Boulder falls on, kills Wellesley hiker

A sad story out of the White Mountains in New Hampshire: 28-year-old Shu Qin of Wellesley (originally from Shanghai, China), was killed yesterday afternoon when a 20-inch thick boulder separated from a ledge and fell about 40 feet onto the woman, resulting in severe head injuries. She had been hiking on the Falling Waters Trail in Franconia.

 

 

Vintage books for sale

Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries are holding a vintage book sale May 17 from 10am-4pm in the lobby of the main library. All proceeds benefit the library.

 

 

Flies vs. moths

Which will win? Tune in as UMass scientists release 1,000 parasitic flies Friday in Wellesley to take down the winter moths that have been ruining trees in town and across other parts of the state. More from the Boston Globe.

 

 

Babson's commencement headliners

Commencement speakers on May 17 at Babson for the undergraduate ceremony are Deborah Bial, president and founder of The Posse Foundation, an educational outfit, and Myles Brand, head of the NCAA. For the graduate ceremony, Babson Chairman Thomas Stallkamp does the speaking honors. 

 

 

Fatal crash in Wellesley

A 76-year-old Hingham man lost his life on Rte. 128 South in Wellesley Wednesday afternoon after he lost control of his car and crashed into a truck. The crash remains under investigation. More here from NECN. 

 

 

Our Town coming to our town in June

From Wellesley Summer Theatre Company:

The Wellesley Summer Theatre Company is proud to announce their production of the beloved American classic; Thornton Wilder's  Our Town, opening June 4th in the intimacy of the Ruth Nagel Jones Theatre.  Directed by Artistic Director Nora Hussey and designed by the resident team of Ken Loewit (scenic and lighting design), Nancy Stevenson (costumes) and George Cooke (sound).  This story of life in small town America at the dawn of the twentieth century is brought to vivid life by the resident acting troupe.  Now in its 11th season this company has been repeatedly lauded for its acting ensemble. Grovers Corners and all its inhabitants play out the story of the endless cycle of birth, love and death in small town New Hampshire.  In the New Yorker, critic John Lahr wrote, "Our Town leaves us with a sense of blessing and the unspoken but palpable command to achieve gratitude in what remains of our days on earth".

The production welcomes back company members past and present:  Kit Arnold, Sarah Barton, Heather Boas, Danny Bolton, John Davin, Lisa Foley,  Marc Harpin, Eric Hamel, Gladdy Matteosian and Charlotte Peed.  It also welcomes newcomers Zach Bubolo, Christine Hamel, Will Keary and Ben Small.

Performances are:

Wednesdays   June 4, 11, 18, 24 at 7pm

Thursdays   June 5, 12, 19, 25 at 7pm

Fridays   June 6, 13, 20, 27 at 8pm

Saturdays   June 7, 14, 21, 28 at 3 and 8pm

Tickets are $25.00 general admission, $10.00 students and seniors. To purchase tickets call the box office at 781-283-2000 or order tickets online at www.wellesleysummertheatre.com. The theatre is handicap accessible. For disability services contact Jim Wice at 781-283-2434

 

A Wellesley history lesson, in black and white

 

With some of Wellesley's old buildings, such as the Wellesley Inn, going down in recent years, the new historical photography book titled Wellesley provides a well-timed retrospective on the town.

The soft cover book from Arcadia Publishing is a collection of a couple hundred black and white photographs (many from the Wellesley Historical Society) with generally brief captions explaining the story behind the pictures. The pictures are divvied into chapters on Wellesley's roots as part of Needham, people, houses, education, society and business.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
We most enjoyed looking through the Local Enterprise chapter to see what used to be in some of today's buildings and the Education chapter, which includes excellent photos of the Wellesley College Crew (below) and the first Wellesley High class from 1865 (above).  And you thought kids these days dressed funny.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Faces Around Town (people) chapter got a bit tiresome, though did help us put a few faces with some of the street names so familiar now (Kingsbury, Denton, etc.). The chapter includes old photos of some of Wellesley's most famous, including Katharine Lee Bates of America the Beautiful fame.

