The Swellesley Report

Since 2005: More than you really want to know about Wellesley, Mass.

Wellesley Climate Action Committee—reduce your climate impact by weatherizing your home

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SPONSORED CONTENT: The following is the first in a series by the Wellesley Climate Action Committee of practical ways to reduce your climate impact. 

Want to make a real difference in your community and help preserve the planet for future generations? In this series, the Wellesley Climate Action Committee will share six practical ways you can reduce your carbon footprint—starting with weatherizing your home.

Weatherizing isn’t just about cutting emissions—it also boosts your home’s comfort and saves you money. By sealing air leaks and adding insulation, you can reduce your home’s greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30%. That’s a powerful step toward helping Wellesley reach its ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Why Weatherize?

Wellesley Climate Action Committee
By sealing air leaks and adding insulation, you can reduce your home’s greenhouse gas emissions. Photo by HomeWorks Energy.

Weatherization improves your indoor comfort by reducing drafts, stabilizing indoor temperatures, and controlling moisture. It also lowers your heating and cooling bills, increases your home’s value, and helps extend the lifespan of your HVAC systems. Plus, many homeowners qualify for incentives that cover 50–100% of weatherization costs, along with up to 30% in tax credits. Federal tax credits apply to installations made before December 31, 2025.

Ready to take action?

The first step is a free home energy assessment to pinpoint where your home is losing energy. If you heat with natural gas, call 781-305-3319; for oil, propane, or electric heating, call 888-577- 8448.

Your home energy assessment will include tailored recommendations—such as adding insulation, air-leak sealing, upgrading windows and doors, improving ductwork, or even planning energy-efficient renovations and additions. And don’t worry about the costs—there are plenty of incentives to help offset your investment. These upgrades will lower your energy bills and boost your home’s value, making weatherization a win-win.

For personalized guidance, connect with a Wellesley Energy Coach at EnergyCoach@wellesleyma.gov.

     

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black & blue, Wellesley
Olive Tree Medical, Wellesley
Haskins Automotive, Wellesley
MIT Museum, Cambridge

AdmitGenie: Wellesley-Weston tech innovators help students unlock college admissions success

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SPONSORED CONTENT: For parents of high schoolers, the college admissions process can feel overwhelming—applications, deadlines, and the challenge of standing out. That’s where AdmitGenie, founded by Nehal Ramlukan and supported by Harrison Webb in marketing and design, is making a difference.

AdmitGenie, Wellesley

AdmitGenie is a web platform that equips students with the skills, tools, and confidence to succeed in admissions and beyond. Nehal drives the vision and development of the platform to ensure it delivers real value, while Harrison helps bring that vision to families through outreach and accessibility.

Through the Writing Workshop and Application Workshop, students learn to brainstorm unique ideas, draft standout essays, and polish their applications with clarity and authenticity. These lessons extend beyond college, preparing them to communicate effectively in academics, careers, and life. The Interview Assistant builds on this foundation with mock interviews that ask the tough questions admissions officers use. Students receive real-time feedback on pacing, clarity, and content, allowing them to track progress and improve with every session. Meanwhile, the Career Explorer helps students connect passions to majors and career paths, ensuring applications are grounded in a thoughtful vision for the future.

Unlike traditional prep tools, AdmitGenie doesn’t give the student answers. Instead, it empowers students with the structure and insight to chart their own path. Already, AdmitGenie has partnered with the Ron Burton Training Village, helping hundreds of students find their voice and strengthen their applications.

AdmitGenie is now welcoming new families for this admissions cycle. Learn more at admitgenie.app or email admitgenieapp@gmail.com—your child’s future starts today. Linked below is an activation code for one month of AdmitGenie free—we look forward to seeing young scholars stand out.

Limited Time Offer Expiring on October 1st, 2025: T2GR9TJZ

Page Waterman, Natick
London Harness, Wellesley
Longfellow, Wellesley

Sexton Test Prep knows parenting high schoolers in 2023 is challenging

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SPONSORED POST: Let me tell you one thing we at Sexton Test Prep hear from all of our clients—parenting in 2023 is… challenging! Times are so different from when we were in high school. Contrary to what my math teacher Mr. Walsh said, I do actually carry a calculator with me at all times. The kids are on social media constantly, whereas I had to wait for about 12 minutes just to connect to the internet at all. And now, the SAT is going DIGITAL?!?! And the PSAT is next month?!?! While there is little we can do about calculators or social media, we’re experts on test prep.

