• Contact Us
  • Events calendar
Entering Swellesley
Pinnacle, Wellesley

The Swellesley Report

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

  • Advertise
  • Contribute
  • Eat
  • Wellesley Square
  • School
  • Top 10 things to do
  • Embracing diversity
  • Charities/Community
  • Arts
  • Camp
  • Kids
  • Events
  • About us
  • Subscribe
  • Natick Report
  • COVID-19
  • Letters to the Editor
Needham Bank, Wellesley
Boston Sports Institute, Wellesley

Swellesley Report braves snowstorm to report from the field

December 17, 2020 by Bob Brown 12 Comments

Here’s our first-ever snowstorm report from the field. What I neglected to mention, as an amateur, is that I trudged through foot-high snow to get to the shallower spot where I did my live take…

Really wish I had a Linden Store sub handy to use as a measuring stick.

Meanwhile, the view from a DPW truck cab, courtesy of Kevin Collins of the Highway Division:

support swellesley

Share

Filed Under: Weather

Linden Square, Wellesley
Write Ahead

Wellesley RDF to be closed all day Thursday due to snowstorm

December 16, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The Wellesley RDF will be closed on Thursday Dec. 17 due to the impending snowstorm.

I’m feeling pretty smug about getting over there just after 7am this morning…

The Recycling & Disposal Facility closes at noon on Wednesday, and is slated to reopen on Friday at 7am. But check back on Swellesley or the Town website for updates on the RDF’s reopening.

RDF, Wellesley

Regular Wellesley RDF hours:

Mon. – Wed.: 7am – noon
Thur., Fri., Sat.: 7am – 3:45pm
Sun: closed


  • Subscribe to Swellesley’s daily email
  • Please consider contributing to Swellesley to sustain our independent journalism venture
Share

Filed Under: Weather

Page Waterman, Wellesley
London Harness, Wellesley

Wellesley’s beautiful & scary October snowstorm

October 30, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

It’s a snowy October day in Wellesley, but not a snow day under COVID-19 rules.

Animals are checking out the early snow, as seen here by Jean Bae, who shared this photo of a buck near the Wellesley Farms train station.

snow buck october
Photo courtesy of Jean Bae

 

The buck appears to have handled the weather better than local drivers. Wellesley Police have been busy responding to accidents.

WPD working a single car overturned crash on Route 9 East after Oakland St. One lane gets by. Minor injuries. pic.twitter.com/NRfok2SEQx

— Wellesley Police (@WellesleyPolice) October 30, 2020

WPD working another crash Route 9 East prior to Route 16. Left lane gets by. pic.twitter.com/TG2Bd1YMR8

— Wellesley Police (@WellesleyPolice) October 30, 2020

I got out early for a run when it still looked like a mix of fall and winter, rather than full-on winter.

leaves and snow october

 

cheney bridge elm bank
Cheney Bridge at Elm Bank Reservation

 

Meanwhile, if you can get out safely to sled, here are some Wellesley sledding spots. Just note that one more pandemic restriction will be that you can’t sled on Severance Hill at Wellesley College unless you’re a member of that campus community.


  • Subscribe to Swellesley’s daily email
  • Please consider contributing to Swellesley to sustain our independent journalism venture
Share

Filed Under: Animals, Weather

Stretch Lab, Wellesley

Morses Pond temporarily gets a new gate, courtesy of Mother Nature

August 5, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

morses tree down
Tree blocking path to Morses Pond beach

Wellesley uses the metal gate on Turner Road to block access to Morses Pond and its parking lot. Mother Nature on Tuesday added a second barrier, in the form of a felled tree during the storm, to make it even harder to access the beach off-hours.

I happened by at around 7:15AM to find the felled tree blocking access just after the little bridge before the check-in station at the beach. Dog walkers were in a tizzy, spreading the word among themselves that you were going to have to be pretty athletic if you wanted to walk pupsie around the small pond.