Some of the photos in the book are just plain swell, such as this picture below of the House and Garden Club of Wellesley, whose members apparently didn't mind getting their skirts dirty. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While much of the history detailed in the book will be familiar to those with a sense of the town's past, there are sure to be some surprising nuggets as well. For instance:

* 7 of the 8 homes built by Wellesley benefactor H.H. Hunnewell for his children are still used by family members (the other belongs to Wellesley College)

* Jack Early became Wellesley's youngest selectman at age 23 in the early 1900s

* People in town during pre-refrigeration days used to leave cards in their windows indicating the size/weight of ice blocks desired and where to put them

* Wellesley College was once called the Wellesley Female Seminary

* There were taverns

* The Anderson's Jewelers building at the corner of Grove/Washington was once a restaurant called Seiler's

The book was written by Jennifer Jovin, a 25-year-old who grew up in Needham and did graduate work at the Wellesley Historical Society. She'll be visiting Wellesley Booksmith on May 10 from 2-4pm to discuss the book.

Wellesley, $19.99, Arcadia Publishing. Available at local retailers, online bookstores, or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or (888) 313-2665.

 

Savage race recap

The Wellesley Police Department's 8th Annual Stewart Savage 5K Road Race and Fun Run (some photos here) took place Sunday at Babson, once again honoring the former Wellesley police officer who died in the line of duty. The Cool Running website lists 200-plus participants, including winner Jacob Lehrhoff of Jamaica Plain, who covered the course in just 16 minutes and 40 seconds. Kathy Fleming of Natick finished second, just 18 seconds later. Michael Rizzitello is listed as the top finisher from the Wellesley Police Department.

 

Healthy Wellesley Week set for May 12-17

The Healthy Wellesley Committee announces a week of FREE events May 12-17, highlighting healthy living in Wellesley. From kids to seniors, there will be something interesting to attend and participate in. Here is the lineup:

May 12-16 at or through the Council on Aging. Please call 781-235-2961 to register:

Monday, May 12, 2008 – 10:00-11:00 AM – Extra Tour at CVS, 188 Linden Street
This is an interactive event specifically designed to address the health concerns of active seniors. The tour features information on taking care of aging skin; the pharmacist’s role in prescriptions and healthcare; the differences between generic and brand name drugs; pain relievers and over the counter medications, vitamins and nutritional supplements.

Monday, May 12, 2008 – 10:30-11:30 AM – Presentation by Senior Olympian Amy Hicks, M.Ed. – Wellesley Community Center
Amy will blow away stereotypes about athletes. She is a master athlete in track and field, swimming, and synchronized swimming. Amy is a Senior Olympian and has competed in the Senior Games/Senior Olympics since 1991. She will impart her wisdom and inform residents how they too can participate in local and state games!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 – 10:30-11:30 AM – Presentation Taking Responsibility for Aging Well by Janet Jankowiak MD – Wellesley Community Center
Dr. Jankowiac will share her ideas on successful aging, dealing with chronic diseases, and preventive neurology. This distinguished and accomplished physician has a passion for synchronized swimming, and competes on the national level.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 – 1:00-2:00 PM – Join Ruth Harriet Jacobs, PhD for Happy Birthday, a play for elders acted by elders – Wellesley Community Center
Are you ready for your close up Mr. DeVille? Join Dr. Jacobs in performing a play that is entertaining and important, dealing with the “second coming of age.” Dr. Jacobs, a senior scholar at Wellesley College- Wellesley Centers for Women, is the author of nine books, including “Be an Outrageous Older Woman.”

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 – 9:45-10:45 AM – Chair Yoga demonstration and class led by Leslie Worris, MPH – Wellesley Community Center
This is a great class for first timers, seniors, those with injuries, or anyone with challenges such as limited mobility or recent surgery. Explore yoga poses (sitting and standing), increase flexibility, strength, balance, mobility, circulation, and decrease stress! All of this for free…check it out!

