The Swellesley Report

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

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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Linden Square

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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Wellesley Juniors are no amateurs — annual Marketplace event raises $100k for community initiatives

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The Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club (WHJWC) on Saturday, Nov 23 hosted their annual Marketplace fundraiser. Proceeds from the show, in its 43rd year, are given back to the community in the form of need-based scholarships and grants. The 220 vendors at the Wellesley High School venue offered everything from handmade chocolates to art to floral arrangements. Here are a pics of a few community groups and Wellesley residents who worked tables:

Wellesley Marketplace
Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club co-chairs Jen Bonniwell (left) and Amy Baugh. The WHJWC is a volunteer organization dedicated to community service. 
Wellesley Marketplace
Hardy Elementary School 5th graders sold snacks to help fund some of their end-of-year programs.
Wellesley HS varsity cheer
The Wellesley HS varsity cheerleaders were there to show spirit and raise money for Dana-Farber (donate here), working toward a world without cancer.
Wellesley Marketplace
Shoppers check out the goods in the Wellesley High School cafeteria. 220 vendors sold their wares at Marketplace this year. The annual fundraising events raises around $100k to support WHJWC community initiatives.
Wellesley Marketplace
A Better Chance (ABC) president Ady Balog (right) and volunteer Sunny Allen. They were at Marketplace to raise awareness and funds for the program’s quest to purchase a permanent new home. Their capital campaign has so far raised 75% toward that goal. The Wellesley ABC program provides academically talented and promising young women of color from underserved communities A Better Chance through enrollment at Wellesley High School and participation in a residential program. 

Wellesley Marketplace
Wellesley Girl Scouts sold treats and crafts.
Wellesley Marketplace
The creative spirit of Wellesley Marketplace spilled over into the Wellesley High School parking lot.
Wellesley Marketplace
Not that we stalk the Juniors or anything, but on our way to dinner with friends we just happened to stroll by what looked to be their post-Marketplace P-A-R-T-Y spot on Moody Street in Waltham.

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Wellesley Business Buzz — we’ll tell you Wears Woody; don’t miss Marketplace; holiday events coming up

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Wellesley TransportationThis week’s Wellesley Business Buzz is sponsored by Wellesley Transportation. Owned and operated by Thomas Shinnick since 1995, Wellesley Transportation, formerly known as College Taxi, has been proudly serving Wellesley and the surrounding communities for over 100 years.  Originally established in 1912, Wellesley Transportation provides on-time airport, local and long-distance transportation in luxury vehicles.  For reservations, call or text 781-235-2200.

Here’s our round-up of the latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:

Wears Woody pops up in Wellesley Square

Wears Woody, WellesleyWears Woody, the casual clothing store with “bold coastal style” that started out on Cape Cod and the Vineyard, has popped up in Wellesley Square in the former NRO space (NRO hopped over to Linden Square over the summer), and will be there for the holiday season.

The way cool beach-vibe company sells T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps and more. The business got its start in a Jeep Grand Wagoneer and a rickshaw (built by some Babson College students), and has has grown since then, partnering with various retailers. Wears Woody is a big supporter of research into type 1 diabetes, which founder Mike Norwood has been living with for more than 30 years.

Wellesley Marketplace — Saturday, Nov 23, at Wellesley HS

Wellesley Marketplace

Wellesley Square Holiday Stroll

Wellesley Holiday Stroll

Holiday Tree Lighting, Linden Square

  • Snowman ice sculpture
  • Hot chocolate and cookies
  • Music from Bach 2 Rock
  • Winterscape photo backdrop in the courtyard (Available all month long – great for your holiday family photos)
  • Letters to Santa
  • Donation box for the Wellesley Food Pantry as a way to give back to the community. The food pantry is in need of any non-perishable or household items including: fruit canned in juice, dried fruit, canned meats, tomato sauce, non-grape jelly, almond butter and cashew butter.
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Sign up for Wellesley Kiwanis Club-sponsored Red Kettle Drive in Linden Square

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Salvation Army, Linden Square
Wellesley Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Peterson

Sign up has begun to Ring the Bell for the Salvation Army at Roche Bros. in Linden Square, Dec. 1 — 24. Volunteers are asked to sign up for one-hour shifts.

Sign up here for Dec. 1 — Dec. 20 shifts.

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.

Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Wellesley, the Red Kettle at Roche’s has annually raised over $25,000 thanks to the hundreds of local volunteers who sign up to ring the bell. The Salvation Army Red Kettle donations provide financial support to Wellesley residents through Wellesley Friendly Aid, the Wellesley Council on Aging, the Veterans Service officer and the Wellesley Board of Health.

Community volunteers are encouraged to pick a time and volunteer for the 25+ year Wellesley tradition. No experience necessary.  This year, The Swellesley Report will be there on Dec. 22. Members of the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant have graciously volunteered to be responsible for the bell-ringing shifts on December 4 and 5. In past years, residents, members of Town Boards, Town employees, business employees, members of the Wellesley High School Key Club and anyone else who enjoys participating in this opportunity have all volunteered to ring the bell at Roche Bros. as their way of lending a hand to Wellesley neighbors.

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Mass Hort Festival of Trees, a festive Wellesley holiday tradition

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Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Festival of Trees is not only an important fundraiser, it is one of the most festive occasions at The Gardens at Elm Bank.

Mass Hort, Wellesley, Festival of Trees

From November 29 – 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.