Give the Department of Public Works credit though. Those guys were on it by 7:30AM, clearing away the tree and debris presumably in time for the beach to open up.

morses tree down
DPW on the job

 


  • Subscribe to Swellesley’s daily email
  • Please consider contributing to Swellesley to sustain our independent journalism venture
Share

Filed Under: Morses Pond, Weather

Keep your Wellesley dog cool as temps soar over the weekend

July 16, 2020 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

With a heat wave forecasted to hit Wellesley (and other places) starting this weekend, Animal Control Officer Sue Webb reminds pet owners to take extra precautions with their animals to keep them safe. “Watch your dogs in this heat,” she says. “Walk them early or late, not in the high heat of the day. One dog had to go to the emergency vet when he collapsed on a walk in the woods. Also if you can’t walk on the pavement in your bare feet, don’t expect your dog to want to walk on it either.”

wellesley dogs
Duke, a cockapoo (left) and Whistler, a Whoodle, are two Wellesley dogs who really know how to keep their cool during the summer.

Fortunately, Webb reports that the dog who needed emergency attention has recovered fully, but she says people should take it seriously when they notice their dogs panting more, getting tired, and wanting shorter walks. The loyal nature of dogs can be their biggest downfall. Webb says that when dogs are out on walks , “They try to keep going with their owner. If the owner has a way to go back to the car, they may end up having to carry the dog, which isn’t easy when it is a medium-to-large dog like a Labrador.” (There are 392 Labs registered in Wellesley, making them the most popular dog breed in town.)

What can drive problems

The summer months are not the time to bring your best bud along to ride shotgun during errands. Don’t leave your pet in a car on hot days, ever. Not even for a quick minute, or if you leave the windows open, or even if the car is running and the air conditioner is cranked up. Car temperatures can easily rise to over 100 degrees within ten minutes. After that, they can get up to 120 degrees or higher, fast. Dogs don’t have a chance against that kind of heat. Also, it is illegal in Massachusetts to leave animals in vehicles where they are subject to danger from extreme weather conditions.

A little time at the spa

Let your pet laze around and enjoy this time that’s named just for him — the dog days of summer. During the intense mid-day heat, keep walks to a bare minimum. Better yet, limit walks to early in the morning or after the sun goes down.

If your dog really needs some outside time, park your pooch under a shade tree for a little while, with his water bowl close at hand. Add ice to his water every now and then. If you have one of those elevated pet cots, now’s the time to break it out. They increase air flow on alls sides of your pet, which helps keep him cool. A baby pool filled with cool, refreshing water would complete the spa environment.

Just know that shade doesn’t provide all that much protection, so keep his time outside limited. The best place for your dog during extreme heat is inside.

Danger signs:

If your pet is suffering he won’t be subtle about letting you know. Look out for these signs of trouble, which could indicate heatstroke or dehydration:

  • heavy panting
  • glazed eyes
  • rapid heartbeat
  • difficulty breathing
  • excessive thirst
  • lethargy
  • lack of coordination
  • profuse drooling
  • vomiting
  • body temperature of over 104 degrees (normal is 101 – 102.5)
  • a deep red or purple tongue
  • seizure, collapse, or unconsciousness

If these signs present, seek immediate medical attention for your dog.

Let’s all keep Wellesley’s 2,800 registered dogs nice and safe all summer. Heaven knows, they’re worth the extra effort. Who’s a good human friend? You are, that’s who.

Share

Filed Under: Animals, Health, Outdoors, Parenting, Safety, Weather

Storm tries to take down Wellesley Town Hall

July 3, 2020 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

A quick but destructive storm moved through Wellesley on Thur. evening. Strong winds took down trees in neighborhoods throughout the area, including Town Hall. During a Fri. morning walk, we spied a sugar maple on the east side of Town Hall that had dropped a major limb which glanced the 137-year-old historic building, covering the exterior air conditioner compressor unit. There did not appear to be damage to the building. Within minutes of our phone call, a couple of DPW workers were on the scene to assess the damage. As they made plans to remove the limbs, I asked if the rest of the tree would have to come down. “Not today….,” was the wary answer, lest he be dealing with a rabid tree hugger.

