The Swellesley Report

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

Trivia with a Wellesley Twist coming to town

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The Wellesley Historical Society will be hosting a night of trivia at Papa Razzi in Wellesley on Thursday, Feb. 6, from 7-9pm.

The event is billed as Trivia with a Twist, and will include some Wellesley-related questions.

Food will be provided, and there will be a cash bar.

Trivia will start promptly at 7pm and participation in the game requires that you form a team. Teams should be between 3-8 people.

Prizes will be awarded to the winning team.

Purchase Tickets and Register your Trivia Team.

RSVP by January 31, 2020.

Additionally, to register a team, you can also email: Amanda Fisher, [email protected]

Support Swellesley: Here’s how to Advertise and/or Contribute to our independent journalism venture.

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Linden Square

World of Wellesley’s MLK breakfast to feature social justice panel discussion

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MLK Day, World of WellesleyThe annual World of Wellesley community breakfast in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will take place on Mon., Jan. 20, 2020, 8am – 10am at Alumnae Hall, Wellesley College.

The event will feature an inter-racial and inter-ethnic panel of social justice advocates who will provide insights on Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream and the fight for civil rights of Blacks, Indigenous People and Latin X. The talk will focus on where we are, where should we be and how can we get there together.

There will also be special performances by the Wellesley High School Cheer Team and the Kuumba Singers of Harvard University.

Please consider reserving a table, which could be used for your own group of 10 or donated for use by local students and community members. The donation for a table is $300* (10 people).

The donation for an individual ticket is $30. Students are $10 for full breakfast buffet.

Reservations due by January 17, 2020.

Free parking in Wellesley College garage (first right at main entrance on 135), and the building is accessible.

*To reserve tickets or a table and pay by check in advance or by cash or check at the door, please email your request to [email protected]. Mail checks to: World of Wellesley, P.O. Box 812381, Wellesley, MA 02482-0018.

This event is co-sponsored by World of Wellesley and Wellesley College.

At the 2019 breakfast, Claudia Fox Tree shined a spotlight on Native Americans.

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Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club scholarship apps due Mar. 1, 2020

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Wellesley Hills Junior Women's ClubThe deadline for the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club (WHJWC) scholarship applications for 2020-2021 is March 1, 2020.

In the 2019, the Club awarded a record $72,700 in scholarships and awards to 21 Wellesley students. Scholarships were given to graduating high school seniors and undergraduate college students in amounts ranging from $1,000 – $4,000.

Applications are evaluated based on demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, and involvement in community service. Applicants must be high school seniors graduating from Wellesley High School; Wellesley residents graduating from high school in or outside of Wellesley; or Wellesley residents currently attending undergraduate institutions on a full-time basis.

For more information about WHJWC’s scholarships programs, including how to apply, please visit: http://www.whjwc.org/scholarships/. Scholarship applications must be submitted by March 1, 2020.

Additional one-time named awards:

The Patricia C. Doiron Memorial Scholarship recognizes a graduating high school senior who has shown a commitment to early childhood education through participation in the Child Lab program at Wellesley High School, established in memory of Mrs. Doiron, a former Club member.

The Suzanne Stevens Scholarship recognizes a high school senior (or current college student) who has demonstrated academic strength and a commitment to community service despite adversity or hardship, named in honor of Mrs. Stevens, a former Club president.

MORE:

WHJWC raises $100k at annual Marketplace event

WHJWC donates big for softball field revamp

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Tenacre

Wellesley generosity overflows the Salvation Army Red Kettle

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Wellesley residents take Salvation Army Red Kettle time seriously. Each year over 200 volunteers sign up for a shift and ring the bell  in front of Roche Bros. in Linden Square. Their efforts help raise over $30,000 at that one kettle, funds that are used to help community members. Money raised is distributed to those in need by the Wellesley Council on Aging, Wellesley Department of Health, and Wellesley Friendly Aid. Holiday-time services include providing toys for needy children, food and clothing for families, and small practical gifts for shut-ins. The effort is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Wellesley

Salvation Army, Wellesley
The Swellesley family and one member of the Elwy clan took our turn at the kettle. From left, Ben Elwy (WHS Class of 2019); Mr. Swellesley; Caleb Brown (WHS 2016); Duncan Brown (WHS 2019); Mrs. Swellesley.