While the beautifully decorated trees are the centerpiece of the event, the Festival of Trees also includes 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

The Festival of Trees is a wonderful celebration of the holidays.

Planning Your Visit

Both the Festival of Trees display in the Hunnewell building and the Snow Village are accessible.

Groups are welcome during general hours. Council on Aging and similar senior groups can contact 617-933-4988 to schedule a private group visit on Monday – Thursday mornings. Reservations are necessary.

DATES TO VIEW TREES: November 29 – December 15
DATES FOR TRAINS AND LIGHTS: December 20 – 22 and December 27 – 29
LOCATION: Massachusetts Horticultural Society, 900 Washington St., Wellesley, MA
HOURS:
Wednesday and Thursday: 4pm – 8pm
Friday – Sunday: 10am – 8pm
Sunday, December 15: 10am – 6 pm

Tree raffle drawing: Sunday, December 15, 6pm. Winners need not be present.

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Boston Athletic Association awards Wellesley 22 Marathon invitational entries

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The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) for the 2020 Boston Marathon has once again doled out 22 invitational entries to the Town of Wellesley, which like other communities along the race route is privy to the coveted charitable race slots. Runners who are granted an invitational number get the prestige of running the historic 26.2 mile course and the advantage of having qualifying times waived. (The BAA for 2020 set those times for men and women ages 40 – 44 at 3 hours, 10 minutes and 3 hours, 40 minutes, respectively. You can see all the qualifying times categories here.)

boston marathon wellesley 2019.
2019 Boston Marathon runners sprint past Wellesley Town Hall on their way to the Copley Square finish line.

Wellesley has picked which charities will receive those numbers for the 124th running of the the Marathon. Here they are as presented by Wellesley Communications Manager Stephanie Hawkinson at a recent Board of Selectmen meeting:

Wellesley Fire Department:

Ben Hampton
Alex DeLorie

War Memorial Scholarship Fund:

Mark Johnson (WMS teaching assistant & Wellesley resident)
Tom Crehan (Facilities Management Dept. employee)

Non-profits (*one entry each, unless noted)

Non-profits (*1 entry each unless noted)
Wellesley METCO
Wellesley Scholarship Foundation
Wellesley Friendly Aid
Wellesley ABC (two entries)
Wellesley Education Foundation
Wellesley Theatre Project
Friends of the COA
Community Investors
Elizabeth Seaton Residence
Newton Wellesley Weston Committee for Community Living
World of Wellesley
MassBay Community College Foundation
Stray Pets in Need (SPIN)
Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries
Wellesley Softball Field Improvement Committee
Wellesley Rotary (two entries)

Now it’s up to the individual charities to dispense them to runners who, in exchange for the privilege or running 26.2 grueling miles from the Hopkinton starting point to the Copley Square finish line in Boston, must raise a minimum of $4,500 each.

To be considered for an invitational entry for the 2020 race, charities got their Marathon Charity Application in to the Selectmen’s office by Friday, Oct. 18, 2019.

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5 unique finds at Wellesley Marketplace

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SPONSORED POST: The Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club’s Wellesley Marketplace will host the 43rd Annual Wellesley Marketplace on Saturday, November 23rd at Wellesley High School, 50 Rice St. Open from 9am – 4pm, Marketplace is an annual retail favorite for those seeking unique holiday gifts for family and friends. With over 240 vendors and artisans from New England and further afield, it’s the perfect way to cross off plenty of items on your holiday shopping list, with style.

Premium Admission

Be the first to gain access to shopping when the doors open at 9am. Only those with premium admission may shop from 9am – 10am. Then stay to shop until 4pm. Your Premium Admission ticket is good for entry at any time during the day. Please note that these tickets are only available for purchase in advance of the event. No child/senior discounts. Premium Admission tickets are $20 each and are available online now.

General Admission

Shop anytime between 10am – 4pm. General Admission tickets are also available at the door on the day of the event. General Admission tickets are $15 each and are available online now.

Senior/Student General Admission Tickets

Shop anytime between 10am – 4pm. Senior/Student General Admission tickets are also available at the door on the day of the event. Senior/Student General Admission tickets are $5 each and are available online now.

Here are 5 unique finds to be had from Wellesley Marketplace merchants:

Fishaye Trading Co., Natick
Maroon striped bass print by longtime Marketplace-favorite Fishaye Trading Company. Fishaye creates Gyotaku fish prints from real fish to create stylish and functional art for the coastal home. Fisherman-artist John Doherty of Natick catches all of his own fish by rod and reel right here in the USA.
Dean's Sweets
Dean’sSweets of Portland, Maine, crafts little snowmen in dark, white, and milk chocolate. Dean’sSweets combines the highest quality chocolate with the best of local ingredients! All natural and always nut-free.
Liza Curtis Studio of Natick is new to Marketplace this year. Inspired by the ocean and fusing stained glass, 22k-gold, resin and stoneware clay, Liza Curtis “makes pots with love in small batches.” And it’s all food-safe!
WHJWC Marketplace, Wellesley
In this tide clock created by Tidepieces of Westport, Conn., a whimsical sandcastle is revealed as the tide recedes, along with its resident crab. Artist Alan Winick designs and builds more than 70 tide clocks in which sea level changes to match the actual local tide. The images are from original watercolor paintings.
WHJWC Marketplace, Wellesley
Local Color Jewelry of Needham creates handwoven fine jewelry featuring textures and the technique of Viking Knitting. Jennifer Yogel has been bringing her hand-crafted jewelry to Wellesley Marketplace for more than five years.
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