Summer Camp Spotlight: Creative Writing Workshop at Wellesley College Club

Sole Mates: Wellesley walkers get organized

Wellesley Business Buzz: July Jubilation is on; yard sale permits; ongoing Town job searches

Wellesley’s best walk — the Wellesley College Lake Waban loop

From Seattle to Wellesley, on a bike

July Jubilation Sidewalk Sale, Wellesley Square

Thinking of going into the yard sale business?

Help Wellesley plan for success

Wellesley Public Schools re-opens Director of Diversity search

July 22, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

SPONSORED POST: It’s time for your child to find out how fun writing can be at Creative Writing Workshop‘s summer program on the campus of beautiful Wellesley College. Our last session runs August 5 – 8, 8:45am – 11:45am. Spaces are currently available, so register now for this unique program open to writers of all ability levels — boys and girls — ages 8 through 12.

Creative Writing Workshop, Wellesley — Student collaboration session at Creative Writing Workshop.

This special writing workshop blends creativity and fun with the written word. Students will be “all in” on the writing process, often with multiple works-in-progress going such as short stories, personal narratives, poetry, journals, and graphic stories. The writers will hone important skills and gain confidence in their abilities, all while having fun with the process. All curriculum materials are included in tuition.

To spark imaginations, kids do activities both indoors and outdoors. By infusing joy in the creative writing process, students become more independent and confident in their writing ability and will find how fun writing can be. Students receive individual attention and will benefit from the creative ideas shared by all. The group is limited in size to ensure a low teacher:student ratio.

The Wellesley College Club at 727 Washington Street is our air conditioned indoor space. Most of our inspiration will come from the lush landscape, outdoor sculpture and art, and exposure to the dynamic culture of Wellesley College.

Please ask about the “Bring a Friend” discount. Spaces are currently available.

For more information, contact: [email protected]

[Read more…]

July 20, 2019 by bbrown Leave a Comment

A new Wellesley walking group dubbed Sole Mates has formed to bring those who want company while trotting around town to find each other easily.

You can join the Sole Mates group on Facebook, then suggest a walk or join one that’s been posted. As of July 20, the new group had several dozen members.

Donna Sheehy O’Kane launched the group with Sharon Murray after seeing a post from Murray on the What’s Up Wellesley Facebook group asking if there was a walking group in town.

“Having no knowledge of one, I responded and told her I’d be interested in forming one. She and I exchanged phone numbers, took a walk and became fast friends! Learning that we are both breast cancer survivors and that Sharon is also living with MS, Sole Sisters came to mind, but we wanted the group to include everyone…thus, ‘Sole Mates.'”

Wellesley Trails Committee-led walk of Fuller Brook Park's Brook Path — Brook Path walkers

O’Kane says the group is judgment free: no matter who you are, no matter where you’re from, no matter how fast you walk, and no matter how far you want to go, you are always welcome among Sole Mates. If enough people are on a walk, the group might split up to accommodate different paces and distances.

For starters, the group will walk the Fuller Brook Path on Wednesdays at 6pm, but others are welcome to suggest walks at other times and locations.

O’Kane loved walking at Centennial Reservation when she had a dog, and enjoys the Lake Waban loop as well.

“But the Brook Path is the jewel of Wellesley in my personal opinion. After undergoing multiple surgeries and treatment I didn’t want to deal with home maintenance and considered selling my house to live the condo life, which would have meant leaving Wellesley. I was walking the Brook Path and it occurred to me that unless I could afford to live along the Charles River in the Back Bay or Cambridge I couldn’t duplicate what the Brook Path offers. There is always a friendly face greeting you with a smile and a hello as you pass.”

O’Kane isn’t a mile logger either. “I am solely a walker.”

SUPPORT SWELLESLEY: Here’s how to Advertise and/or Donate to support our independent journalism venture

July 19, 2019 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

Come join the fun at one of Wellesley’s most-loved summer traditions, the July Jubilation Sidewalk Sale, sponsored by The Wellesley Square Merchants’ Association.

