The Swellesley Report

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

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

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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.

Wears Woody
Wears Woody all began on Cape Cod in the summer of 2011 with a funky “Woody” Wagoneer and a trailer full of flip flops. Dude.
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Linden Square

Linden Square in Wellesley is holiday-ready

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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.

Sign up here for shifts through Dec. 20.

Sign up here for Dec. 21 – Dec. 24 shifts.

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.

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Wellesley Business and Non-Profit Buzz: Salon news; Tollhouse Shop holiday hours; Volvo moves

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Our round-up of the latest Wellesley business news:

 

Sleek Salon coming; Nails Studio has new owner

A new business called Sleek Salon is heading to 245 Washington St. in the building where Yama serves up sushi and more upstairs. More details to come closer the salon’s opening, but the business takes over the spot formerly occupied by Id Salon.

sleek yama wellesley

Not far from there, at 451 Worcester St., Nails Studio has a new owner in Rachel Lee. It’s her first business. “I used to work in Newton Highlands then I heard about this business selling, that’s why I bought it,” Lee says. She understands that there are many salons in town, and pledges to provide good customer service. “At Nails Studio, we don’t do acrylics or anything that harms peoples’ nails. We do manicure and pedicure, and dip-powder, which is very healthy and organic,” she says. You can book reservations at the Nails Studio website.

Got tips on business openings, closings or whatever, feel free to email us here: [email protected]

Also email us if you’re interested in sponsoring our weekly Wellesley Business Buzz roundup.

Wellesley Historical Society Tollhouse Shop, holiday hours

Worried about finding that unique gift for your loved one or friend? Stop by the Wellesley Historical Society’s Tollhouse shop, Wellesley’s best-kept secret. The Shop offers an array of ever-changing treasures, and all proceeds from sales go to support the non-profit organization.

Wellesley Tollhouse Shop

Regular shop hours:
Wednesdays, 10am – 2pm (closed on Christmas Day)
Saturdays, 10am – noon

Special holiday hours for those last-minute gifts:
Monday, December 23, 10am – noon

Note: All donations are to be made during Tollhouse hours.

Volvo of Wellesley moves down Rte. 9

Volvo of Wellesley has moved west on Rte. 9 to Bernardi Volvo Cars in Natick. The new location at 910 Worcester St. is just a few minutes’ drive from the old site.

Skin center also moves along Rte. 9

Forever Young Laser and Skin Center has announced it is moving its main office in Wellesley to a larger facility. As of Jan. 1, it will be seeing clients at 170 Worcester St. (Rte. 9), just 3 doors down from the current facility.  In addition to its main office, the business will continue to see clients at its satellite facility at Precision Pilates in Danvers.

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Happy holidays spotlight: London Harness and TUMI in Wellesley Square

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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.

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Frozen in Wellesley Square, in a good way

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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.

 

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ice sculptor wellesley squareelmo wellesley toy shopshop small signhorse carriage wellesleydonate boxhats wellesley square shopperssanta wellesley squarekidville wellesley holiday [Read more…]

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Wellesley Square Holiday Stroll, December 1, noon – 6pm

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SPONSORED POST: The Wellesley Square Merchants’ Association is getting ready for the always festive Holiday Stroll on Sunday, December 1, noon – 6pm. In addition to all of your favorite activities, from the carolers to the tree lighting ceremony, this year’s Scavenger Hunt will be more fun and exciting than ever before. You’ll use your phone to play, and four winning families will each win $1,000 in prizes. All the details and the chance to register in advance are here: https://shopwellesleysquare.com/holiday-stroll-2019/

The Holiday Stroll makes it easy for shoppers also get in the spirit of the season as they seek out the big savings at over 60 stores. Dozens of stores throughout every corner of Wellesley Square are participating in the Scavenger Hunt  — European Manor; London Harness; Wellesley Holiday Boutique; E.A. Davis; Wellesley Toy Shop; Alta Strada and more.

Wellesley Holiday Stroll

Frosty, Rudolf, and of course — SANTA

On the big day carolers will roam Wellesley Square, as will Frosty and Rudolf — they’re always up for a photo op. And of course, Santa will be there in all his jolly glory. You can bet he’d never miss the Holiday Stroll and the chance to hear the holiday wishes of all the children. There’s nothing like this great event throughout all of the greater Boston area.

Wellesley Holiday Stroll

Join Us In Supporting The Rotary Club’s Programs to Support Our Youth

The Wellesley Rotary Club will be in Wellesley Square during the Holiday Stroll to be a part of the Scavenger Hunt as well as share with you news of their various youth programs, including providing meals to financially limited students. Please support them with a tax deductible donation and by purchasing tickets to their annual Taste of Wellesley event.

Parking

All this and free 2-hour parking for the entire month of December, courtesy of the Town of Wellesley. Here’s a map that will direct you to the free parking.

Wellesley Square Merchants Directory here.

