The Wellesley Department of Public Works and the Wellesley Fire-Rescue Department are asking for your help clearing fire hydrants of snow in your neighborhood this winter season. There are over 1,400 hydrants in Wellesley and each one is potentially vital in the event of an emergency.
Supporters gather to wish all the best to retiring asst. fire chief Jeff Peterson
All the best to Wellesley Fire Department’s assistant fire chief Jeff Peterson on his retirement from the department after 37 years of service. A crowd of about 75 well wishers including Jeff’s family and friends, firefighting colleagues, Select Board members, town employees, a representative from Massachusetts State Representative Alice Hanlon Peisch’s office, and town residents gathered at the WFD route 9 headquarters to give him a fond farewell.
So what’s next for Jeff?
Answer: “I’m going to Disney World.” Literally. He and his family will visit the happiest place on earth later this summer. After that, he says he’ll see us all around town, probably at the Recycling and Disposal Facility.
Wellesley residents demonstrate at Town Hall against gun violence
World of Wellesley last week teamed up with the Wellesley Democratic Town Committee and the Wellesley Action Alliance on the front lawn of Town Hall for a demonstration in support of gun control and Black lives in the wake of incidents of gun violence including two mass shootings in May—one in Uvalde, Texas, which left 19 children and two teachers dead, and 17 wounded; and another in at a Buffalo, New York supermarket by an 18-year-old white man that killed ten and injured three in a predominately Black community.
Wellesley RDF adds flag retirement box to books area
According to the U.S. Flag Code, American flags that have seen better days, “should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” The problem is that most American flags are made of nylon which, when burned, releases toxic fumes. So no, do not throw your frayed flag into the fireplace on a cold winter night and set it ablaze. Instead, bring it to the new flag retirement box at the Wellesley Recycling and Disposal Facility (RDF).
The RDF this month placed one of the USPS-like boxes in the used books area to ensure that old American flags are respectfully treated. RDF Superintendent Jim Manzolini says, “Myself and the staff here have seen far too many flags in the trash compactors and on the floor of the trash building. We would prefer that flags be folded (correctly). If you need help doing so please stop by the office and someone will help you do so.”
The retired flags are properly disposed of by the Veterans’ Services Officer.
Worn-out flags can also be brought to Town Hall.
RDF Recyclable of the Month—textiles
These include clothing, blankets, gloves, jackets, hats, drapes, bedding, rugs, sneakers, backpacks, etc. (But not American flags. See above.) As long as it’s dry, it can go into the “Textiles Area” of the RDF. Even single sneakers, gloves or mittens without mates, and ratty old and frayed sweaters are acceptable. These poor-condition textiles get recycled, which keeps them out landfills.
Wellesley RDF hours
Mon.-Wed.: 7am-noon
Thur.-Saturday: 7am- 3:45pm
Closed Sundays–(Sunday hours resume April 2022)
Wellesley hydrant flushing: Oct. 18th-22nd
The Water & Sewer Division of the Wellesley Department of Public Works will be flushing water mains throughout the town Monday, October 18th through Friday, October 22nd. The purpose of flushing is to remove sediment buildup in the mains and to verify the safe operation of hydrants and valves.
The flushing may result in temporary discoloration of the water, caused by small particles dislodged during the flushing as well as possible reduction in pressure. The Division recommends restricting water usage. Discoloration of the water will be temporary and is not harmful. However, the discolored water might stain your laundry, especially white materials as well as the possible staining of plumbing fixtures.
Hydrant flushing is performed between the hours of 8am and 5pm. If you would like additional information, please call the Water Division at 781-235-7600 ext. 3355.
MORE:
Wellesley flu clinic and health day, October 13th
Join the Wellesley Health Department for a free Health Day and Flu Clinic at the Wellesley Housing Authority Community Room at 109 Barton Road. The Wellesley Free Library will be there along with other community departments and groups sharing resources and registering new library cards.
DATE: Wednesday, October 13 (rain date, October 20)
TIME: 3pm-5pm
LOCATION: WHA Community Room, 109 Barton Rd., Wellesley
Health care spotlight: Wellesley Dental Group welcomes two new specialists
SPONSORED POST: Wellesley Dental Group is a full-service, multi-specialty state-of-the-art dental practice that specializes in cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry. They provide regular preventative appointments, pediatric dentistry, orthodontic care including Invisalign, gum treatments, and more. Dr. Ali and Ali’s practice has welcomed two new specialists to ensure that you and your family can confidently receive care.
Welcome to Dr. Bahar Houshmand, Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Bahar Houshmand received her DDS degree from Stony Brook University, and University of Washington where she obtained her Master’s degree. Dr. Houshmand completed her pediatric residency training at University of Connecticut Health Center.
After completing her residency program, Dr. Houshmand joined the University of Connecticut Pediatric Dentistry department as a full-time faculty member, where she taught clinical and didactic courses to dental students and pediatric dentistry residents for the past few years.
Welcome to Dr. Marisa Reason, Orthodontist
Wellesley resident Dr. Marisa Reason completed her CAGS/MSD in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics in the Advanced Orthodontic Training Program at the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Her passion for orthodontics has led her to achieve the designation of a Diamond Top 1% Invisalign provider.
After graduating from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine, Health and Society, Dr. Reason earned her DMD at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. She is also a graduate of Dana Hall School in Wellesley. Dr. Reason is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, Massachusetts Dental Association, and American Association of Public Health Dentistry.
Safety is the top priority
Don’t neglect your dental care. Safety has always been a top priority at Wellesley Dental Group. To help prevent the transmission of all infections, including COVID-19, all proper safety equipment is in use to protect both you and the staff.