Business spotlight: Wears Woody has popped up in Wellesley Square, that’s where

December 11, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

SPONSORED POST: Wears Woody, drivers of a funky Grand Wagoneer and makers of bold coastal style, returns to Wellesley Square at 35 Central St. in the former NRO space.

The upscale yet casual retailer has grown quite impressively over its seven-year journey, now proudly manufacturing most of its expanding collection just north of Boston in Everett. It also donates 10% of its net profits to help find a cure for diabetes since the company’s founder has lived with Type 1 since childhood.

The Wears Woody crew crafted a poem that perfectly describes the vibe and purpose the brand conveys to its fans and clientele across the country, especially here in Wellesley where so many support their effort:

Wears Woody

Be sure to stop in! Great product and an even better cause. Open daily at 35 Central St. in Wellesley Square, 10am – 6pm until Christmas Eve.

Wellesley visited by the most lovely, fluffy snow

December 11, 2019 by Deborah Brown 2 Comments

Wellesley woke up Wednesday morning to a wintry scene courtesy of a couple inches of pretty, fluffy snow that lightly blanketed the town on Tuesday night. This is my kind of snow — not too heavy to shovel, not enough to cancel school or derail appointments, and decorative as all get-out. Feeling very cozy and New England-y today. Later on, I may even make soup.

So delighted to see that the original Wellesley Town Hall bell has been let out of its protective plywood covering in time to get dressed up in bows and garland for the holiday season. The historic bell was shielded from potential falling debris for the past year while the Town Hall underwent exterior renovations.

Wellesley Town Hall, Christmas tree — Menorah, Christmas tree, and crescent stand sentry in front of Wellesley Town Hall. Completed in 1886, the town hall (and one-time library) is on the National Register of Historic Buildings. The $5 million renovation project started in summer 2018 and is nearing completion.

Wellesley Library as seen from the front-door area of Town Hall.

Wellesley Town Hall — By late morning, the clouds began to clear.

The Wellesley Square Station Oak. The massive 150+ year-old, 70-feet tall Black Oak tree is a located near the post office.

Wellesley RDF — I stopped by the RDF to recycle and drop my trash into the compactor and my food waste into the large plastic containers conveniently located in front of each compactor.

Wellesley Gardners' Guild, post office — Wellesley Gardners’ Guild (WGG) did a great job on the winter arrangements for the Wellesley Square post office boxes.

Wellesley Gardeners' Guild — I stopped in to see the WGG members at their holiday greens workshop in the Wakelin Room of the library. As soon as I went through the revolving doors and entered the lobby, the scent of fresh-cut balsam hit me. I’m a WGG sustainer, but the truth is it’s they who sustain me. Looking good, ladies.

Linden Square in Wellesley is holiday-ready

December 10, 2019 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

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.

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.

Holiday happenings in Wellesley

December 10, 2019 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

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 (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 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

Through 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…]

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

December 6, 2019 by Deborah Brown 8 Comments

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

Happy holidays spotlight: London Harness and TUMI in Wellesley Square

December 5, 2019 by admin 1 Comment

SPONSORED POST: This holiday season shop at London Harness and TUMI, two independent and community-minded stores that help make Wellesley Square unique. London Harness has a rich history in Wellesley of offering fine luggage, briefcases, backpacks, wallets, travel accessories, corporate gifts, frames, photo albums, pens, jewelry boxes, calendars, and more. Their most popular services are monogramming and engraving — especially during the holiday season — and gift wrapping is always complimentary.

London Harness, Wellesley — Demian Wendrow, Amy Lynch, and their daughter Addison.

When Demian Wendrow and Amy Lynch first met in 2001 at London Harness, they had no idea how much they would discover they had in common. As they worked side-by-side, the two discovered a shared passion for serving customers in a retail business that has been in the Square since 1951. Now married and the proud parents of daughter Addison, they credit London Harness and TUMI as not just businesses that brought them together, but places that are an extension of who they are.

The TUMI Store happens to be the first family/independently woman-owned TUMI store in the United States, something that matters deeply to the couple. “Every time Wellesley residents shop this and other local stores, they’re strengthening this community,” says Amy.

