We visited the Wellesley RDF for some aromatherapy—seriously

January 31, 2023 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

Right now, the Wellesley Recycling and Disposal Facility is the most fragrant place in town. In a good way. When we stopped by to deal with our weekly transfer station chores, we inhaled the freshest, most invigorating pine-y aroma as we separated glass from cans, and chipboard from newspapers (whatever those are). As we rounded the corner en route to the trash compactor, we found the scent source. A mountain of discarded Christmas trees towered over the adjacent leaf litter and grass clippings. It was at once both beautiful and sad.

We’re always on the lookout for a bargain to share with our readers. The Wellesley RDF’s self-serve aromatherapy treatments are hot (and free) right now.

Next time you’re at the RDF breathe in the fresh smell. I’m telling you, it’s as restorative as forest bathing. It’s OK to get out of your vehicle and admire the trees. Consider thanking them for their holiday-time service and for all the happiness they brought to Wellesley families.

Just don’t try to walk through the “forest.” Wandering around the yard waste disposal area is strictly against RDF rules. Apparently tripping hazards outweigh the potential health benefits. But you may gaze upon the scene and inhale…exhale. When you’re later asked why you exude such serenity, just smile. Only you need to know about the RDF pine tree pile, the cheapest aromatherapy option out there.

Never say we don’t have a nose for news.

Wellesley RDF hours

Monday-Wednesday, 7am-noon
Thursday-Saturday, 7am-3:45pm
Sunday-closed (Sunday hours will resume in April)

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Wellesley Cotillion makes a strong comeback

January 19, 2023 by admin 1 Comment

The Wellesley Cotillion returned on Jan. 7 after a pandemic hiatus, and organizers say the entirely volunteer-run event was a rousing success. That looks to be the case based on these photos.

Congrats to the 625 students, their families and some 100 volunteers for bringing back the winter formal, held at Lombardo’s in Randolph, in style.

The Cotillion Committee said: “We can’t thank all of the students enough for their ‘elegant’ behavior —the staff at Lombardo’s as well as the parent chaperones were very impressed by the pleasant and polite demeanor of each and every attendee.”

Not to be overlooked were the efforts of volunteers. From gathering mailing lists and stuffing envelopes, to wrangling buses and working at check-in, from taking amazing pictures and chaperoning the actual event, the volunteers helped create a memorable evening for Wellesley teens.

Organizers will be looking for new volunteers to replace the “graduating” committee members. If you are the parent of a current junior or sophomore and would like to help with the planning for next year’s event, please email WellesleyCotillion@gmail.com for more information.

(Photos courtesy of The 2023 Wellesley Cotillion Committee)

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Deadline for Wellesley Cotillion tickets coming up

December 29, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

It’s the last chance to purchase tickets for Wellesley Cotillion, open to all Wellesley juniors and seniors, and being held on Jan. 7.

Tickets are $125 apiece and include dinner, dancing, refreshments and (mandatory) transportation to and from Lombardo’s in Randolph.

Visit wellesleycotillion.org to purchase tickets or email wellesleycotillion@gmail.com for more information.

Financial assistance is available for tickets, tux rental, and dress purchases. Confidential inquiries for assistance may be made via wellesleycotillion@gmail.com.

The hunt was on at the Wellesley Square Holiday Stroll

December 15, 2022 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

The game was afoot at the Wellesley Merchants’ Association Holiday Stroll Scavenger Hunt, as dozens of families searched for QR-coded snowflakes at participating stops throughout Wellesley Square for the chance to win $800 in gift cards from 32 stores. After the Hunt was completed, four winners were picked at random. The holidays are shaping up to be extra happy for the families pictured below, shown collecting their prizes at London Harness.

Wellesley Square Scavenger Hunt — From left: Will, Doreen, Steve and Finn Barrett of Wellesley

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Linden Square Holiday Stroll brings festive fun to Wellesley

December 12, 2022 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

It may be the first time ever that an inflatable igloo has been set up in a Wellesley shopping area, but that’s the kind of magic that was happening at the the Linden Square Holiday Stroll on Sunday. The Courtyard was crowded with families looking to meet characters from Frozen, sip hot chocolate, enjoy carolers from the Wellesley High School choral program, and more. After the event shoppers went from store to store, knocking a few more items off their holiday shopping list. There’s still a good cushion of time until last-minute panic sets in, so shop local now in Wonderful Wellesley. Waiting will lead only to woe.

Linden Square Holiday Stroll — Tyed With Love set up an igloo in the Linden Square Courtyard where kids could make their own tie-dyed creations.

Whitin Observatory Public Night at Wellesley College, Dec. 9

December 3, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

Wellesley College will bring the stars up close and personal to viewers during its Whitin Observatory Public Night on Friday, December 9, 7pm-9pm on campus, rain or shine. Students will present their exciting research featuring exoplanets, aliens, galaxies and more. There will be activities for all ages, and visitors may observe the night sky with the observatory’s historic telescopes (if the skies are clear).

whitin observatory wellesley college — Whitin Observatory, Wellesley College

All visitors must register in advance.

General questions and information about disability accommodations and accessibility here.

Wellesley Square Holiday Stroll and Scavenger Hunt, December 4, noon – 6pm

November 30, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

SPONSORED CONTENT: The annual Holiday Stroll and Scavenger Hunt in Wellesley Square is this coming Sunday, December 4!

From noon-6pm, festivities have been planned by the Wellesley Square Merchants’ Association and are sponsored by Needham Bank.

Wellesley Square Merchants, Holiday Stroll — Rudolf and Frosty pose at Wellesley Village Church with the Wellesley High School Keynote Singers and the Rice Street Singers.

Schedule of Events

1:00-5:30 More than 50 carolers will be strolling throughout Wellesley Square
1:30-4:30 Sleigh rides from the Railroad Ave. Parking Lot (by Post Office Park)
1:00-5:30 Meet Frosty and Rudolph as they stroll throughout the Square
1:00-3:30 Pictures with Santa on Central St.
3:30-4:30 Sleigh Rides with Santa from the Railroad Ave. Parking Lot
5:00-5:30 Holiday Tree Lighting at the Wellesley Square Fire Station

The Scavenger Hunt Prizes are now $800

In addition to all of your favorite activities add to the fun by playing the Scavenger Hunt with your Smartphone. You’ll scan a QR code to play, and four winners will each come away with $800 in gift cards to Wellesley Square stores. All the details and the chance to register in advance are here: https://shopwellesleysquare.com/holiday-stroll-2022]

Wellesley Square Holiday Stroll — The Goss family was one of the four Scavenger Hunt winners last year. This year, each of four Scavenger Hunt winners will receive $800 in gift cards to Wellesley Square stores.

Get in the holiday spirit

There’s nothing like this great event throughout all of the greater Boston area. Frosty and Rudolf will be there to greet everyone and pose for selfies. Santa will take a break from his work at the North Pole to hear holiday wishes and later on give rides in his sleigh. And the event will be capped off with a tree lighting at the fire station. Afterwards, why not keep the fun going with dinner at a nearby restaurant?

Free parking has begun and runs through Jan. 2, 2023. Just look for the covered meters.