Wellesley generosity overflows the Salvation Army Red Kettle

Apply for Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club scholarships by March 1, 2020

Linden Square in Wellesley is holiday-ready

Update: Trees donated to Wellesley Boy Scouts; wreaths, garland for sale, too

Food for thought: Wellesley Rotary Club and Mass Bay take on student hunger

Wellesley Connects seeks mentors for first-gen college-bound high schoolers

140+ Wellesley HS juniors & seniors inducted into National Honor Society

Wellesley Juniors are no amateurs — annual Marketplace event raises $100k for community initiatives

Sign up for Wellesley Kiwanis Club-sponsored Red Kettle Drive in Linden Square

Wellesley generosity overflows the Salvation Army Red Kettle

Apply for Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club scholarships by March 1, 2020

Linden Square in Wellesley is holiday-ready

Update: Trees donated to Wellesley Boy Scouts; wreaths, garland for sale, too

Food for thought: Wellesley Rotary Club and Mass Bay take on student hunger

Wellesley Connects seeks mentors for first-gen college-bound high schoolers

140+ Wellesley HS juniors & seniors inducted into National Honor Society

Wellesley Juniors are no amateurs — annual Marketplace event raises $100k for community initiatives

Sign up for Wellesley Kiwanis Club-sponsored Red Kettle Drive in Linden Square

Building our way to a more sustainable future

Redistricting forum for Wellesley schools

Mindfulness in Daily Life community discussion

Community viewing and conversation of PBS documentary “RACE – The Power of Illusion”

Demystifying Healthcare Reform discussion

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December 24, 2019 by Deborah Brown 1 Comment

Wellesley residents take Salvation Army Red Kettle time seriously. Each year over 200 volunteers sign up for a shift and ring the bell in front of Roche Bros. in Linden Square. Their efforts help raise over $30,000 at that one kettle, funds that are used to help community members. Money raised is distributed to those in need by the Wellesley Council on Aging, Wellesley Department of Health, and Wellesley Friendly Aid. Holiday-time services include providing toys for needy children, food and clothing for families, and small practical gifts for shut-ins. The effort is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Wellesley

Salvation Army, Wellesley — The Swellesley family and one member of the Elwy clan took our turn at the kettle. From left, Ben Elwy (WHS Class of 2019); Mr. Swellesley; Caleb Brown (WHS 2016); Duncan Brown (WHS 2019); Mrs. Swellesley.

The Swellesley family and one member of the Elwy clan took our turn at the kettle as Chanukah was just getting started and Christmas was moving full steam ahead. It was an evening of high spirits for all as we were greeted by friends and neighbors who stopped by to help fill the kettle. One woman figured with five of us out there, we would likely break into carols if she waited around long enough. The Swellesleys are all pretty tone-deaf (I can’t speak for Ben), and assured her we were doing the world a big favor by keeping our songs in our hearts.

As I watched the steady stream of donations — everything from pennies to twenty dollar bills — make their into the slot, I was struck by the incredible generosity of the community. There’s still time for you to give to the kettle. The last shift ends at 6pm tonight as the final bell-ringer, Peter Monson, brings it home, and Roche Bros. closes its doors for the holiday. (The store is closed on Christmas Day and re-opens Thursday, Dec. 26, 7am.)

To everyone I saw out there ringing the bell — members from the Board of Selectmen, the Trails Committee, and Town Meeting; Municipal Light Plant employees, first responders, private citizens, students, and the many, many others who escaped my notice — happy holidays. To all those who benefit from donations, thank you for being an essential part of Wellesley and for your many contributions to the town.

December 15, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Wellesley Hills Junior Women's Club The Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club (WHJWC) is accepting scholarship applications for 2020-2021 through March 1, 2020.

In the 2019, the Club awarded a record $72,700 in scholarships and awards to 21 Wellesley students. Scholarships were given to graduating high school seniors and undergraduate college students in amounts ranging from $1,000 – $4,000.

Applications are evaluated based on demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, and involvement in community service. Applicants must be high school seniors graduating from Wellesley High School; Wellesley residents graduating from high school in or outside of Wellesley; or Wellesley residents currently attending undergraduate institutions on a full-time basis.

For more information about WHJWC’s scholarships programs, including how to apply, please visit: http://www.whjwc.org/scholarships/. Scholarship applications must be submitted by March 1, 2020.

The Patricia C. Doiron Memorial Scholarship recognizes a graduating high school senior who has shown a commitment to early childhood education through participation in the Child Lab program at Wellesley High School, established in memory of Mrs. Doiron, a former Club member.

The Suzanne Stevens Scholarship recognizes a high school senior (or current college student) who has demonstrated academic strength and a commitment to community service despite adversity or hardship, named in honor of Mrs. Stevens, a former Club president.

WHJWC raises $100k at annual Marketplace event

WHJWC donates big for softball field revamp

[Read more…]

December 10, 2019 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

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.

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.

December 6, 2019 by Deborah Brown 8 Comments

Update: About 50 trees have been donated by local church Milestone Wellesley to the scouts and were available at the usual location on Rte. 9.

Whether or not you were ever a Boy Scout, you undoubtedly know the 109-year old group’s motto: “Be Prepared.”

Well, there was no way Wellesley Troop 185 could have been prepared for this one: due to what organizers called a tragic accident involving their Christmas tree supplier, the trees could not be delivered for the annual Christmas Tree and Wreath sale this weekend (we have no further details on the accident).

boy scouts wellesley parade — Wellesley Boy Scouts march in the annual Veterans’ Day parade in Wellesley.

