel’s Oratorio, joined by audience members singing the choruses, on Sunday, Dec. 15, 1:30-2:30pm.  Scores available, though attendees are encouraged to bring their own.  Light refreshments served after the event.  Co-sponsored by UU Wellesley Hills and the Wellesley Village Church.  At UU Wellesley Hills, 309 Washington St. For more information, uuwellesleyhills.org or 781-235-7423

MassHort Festival of Trees

Festival of Trees, WellesleyThrough December 15, Mass Hort will display over 60 beautifully decorated trees, which will be raffled off on December 15. During the festival, visitors may purchase tickets for a chance to win the tree(s) of their choice. It’s fun, and for many it has become a family tradition. Also garden lights, visits from Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, the Snow Village, model railroad display, and a fire pit with s’mores.

Following the tree raffle on December 15, Festival of Trees will continue for two more weekends, December 20 – 22 and December 27 – 29, with the Snow Village and garden lights

DATES TO VIEW TREES: through December 15
DATES FOR TRAINS AND LIGHTS: December 20 – 22 and December 27 – 29
LOCATION: Massachusetts Horticultural Society, 900 Washington St., Wellesley, MA
HOURS here.

[Read more…]

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

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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 Theatre Project presents “Frozen, Jr.”

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Wellesley Theatre Project, FrozenSnow and ice will be here soon as Wellesley Theatre Project (WTP) presents Disney’s FROZEN, JR Friday, December 13th at 5pm and 8pm and Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th at 2pm and 5pm. All performances will take place at the Sorenson Center at Babson College, located at 19 Babson College Drive, Wellesley, MA 02482.  Tickets are priced $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, and may be purchased online at http://wellesleytheatreproject.org in advance, or at the door for $18 for adults and $12 for students and seniors.

Based on the 2018 Broadway musical and the 2013 Disney film, Disney’s FROZEN, JR brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters. When faced with danger, Princesses Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, it is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!

[Read more…]

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Wellesley Square Holiday Stroll, December 1, noon – 6pm

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SPONSORED POST: The Wellesley Square Merchants’ Association is getting ready for the always festive Holiday Stroll on Sunday, December 1, noon – 6pm. In addition to all of your favorite activities, from the carolers to the tree lighting ceremony, this year’s Scavenger Hunt will be more fun and exciting than ever before. You’ll use your phone to play, and four winning families will each win $1,000 in prizes. All the details and the chance to register in advance are here: https://shopwellesleysquare.com/holiday-stroll-2019/

The Holiday Stroll makes it easy for shoppers also get in the spirit of the season as they seek out the big savings at over 60 stores. Dozens of stores throughout every corner of Wellesley Square are participating in the Scavenger Hunt  — European Manor; London Harness; Wellesley Holiday Boutique; E.A. Davis; Wellesley Toy Shop; Alta Strada and more.

Wellesley Holiday Stroll

Frosty, Rudolf, and of course — SANTA

On the big day carolers will roam Wellesley Square, as will Frosty and Rudolf — they’re always up for a photo op. And of course, Santa will be there in all his jolly glory. You can bet he’d never miss the Holiday Stroll and the chance to hear the holiday wishes of all the children. There’s nothing like this great event throughout all of the greater Boston area.

Wellesley Holiday Stroll

Join Us In Supporting The Rotary Club’s Programs to Support Our Youth

The Wellesley Rotary Club will be in Wellesley Square during the Holiday Stroll to be a part of the Scavenger Hunt as well as share with you news of their various youth programs, including providing meals to financially limited students. Please support them with a tax deductible donation and by purchasing tickets to their annual Taste of Wellesley event.

Parking

All this and free 2-hour parking for the entire month of December, courtesy of the Town of Wellesley. Here’s a map that will direct you to the free parking.

Wellesley Square Merchants Directory here.

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Internationally known vocal artists to perform at Wellesley HS Fall Jazz Night, Nov 25

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Head over to Wellesley HS tonight to hear the school’s three talented and hard-working jazz bands.

Special guest appearance by Kim Nazarian and Darmon Meader from the Grammy-nominated and internationally acclaimed jazz vocal group, New York Voices.

Nazarian is a world renowned performing grammy-nominated jazz vocalist, educator and and lyricist. For the past 30 years she has been harmonizing all over the world with New York Voices.

Darmon is a highly respected vocalist, arranger and saxophonist who has achieved international recognition as the founder, musical director, chief arranger, composer, producer, saxophonist, and vocalist with New York Voices.

DATE OF PERFORMANCE:  Monday, November 25
TIME: 7pm
LOCATION: Wellesley High School Katherine L. Babson Jr. Auditorium

CONCERT FREE OF CHARGE

Wellesley Jazz
Special guests Kim Nazarian and Darmon Meader will appear at Fall Jazz Night.
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