Wellesley Town Hall, damaged tree
The massive sugar maple on the duck pond side of Town Hall gave up a couple of major limbs on Thur. night.
Wellesley Town Hall, damaged tree
The tree was clearly diseased as evidenced by the rot from the inside.

Wellesley Town Hall, damaged tree

Wellesley Town Hall, damaged tree
The air conditioner compressor unit was covered by downed branches. “Looks like a fire hazard that could have caused some serious problems on a long holiday weekend, ” I suggested to DPW workers. Golly, it was a good thing I called. I shifted from foot to foot, waiting for my medal. It was not forthcoming.

Wellesley Town Hall, damaged tree

Wellesley Town Hall, damaged tree
I’ll miss this grand old sugar maple. But when one tree falls, that’s the perfect opportunity to plant two in its place. I’m already crafting my email to town horticulturist Cricket Vlass with my suggestions.

MORE:

Storm brings Father’s Day gifts of downed trees

Mother Nature whacks Wellesley trees

Waban arches part of Wellesley post-storm clean up

 

Share

Filed Under: Environment, Gardens, Outdoors, Safety, Weather

Sunday storm brings Wellesley Father’s Day gifts of downed trees

June 22, 2020 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

We didn’t know that Mother Nature was known to give gifts on Father’s Day, but on late Sunday afternoon she whipped through Wellesley to drop off a few little things, like trees and over an inch of rain. How did she know that area dads had been dreaming of localized flooding and downed maples? If you happened to give the special dad in your life a sump pump and a chain saw, then congratulations. You have officially nailed the art of gift-giving.

Thanks to our sharp-eyed readers who sent along pics of Father’s Day Storm 2020:

Wellesley storm, Brook Path
A large tree blocks the Brook Path. Flo the dog seems unperturbed. Just another photo op, credit to RE.

 

Wellesley storm, Hunnewell tennis courts
A large pine tree came down on the aqueduct side of the Hunnewell tennis courts. With high winds came over an inch of rain. Photo credit: MC

 

Wellesley storm, Wildon Rd.
Tree down across the aqueduct at Wildon Rd. Photo credit, Elizabeth May
Wellesley storm, Wildon Rd.
Another angle of the tree down across the aqueduct at Wildon Rd. Photo credit, Elizabeth May

Earlier this month, another crazy storm roared through Wellesley. That one resulted in a tree blocking Rice St. and felled trees at the Wellesley Country Club and Great Plain Ave.

More:

  • Subscribe to Swellesley’s daily email
  • Please consider contributing to Swellesley to sustain our independent journalism venture
Share

Filed Under: Weather

Next Page »

Tip us off…

Please send tips, photos, ideas to [email protected]
Wellesley Square ad
Wellesley, Jesamondo
Sexton test prep
Feldman Law
Fay School, Southborough
Wellesley Theatre Project
Admit Fit, Wellesley
image of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
Never miss a post with our free daily Swellesley Report email
Name: 
Your email address:*
Please wait...
Please enter all required fields Click to hide
Correct invalid entries Click to hide

You can subscribe for free, though we appreciate any contribution that supports our independent journalism.

Click here to read our Natick Report

Natick Report

Events Calendar

« January 2021 » loading...
S M T W T F S
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
Tue 26

Rum tasting and history talk

January 26 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wed 27

Online history lecture: Petticoat Whalers

January 27 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Thu 28

Banking on Our Value panel discussion

January 28 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Most Read Posts

  • "I Care a Lot" movie that filmed in Wellesley making Netflix debut
  • Wellesley Police log: Rocky relationship between neighbors; laptop goes missing from home; money gone from locker
  • Pinnacle Residential Properties: the concept of home & roots
  • Wellesley Business Buzz: More local businesses get state COVID-19 grants; $1M in penalties for car dealership firm; regional chamber touts Feb. 4 open house
  • Wellesley Business Buzz: Local restaurants get state grants; get or renew your Business Certificate