Thursday, May 15, 2008 – 10:30-11:30 AM – Presentation on The Modified MY PYRAMID For Older Adults by Nancy Keith, RD – Wellesley Community Center
Learn how to take steps to be healthier. Nancy will describe the differences between the old and new version of the food pyramid for older adults.

Thursday, May 15, 2008 – 2:00-3:00 PM – Tai Chi demonstration and class led by Josh Fink MPH – Wellesley Community Center
Come and discover why Tai Chi has helped improve muscle tone, flexibility, balance and coordination. Many practitioners have found that it boosts their energy, stamina and agility, sharpens their reflexes, and improves their wellbeing.

Friday, May 16, 2008 – 10:00-11:00 AM – Presentation on Osteoporosis by Dr. William MacDonald, D.O. – Wellesley Community Center
Learn about Osteoporosis and what you can do to prevent or mitigate its effects. Dr. MacDonald is a graduate of Ohio University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Friday, May 16, 2008 – 12:45 PM – Friday matinee movie Racing Against the Clock – Wellesley Community Center (pre-registration is not required)
The movie tells the story of five incredible women between the ages of 50-82 who compete against each other and ultimately – themselves, in their quest to reach the World Master’s Athletic Championships in Puerto Rico in June 2003. Truly inspirational.

Saturday, May 17, 2008 at Wellesley High School (Part of Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend): For more information visit
www.wellesleyma.gov/health or call 781-235-0135.

7:30 AM-2:30 PM: Fun and games, informational displays and healthy snacks in the gym during the Rotary Club’s Pancake Festival.

9:30 AM-10:30 AM: Tots and Tails on Trails Walk- leashes required, strollers recommended. Meet at the east end of the high school (close to the parking lot). Join friends and neighbors (pets not required, but bring your furry friends if you want) on a walk down Fuller Brook Path, past the encampment at Town Hall, along the aqueduct, to the police station, back on to Fuller Brook Path ending at the high school. The walk should last approximately one hour.

10:00 AM-12:00 PM: Take a tour of the high school’s amazing fitness center. Hear about the programs available to residents and hours the center is open.

12:00 PM-2:00 PM: Micro-chip Clinic for dogs and cats- located in the mobile home (to keep cats safe) near the parking lot at the high school. The cost is $15 if you pre-register, or $20 the day of the clinic. For more information or to register visit www.straypetsinneed.info

Incoming Wellesley Middle School principal's history lesson

Josh Frank tells the tale of his family trickled into the United States in the late 1800s/early 1900s with a focus on his parents' educational background and how they pushed to make sure their kids had even better lives. He writes in the latest Wellesley Middle School newsletter: "My work in public schools over the past 20 years has been organized around my belief in the role public schools play in making the American Dream into a reality." 

 

Wellesley High girls lacrosse video

Boston.TV does its unique take (click on Rundown Wk #29) on highlights from a recent Wellesley High School girls lacrosse game. 

 

 

Troops welcomed home at Wellesley armory

Fox 25 News reports on the return of National Guard troops who were in Iraq for more than a year. 

Out of thin air: DTOX in, Hazel & Grace out

Women's clothing store Hazel & Grace moved out of its 254 Washington St. location in Wellesley Hills at the start of April and is doing business online for now, according to the company's website. Hazel & Grace's Amy Gubellini writes: "I'm thrilled to announce that Hazel & Grace will be moving from its current space in Wellesley Hills as of Wednesday, April 2nd. As most of you know my current location, although beloved and beautiful, has been challenging." Gubellini goes on to say she's putting an emphasis on e-commerce.

Meanwhile an outfit called DTOX (with a little 2 attached to the O to indicate oxygen) has moved in. While Hazel & Grace could gussy up your appearance, DTOX claims to be able to improve your health, boost your energy, reduce weight loss and fight the aging process through its oxygen services and its "ultra liquid health" offering (a sort of cure for the common cold is even touted as coming soon). The website reads: I UNDERSTAND because I have been there for over 30 years, searching for the logic and perfection of taking the right things to stay healthy.