The Swellesley family and one member of the Elwy clan took our turn at the kettle as Chanukah was just getting started and Christmas was moving full steam ahead. It was an evening of high spirits for all as we were greeted by friends and neighbors who stopped by to help fill the kettle. One woman figured with five of us out there, we would likely break into carols if she waited around long enough. The Swellesleys are all pretty tone-deaf (I can’t speak for Ben), and assured her we were doing the world a big favor by keeping our songs in our hearts.

As I watched the steady stream of donations  — everything from pennies to twenty dollar bills — make their into the slot, I was struck by the incredible generosity of the community. There’s still time for you to give to the kettle. The last shift ends at 6pm tonight as the final bell-ringer, Peter Monson, brings it home, and Roche Bros. closes its doors for the holiday. (The store is closed on Christmas Day and re-opens Thursday, Dec. 26, 7am.)

To everyone I saw out there ringing the bell — members from the Board of Selectmen, the Trails Committee, and Town Meeting; Municipal Light Plant employees, first responders, private citizens, students, and the many, many others who escaped my notice — happy holidays. To all those who benefit from donations, thank you for being an essential part of Wellesley and for your many contributions to the town.

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Compass ad swellesley

Wellesley raffle winners to have Happy Holidays, indeed

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Wellesley Gardeners’ Guild has announced the winners for its annual  “Deck the Halls” raffle. A maximum of 300 raffle tickets at $20 apiece were available for the fundraiser, and three winners were randomly drawn on November 13th. Drum roll please:

The grand prize winner was Collette AuFranc of Wellesley. Colette had the exterior of her home decorated for the holidays by Nature Works Landscaping.

Wellesley Gardeners' Guild, raffle
As Wellesley Gardeners’ Guild’s first-prize raffle winner, Wellesley resident Collette AuFranc didn’t have to lift a finger this year to make her home Christmas festive. Photo credit: Beth Shedd photography

The second-prize winner was Chrisine Ward of Newton. Christine won two exterior holiday planters by A Blade of Grass.

The third-prize winner was Sandy Slodden of Wellesley. Sandy won a holiday table centerpiece by Posies of Wellesley.

All raffle proceeds support WGG’s civic projects in town. WGG was established in 1968 and is a non-profit organization that contributes to the beautification of Wellesley. The club funds, plants, and maintains the window boxes and containers at the Post Offices and Main Library; funds seasonal plantings for both the Town Square Clock Garden and the Fells Market sitting area; and participates in the Museum of Fine Arts “Art in Bloom” event.

Wellesley Square Holiday Stroll Scavenger Hunt winners

Congratulations to the lucky winners of this year’s Wellesley Merchants’ Association Holiday Stroll Scavenger Hunt. Four winning families came away with $1,000.00 worth of gift cards good at over 40 Wellesley Square stores. No wonder they’re all smiles.

Wellesley Merchants, raffle winners
The Ford Family from Wellesley: Tom (Dad), Pippa (Mom), with Burt, Quinn and Seth
Wellesley Merchants, raffle winners
The Keally Family from Wellesley: Alex (Dad), Nicolle (Mom), with Cassidy, Hadley, and Taylor
Wellesley Merchants, raffle winners
The Kim Family of Wellesley: John (Dad), Jenny (Mom), with E.J., Cailyn, and Keegan
Wellesley Merchants, raffle winners
Molly Manning of Wellesley, with her son, Matthew
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Apply for Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club scholarships by March 1, 2020

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Wellesley Hills Junior Women's ClubThe Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club (WHJWC) is accepting scholarship applications for 2020-2021 through March 1, 2020.

In the 2019, the Club awarded a record $72,700 in scholarships and awards to 21 Wellesley students. Scholarships were given to graduating high school seniors and undergraduate college students in amounts ranging from $1,000 – $4,000.

Applications are evaluated based on demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, and involvement in community service. Applicants must be high school seniors graduating from Wellesley High School; Wellesley residents graduating from high school in or outside of Wellesley; or Wellesley residents currently attending undergraduate institutions on a full-time basis.

For more information about WHJWC’s scholarships programs, including how to apply, please visit: http://www.whjwc.org/scholarships/. Scholarship applications must be submitted by March 1, 2020.