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What’s open and closed in Wellesley at Thanksgiving-time, 2019

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wellesley turkey trotHere’s everything you need to know about what’s open and closed on Thanksgiving weekend in Wellesley:

Wellesley Public Schools

Wednesday, November 27, early release
Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29, no school and buildings are closed
Monday, December 2, no school for students; Professional Day for faculty

Wellesley Libraries

Wednesday, November 27, closing at 5pm
Thursday, November 28, closed
Friday, November 29, regular hours resume

Wellesley RDF:

Thursday, November 28, closed all day for Thanksgiving
Friday, November 29, open regular hours (7am – 3:45)
Saturday, November 30, open regular hours (7am – 3:45)

Sunday RDF hours have been discontinued for the winter. Sunday hours will resume in the spring

Town Hall

Thursday, November 28, closed
Friday, November 29, regular hours resume

Grocery stores:

Fells Market: Thursday, November 28, open 9am – 1pm, but the meat counter and the deli are closed, and there are no alcohol sales
Roche Bros.: Thursday, November 28, closed
Whole Foods: Thursday, November 28, closed

Parking:

Parking meters are free on Thursday, November 28

Other:

Banks, Post Offices, and the UPS store are closed on Thanksgiving.

wasiks cheese shop line
The pre-Thanksgiving Day Cheese Shop line (on Monday, Nov. 25). Photo courtesy of Dennis McCormick. The shop’s open 10am-6pm Tuesday & Wednesday, closed on Thanksgiving Day
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Wellesley Juniors are no amateurs — annual Marketplace event raises $100k for community initiatives

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The Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club (WHJWC) on Saturday, Nov 23 hosted their annual Marketplace fundraiser. Proceeds from the show, in its 43rd year, are given back to the community in the form of need-based scholarships and grants. The 220 vendors at the Wellesley High School venue offered everything from handmade chocolates to art to floral arrangements. Here are a pics of a few community groups and Wellesley residents who worked tables:

Wellesley Marketplace
Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club co-chairs Jen Bonniwell (left) and Amy Baugh. The WHJWC is a volunteer organization dedicated to community service. 
Wellesley Marketplace
Hardy Elementary School 5th graders sold snacks to help fund some of their end-of-year programs.
Wellesley HS varsity cheer
The Wellesley HS varsity cheerleaders were there to show spirit and raise money for Dana-Farber (donate here), working toward a world without cancer.
Wellesley Marketplace
Shoppers check out the goods in the Wellesley High School cafeteria. 220 vendors sold their wares at Marketplace this year. The annual fundraising events raises around $100k to support WHJWC community initiatives.
Wellesley Marketplace
A Better Chance (ABC) president Ady Balog (right) and volunteer Sunny Allen. They were at Marketplace to raise awareness and funds for the program’s quest to purchase a permanent new home. Their capital campaign has so far raised 75% toward that goal. The Wellesley ABC program provides academically talented and promising young women of color from underserved communities A Better Chance through enrollment at Wellesley High School and participation in a residential program. 

Wellesley Marketplace
Wellesley Girl Scouts sold treats and crafts.
Wellesley Marketplace
The creative spirit of Wellesley Marketplace spilled over into the Wellesley High School parking lot.
Wellesley Marketplace
Not that we stalk the Juniors or anything, but on our way to dinner with friends we just happened to stroll by what looked to be their post-Marketplace P-A-R-T-Y spot on Moody Street in Waltham.

[Read more…]

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Wellesley Business Buzz — we’ll tell you Wears Woody; don’t miss Marketplace; holiday events coming up

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Wellesley TransportationThis week’s Wellesley Business Buzz is sponsored by Wellesley Transportation. Owned and operated by Thomas Shinnick since 1995, Wellesley Transportation, formerly known as College Taxi, has been proudly serving Wellesley and the surrounding communities for over 100 years.  Originally established in 1912, Wellesley Transportation provides on-time airport, local and long-distance transportation in luxury vehicles.  For reservations, call or text 781-235-2200.

Here’s our round-up of the latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:

Wears Woody pops up in Wellesley Square

Wears Woody, WellesleyWears Woody, the casual clothing store with “bold coastal style” that started out on Cape Cod and the Vineyard, has popped up in Wellesley Square in the former NRO space (NRO hopped over to Linden Square over the summer), and will be there for the holiday season.

The way cool beach-vibe company sells T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps and more. The business got its start in a Jeep Grand Wagoneer and a rickshaw (built by some Babson College students), and has has grown since then, partnering with various retailers. Wears Woody is a big supporter of research into type 1 diabetes, which founder Mike Norwood has been living with for more than 30 years.

Wellesley Marketplace — Saturday, Nov 23, at Wellesley HS

Wellesley Marketplace

Wellesley Square Holiday Stroll

Wellesley Holiday Stroll

Holiday Tree Lighting, Linden Square

  • Snowman ice sculpture
  • Hot chocolate and cookies
  • Music from Bach 2 Rock
  • Winterscape photo backdrop in the courtyard (Available all month long – great for your holiday family photos)
  • Letters to Santa
  • Donation box for the Wellesley Food Pantry as a way to give back to the community. The food pantry is in need of any non-perishable or household items including: fruit canned in juice, dried fruit, canned meats, tomato sauce, non-grape jelly, almond butter and cashew butter.
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