Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend off for May 16-17, but hope alive for dates later in 2020

April 19, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend, the town’s annual celebration that’s highlighted by the Veterans’ Parade, concert and fireworks, will not be happening on May 16-17 due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

“We’ve hoped that ‘wishful thinking’ could pull us through and that we’d be able to hold our Wonderful Weekend on the planned dates of May 16 and 17. However, as we know, every day seems to push the all clear further and further away, so we are letting everyone know that we are canceling all events for that weekend. We are hopeful that we may be able to use our planned rain dates of May 30 and 31, but that is seeming less and less likely,” according to the Wellesley Celebrations Committee.

boy scouts, Wellesley Veterans Parade

There’s still hope that the 52nd annual Wellesley Veterans’ Parade can be held at a future date this year.

We will continue to ensure that public health safety is the highest priority,” the Committee says.

This is not the first time the parade and other events have been pushed off, though in the past—like in 2018— weather has been the culprit.

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51st Annual Wellesley Veterans’ Parade honorees & line of march

May 18, 2019 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The 51st Annual Wellesley Veterans’ Parade starts at the intersection of Route 16 (Washington Street) and Route 9 and continues westbound along Route 16 to Wellesley Square. The reviewing stand is in Wellesley Square. The parade lasts from 1-3pm.

parade wellesley police

Honorees for 2019
Co-Parade Grand Marshal	RICHARD F. JOYCE — In recognition of his retirement from 24 years of outstanding service to the Town of Wellesley’s Municipal Light Plant. MICHAEL P. PAKSTIS — In recognition of his retirement from 19 years of outstanding service as the Director of the Department of Public Works.
Distinguished Service Award	ELLEN F. GIBBS — In recognition of her 9 years of outstanding service on the Board of Selectmen, many additional years of service to the Town and as a longtime Town Meeting Member.
Community Service Award	PAUL L. CRISWELL — In recognition of his 10 years of service on the Board of Public Works, and as a longtime Town Meeting Member.
Community Service Award	MICHAEL D’ORTENZIO, JR. – In recognition of 3 years of service on the School Committee, including 1 year as chairman, as well as service as a Town Meeting Member.
Community Service Award	DR. ROBERT L. EVANS — In recognition of his retirement after 45 years, most recently as the Executive Director of the Human Relations Service, Inc. and during that time for his outstanding service addressing the mental health needs of Wellesley and surrounding communities.
Community Service Award	ANDREW WROBEL — In recognition of his 4 terms on the Recreation Commission, as Chairman for 6 years and chairing the Playing Fields Task Force for 3 years and for 9 years leading the 900 Worcester St. Committee and as a longtime Town Meeting Member.
Chief of Staff	DR. LAWRENCE B. DiBONA — In recognition of his over 30 years of service in the U.S. Navy and Reserves, retiring as a Captain and over 50 years of service as a dentist in Wellesley.
Dedicated Service Award	DEBRA J. HEALY — In recognition of her 24 years of service with the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant, most recently as the Assistant Director.
Dedicated Service Award	LYNNE F. NOVOGROSKI — In recognition of her retirement from 49 years of offering outstanding education to students at Wellesley High School, most recently as Assistant Principal of Bradford House.
Special Recognition Award	THE AMERICAN LEGION — In recognition of the American Legion’s and Wellesley’s American Legion Post #72’s 100th Birthdays and recognition of their offering of service to Veterans and to the Town of Wellesley.
Special Recognition Award	BABSON COLLEGE —In recognition of the 100TH Anniversary of its founding and during that century of offering outstanding education at this elite institution of higher learning.
Special Recognition Award	HASKINS AUTOMOTIVE — In recognition of its 90 TH Anniversary in business offering service to the automotive needs of the citizens of the Town of Wellesley.
Special Recognition Award	HOUSE AND GARDEN CLUB OF WELLESLEY – In recognition of its 60th birthday, doing many community projects including funding, planting and maintenance of Butterfly Gardens at four Wellesley elementary schools, Wellesley Center’s Central Park, providing Town Hall holiday decorations, hosting a Friendly Aid’s Camp Fund Auction, providing Garden Therapy for seniors, and hosting a town-wide Geranium Sale to fund these and other town projects.
Special Recognition Award	ST. ANDREWS CHURCH — In recognition of its 125TH Anniversary of offering religious services to the citizens of the Town of Wellesley and surrounding communities.
Special Recognition Award	WELLESLEY HILLS JUNIOR WOMEN’S CLUB – In recognition of its 75th Anniversary of service toward the betterment and enhancement of the Town of Wellesley.
Special Recognition Award	WINDSOR PRESS — In recognition of its 90th Anniversary in business offering printing services to the citizens of the Town of Wellesley and surrounding communities.

