Wellesley Veterans Parade will be one big wonderful Tea Party

January 21, 2023 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The Wellesley Celebrations Committee has announced that its theme for the 2023 Veterans Parade, slated for Sunday, May 21 at 1pm, will be “Birth of America: Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party.”

As the Committee behind Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend summarizes: In 1773, a group of American colonists stole aboard ships of the East India Company and dumped their cargo of tea into Boston Harbor, in protest against British tax policies. The event known today as the Boston Tea Party is a significant milestone in American history.

“We are proud to honor our veterans as we organize the 55th annual Wellesley Veterans Parade in May,” Roy Switzler, Chair, Wellesley Celebrations Committee said. “We look forward to the special events held during Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend and the opportunity for our community to celebrate together.”

The Wellesley Celebrations Committee was established by the Select Board to plan and carry out activities that honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend includes the Veterans Parade, a town picnic, concert and fireworks.

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Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend Veterans Parade a combo of somber & celebratory

May 23, 2022 by Deborah Brown 1 Comment

Almost 100 groups marched down Route 16 as part of the 54th annual Wellesley Veterans Parade and presented themselves to presiding officer Tori DeFazio and other members of the Celebrations Committee at the reviewing stand in Wellesley Square. This year’s parade theme was the 90^th anniversary of the Purple Heart (here’s a list of all Wellesley Purple Heart medal recipients). As always, the parade also honored all United States military veterans, and recognized the many organizations and people who serve the Wellesley community.

More than a dozen individuals and organizations were recognized during the event. From Parade Grand Marshal Constantin Chrysafidis, a former Wellesley resident at 35 Fells Rd. for many years and a Purple Heart recipient after being wounded in battle during World War II, to posthumous Community Service awardee Catherine L. Johnson for her dedicated public service on behalf of the Town, the event allowed for somber remembrances in a celebratory atmosphere. Here are profiles of each of the 17 honorees.

Wellesley's Wonderful Weekend — Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend, photo credit, Mario Teixeira

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Wellesley's Wonderful Weekend, Schofield School — Schofield School float.

Wellesley's Wonderful Weekend, Mothers Forum — Wellesley Mothers Forum

The Celebrations Committee last held Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend in October 2021 as a comeback from COVID (the event was canceled in May 2020 and 2021). Here it is, seven months later, and they turned around and put the whole shebang together again, just to remind us all that Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend is a spring thing. After covering both weekends from one end to the other, we’re all worn out. But we’ll be all rested up by next May and ready for more fun.

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Wheels of Wellesley event brings dozens of buffed & shiny cars to town

May 23, 2022 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

Unless you were behind the wheel of a very sweet ride, Central Street from the Wellesley Square fire station to Juniper restaurant was closed to all traffic for “Wheels of Wellesley IX,” the annual car show that drew over 50 antique, classic, and vintage cars ranging from those in near-perfect to condition to rust-pocked (but still very cool). The pageant of vehicles parked up and down the street was part of Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend.

Organized by the Modifiers Car Club and the Wellesley Celebrations Committee, the event drew large crowds of admirers, some who seemed to actually know how things worked under all those open hoods, and others who were just out to enjoy the spectacle.

Wellesley Antique Car Show — Members of the Modifiers Car Club take a break from visiting each others’ pampered and beautiful cars.

Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend heats up

May 22, 2022 by Bob Brown 1 Comment

We tried to make the rounds during Saturday’s Wellesley Wonderful Weekend events before the real heat set in, but you know how it goes. Too much fun, too many friends, and the next thing you know you’re dragging your sweaty self home an hour later than planned.

But it was well worth it to see the return of favorite events like town department open houses, and to meet some people we’d only known through emails and Zoom calls.

A steady stream of pancakes, ham, and other breakfast goodies were doled at Wellesley High School by the Key Club, Wellesley Kiwanis Club members, and Whitsons Food Service staff to appreciative patrons.

pancake moorheads — Sofia, Sarita & Geoff Moorhead digging into breakfast

Things were busy at Wellesley High, as the girls’ lacrosse team faced off vs. Franklin (unfortunately falling 6-4).