Ways we can help include…

  • 3-hour PSAT class so your student will feel confident and prepared for the digital PSAT
  • Customized one-on-one preparation plans for your student for the SAT/ACT
  • Small group SAT and ACT classes offered in Wellesley and online

Teenagers provide enough battles—let us help fight this one for you!

Call or email us any time.

Ben & Sarah
Sextontestprep.com
info@sextontestprep.com
781-772-1745

Sexton Test Prep, Wellesley

Wonderful Wellesley initiative celebrates the town’s amped-up restaurants scene

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POST UPDATE, July 2022—Lockheart at 120 Central Street in Wellesley Square has officially opened. The southwestern-themed tacos-plus casual but sophisticated eatery is owned by a Wellesley resident. Details here.

POST UPDATE, June 2022—Tatte in Linden Square has officially opened. The bakery, famous for its artisanal coffees, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, salads, and sandwiches, has a great outdoor seating area. Details here.

SPONSORED CONTENT: Eight—count ’em, eight—new restaurants have either opened in Wellesley or are slated to do so in 2022. From a seven-seat coffee house in Wellesley Hills (Jeje’s, expected to open in late summer) to Lockheart, a southwestern-themed tacos-plus restaurant with room for 120 in Wellesley Square, to Tatte Bakery in Linden Square, diners suddenly have a dizzying array of new choices. It’s finally happening. Wellesley is becoming a real restaurants town.

Juniper, Wellesley
Outdoor seating area of Juniper, is one of Wellesley Square’s long-time favorite restaurants. Photo by Juniper

If ever there was a time to get out and see what’s new, now is that time. Celebrate Wellesley and all it has to offer by giving a warm welcome to the area’s new businesses that are bringing a fresh feel to town, and by supporting the long-time business that have made Wonderful Wellesley the shopping and dining destination that it is today.

Join the fun and get up in Wellesley’s business in the best possible way—by shopping, dining, and doing local.

Eat your way through town

Go ahead, try out both the new and the long-established eateries—after all, Wellesley has over 50 places to dine.

Here’s the latest on the new places:

Asaro Bakery & Cafe—to open in 2022

32 Church Street, Church Square
Bakery and cafe

Jejes Coffeehouse—to open in 2022

259 Washington Street, Wellesley Hills
Coffee, tea, and desserts, including South Korean treats.

Karma—to open in 2022

Linden Square
Outdoor seating—yes
Sushi featuring a cross between Japanese flavors and the delicate sauces and styles of France, as well as  Chinese, Japanese, and Malaysian menu items.

The Cottage, Wellesley
The Cottage in Linden Square also offers outdoor seating. Photo by The Cottage.

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Save the date: Wonderful Wellesley launches on May 7th to celebrate a renewed sense of community

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SPONSORED POST: Have you given Wellesley a really good look lately? If not, take a gander. From one end of town to the other, there’s not only plenty to see right now, but with a roster of upcoming special events there’s plenty to do, too. It’s all part of the brand-new Wonderful Wellesley initiative, a multi-partner collaboration between the Wellesley Square Merchants’ Association; Linden Square Wellesley; Church Square Wellesley; the Town of Wellesley; and the Charles River Regional Chamber.

The kick-off event is Color Wellesley Wonderful. On Saturday, May 7, noon-3pm, stroll along Wellesley’s streets from Central to Church to Lower Washington to Wellesley Hills and over to Linden Square where you’ll discover talented sidewalk chalk artists interpreting the Wonderful Wellesley theme as live bands fill the air with music. Look for designated sidewalk areas for kids to join in the fun and create their own chalk drawings.

Wonderful Wellesley

In short, Wonderful Wellesley celebrates the fresh breeze that’s blowing through town and opening up doors. One new restaurant already is serving customers (La Toscana in Wellesley Square), and seven more new eateries are under renovation: (Jejes Coffeehouse; Karma; Laughing Monk; Oath Pizza; Lockheart; along with two bakery/cafes— Tatte and Asaro). The few empty storefronts that are left are being snapped up by small businesses eager to take advantage of the town’s commitment to driving traffic to the area through recently eased licensing and permitting processes.

