From Wayne to Wellesley: Retiring postal worker’s open letter to ‘family of friends’

June 25, 2020 by Bob Brown 10 Comments

AN OPEN LETTER TO MY FAMILY OF FRIENDS OF THE WELLESLEY COMMUNITY:

For approximately the past 10+ years I have had the pleasure & honor of being your “Window #2 postal clerk” at the Wellesley Square Post Office. It has truly been a great & rewarding run! It is time for me, however, to venture on into life’s next adventure as I will be retiring from the United States Postal Service on June 30th after 32 & 1/2 years of employment.

Over these past 10+ years I have made countless friends & have shared much with so many….from celebrations of newborns for younger families to the reward of becoming a grandparent, first time or many times over…….we’ve shared in the pain of the passing of beloved family and friends, far too many of my postal community….we’ve shared in & celebrated many of life’s rewarding gains and accomplishments while also sharing in life’s unfortunate losses and disappointments….I’ve had the distinct honor to have helped a few of the community’s centurions and many, many members of “the greatest generation ever”….many a local celebrity, from sports, television, and local news media have graced my window…and most importantly the countless numbers of good ‘ol genuine, down to earth townsfolk…….I was able to share with you (much to many a raised eyebrow) my celebration of being a 20 year brain tumor survivor (tho the long hair in a ponytail & long beard were grown with good purpose – it was donated to Cancer Research Centers of America for a wig- I promise not to grow it out again!

)……your prayers and well wishes after my rare heart attack greatly helped in both my physical and emotional recovery….you so greatly shared in and supported the publishing of my first book, Gus the Goose”, of which retirement will now afford me the time to catch up and finish writing four sequels of Gus’s adventures…a very special shout out of gratitude and thank you to the Elmwood Christian Church DOC Preschool for hosting my first book reading, the Sprague school for their 1st grade book award and presentation, and to the Wellesley Bookstore for carrying my book on their shelves and having a book signing during the towns annual July Jubilee…….you have entrusted and confided in me your own personal stories, trials, and tribulations through many a conversation at my window, sharing both many laughs and tears……..and although it was always uncanny that I was”never at work” when Santa worked my window, I have first hand knowledge that it meant more to Santa than you will ever realize, to see the glimmer, excitement, and childlike belief in Santa, in the eyes of both young and old….Santa wants you to always remember this: Santa is so very real and he does truly exist…for he lies within the hearts of each and every one of us!)…rumor has it that Santa just may be back come holiday season to greet postal patrons!!!

So, in closing this chapter of my life, I want to take this moment to thank each and every one who has shared a laugh, a tear, a handshake or a hug, a conversation…even just a smile and I’ve had the opportunity to say “I thank you kindly!” at my window these past 10 years! Your genuine friendship has touched this man’s heart and will leave lasting priceless memories of a very rewarding time in my life! I wish all the very best of health, of life’s rewards, and tomorrow’s filled with great joy, laughter, and priceless memories shared and made with family and friends! Until our paths shall meet again (or Santa shouts out to you while your in line

🏼), and with my greatest heartfelt gratitude, appreciation, and very best of wishes……..God bless.

Wayne Watson

“Window #2 clerk

Wellesley Square Post Office

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Everyone zoomed in on Wellesley baby’s baptism

June 11, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The decision to celebrate Griffin Baum’s baptism by Zoom came down to a race between when it would be safe to join in community at Wellesley Hills Congregational Church in light of the COVID-19 crisis and when the baby would outgrow his great grandmother’s baptismal gown.

But with Griffin born in February at a solid 9 lbs, 14 oz, it became apparent this was going to be no contest. A hybrid digital-and-in-person ceremony it would be.

baum baptism

Baum, a single mom by choice, had big plans for Griffin’s baptism before the pandemic emerged. The mom and her baby were to be joined at the ceremony by family, friends, and the congregation. The family included Baum’s parents and 2-year-old son Parran as well as the Godparents—a cousin who is a resident at Washington University, his wife, and Baum’s sister, who lives in Virginia. Plus 5 kids between them.