The company, which has locations on Newbury Street and elsewhere locally, describes itself as "an innovative health service company providing advanced, natural, non-invasive health services and products in a relaxing environment."

The move to attract people to the wonders of oxygen and clean air does have some precedent in town, as noted here in a WellesleyWeston Magazine article that cites old time Wellesley mover and shaker Isaac Sprague, Jr.'s efforts:

"His were the most expensive homes in town, which he proudly advertised on the front page of the Townsman as “a community of homes enjoying the delights of attractive natural conditions, open grounds, and good air ... covered with oaks and pines.”

 

Blue Ginger expansion opens May 8

 

Get ready for Ming's Bing (the Blue Ginger chef's take on the hamburger) and a refurbished  Blue Ginger dining room featuring slate grey floors inlaid with bamboo and private dining rooms equipped with Wi-Fi. Walk-ins encouraged May 8/9 for dinner, with lunch kicking off May 10 at 11:30pm.

 

Beach Boys headed to Wellesley

An anonymous donor (hey, don't look at us) has splurged to bring  The Beach Boys (including a couple of the original members) to town to spice up Wellesley's Wonderful Weekend on Sunday May 18 at Hunnewell Field at around 7:15pm. Fireworks will follow. More here and here.

 

 

A brief Wellesley Inn update

A reader asked for the latest on the former Wellesley Inn site downtown. Here's what Town Planner Meghan Jop told us:

 

Wellesley a real estate bright spot

A couple of fresh reports quantify the local housing slump, but at least one realtor quoted in this story says Wellesley has somewhat bucked the trend. From the Metrowest Daily News:

 

At least 75 properties [in Wellesley] were under agreement in the first quarter of the year, she said, with prices that ran as high as $5.3 million.

One Wellesley property, with an asking price of more than $900,000, received nine offers, she said.

 

 

Big endowments targeted by lawmakers

Metrowest Daily News reports that state lawmakers are considering a tax on private university endowments exceeding $1 billion. That would be Wellesley College squarely in their sights. From the article:

If the state passes the tax, Wellesley College alone would have to pay $17.5 million each year on its $1.7 billion endowment fund.

"I think the amendment singles out higher education among all nonprofit and charitable organizations unfairly. ... Wellesley uses its endowment wisely to support students and learning here," said Mary Ann Hill, assistant vice president for public affairs at Wellesley.

 

Couple back in court over lead paint issue

The Wellesley couple whose saga regarding their daughter's lead paint poisoning was all over the news recently was back in court today. The Ellises say they are angry at the state for the way it has handled the situation, including the hiring of a lawyer they say is dragging out the case.

 

Wellesley becoming a fairyland

The Wellesley Conservation Council will host a walk along Morses Pond to Pickle Point Sanctuary on Saturday May 17th, 1:00 p.m. where each child will adopt a tree and build his/her own fairy house under it with natural material gathered during the walk. Refreshments will be served. Meet at the Cochituate Aqueduct (intersection of Russell Rd./Kendall Rd.....See map from Wellesley Square to the meeting point). For questions please call:  (781) 237-6125 or (781) 431-2032

Also, there will be a sign-up sheet for the walk at Magic Beans’ “Fairy Tea Party”, Sunday May 4th  at 1pm in Linden Square. That event also includes face painting, crafts and prizes.

Fairies not your bag? Then how about trucks?

The Wellesley Mothers Forum's 1st Annual Charity Truck Day & Baby Food Drive will be held on Saturday, May 10th 9am-noon at the Wellesley High School parking lot.  Check out fire trucks, police cars, construction vehicles and more. All proceeds (suggested donation $5 per child) benefit the Massachusetts Children's Fund, a local organization working tirelessly to feed hungry children throughout the state. The Forum is also looking to collect 1,000 jars of baby food to help the cause.

Davis Museum exhibit reviewed

Read what the Boston Globe has to say about the rare works, including giant prints, on display as part of Wellesley College's Davis Museum exhibit "Grand Scale: Monumental Prints in the Age of Durer and Titian."