Pages

  • Wellesley coronavirus (COVID-19) updates
  • Wellesley’s 7 official scenic roads
  • Wellesley, Mass., fishing spots
  • Please support our advertisers—they support us
  • Embracing diversity in Wellesley
  • Wellesley, MA Police logs
  • Wellesley Choral Society
  • Wellesley College Notable Alumnae
  • Wellesley College, Wellesley, Mass.
  • Wellesley outdoor art gallery
  • Wellesley restaurants offering take-out and delivery
  • Wellesley, Massachusetts restaurant — Amarin of Thailand

Recent Comments

  • Bob Brown on Wellesley seeks designation as Housing Choice Community
  • Ann-Mara Lanza on Wellesley seeks designation as Housing Choice Community
  • Susanne Conover on Wellesley Health Dept. COVID-19 update: Talking vaccines, fielding complaints & working around the clock
  • Kourosh Farboodmanesh on Opinion: Massachusetts needs to introduce renewable energy programs in every town and city
  • devin on Wellesley Police log: Rocky relationship between neighbors; laptop goes missing from home; money gone from locker

Links we like

  • Great Runs
  • Jack Sanford: Wellesley's Major League Baseball Star
  • Taquitos.net
  • Tech-Tamer
  • The Wellesley Wine Press
  • Universal Hub
  • Wellesley Sports Discussion Facebook Group

Categories

  • 2021 Town Election (4)
  • Animals (377)
  • Antiques (48)
  • Art (534)
  • Beyond Wellesley (28)
  • Books (343)
  • Business (1,358)
  • Camp (1)
  • Careers/jobs (44)
  • Churches (72)
  • Clubs (207)
  • Construction (280)
  • Dump (113)
  • Education (2,880)
    • Babson College (239)
    • Bates Elementary School (14)
    • Dana Hall School (29)
    • Fiske Elementary School (6)
    • Hardy Elementary School (33)
    • Hunnewell Elementary School (34)
    • MassBay (47)
    • Schofield Elementary School (20)
    • Sprague Elementary School (19)
    • St. John School (1)
    • Tenacre Country Day School (9)
    • Upham Elementary School (30)
    • Wellesley College (598)
    • Wellesley High School (884)
    • Wellesley Middle School (195)
  • Embracing diversity (38)
  • Entertainment (722)
  • Environment (667)
  • Fashion (133)
  • Finance (13)
  • Fire (141)
  • Food (327)
  • Fundraising (559)
  • Gardens (136)
  • Government (386)
    • 2020 Town Election (47)
  • Health (737)
    • COVID-19 (134)
  • History (358)
  • Holidays (365)
  • Houses (118)
  • Humor (45)
  • Kids (814)
  • Law (3)
  • Letters to the Editor (6)
  • Media (63)
  • METCO (5)
  • Military (3)
  • Morses Pond (96)
  • Music (543)
  • Natick Report (27)
  • Neighbors (244)
  • Obituaries (58)
  • Outdoors (582)
  • Parenting (60)
  • Police (688)
    • Crime (345)
  • Politics (534)
  • Real estate (287)
  • Religion (127)
  • Restaurants (302)
  • Safety (142)
  • Scouts (1)
  • Senior citizens (107)
  • Shopping (121)
  • Sports (897)
  • STEM (104)
  • Technology (154)
  • Theatre (383)
  • Town Meeting (22)
  • Transportation (209)
  • Travel (11)
  • Uncategorized (1,205)
  • Volunteering (317)
  • Weather (161)
  • Wellesley Election 2019 (21)
  • Wellesley Free Library (258)
  • Wellesley's Wonderful Weekend (5)
RSS Feed Icon Subscribe to RSS Feed

© 2021 The Swellesley Report
Site by Tech-Tamer · Login