The Swellesley Report

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

Wellesley Halloween activities — 2019

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wellesley hlls church pumpkins
Wellesley Hills Congregational Church annual pumpkin patch

 

Bate Pumpkin Fair, Wellesley

The annual Bates Elementary School Pumpkin Fair will take place on Saturday, October 19, 10am – 2pm, at the Elmwood Road school. As usual, it will feature a chance to buy pumpkins, get spooked at the haunted house, play kids games and activities, and enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, tons of prizes and just good old-fashioned spooky Halloween fun at this family friendly fundraiser, which is open to the public.

The cafe is stocking up on cider donuts, hot chocolate, coffee and other delicious treats, so skip breakfast on Saturday and arrive at 10am rain or shine to get first dibs. In the afternoon there will be pizza, burritos, hot dogs, chips and plenty of refreshing juices and water. After breakfast, come visit the Pumpkin Patch where hundreds of pumpkins of all sizes will be available for purchase. Come early for the best selection; just tag your favorite gourds and volunteers will put your pumpkins aside for you to pick up on your way home, or you can have them delivered to your car at the “pumpkin pick-up area” at the end of the fair.

Out on the fields there will be Moon Bounces, sports and carnival games like Eyeball Spin, Scary Soccer Shoot, Lucky Lollies, and of course the Howl in One. Tickets can be redeemed for non-edible Halloween favors at the prize table. When you are ready for something sweet, be sure to visit the Sweet Treats table, where there will be plenty of baked goodies to go around: cookies, cupcakes, caramel apples, cakes and pies, all festively packaged to eat at the fair or go home with to enjoy later. Nut-free and gluten- free items will be available.

Don’t miss the legendary Haunted Hallway…if you dare! Come see what tricks or treats lurk beyond every twist and turn. A fair favorite, it is suitable for all ages, and you can chose from 3 levels of spookiness….lights on, barely scary, or completely dark and creepy. The Haunted Hallway is sure to delight every age.

EVENT: Bates Pumpkin Fair
WHEN: Saturday October 19, 10am – 2pm (rain or shine)
WHERE: Bates Elementary School 116 Elmwood Road Road Wellesley

Annual house decorating contest

wellesley halloween contest burkheads.
The Burkhead family took the big prize in 2018.

Help build a strong sense of spooky community spirit by nominating your house or your neighbor’s house. Winners will receive a trophy and neighborhood bragging rights, Wellesley Recreation’s own “Boo Crew” judges will be knocking on doors, trophies in hand, in October.

To nominate a house:

  1. Email a picture of the house to [email protected]
  2. Include the address of the decorated house in the email.
  3. If the house has lights, take a day and night picture.
  4. Nominations must be received by October 28.

Halloween Elementary School Dance Party —Friday, Oct. 25

halloween dance party

Halloween Stroll — Saturday, October 26

Halloween Stroll, Wellesley

Galen Tower Wellesley College
Galen Tower, Wellesley College.

The Wellesley College Guild of Carillonneurs: Halloween Concert

WHEN: October 26, 2019
TIME:
WHERE: Wellesley College campus

Join Wellesley College for a special Halloween concert with costumes, candy, and spooky music. Listen from the academic quad or the chapel lawn as the Wellesley College Guild of Carillonneurs carries on the tradition of bell-ringing in Galen Stone Tower, which began when the carillon was first installed in 1931.

Halloween Candy Drive — November 1 – 7

Wellesley Dental Group, Candy Drive

Drs. Ali and Ali of Wellesley Dental Group are inviting the public to join them at the press event for the 𝟏𝟐𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝒏𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒚 𝑫𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒑𝒔. The event will display all the candy collected within the Metrowest area of Boston, which will be donated to troops deployed overseas. Over 40 schools and organizations participated for last years’ Candy Drive, collecting over 12,000 pounds of candy. A 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗼𝗳 $𝟭𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹’𝘀 𝗣𝗧𝗢 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘆 (𝗯𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁) 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁.

Our goal is to inspire the spirit of giving in kids by encouraging them to share their extra Halloween candy with our troops overseas. These sweet treats and handwritten cards are a reminder of home for these soldiers and a reflection of our gratitude. The packages will be sent via CarePacks, a local non-profit organization, along with oral hygiene supplies.

To schedule a candy drop-off or for more information, contact us at: 781-237-9071

[email protected]

𝗥𝗦𝗩𝗣: https://forms.gle/WdvFhU9UoM6RU2fR7

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Business Buzz: Sue Brady Hartigan to chair event; Newton-Wellesley hospital pres to depart; The Cashmere Sale softly slips back to Wellesley; author visits at Wellesley Books

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Wellesley’s Sue Brady Hartigan to co-chair Boston Arts Academy event

Sue Brady Hartigan, Wellesley
Wellesley’s Sue Brady Hartigan

Wellesley resident and radio personality Sue Brady Hartigan has been announced as co-chair of the annual Boston Arts Academy (BAA) Honors celebratory event alongside Lee Michael Kennedy, president and CEO of Lee Kennedy Co., Inc. The event, which supports Boston Arts Academy – Boston’s only public high school for the visual and performing arts – will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2020.