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Wellesley Town Buzz — a round-up of things to come

May 8, 2019 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

Welcome to spring in Wellesley, where it’s full speed ahead. Your imagination is not overactive. There really are 101 events that absolutely, positively demand your presence from end-of-school-year events to fundraisers to award ceremonies and more, more, more.

Sure we post individually about all this stuff, but here’s a list that might make staying on top of things a little easier.

Keep your eye on the prize that is summer, people, when the living will so much easier, I promise.

Thanks to iCode for their sponsorship of Wellesley Town Buzz. Register your child today for a summer camp experience that will immerse them in a world of coding, robotics, drones, and design.

May 3 – 9 — High School art exhibition

Paintings, pottery, photography and sculptures by local high school students from Wellesley and other MetroWest towns are featured in the third annual NEXT UP! juried art exhibition, sponsored by Page Waterman, Gallery and Framing in Wellesley Square.

May 7 — Wellesley Public Schools Student Art Show Exhibit at the Library

The art show will run May 6 – 29. On May 7, meet the artists at an opening reception at the Wellesley Free Library, 6 – 8pm. The award ceremony will be held at 6:30pm. You don’t want to miss this exhibition of Wellesley’s seriously talented art students.

May 9 — Wellesley Historical Society fundraiser

The Wellesley Historical Society is holding its annual fundraiser “Swing Into Spring”cocktail party on Thursday, May 9, 2019 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM on the Sunset Terrace, Wellesley Country Club, 300 Wellesley Avenue. Ticket info here.

May 11 — Tenacre Fair

Rides, ponies, baby animals, games, prizes, food, raffle, face painting, all-around fun.

May 11 — Sports equipment sale to benefit WHS junior class

Wellesley High School junior class officers will hold a sports equipment sale for May 11 that will raise funds for the class as well as the Special Olympics organization. Stop by the cafeteria for deals on all sorts of gear.

May 18 — UU Wellesley Spring Carnival

The UU Wellesley Spring Carnival will be held Saturday, May 18 at 309 Washington St. Pony rides, games, activities, music, treats, football activity, and mini-trampoline games.

May 19 — Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club Wonder Run

The Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club (WHJWC) will welcome runners of all talent levels for its 6th annual Wonder Run 5k and Kids Fun Run on Sunday, May 19. The 5k starts at 8:30am at the Wellesley High School track and takes runners on a scenic tour of town. The Kids Fun Run, also at the WHS track, starts at 9:30am. Register here.

May 17 – 19 Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend

Here’s the schedule. This annual celebration, put on by the Wellesley Celebrations Committee, never disappoints.

June 7 — Wellesley High School graduation day

Graduation ceremonies will be held at 5pm at the WHS athletic field. One of The Swellesley Report’s own will be handed a diploma. I’m feeling tearful already.

Wellesley Art in the Park theme: BLOOM

May 7, 2019 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The 6th annual Art in the Park community art event, to be held on May 18 from 1-4pm during Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend, will focus on drawings of the natural environment.

The free event, to be held in Simons Park next to the main branch of Wellesley Free Library, will feature a project called BLOOM that assembles drawings created into an on-site installation. The drawings will be inspired by springtime flowers. All materials needed, aside from your imagination, will be supplied by the organizers.

Residents interested in volunteering the day of the event should contact a committee member. The Steering Committee recognizes the events’ many local supporters, including: Wellesley Women Artisans, Wellesley’s Natural Resources Commission, Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club, Wellesley Parents Supporting Art Students and Wellesley Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Art in the Park (Photo by Karen Griswold) — The scene from a past Art in the Park event (Photo by Karen Griswold)

Art in the Park Steering Committee:

Annie Newman
[email protected]
Laura Robert
[email protected]

Jenny Schneider
[email protected]

Julie Vari-Nikolewski
[email protected]

Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend has May 17-19 planned out for you

May 4, 2019 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

2019 wellesley parade poster

2019 Schedule

21st Annual Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend

Friday – May 17th

	3:05p.m. – 6:00p.m.	*Annual Hunnewell Fun Fair (Postponed until May 31)** Hunnewell Elementary School, 28 Cameron Street, Rides, games, crafts
	All Weekend	D-Day Historical Displays Main Wellesley Library, 530 Washington Street