It’s going to be hot, but the Town of Wellesley, Police and Fire Departments as well as the Wellesley Square merchants, are all in favor of proceeding with the event and are working together to take precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of the animals, shoppers and visitors, workers and entertainers. Here’s more information on how they’re going to accomplish that.

If you’re planning a yard sale or a block party this summer, remember to buy your town permit online, in advance.

In Wellesley, residents are required to have permits for yard sales, estate sales, auctions, block parties and other activities. These permits are issued by the Board of Selectmen; please note the specific guidelines and fees for each activity.

Apply for permits online once you know the date of your activity. You may pay by credit card (preferred) or by bringing a check, payable to Town of Wellesley, to the Treasurer’s Office during regular business hours.

Payment is required before your permit is issued. Please allow for at least five (5) days to process your application.

The Town of Wellesley is looking for a candidate for Planning Director to work on issues related to planning, zoning, economic development, preservation, growth and sustainability.

The Director will manage, direct and administer municipal land use planning, zoning, and subdivision control programs within the Town as delineated by state statute and Town Bylaws and Zoning Bylaws while reporting to the Planning Board. Will serve as the Town’s principle professional advisor and resource on planning and development issues, providing technical expertise and professional techniques for the Board and the Town.

Salary up to $111,700 with an excellent benefit package. Here’s the full job posting.

Some of the responsibilities of the Wellesley Public Schools Director of Diversity will include formulating a strategic plan to support district diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; deepen community awareness, understanding, and respect for diversity, equity and inclusion; oversee the METCO program; and work collaboratively with the A Better Chance program. More information here.

July 18, 2019 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

The clock has struck mid-afternoon, and I’ve been at my laptop all day, pounding out posts for my sweet gig as co-editor of The Swellesley Report. My day has been busy, as usual, and I’d like to keep the momentum going. To do that, I must stay the pendulum’s swing. It may sound counterintuitive, but to keep going at work, I have to take a break from work. If I don’t rise and venture out, away from screens and the whole texting scene, late-day sluggishness will result. Time to hit refresh. I’m going to Lake Waban.

Lake Waban, Wellesley, Summer 2016 — Kayakers enjoy the calm waters of Lake Waban. The topiary garden is in the distance. Swellesley file photo.

The 2.5 mile loop around the 40-feet deep lake is a year-round joy. The spot is beloved by runners, walkers, dog owners, photographers, catch-and-release fishers, and anyone who simply wants to enjoy a quiet path shaded by a canopy of mature trees. Bikes are not allowed. For the uninitiated, the woodland spot can be a little tricky to find. A good parking spot is the lot across from the Wellesley College Club, located at 727 Washington Street, on Route 16. Cross the street at either of two well-marked crosswalks. You can then access the path to the left of the College Club.

Boardwalk, Lake Waban, Wellesley — Boardwalk through the marsh at Lake Waban. File photo.

The entire lake is surrounded by private property, some owned by Wellesley College, some by the Hunnewell family. On the lake path, it’s important to remember that we are all guests of either the college or the Hunnewells. Visitors and their dogs are welcome as long as they keep to the paths, and their dogs are kept leashed. It’s a sweet privilege, so don’t let the “no trespassing” signs get you into a huff. They’re a reminder not to stray onto the properties of the several huge homes that ring the lake, perched on slight rises to take advantage of the view. Also, no jumping into the lake off the recently repaired balustrade, as I’ve lately seen high-spirited youths doing. Swimming is not allowed in Lake Waban. The lake was heavily polluted with lead chromate and other chemicals by the former Henry Wood’s Sons Paint Factory, which was in operation between 1848 and the early 1920s. The factory stood by the current college athletic track, and according to a study conducted by Wellesley College, the factory “regularly discharged pigment waste onto ground surface, into unlined on-site lagoons, and into adjoining water bodies known as Waban Brook and Lake Waban.”