Additional one-time named awards:

The Patricia C. Doiron Memorial Scholarship recognizes a graduating high school senior who has shown a commitment to early childhood education through participation in the Child Lab program at Wellesley High School, established in memory of Mrs. Doiron, a former Club member.

The Suzanne Stevens Scholarship recognizes a high school senior (or current college student) who has demonstrated academic strength and a commitment to community service despite adversity or hardship, named in honor of Mrs. Stevens, a former Club president.

MORE:

WHJWC raises $100k at annual Marketplace event

WHJWC donates big for softball field revamp

[Read more…]

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Update: Trees donated to Wellesley Boy Scouts; wreaths, garland for sale, too

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Update:  About 50 trees have been donated by local church Milestone Wellesley to the scouts and were available at the usual location on Rte. 9.

 

Whether or not you were ever a Boy Scout, you undoubtedly know the 109-year old group’s motto: “Be Prepared.”

Well, there was no way Wellesley Troop 185 could have been prepared for this one: due to what organizers called a tragic accident involving their Christmas tree supplier, the trees could not be delivered for the annual Christmas Tree and Wreath sale this weekend (we have no further details on the accident).

boy scouts wellesley parade
Wellesley Boy Scouts march in the annual Veterans’ Day parade in Wellesley.

All is not lost. The Scouts will be selling wreaths, garland and kissing balls at 888 Worcester Street (Route 9 East), and they ask that you please come support them as this is their major fundraiser for the year.

These are the same young men who last month worked tirelessly for the annual Scouting for Food drive to benefit the Wellesley Food Pantry. They helped pick up canned goods left out on doorsteps all over town, delivered the items to the Pantry, and helped carry everything in for sorting, all to help those in need.

So go pick up your wreaths at 888 Worcester St. We’re thinking you need one for each window and door of your home. And don’t forget the garland and the kissing balls. The Scouts’ after-Christmas tree pickup service is still available.

If you can’t make it to the sale but you want to help out the Scouts with a donation, please send a check made out to Troop 185 to Paul Sullivan, 15 Fife Rd., Wellesley, MA 02482.

Paul’s the scout leader and he works tirelessly to provide the kids with programs that build character. Troop 185 will be telling this particular character-building story around the campfire for years to come.

WHAT: Boy Scouts Troop 185

WHERE: 888 Worcester St., Route 9 East

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 6,  5pm – 8pm
Saturday, Dec. 7,  8am – dark
Sunday, Dec. 8,  10am – 2pm

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Hat’s off to Wellesley Turkey Trot

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wellesley turkey trot 2019

A couple of thousands runners and walkers donned their best sneakers, turkey hats and water resistant gear, and started Thanksgiving day by taking part in the annual Wellesley Turkey Trot 5K. The course, which runs from Linden Square, through Wellesley Square and Wellesley College, and back to where it started, set the table for the Wellesley High-Needham High football game that started shortly after.

Needham’s John Benner defended his title in a time of 16:01, and New York City’s Jennifer Donnelly finished first among women (full results).

The feel-good, brawl-free Wellesley Turkey Trot is even more so because it raises a bunch of money ($90K+ last year) for good causes, including metastatic breast cancer research.

wellesley turkey trot 2019
Co-race director Carol Chaoui gives race winner John Benner his hardware

 

wellesley turkey trot 2019
Jennifer Donnelly, the fasted woman in the field, gets her trophy

 

wellesley turkey trot 2019
Biggest team: St. Andrew’s

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Food for thought: Wellesley Rotary Club and Mass Bay take on student hunger

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MassBay Community College and the Rotary Club of Wellesley have joined efforts to combat food insecurity at the college. To launch this partnership, the two organizations will host a public community presentation: Food for Thought: Fighting Student Hunger on College Campuses. On December 3, 6:30pm, at the Wellesley Library, MassBay President Dr. David Podell will speak about the negative impact of food insecurity on students, initiatives MassBay has put in place to help students, and how the public can help in this effort.

MassBay Wellesley
MassBay President Dr. David Podell attends a farmers’ market on campus.

EVENT: Food for Thought: Fighting Hunger on the College Campus
WHERE: Wakelin Room, Wellesley Main Public Library, 530 Washington Street, Wellesley
WHEN: Tuesday, December 3, 2019
TIME: 6:30pm

This event is free and open to the public.

Contacts:

[Read more…]

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