 

 

Senior center gift proving to be complicated

Read the latest on the the $825,000 gift bestowed by longtime Wellesley resident Billie Towles for a senior center. The town is struggling to figure out the most sensible way to spend the money: erect a new building, use an existing one like the American Legion building or add on to one like the Wellesley Community Center. The town is exploring what it is that its growing senior population really needs.

 

 

Recyclable of the month for May: eyeglasses

From the Wellesley RDF:

 

            May is Recycle for Sight Month! The Lions Club collects eyeglasses to distribute to those less fortunate.  Your old eyeglasses can make a huge difference in the lives of others.  The used eyeglasses are cleaned, sanitized and then classified by prescription and distributed to those that cannot afford them.  Eyeglasses can be dropped off in the eyeglass bin along the recycling wall.  Step Up for sight this month!  Your contribution is a priceless gift to someone in need.
For more information, contact Superintendent Gordon Martin at 781-235-7600 x 3340, or visit the RDF website at: www.wellesleyma.gov

 

The scoop on hoop

Some 200 Wellesley College seniors, many wearing academic gowns, rambled across campus this morning for the 113th Annual Hoop Rolling competition. Students needed to roll the wooden hoops by any means and the winner, Rachel Goldstein of Bloomfield Hills, Mich. (shown here), got tossed into Lake Waban by classmates after finishing the 1/8 of a mile course. Goldstein is a political science and women's studies major.

Video of start of 2008 Wellesley College hoop rolling competition 

 

 

MassBay art exhibit opens in May

The annual Massachusetts Bay Community College (MassBay) Student Artist Exhibit will be held May 1-29, 2008 in the Felix Juliani Art Gallery. The exhibit will feature works from 32 MassBay students in the disciplines of landscape, the figure, fantasy, portraits, still life, and architecture.

Wellesley memories of 2008 Boston Marathon

Thanks to Rich Gastwirt for sending along these excellent pictures from the Wellesley portion of the Boston Marathon. Top to bottom: eventual winner Robert Cheruiyot (bib #1), Dick and Rick Hoyt, and a very brave Yankees fan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clean-up along the Charles Saturday

NRC's 9th Annual Wellesley Earth Day Clean-up, 9 a.m.- 12 noon on Saturday, April 26.  Free refreshments and T- Shirts. Meet at the intersection of River St., and Rt. 16 to help clean up along the Charles River.  Sponsored by the Natural Resources Commission and the Charles River Watershed Assoc.

Wellesley's fleetest

Congratulations to Jonathan Fortescue (time of 2:44:02) and Amanda Zarle (3:16:48), Wellesley's fastest male and female runners in today's Boston Marathon. More results. 

 

Sexy in the suburbs

An outfit called In Full Force is holding an event called Fabulous in Full Force West of Boston at the Bentley Boston Dealership in Wayland on May 1 from 6-10pm. The event is designed to celebrate the fabulousness of women in Wellesley and neighboring communities, bringing them all together with area businesses, including Lyn Evans for Potpourri Designs of Wellesley. The event will feature gourmet food, music, a fashion show and more.

 

Author Rick Riordan coming to Wellesley 

Rick Riordan, author of the popular Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, is coming to Wellesley Middle School on May 10 at 3pm (doors open at 2:30pm) for a free public event. His new book, coming out in May, is called The Battle of the Labyrinth. Event hosted by Wellesley Booksmith, which is also holding a raffle in advance of the event that will reward winners with a chance to meet separately with Riordan.

The book on Wellesley

Have you ever seen those photographic history books with the sepia-toned images on the cover about Framingham, Needham and other local communities and wondered: Why isn't there one on Wellesley? Now there is.

The book, being made available in May by Arcadia Publishing, was written by Jennifer Jovin, curator of the Newton History Museum. She traces Wellesley's development since the 19th century. We'll share some more on this when we get ahold of a copy.

 

 

 

 

Organ transplant, Wellesley style

The Eagle Tribune reports that St. John the Evangelist Church in Wellesley Hills is installing an Opus 1531 pipe organ from a Lawrence church that was shuttered 3 years ago as part of the Boston archdiocese church closings. From the story:

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime event," said Laurence Carson, organist at St. John. "You rarely see it in pieces, and it's not every day that you see it being built."