Hartigan is a radio host on 100.7, WZLX, Boston’s Classic Radio. She also co-produces The Public Affairs Show for WBMX-Boston and is a contributor for Boston Common. She is involved with various organizations throughout Boston, including Boston Children’s Hospital, BAA, The Bruins Foundation, Boston Medical Center, Red Sox Foundation, Rosie’s Place, and more. She is a strong advocate for mental illness affecting children, and is the proud daughter of a veteran.

 “As a performer myself, I’m proud to be a part of this event that celebrates the amazing Boston Arts Academy students, alumni and faculty,” said Brady Hartigan. “My career in radio started at 15 years old when Boston Radio Legend Sunny Joe White hired me to work for Kiss 108FM, so I am thrilled to support the passion for the arts that is so clearly visible in each and every student at Boston Arts Academy.”

 Newton-Wellesley hospital President leaving for Boston Scientific

Dr. Michael R. Jaff, President of Newton-Wellesley Hospital since 2016, announced that he is departing Newton-Wellesley to pursue a new role with Boston Scientific to continue his career-long focus on improving the health of patients with vascular diseases. A letter from Dr. Jaff to his colleagues reads in part:

It is with a true sense of emotion that I share with you that I am leaving Newton-Wellesley Hospital. I will be joining Boston Scientific as Vice President of Clinical Affairs, Innovation and Technology, Peripheral Interventions. On many levels, this was a difficult decision to make. I have a deep connection to you and Newton-Wellesley. Yet I feel that now is the time for me to leave the organization and pursue this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. My new role at Boston Scientific will allow me to refocus on
my roots as a vascular physician and to have an even greater impact on patients with vascular diseases around the world—whose health I have been committed to improving for several decades.

I recognize my decision may come as a shock. Of course, no time is the right time to step away, but I leave with the confidence that you are well on your way to achieving the collective vision we have been working toward together.

Got other Wellesley business tips on openings, closings or whatever, feel free to email us here: [email protected]

You can also email us if you’re interested in underwriting our weekly Wellesley Business Buzz roundup.

 

The Cashmere Sale to re-warm up to Wellesley

After taking a year off from Wellesley, The Cashmere Sale is cozying back into town at 25 Central Street (the former LF location, next to Winston Flowers) starting Thursday, October 17.

The Cashmere Sale, WellesleyThe pop-up is know for its cashmere sweaters, wraps and accessories that run in the $50 – $250 range.

The Cashmere Sale is one of 25 across the country in areas where the populace understands the need for the kind of warmth that can only be sourced from the goats of the Gobi Desert.

The shop will be keeping things soft, warm, and cozy in Wellesley through December 16, Monday – Saturdays 10am – 6pm and Sundays noon – 5pm.

Author visits at Wellesley Books

Here are the upcoming November author events at Wellesley Books. Please note that some events are free, some are free and require an RSVP, and some are ticketed.

11/5 Ann Cleeves, The Long Call [TICKETED]
11/7 Joanne Chang, Pastry Love: A Baker’s Journal of Favorite Recipes [TICKETED]
11/12 George Howe Colt, The Game: Harvard, Yale, and America in 1968 [FREE]
11/14 Jenna Bush Hager & Barbara Pierce Bush, Sisters First (picture book) [TICKETED] 
11/18 Adrienne Brodeur, Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, and Me [RSVP/FREE]

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Wellesley Police log: $15K lottery scam; fake $100; drivers blame metal plates for tire damage; another bike swiped, but recovered

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wellesley police pink patchWellesley, Mass., police log for the week of Oct. 7-11:

Arrests

On October 9, 2019 at 2:50 p.m. Officer Shore was conducting traffic enforcement on Wellesley Avenue when he observed an Infinti sedan which he had previously stopped on October 4th for motor vehicle violations.  He stopped the vehicle and spoke with the operator, and requested his license and registration.  A query of his information showed that his license was suspended.  He was taken into custody, transported to the station, booked in the usual manner, afforded all rights and released on $250 bail.