The long story goes deeper. The long story is about renewing a sense of community. It’s no secret that the past couple of years have been hard for everyone. Yes, Wonderful Wellesley is all about celebrations and fun and shopping and live music and eating. But there’s more to it that that. Organizers recognize that it’s not enough to hope that everyone gets out there and supports new businesses. It’s not enough to hope that those long-time, much-loved local businesses that form the very core of what makes Wellesley special will somehow manage to be OK. It can’t be emphasized enough—the long story is about  renewing a sense of community through doing.

Come see what’s new, and be part of Wonderful Wellesley. Be sure to keep an eye on Wonderful Wellesley for the inside scoop about upcoming events. There’s going to be a lot going on.

Learn more about the Wonderful Wellesley Sweepstakes…

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The Langham, Boston—14 miles from Wellesley to your perfect getaway

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SPONSORED CONTENT: We stopped in to tour The Langham, Boston, and after two years of renovations the changes are nothing short of jaw dropping. From top-to-bottom the former Federal Reserve Bank of Boston building, approaching its 100th birthday, leads the way in casual grace, American style, and European elegance. Located in the heart of the city, The Langham is your first stop for a weekend of luxury, and the New Langham, New Experience Package is the way to get it done in style.

The Langham Boston, loft suite
The Langham’s mulit-level loft suites give families just the right amount of breathing room.

The accommodations don’t feel like “rooms”—they feel like you’ve discovered the perfect spot for your own pied-à-terre. Book one of The Langham’s multi-level loft suites. We know you love the kids, but after a full day exploring Boston, there’s something to be said for a little family distance. Picture this: You’re upstairs in the spacious second-floor master bedroom, relaxing on the king-sized bed, a full-sized, luxurious bath mere steps away. The kids are downstairs enjoying the 65” LED HD-television. There’s even a first-floor powder room, so no pounding up to the loft to use your bathroom. With amenities like this, it’s possible you could achieve an uninterrupted hour of me-time. Oh, and of course there’s a TV up in the loft for the adults.

When dinner time rolls around, there’s no need to start family arguments by trying to build consensus. The Fed, located at street level, is the spot. With its sophisticated atmosphere, The Fed feels like a special night out, yet the vibe is relaxed and welcoming. On The Fed’s menu expect classic bar snacks and shareable dishes for all such as a customizable seafood tower with oysters, lobsters, prawns, shrimp, and scallops; a charcuterie board; classic burgers; and more. Don’t skip dessert—the Boston Cream Pie is not to be missed. Inspired cocktails and craft beers are available for the adults, of course. In addition to the cozy indoor seating, there’s a bustling sidewalk terrace scene.

The Langham, The Fed
The Langham’s street-level cocktail pub, The Fed, offers a warm, casual atmosphere.

All this is only 14 miles from Wellesley making The Langham your perfect, private Boston “getaway spot.”

The Langham, Boston

250 Franklin Street Boston, MA 02110
617-451-1900
tlbos.info@langhamhotels.com

Beyond Wellesley: The Langham, Boston—restored and reimagined

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The Langham, Boston has reopened after two years of a top-to-bottom transformation, ushering in a new era of American warmth and comfort with a reverence for European elegance. Built in 1922 as the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and located in the very heart of the city, The Langham is now the place to recommend to visiting guests who want to experience luxury, service, and tradition through a distinctly modern lens.

The Langham, Boston
Well-appointed guest rooms are flooded with natural light

Think welcoming rooms decorated with a fresh and bright palette, along with innovative amenities (hello, Nespresso machines; Italian marble bathrooms with rainfall showers; and oversized windows that flood guest rooms with natural light). In addition, The Langham’s new collection of iconic artworks bestows the historic landmark with a feeling of grace and permanence.

But why should those from Beyond Wellesley have all the fun? Why not book one of The Langham’s 312 residentially-styled guest rooms and suites for a family getaway or a night on the town and enjoy five-star accommodations along with all that Boston has to offer? The North End, Boston Harbor, the Seaport District, Downtown Crossing, and Faneuil Hall are just a short walk away. A slightly longer walk (or car ride) will get you to Boston Common, Back Bay, Fenway Park, SoWa, and more. As part of its reopening celebration, guests will enjoy special access to many attractions, including Classic Harbor Line cruises and the Museum of Fine Arts.

The Langham, Boston
The lavish redesign extends to every corner of The Langham

If a never-to-be-forgotten celebration is what you have in mind, The Langham’s restoration has created glamorous spaces to make memories and celebrate the everyday.

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