Pedal power

Then it was over to the Tailby Lot, where Wellesley Police and the Kiwanis teamed up for a bike safety event. We missed out on seeing kids pop wheelies, but WPD members impressed on their wheels. As one officer said to the other: “Would you have believed it if someone told you that you could get paid for riding your bike?”

Wellesley Kiwanis Club bike rodeo. From left, Officer Kathy Poirer and Officer Stan Dunajski, with Kiwanis John and Dwin Schuler in between.

Come on by

From there we headed to Rte. 9, storming the gates of the Municipal Light Plant, Department of Public Works, and Wellesley Fire Departments. Hey, if you invite the masses to stop in for an open house, and you offer cookies, hot dogs, juice boxes, and other goodies, we will pay a call.

MLP and other town officials were sharing information on mobility and other efforts in town.

The DPW had a bunch of things going on at once. DPW Director Dave Cohen was collecting gently worn business attire to pass on to those who might need them for job interviews and other work-related events. The DPW was also filling a truck with goods for the Wellesley Food Pantry. And of course there were trucks, trucks, and more trucks for kids and adults to ogle and climb on. After two years of COVID restrictions on such events, Cohen said it was nice see people have the chance to actually touch the trucks again.

Wellesley DPW. Bob Zani (left) and Mike Murphy.

green DPW gear — The DPW rolls out its latest acquisitions in all-electric equipment.

Rescue me

At the Fire Department Chief Rick DeLorie regaled us with stories about…everything, as kids climbed about a boat, explored the interior workings of the fire engines, and sprayed real water at a phony fire.

Wellesley's Wonderful Weekend, Fire Chief Rick DeLorie — Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend, Fire Chief Rick DeLorie

Hot dog!

Time for lunch. So we visited the Police Department, and snarfed hot dogs fresh off the grill after taking a look at the shiny new communications room. The next police entry exam is coming up June 25, so if you want to join this community-oriented police force, make your move.

Wellesley's Wonderful Weekend, police station — Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend, police station. Left, Officer Mark Mark DeBernardi, and Sgt. Mike Lemanager, dressed for hot dog grilling success.

police open house bouncy — Inflatable fun in front of the Wellesley Police Department.

We might have held off on the hot dogs if we knew chicken was on the spit at the military encampment in front of Town Hall.

Wellesley's Wonderful Weekend, encampment — We thought about taking a nap in one of the Encampment tents, but somehow found the strength to power through the afternoon.

From there we got artsy, and swung by Art in the Park at Simons Park, where the “exquisite corpse” project was well underway.

Our final stop of the day: The Rotary’s pooch parade to raise funds for Ukrainian animals.

Wellesley's Wonderful Weekend, Pooch Parade — Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend, Pooch Parade, Wellesley resident Gig Babson and Pippi. The event raised $5,000 to help animals effected by the crisis in Ukraine.

After all that, well, we were pooped.

Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend—2022 schedule

May 19, 2022 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend, organized and funded by the Wellesley Celebrations Committee, is ready to bring the excitement with loads of events from Thursday, May 19 – Sunday, May 22. The weekend will kick off with an outdoor movie at the Tailby Parking lot (register through the Wellesley Recreation site) and end on Sunday, May 22 with a fabulous fireworks display at Hunnewell Field.

Don’t miss the fun with activities like the Hunnewell Fun Fair; the Pancake Festival at Wellesley High School put on by the Kiwanis; the Touch-a -Truck event/DPW Open House (bring some non-perishable grocery items to fill up a truck for delivery to the Wellesley Food Pantry); the Rotary Club-sponsored Pooch Parade at Hunnewell Field; and so much more.

With a favorable extended weather report, looks like it’s going to be a very Wonderful Weekend!

Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend schedule

Wellesley's Wonderful Weekend

*Please note, asterisk indicates a small fee may be charged.