London Harness, Wellesley

Demian and Amy are active partners with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). Demian is an adult survivor of leukemia he faced in his youth, and he and Amy donate a portion of the stores’ holiday proceeds to support the local LLS chapter. “As a survivor, l’m dedicated to supporting the mission of LLS, and we invite our customers to join us in doing the same,” says Demian, who serves as volunteer President of the Wellesley Square Merchants’ Association, which produces events such as The Holiday Stroll.

Never again step barefoot on a LEGO piece — Wellesley Library can help

December 5, 2019 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

We were heavily involved in LEGO projects for well over a decade in our house, and we loved every minute of the creativity and fun the interlocking plastic bricks provided. Eventually, though, the kids grew up, and the construction toys lay idle. We took most of ours to the RDF Reusables Area, which is currently closed for the winter months. Wish we’d known about LEGO’s Replay program.

If your kids have moved beyond the LEGO phase, bring them to the Wellesley Free Library and pay the fun forward. For two weeks between Sunday, December 8 and Saturday, December 21, the Children’s Room will be accepting old LEGO and DUPLO pieces to donate to new homes. Through the Danish toy company’s new Replay program, in conjunction with Teach for America and Boys & Girls Club of Boston, the library will gather old bricks. Then they will be sent for cleaning, and redistributed to bring the joy of play to young hands.

Lego Winter Village, Wellesley — The LEGO Winter Village created by Nick Tatar returns to the Wellesley Free Library, 530 Washington St., from Sunday, December 15 through the end of the month. Come see Santa’s workshop, the Clock Tower, and exciting winter scenes all made of LEGO. This remarkable festive display will delight families with children of all ages.

We still keep a bunch of LEGO pieces around for our now-college students, just in case spontaneous building sessions break out when they come home from school, so you might want to keep a few aside just in case. But if the idea of downsizing the collection sounds appealing, take advantage of the program, and know that the brain-building toys will be put to good use in another home.

A potential perk: never again step barefoot on a LEGO piece.

For further questions, please contact the Children’s Room at 781-235-1610 x1108.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries.

WHAT: LEGO Toy Drive
WHEN: Dec. 8 – 21
WHERE: Children’s Room, Wellesley Free Library

Holiday Happenings in Wellesley: Gingerbread House construction; giant snow people craft; where to get your Christmas tree, and more

Stamp Samaritan: A Wellesley holiday heartwarmer

December 3, 2019 by bbrown Leave a Comment

This might not quite make the cut for a Lifetime holiday movie, but a Swellesley reader shared this feel-good seasonal story.

Our reader (who prefers to remain anonymous, though who gave me a heads up about her story in person) bought 3 books of holiday stamps at the Wellesley Square Post Office. Michael, her favorite postal clerk, gave her the stamps in a glassine envelope, and she was off to a fast holiday start.

Only she wasn’t. Somewhere between the postal counter and her house, she lost 2 of the 3 stamp books.

“I searched everywhere, but no luck finding them,” our reader says “On a whim, I went back to see Michael at the post office a couple days later. I relayed my story of the misplaced stamps. I asked if, by any chance, someone had found them.”

The postal worker stepped away from the counter and returned with a small envelope. “What were the stamps?” he asked.

Our distressed reader replied: “The Christmas Wreaths and Winter Berries.”

Michael smiled and handed her an envelope with the 2 books of stamps. Someone had found them in the lobby.

Our reader says “I hope the person who turned in those stamps is reading this story, and knows I am grateful for that small gesture of kindness. It restored my faith in the holiday spirit.”

More: What’s up with all those new Wellesley mailboxes?

Frozen in Wellesley Square, in a good way

December 2, 2019 by bbrown 1 Comment

frosty and rudolph wellesley square

The brilliantly planned Holiday Stroll in Wellesley Square invited people to enjoy a day of shopping and activities before the snow really hit on Sunday.

Horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Rudolph, Frosty and Elsa, caroling and treats were among the attractions at the annual event.

But I’m just fumbling for words to describe the action. Upham Elementary School 4th grader Olivia Littlefield sums it up much better in this poem that she shared with us:

The carolers singing breaks through the air,
Christmas is coming to Wellesley Square.
Frothy white blankets of snow,
Kids are rushing to and fro.
A silent shiver from a towering pine,
I feel a tingling down my spine.
The sparkling crisps descending at the fair,
Christmas is coming to Wellesley Square.