“About two or three weeks ago it was clear that the day wouldn’t happen as planned. But I wanted to have Griffin baptized in his great grandmother’s baptismal gown,” Baum says. “Because we are a unique family I wanted to make sure that Griffin feels that he is part of a great family from the start. Many family members have been baptized in the gown.”

Baum’s parents moved to Wellesley in 1990, when she was in 8th grade. She went to college and lived elsewhere for years, but moved back in December of 2015 to have her children near family and join her father as a financial advisor.

That local family joined outside on the porch on Sunday, June 7th for the newfangled baptism. Rev. Anne Marie Holloway led the service in person, and was joined there by Baum, her children and her parents. The Godparents and their families joined by web conference, as did other friends and family, making for about 30 people on the call across 15 devices.

“I emailed and talked a lot with Anne Marie” leading up to the ceremony, said Baum, who has been working from home during the COVID-19 crisis, with many thanks to a reliable nanny. “[Anne Marie] and the church were in constant communication about what they could do to make the baptism happen. She said that the church proper would remain closed but that we could have it at the house outside. We didn’t want to put anyone at risk having it indoors (for my parents or my children).”

The baptism took lots of planning. This included staging an altar in preparation for Griffin to receive the sacrament, as well as getting the camera and mic working. Readings were chosen for the Godparents and Baum’s niece, and a program was created. Set-up was done with masks on; they were removed just for the actual ceremony.

“Making sure everyone could be seen and heard. Avoiding zoombombers. Making sure everyone was on mute and there were no unconventional sounds during the ceremony,” Baum said. “In the end the actual ceremony was only 13 minutes, according to my sister… In the end more family was able to attend via Zoom. And they probably had a better view than from the pews.”

Plans are to do something in the church once it re-opens to all. “It will be announced in the Parish Register this Sunday,” she says.

Those who Zoomed in this past Sunday weren’t disappointed. They were treated to a moving ceremony plus the sort of hijinx you’d expect from a 2-year-old big brother.

“We had Parran pour the water into the font. Anne Marie blessed it and then Parran and I baptized Griffin. Parran said, ‘Bless you, I love you.’ And then big brother baptized him three more times…,” Baum said.

Aiming to hold Parran’s attention during the ceremony, Rev. Holloway had given him a little lamb to hold. Naturally, the lamb got baptized, too, and went swimming in the font toward the end of the ceremony.

Any pictures I asked? Why of course…

How Wellesley has had public housing residents’ backs during COVID-19 crisis

June 10, 2020 by Bob Brown 1 Comment

As the COVID-19 crisis emerged, the Wellesley Housing Authority’s (WHA) first concern—beyond health-related ones—was about residents’ rent calculations.

“We knew that a lot of our residents would be affected by COVID-19 due to loss of hours, or possibly loss of jobs,” said Executive Director Sean Barnicle, sharing his report at the most recent WHA board meeting. “So we took the proactive approach of talking to residents and making changes [to their rents] without specific requirements for backup paperwork… We were able to have them put their requests in writing through us.”

This enabled the authority to adjust rent amounts without having to wait for letters from employers confirming changes in jobs or collecting several pay stubs for proof, said Barnicle, who started his job at WHA in April.

“We wanted to try to give them some solace that we’re trying to work with them through this unprecedented time,” he said.

While a significant number of residents, particularly in family units, have lost jobs or hours during the pandemic, others—including those on the front lines—have gained shifts and hours. Rules put in place by the country, state and WHA have helped to ensure that these residents are able to pocket gains, including stimulus checks. Rents were frozen March 1 and will stay that way through the end of July, and monies such as stimulus checks and enhanced unemployment aren’t being factored into income that rent calculations are based upon.

“The money should go to the residents, it shouldn’t then be portioned back out to the local housing authority, which then goes out to the state and federal coffers,” Barnicle said. Things can be re-evaluated as the new normal presents itself.

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Working during the COVID-19 crisis

WHA has also taken care of its staff, and as a result its residents, by moving to a work-at-home system early on, and that will largely continue, with some employees trickling back to the office on a rotating basis. It also works closely with the town’s Board of Health, which considers the public housing community in Wellesley one of its priorities.