54th Annual Wellesley Veterans’ Parade honorees

May 18, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

More than a dozen individuals and organizations will be honored during the 54th Annual Wellesley Veterans’ Parade on Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend. The parade takes place Sunday, May 22, 1-3pm, through the middle of town.

The Wellesley Celebrations Committee has shared these profiles of this year’s honorees:

Grand Marshal of the Parade: Constantin Chrysafidis
Chief of Staff: Jim Bishop
Special Recognition Award: Herlda Senhouse
Special Recognition Award: Corcoran & Havlin Insurance Group
Special Recognition Award: Anderson’s Jewelers
Special Recognition Award: Wellesley Animal Hospital
Special Recognition Award: Wellesley Recycling
Special Recognition Award: Maugus Restaurant
Special Recognition Award: Jarvis Appliance
Special Recognition Award: Marty Ryan
Distinguished Service Award: Marc Waldman
Distinguished Service Award: Cathy Brauner
Community Service Award: Raina McManus
Community Service Award: Catherine L. Johnson
Community Service Award: James R. Rodrigue, Ph.D.
Community Service Award: Renee Spencer
Dedicated Service Award: Patty Hickey

Grand Marshal of the Parade: Constantin Chrysafidis

The United States of America owes so much to every generation of American soldiers.

On Sunday, May 22, 2022, thousands of Wellesley residents will join to honor those veterans who served our country and recognize those organizations and people who serve our community. Our town is grateful to the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States military.

This year we have a special theme: Commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart is awarded by the President to those wounded while serving. The residents of Wellesley have had a long and storied history of serving in the military.

On this weekend we will remember those we have lost and cheer veterans from the second World War, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraqi Freedom.

This year, The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors, Constantin Chrysafidis for Grand Marshal.

Constantin Chrysafidis was born on 8/13/1925. His life is a story of courage and dignity.
Constantin is a Purple Heart veteran and former Wellesley resident and now lives in Rochester, NH. In Wellesley, he was your neighbor living at 35 Fells Road.

Constantin Chrysafidis said he was 18 when he left high school to join the Marines in November 1942, during World War II.

He was a corporal of the 21st Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, primarily stationed in Guam.
“Back then, people lined up around the block to join,” Chrysafidis said. “We were all united in this fight and we all wanted to serve.”

Wounded in battle, this injury sent him to several military hospitals to recuperate but he suffered significant nerve damage, which ultimately cut his time in the Marines short to 28 months.

Constantin Chrysafidis represents the noblest history and traditions of the United States military. His steadfast resolve helped us live in peace and security.

Chrysafidis said he has many memories of the war that were terrifying, but he also has many that are good, too. He said he served with and met a lot of people in his time in the service, and that he’s never forgotten their names to this day.

“I’ve lived a very successful life that I’m proud of, and I love my three beautiful grandchildren that my son and his wife gave to me,” Chrysafidis said.

“We’re all heroes, they say, but we were all just doing our jobs.”

Constantin Chrysafidis, we are proud you are our Grand Marshal.

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Learn about International Fund for Animal Welfare’s work in Ukraine at Wellesley Rotary meeting

May 13, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

Join the Wellesley Rotary Club to hear how the IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) is helping animals and families in Ukraine.

IFAW executives, including Shannon Walajtys, director of Disaster Response & Risk Reduction for the 50-year old organization, will speak about the conditions in Ukraine.

TOPIC: International Fund for Animal Welfare

DATE: Tuesday, May 17, 2022

TIME: 6:30pm

LOCATION: Wellesley Village Church, 2 Central Street

VIA ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86452908850?pwd=aG1TbEdFTklIZDR1b1RTOUlmYk1sUT09
Meeting ID: 864 5290 8850
Passcode: 058866

Celebrating animals close to home

Related to the meeting with the IFAW, the Rotary Club will hold a Pooch Parade fundraiser during Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend celebration on Saturday, May 21, 1pm-3pm, at Hunnewell Field. $20 contribution/dog. Register here.