All is not lost. The Scouts will be selling wreaths, garland and kissing balls at 888 Worcester Street (Route 9 East), and they ask that you please come support them as this is their major fundraiser for the year.

These are the same young men who last month worked tirelessly for the annual Scouting for Food drive to benefit the Wellesley Food Pantry. They helped pick up canned goods left out on doorsteps all over town, delivered the items to the Pantry, and helped carry everything in for sorting, all to help those in need.

So go pick up your wreaths at 888 Worcester St. We’re thinking you need one for each window and door of your home. And don’t forget the garland and the kissing balls. The Scouts’ after-Christmas tree pickup service is still available.

If you can’t make it to the sale but you want to help out the Scouts with a donation, please send a check made out to Troop 185 to Paul Sullivan, 15 Fife Rd., Wellesley, MA 02482.

Paul’s the scout leader and he works tirelessly to provide the kids with programs that build character. Troop 185 will be telling this particular character-building story around the campfire for years to come.

WHAT: Boy Scouts Troop 185

WHERE: 888 Worcester St., Route 9 East

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 6, 5pm – 8pm
Saturday, Dec. 7, 8am – dark
Sunday, Dec. 8, 10am – 2pm

November 29, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

MassBay Community College and the Rotary Club of Wellesley have joined efforts to combat food insecurity at the college. To launch this partnership, the two organizations will host a public community presentation: Food for Thought: Fighting Student Hunger on College Campuses. On December 3, 6:30pm, at the Wellesley Library, MassBay President Dr. David Podell will speak about the negative impact of food insecurity on students, initiatives MassBay has put in place to help students, and how the public can help in this effort.

MassBay Wellesley — MassBay President Dr. David Podell attends a farmers’ market on campus.

EVENT: Food for Thought: Fighting Hunger on the College Campus
WHERE: Wakelin Room, Wellesley Main Public Library, 530 Washington Street, Wellesley
WHEN: Tuesday, December 3, 2019
TIME: 6:30pm

This event is free and open to the public.

[Read more…]

November 28, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Wellesley Connects is an all-volunteer mentoring program for primarily first generation, college-bound Wellesley High School students who could benefit from one-on-one advising as they explore post-graduation planning. Wellesley Friendly Aid and the Office of Guidance at Wellesley High join forces on this program, now in its fourth year.

Students, who are invited to apply to the program in their junior year, are paired with a mentor who provides assistance with the college application process. Programming workshops include college applications, financial aid, scholarship opportunities, essay writing, college visits and individual assistance.

Wellesley Connects seeks mentors to work with WHS juniors (class of 2021) joining the program. Requirements include a familiarity with the college application process and a strong desire to help a student with post-high school planning. Responsibilities include a commitment to work with a student for 18 months during the student’s junior and senior years as well as attending training workshops, group meetings and other workshops. Mentors also meet with their mentees individually outside of group meetings.

If interested, please contact Margot Lansing or Sharon Kiernan , the co-directors, for additional information at [email protected] or call 781-235-3960.

Wellesley community and charitable action groups

Babson College gets $50 million donation

Wellesley School Committee office hours

November 27, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Wellesley National Honor Society Wellesley High School earlier this month inducted over 140 juniors and seniors into the the National Honor Society (NHS). The NHS recognizes students for their academic studies and for their service to the community. Principal Jamie Chisum delivered congratulatory remarks, followed by a keynote address by President of New England Revolution soccer, Brian Bilello.

Established in 1921, the country-wide organization is guided by four main purposes: to create enthusiasm for scholarship; to stimulate a desire to render service; to promote leadership; and to develop character.

The Wellesley Chapter of the National Honor Society accepts members on a closed application basis. In order to be eligible to apply students must maintain a Grade Point Average of at least 4.3 for freshman, sophomore, and junior Years. If this requirement is met, students will be notified of eligibility during junior year. More information here about the Wellesley chapter of the NHS.

Wellesley National Honor Society

Wellesley students: make sure to get your scholarship application in

Wellesley School Committee Office Hours, December 2019

November 26, 2019 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

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.

The Wellesley HS varsity cheerleaders were there to show spirit and raise money for Dana-Farber (donate here), working toward a world without cancer.

[Read more…]

November 22, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Salvation Army, Linden Square — Wellesley Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Peterson

Sign up has begun to Ring the Bell for the Salvation Army at Roche Bros. in Linden Square, Dec. 1 — 24. Volunteers are asked to sign up for one-hour 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.

Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Wellesley, the Red Kettle at Roche’s has annually raised over $25,000 thanks to the hundreds of local volunteers who sign up to ring the bell. The Salvation Army Red Kettle donations provide financial support to Wellesley residents through Wellesley Friendly Aid, the Wellesley Council on Aging, the Veterans Service officer and the Wellesley Board of Health.

Community volunteers are encouraged to pick a time and volunteer for the 25+ year Wellesley tradition. No experience necessary. This year, The Swellesley Report will be there on Dec. 22. Members of the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant have graciously volunteered to be responsible for the bell-ringing shifts on December 4 and 5. In past years, residents, members of Town Boards, Town employees, business employees, members of the Wellesley High School Key Club and anyone else who enjoys participating in this opportunity have all volunteered to ring the bell at Roche Bros. as their way of lending a hand to Wellesley neighbors.

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