Saturday – May 18th

	8:00a.m.—12:00p.m.	*Pancake Festival at the Wellesley High School** — Wellesley Kiwanis Club and Wellesley High School Key Club 50 Rice Street
	8:00a.m.—12:00p.m.	Free Eye Exams at the Wellesley Lions Club Eye Mobile at the Wellesley High School — Wellesley Lions Club 50 Rice Street
	9:00a.m.—10:00a.m.	Lower Falls Walk— Wellesley Trails Committee Meet at 9:00am at the River Street parking lot off of Washington Street
	9:00a.m.—4:00p.m.	“Price of Freedom” D-Day Film Festival Main Wellesley Library, 530 Washington Street Films running continously: *Eagles of Mercy, D-Day: Over Normandy, and D-Day at Pointe-du-Hoc*
	10:00a.m.—11:30a.m.	Dog Contest — Fun and Health for Pets and Their ‘People’ * Warren School Playground, 90 Washington Street (Route 16)Prizes awarded in various categories including “shaggiest”, “best grooomed”, “best tricks”, “wiggliest”, and many more!
	10:00a.m.—1:00p.m	Open House at the Tollhouse Shop — Wellesley Historical Society 229 Washington Street
	10:00a.m.—2:00p.m	Wheels of Wellesley VII @ Wellesley Community Center 219 Washington Street
	10:00a.m.—2:00p.m	Plant Sale — Garden Clubs Includes Displays, Crafts, and Presentations Simon’s Park, Corner of Washington and Brook Street, left of library
	10:00a.m.—3:00p.m	Spring Carnival at Unitarian Universalist Church (UU Wellesley)* 309 Washington Street, Sprague Tower Park
	11:00a.m.— 3:00p.m.	Open House at “Re-imagined” Fells Branch Early Learning for Children — 308 Weston Road
	11:00a.m.— 3:00p.m.	“Touch a Truck” – Open House at Wellesley Department of Public Works — 20 Municipal Way (off 455 Worcester Street, Route 9)
	11:00a.m.— 3:00p.m.	Open House at Wellesley Municipal Light Plant — 4 Municipal Way (off 455 Worcester Street, Route 9)
	11:00a.m.— 3:00p.m.	Open House at Wellesley Police Station 485 Washington Street
	11:00a.m.— 3:00p.m.	Open House at Wellesley Main Fire Station #2 457 Worcester Street (Route 9)
	1:00p.m. — 3:00p.m.	Build Your Own Woodland Troll & Fairy House — Wellesley Conservation Council Cochituate Aqueduct, Russell Road / Kendall Road (for elementary school kids)
	1:00p.m.—4:00p.m.	Art in the Park — Wellesley Community Art Project & Wellesley Women Artisans Simon’s Park (Corner of Washington & Brook Street, left of the Library)
	3:30p.m.— 6:00p.m.	Magic Show in Support of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund* @ Wellesley Community Center — Young Magicians of Boston 219 Washington StreetEnjoy a fun-filled afternoon of family entertainment featuring a select group of close-up and stage magicians. In support of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, $10 individual, $25 family available at the door.
	4:00p.m.	Veterans’ Ecumenical Memorial Mass at Saint Paul Church Wellesley Veterans’ Council 502 Washington Street

Sunday – May 19th

	8:00a.m.—10:00a.m.	Bird Walk Locally, with Natalie Starr — Wellesley Conservation Council Meet at the Cameron St. Parking lot at the Main Library
	8:30a.m.-5K Run 9:30a.m.-Kids 1K Run	6th Annual Wonder Run 5K and Kids Fun Run 1K* —Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club Wellesley High School, 50 Rice Street Click for registration.
	1:00p.m.—3:00p.m.	51st Annual Wellesley Veterans’ Parade 2019 Theme: 75th Anniversary of D-Day Wellesley Celebrations’ CommitteeThe parade starts at the intersection of Route 16 (Washington Street) and Route 9 and continues westbound along Route 16 to Wellesley Square. The reviewing stand is in Wellesley Square.
	5:00p.m. — DUSK	Picnic in the Park at Hunnewell Field Food, drinks,kid’s rides*, crafts, games, pony rides & other fun
	6:00p.m. — DUSK	Concert for Wellesley at Hunnewell Field Featuring the Reminisants and WHS Jazz Combo
	DUSK (around 9:00p.m.)	Fireworks —the Biggest Ever! at Hunnewell Field
		*Please note, asterisk indicates a small fee may be charged.