On October 9, 2019 at 6:51 p.m. Officer Griffin was on patrol on Worcester Street near Standish Road when he observed a Chevrolet pickup truck that was weaving within its lane of travel and the driver’s side tires crossed over the yellow line.  Officer Griffin stopped the vehicle and spoke with the operator,  and noticed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverages emanating from the vehicle and the operator’s person.  He also noticed that the driver’s eyes were blood shot, his eyes lids were droopy and his speech was slurred.  Officer Griffin asked for his identification and the driver indicated he did not have a driver’s license.  He was provided the opportunity to take some reasonable tests of balance and coordination to determine if he was able to safely operate a motor vehicle.  He was unable to successfully pass these tests.  He was taken into custody, transported to the station and afforded all rights.  He refused to complete the booking process and was ordered held without bail until he completed the booking process after which he was transported to Dedham District Court.

Incidents

On October 7, 2019 at 1:58 p.m. Officer Harris spoke with a female reporting party about possible check fraud.  She stated that she was notified that a check she had mailed in September had not arrived at its destination.  She realized that the check was initially written in the amount of $179.88 and when it was cashed by an unknown individual it was made out in the amount of $4,924.03. The reporting party had mailed the check to the intended recipient in early September.  The incident is under investigation.

On October 7, 2019 at 4:46 p.m. Officer Wall spoke with a reporting party from a business on Weston Road who stated that he received a notification that his credit card had been used a short while before.  The reporting party was reviewing the security footage with the business owner when Officer Wall arrived.  The security footage showed a male party enter the store at approximately 3:59 p.m. wearing a white and black baseball cap, grey zip up hooded sweatshirts, sunglasses, jeans and holding a brown backpack.   The owner of the credit card stated having last had the credit card in possession about one week prior and sometimes leaves a wallet in a vehicle with the vehicle unlocked so it is unknown when or where the credit card may have been taken.  Officer Wall is investigating

On October 8, 2019 at 9:08 a.m. Officer Harris was dispatched to the Worcester Street at Westminster Circle for a report of a vehicle with two flat tires.  He spoke with a male reporting party who stated the metal plates on

[Read more…]

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Hunt for Wellesley HS graduate’s book as part of Book Festival

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As part of this year’s Boston Book Festival, volunteers in various suburban towns, including Wellesley, have hidden books by the Festival’s participating authors as a way to build excitement about the free event, which takes place in Copley Square and Roxbury on October 19th and 20th.

The Late Bloomer's Club
Leaf nothing to chance when searching for The Late Bloomer’s Club.

In Wellesley the search is officially on for Boston Book Festival presenter and Wellesley High School 1989 graduate Louise Miller’s novel, The Late Bloomer’s Club. When Nora is left an unexpected inheritance, she’s also left with some hard decisions. Should she cash out the acreage, on which a developer is eyeing as the site for a big box store, or hold tight to the land and keep it beautiful for today’s and future generations of Vermonters?

How to find the hidden book:

Clue #1: The hiding place for The Late Bloomer’s Club is “Near the house that moved.”

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Wellesley: Should you stay or should you go?

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Wellesley housingGo or Stay: Housing Choices for Older Adults

WHEN: Tuesdays, October 15  and Tuesday, October 29
TIME: 3pm
LOCATION: Main Library, Wakelin Room

Attend a series of two panel discussions debating the question of whether one should age in place or move to a retirement community.

On October 15, the ‘Stay’ panel will address questions about different approaches to staying in one’s home. What challenges were encountered? What modifications have been required? How do the costs compare with those associated with moving?

On October 29, the ‘Go’ Panel will discuss the factors that influenced the panelists’ decisions to move to a retirement community. What distinguishes the different forms of retirement communities? How one decide which is the right community?

Both sessions are free and open to the public.
Jointly sponsored by Wellesley Neighbors and the Wellesley Free Library.

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What’s closed in Wellesley on the second Monday of October, 2019

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Happy second Monday in October, Wellesley. On the holiday, which is officially recognized as Columbus Day by the United States government, federal offices will be closed.

As for what’s closed in Wellesley:

Wellesley Public Schools will be closed.

Wellesley’s RDF will be closed.

Wellesley town buildings and offices will be closed.

Wellesley Free Library will be closed.

The Tolles Parsons Center will be closed.

Parking meters in Wellesley will be free.

Post Offices will be closed, and there will be no home delivery of mail. It is not an official holiday for UPS, so all packages as well as scheduled UPS Critical Express should arrive.

Regular Town of Wellesley schedules will resume on Tuesday, October 15. Please check the Town of Wellesley website for specific hours.

The US government says one thing, some states say another

Across the country according to Pew Research, “Columbus Day is one of the most inconsistently celebrated U.S. holidays. It’s one of 10 official federal holidays, which means federal workers get the day off. And because federal offices will be closed, so will most banks and the bond markets that trade in U.S. government debt (though the New York Stock Exchange will remain open).”

New England states that call it Indigenous Peoples Day:

Vermont
Maine (as of April 2019)

New England states that call it Columbus Day:

Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Rhode Island

Here’s how the rest of the states do it.

MORE:

Wellesley residents air views on Columbus Day

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