The Swellesley Report

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

Wellesley mourns Olivia Wigon, marine science student & WHS 2016 grad

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Olivia Wigon, WellesleyOlivia “Livi” Wigon, Wellesley High School Class of 2016, passed away on Wednesday, June 5. At the time of her death she was on summer break from the University of Miami, where she double majored in Marine Affairs and Human and Social Development. Her lifelong curious spirit took her from the WHS Evolutions program to The Island School, Eleuthera, The Bahamas; to Israel, and beyond.

Olivia leaves her parents, Timothy and Jennifer (Hanlon) Wigon; her sister, Dorothy (WHS, Class of 2014); her brother, Sam (WHS, Class of 2019); and many friends and relatives both close to home and around the world.

The cause of death was suicide. The family wanted to share this information with the community as a step toward de-stigmatizing depression and its sometimes tragic outcomes. Jennifer Wigon said, “We especially want our community to know that Livi battled depression, and suicide was the awful, tragic result, but not an inevitable one. We had hope, and others should, too. There are resources. It just seems so many kids are suffering.”

A memorial service will be held at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Rd., Wellesley, on Monday, June 10, 2019, 2pm. Immediately following, the family will observe shiva at Temple Beth Elohim until 4:30pm. Shiva will continue at the Wigon home on Monday and Tuesday, June 10 and 11, 7pm – 9pm. Burial will be private.

Donations may be sent in Olivia’s name to the Shark Research & Conservation Program at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.

For us here at Swellesley, this tragedy is personal. We stand with our dear friends and bear witness to a heartbreak that is impossible to comprehend. Our deepest condolences to the Wigon family.

Mental Health Resources

Wellesley High School, available supports

Town of Wellesley, Community Social Worker, Health Department

Town of Wellesley, mental health resources page, an overview

Important phone numbers and other information on local mental health resources

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website and hotline number 800-273-8255

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Centers for Disease Control

Principal Jamie Chisum in a letter to the community enclosed a document entitled, “Helping Students Cope with Tragic Loss”, co-written by Dr.’s Rob Evans and Mark Kline from Human Relations Service here in town noting that, “It is an excellent tool for all of us to read through as we support our children.” Here is a link to the document. Chisum also encourages all families to reach out to the school “if there are additional ways we can help your kids.”

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Freon leak causes Sprague School in Wellesley to close early for day

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Sprague Elementary School in Wellesley closed early on Friday, May 31 due to a freon leak.

Wellesley Police Department’s Lt. Marie Cleary said, “There was an HVAC issue with some freon leaking at the Sprague school. Out of precaution they evacuated the students and then decided to have an early dismissal. There were no injuries, and the Facilities Maintenance Department has responded and is working on repairing the issue.”

Freon is a toxic substance, albeit one that everyone coexists with who owns a refrigerator, air conditioner, or other appliance used for cooling. Inhaling the refrigerant or dermal exposure can cause harm and result in irritation to the eyes, ears, and throat; headache; nausea and vomiting; chemical burn to the skin; and dizziness.

Friday, June 14 is the last day of school, and it can’t come soon enough in town. Earlier this month, a fire broke out at Hunnewell Elementary School at 28 Cameron St., causing the school to remain closed for several days. The Fire Department said the fire was electrical in nature, and not suspicious.

I’ve never known Wellesley’s buildings to be so dramatic, practically kicking kids out before the school year is up. Not that the kids would complain if the doors shut a couple of weeks early. The State, however, takes a dim view of such fantasies.

What next? Locusts?

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Night paving in Wellesley along Washington Street on June 4

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From the Wellesley Department of Public Works:

Attention Drivers: Night paving is scheduled for sections of Washington Street beginning at 8pm on Tuesday, June 4 until 5am on Wednesday, June 5.

Department of Public Works crews will be paving milled sections of the road between Route 9 and Crescent Street. Drivers are asked to use caution in that area during the night.

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Fire at Wellesley’s Hunnewell School not deemed suspicious; school closed until Monday, Fun Fair postponed

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Wellesley fire, Hunnewell
Photo credit: Wellesley Police Department

A Wednesday morning fire at Hunnewell Elementary School at 28 Cameron St., in Wellesley closed the school for the day and will keep it closed until Monday, May 20.

The Hunnewell Fun Fair, slated for this Friday, is being postponed until Friday, May 31.

According to Wellesley Public Schools Superintendent David Lussier, the fire affected 2 classrooms and is not believed by the Fire Department to be suspicious. The Fire Department believes the fire was electrical in nature.

Lussier wrote: “Before we can safely re-open the building, several important things need to happen. We are conducting tests of surfaces and air quality throughout the entire school to ensure that no potentially hazardous materials became airborne outside of the affected classrooms. We are also assessing all electrical, fire detection, and other building systems to ensure that nothing was compromised and that all of our systems are fully operational.  

As each of these comprehensive steps will take time and after consulting with the many on-site experts at the scene, Hunnewell will remain closed until Monday, May 20th. If for any reason that date moves as a result of the testing and clean-up, we will communicate further details to the Hunnewell community.”

The community is asked to steer clear of the area, including the playground, while the investigation and cleanup continue.

 

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Wellesley Rotary Club to present Opioid Addition Prevention series

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Rotary Club of WellesleyThe Rotary Club of Wellesley‘s Addiction Task Force will present a series of Addiction Prevention seminars to fight opioid abuse in the community. The first seminar will take place on Wednesday, May 22, at the Wellesley Country Club, 5:45pm – 9pm. Register here.

Become a part of the club’s comprehensive approach to educating, advocating and providing information about access to services. Help the Rotary Club create opportunities for continued involvement as a unified voice to prevent opioid addiction in our community.

Seminar Structure

Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with a panel of experts representing healthcare, law enforcement, faith leaders, education, judiciary, and many other segments of our community.  Expect to participate in small discussion groups to express your experiences and views on opioid addiction prevention. Help the Rotary Club develop opportunities for continued participation in the club’s commitment to combating addiction.

Discussion Leaders:

[Read more…]

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