After the 11 a.m. Mass there today, 50 volunteers will help unload the thousands of pine and wood pieces from a 50-foot tractor-trailer owned by Andover Organ company and bring them into the church. Other parishioners will snap pictures and record the event, while others will be like cheerleaders.

 

A Jaguar or the Taj Mahal. Now which is it?

Critics of the Wellesley High School building plans argue that whichever of the two options gets the go ahead is going to be over the top.  In its recap of the town's recent vote to move ahead with the high school building project, the Globe quotes a couple of high profile critics:

* Gerry Murphy, a Town Meeting member and, for 36 years, a teacher at Wellesley High School, urged the assembly to reject the funding request.... "We can have any one of two models of a Jaguar as long as it's a Jaguar," he said. "Why can't we have a Saab or a Toyota? 

*  "This high school is not a Taj Mahal," said longtime Town Meeting member Roy Switzler, "but it's a palace in both of the versions that are offered to us."

 

Wellesley in pictures

Wellesley is a favorite topic of the photographer who shares  pictures on this web site. 

The real estate show

Wellesley's WCAC-TV is among local cable channels making real estate the focus of shows, according to this Boston Globe story:

 

In Wellesley, residents urged public-access channel WCAC-TV to produce a local real estate show. So station executive director James Joyce is planning a monthly program with former WBZ-TV reporter Teri Adler, now a broker at Pinnacle Residential Properties. Again, their focus will be customized to fit the town.

"We've recently had new regulations passed related to mansionization and permitting, and there are people in town - developers, realtors, prospective buyers - that have an interest in monitoring things like that," said Joyce. "So it's going to be an informative program about real estate issues specific to Wellesley."

 

Candidates drop Wellesley's name along campaign trail

Candidates for offices in other Massachusetts communities have been dropping Wellesley's name of late.

In Brookline, School Committee candidate Arthur Conquest (how can he not win with a name like that?) had this to say as part of a Q&A with the Brookline Tab:

Q: Should the committee have cut more from the budget before asking voters for an override?

Conquest: No, I don’t think so. My position is that if you want your system, or if you want your students to remain competitive, we can’t just compare ourselves to what’s happening in Wellesley, what’s happening in Concord, what’s happening in Lexington, but what’s happening globally. We’re engaged in a global economy.

Separately, Littleton Selectmen candidate Janet Wilkinson had this to say in the Littleton Independent:

She is also interested in “increasing revenues with recycling efforts.” She said Wellesley, which brings in some $650,000 a year from recycling and is considerably larger than Littleton, is interested in “helping us with our recycling initiatives.”

Sean Kingston: Rapping at Wellesley College

The Jamaican American reggae singer and rapper Sean Kingston visits Wellesley College for the school's annual spring concert on Thursday, April 24 for a 9pm show at the Keohane Sports Center (Wellesley College students get in free, others need to pay $20). More info. 

Interestingly, in light of the town's concerns about suicide in recent years, Kingston's music generated a suicide-related controversy last year. His hit single "Beautiful Girls" contains lyrics about suicide -- lyrics   removed on MTV and censored by certain radio stations. The song samples the old Ben E. King song "Stand By Me".

Wellesley College has a history of bringing cutting edge singers and groups to town for its annual spring concert. Past performers have include Ludacris, OK Go and the Decemberists. 

 

Town Meeting ushers Wellesley High building project along

The Wellesley School Building Committee reports: 

At the conclusion of two nights of presentations and questions, the 2008 Annual Town Meeting approved the appropriation of funds for the next steps of the High School Building Project. This appropriation marks a major milestone in moving the project forward and enables the development of schematic design of the preferred option.

By a 182-35 vote, Town Meeting approved $2.7 million to fund the next phase of the project 

 

TV news stations swirl around Wellesley lead poisoning story

Following yesterday's Boston Globe report on the Wellesley couple in court regarding their daughter's lead poisoning, several local TV news stations jumped on the story: Fox, Channel 7 and WBZ 

Pretty much the same story on each. The couple is talking, the state isn't yet.