Facilities workers have largely been kept out of residents’ units, with work focused outside when possible, including landscaping, refurbished flower boxes and other beautification work where employees are able to divide and conquer.

wellesley morton circle apartments near police station — Wellesley Public Housing: Nice view!

One way WHA has made sure to stay in close touch with residents even from afar is by launching a new Wellesley Housing Authority website, said Jackie Sullivan, deputy director. Sullivan’s goal had been to get the site up by June, but she launched it earlier when she realized electronic communication was going to be the norm during the pandemic. The site features resources on the new coronavirus, WHA announcements, and fun stuff like a jelly bean counting contest.

River Street public housing — River Street housing looking springy

Looking ahead, as the COVID-19 threat hopefully subsides, WHA has residential improvements planned. These include a $250K window replacement project at its Washington Street units near the police station. The bidding process for that work, which includes the replacement of old crank-out windows that are tough for residents and maintenance to deal with, is getting underway.

Another project in the works is a refurb of the Barton Road complex office. While having two big projects going at the same time will be a handful, Barnicle is also hopeful that this will be a prime time to get good deals out of contractors hungry to get back to work.

Barnicle lamented that he had to be the bearer of bad news to some residents who had rolled out kiddie pools as the weather heated up. They’re too much of a liability concern to allow. But the town has come to the rescue with a good alternative. Through the Wellesley COVID-19 Relief Fund, a few dozen splash pads/sprinkler mats are being supplied to residents and other families in need.

More: Embracing diversity in Wellesley

Wellesley Village Church invites everybody to gather in solidarity

June 6, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Wellesley Village Church, demonstration

Wellesley unites against injustice

Beyond Wellesley: Natick students demand end to racism and bias in schools

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Wellesley unites against injustice

May 31, 2020 by Bob Brown 9 Comments

wellesley vigil

Hundreds of people, many holding signs bearing the names of those killed in recent years while in police custody, lined Washington Street in Wellesley from Reidy Field past the tennis courts in a mostly silent vigil on Sunday afternoon.

The somber crowd, facing the road as honking vehicles drove by, urged justice for George Floyd and an end to police brutality.

World of Wellesley’s Michelle Chalmers, ringing a bell, spoke impassionedly about fighting racism as she walked the length of the crowd.

Wellesley Police kept a low profile at the peaceful event.

The vigil took place one day after a similarly sized crowd gathered on Natick Common in a demonstration focused on the same issues. Protests, some turning violent and resulting in curfews, continue to spread across the country.

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Hundreds of people unite in #Wellesley Mass to urge #justiceforgeorgefloyd & an end to police brutality #vigil #BLM #swellesley #peacefulprotest

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wellesley vigil

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Peaceful weekend protests set in Wellesley, Natick to support justice for George Floyd

May 30, 2020 by Bob Brown 10 Comments

A Black Lives Matter silent vigil/protest for justice for George Floyd and to end police violence will be held at 4pm in Wellesley on Sunday, May 31 at Reidy Field on Washington Street. Signs are welcome.

George Floyd, 46, died on May 25 after being arrested by police outside a shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In video footage of the arrest, a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, 44, has Floyd pinned to the ground and is kneeling on his neck. Chauvin kept his knee of Floyd’s neck for over eight minutes, even as concerned bystanders tried to verbally intervene.

Floyd was taken by ambulance from the scene of the assault to a medical center, where he died about one hour later.

Chauvin, 44, has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. He has been fired, along with three other officers who were at the scene.

Since Floyd’s death, there have been widespread protests, some violent, across the country.

Wake up, Wellesley

Last year, a group of about 300 Wellesley High School (WHS) students, led by the student organization Young Ethnic Scholars (YES), walked out of class and onto the athletic field to “take action against the racial injustice rampant in YOUR community.”

The group, made up of students of color and their allies, was protesting racist incidents that occurred in the Wellesley public schools.

Hundreds gather in Natick

Separately, hundreds of community members gathered on Natick Common on Saturday, May 30 in support of justice for people of color who have been killed, threatened or otherwise unjustly treated in the wake of George Floyd’s death while in police custody.