Wellesley College, Galen Tower, Summer 2016 — Galen Tower, on the campus of Wellesley College. Swellesley file photo.

In the 1990s, Wellesley College embarked on a major environmental clean-up of the area that included wetlands restoration and improvement of water quality. Although the lake is now considered clean enough for swimming, it still is not allowed. Old-timers recall a public beach area adjacent to the campus boathouse, but that’s a part of the past. I’ve heard the fishing is good in the lake, but just don’t eat your catch.

What you can enjoy are views of the lake against the backdrop of the beautiful architecture of Wellesley College, the topiary garden, the boardwalk through the marsh area, and the swans’ shenanigans as they boss around the Canada geese. The path itself is flat and easy, narrow in spots, with occasional tripping hazards such as roots and stones. The average walker will have little trouble with this easy, level loop, but those with mobility challenges might find it difficult going. Overall, the trail feels just long enough to be considered real exercise.

Lake Waban, stick house, Wellesley — You might come across surprises on the Lake Waban path. Here is one of two stick structures that recently appeared in the woods.

My favorite view: that from Pond Street looking across the lake to Galen Tower. As a child I read a lot of Grimm’s fairy tales, so I always suspect a princess is locked away up there. Then I remind myself that this is Wellesley College. Even if a princess somehow found herself banished to Galen Tower, the College “sibs” (as they collectively refer to one another) would quickly take care of business. First they’d spring the princess. Then they’d educate her. Finally, they’d send her out into the world to make trouble rather than being the victim of trouble.

For a humble townsperson living life far beneath the Tower, the Lake Waban trail has the ability to remove all troubles. That walk can open my mind to contemplative focus, something akin to a Psalm 23-style religious experience. It restoreth my soul. On especially good days, the loop leadeth me in the path of righteousness. Refreshed, I can get back to work. With perspective, I suddenly know which tasks to double down on, and which to let go.

Thanks for the clarity, Lake Waban. I toss a stone into your waters, and come away with energy. I look across your blue fields, and float through the rest of my day.

Will Wellesley College ban dogs on Lake Waban Path? Unlikely, but….

Another nice loop: Gates Pond in Berlin, Massachusetts

Can’t make it to a lake? Try a labyrinth walk

« July 2019 »

July 15, 2019 by bbrown Leave a Comment

I don’t know Reed Smith and Karen Haberly personally, but I know Karen’s a regular Swellesley reader and they’re one of those couples I recognize and seem to see around Wellesley frequently, maybe on the soccer fields in the past, maybe sitting in front of Brueggers. But neither you nor I will be seeing Reed around for the next 6-8 weeks, since he’ll be biking some 3,200 miles from Seattle back to Wellesley.

“He enjoys challenging himself because there’s nothing like the feeling of accomplishing a tough challenge,” Karen writes. “He’s always wanted to walk the Appalachian trail, until he read A Walk in the Woods and realized that there’s not much to see anymore with the woods having grown up all around the trail. So it sounded pretty boring. That’s when he latched onto cycling as a way to meet these lofty goals.”

Two years ago, Reed rode his bike 2,000 miles to Key West. A few months later he turned North from here and rode to the Canadian border at the tip of Maine. Last summer, he cycled to Niagara Falls, up over the Great Lakes, and returned through Vermont.

“He’s kind of addicted now,” Karen says. “He meets the most interesting people. He gets time alone with his thoughts. He sees amazing things. And yes, he has a wife who supports him on these trips.”

How does someone get this much time off for such excursions? Reed has worked hard during his career and has been semi-retired for a few years. While he teaches at MassBay Community College, he has no classes this fall.

While Reed’s much more engineer than writer, Karen hopes he’ll do some blogging about his adventure, or at least take a daily picture of someone he meets (though she fears it could be more pics of tents drying out and dinners and McDonalds).

We wish Reed good travels, riding and camping in the weeks to come.