 

 

Wellesley Free Library turning 5 in May

The library will celebrate itself on May 30 from 7-9pm and you're invited. Activities for kids will take place early on and then Jerry Seeco's Flute Project will perform. There will be cake and the event is free.

Wellesley house burns

The Townsman reports on a Hastings Street house near Fiske Elementary School that caught fire this morning and that firefighters described as being uninhabitable for now. No people were harmed, though the owner's dog died. Firefighters believe the fire started in the kitchen, according to the story.

 

 

One-woman show coming to Wellesley College

 

Rebecca Fisher tells us she is bringing her one-woman show "The Magnificence of the Disaster" to Wellesley College on May 16 at 7:30pm (tickets 781 283-2000). Her web site describes the show like this:

 On February 27, 1995, wife and mother EMILY FISHER, who attended Wellesley College from 1960-1962, was murdered in her Midtown Memphis home. Join Emily's daughter and solo performer, REBECCA FISHER, for her tour de force one-woman show that explores family, race, southern identity, and THE MAGNIFICENCE OF THE DISASTER.

   Fisher is trekking out here from the Bay Area in California, where she teaches theater. She is a Wheaton Alum and is performing her show there in May as well for commencement weekend. She has performed the show about 40 times, including in Memphis, where the actual events took place. 

    "I've never performed it on the east coast.  I'll find it neat to compare how a New England audience relates to it differently than a California audience which is very different from Memphis," says Fisher, who has a new piece called "Family Portraits" in the works.

 

 

Wellesley College, back in the movies

Several readers point out that the new movie "Smart People" features a character (played by Thomas Haden Church) who dons a Wellesley College sweatshirt (a clip here that made its way to us via WCAC-TV). One review describes the sweatshirt as "a high-visibility prop."

An LA Times review makes mention of the Wellesley College shirt as well: While camping out in his brother’s attic, Uncle Chuck stumbles on his dead sister-in-law’s college sweatshirt. Needless to say, her surviving husband ( Dennis Quaid) and daughter (Page) are pretty skeeved out to see Uncle Chuck loafing around in Wellesley College sweats.

Lead paint nightmare for Wellesley couple

A Wellesley couple whose young daughter has lead poisoning shares their story with the Boston Globe. As if it isn't bad enough that their child has lead poisoning, the couple is fighting charges in court that the health problem is their fault -- that their home violates lead paint rules. The couple suspects that their daughter's lead poisoning actually came by way of an enamel-covered charm necklace and argues that her elevated lead levels showed up before the family moved to the home in question last spring. The family could be forced to undertake a nearly six-figure lead removal process in their home, a process they fear could create an even riskier lead threat due to airborne dust particles.

 

 

Backers of closed parishes seek Pope's ear

Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the U.S. this week spurred opponents of local Catholic church closings to join at St. James the Great in Wellesley to voice their latest concerns. While they don't necessarily expect the pope to address the issue of church closings, they would like to see him at least more directly acknowledge the failings of the Catholic hierarchy in light of the sex-abuse scandal and subsequent financial problems. From WBZ:

"I would have been glad to see the pope here," said Suzanne Hurley of The Council of Parishes. "But I think he didn't want to be linked with what's going on here."

 

Wounded Wellesley soldier backs Bush decision on shorter tours of duty

Channel 5 News catches up with wounded Iraq war veteran Sean Bannon of Wellesley this week. Bannon, just back from Iraq, says he is all for shortening tours of duty from 15 to 12 months. Bannon stands behind the U.S. military being in Iraq: "I think the Iraqi people do need our help because they are afraid to stand up against the insurgents because they have no way to defend themselves," he said.

 

Welcoming Qdoba to town

The Wellesley Townsman interviews Jeff Ackerman, who recently opened the new Qdoba Mexican Grill at 185 Linden St. in Wellesley. The Wellesleyite tells the Townsman: “I think the Wellesley market is very on target for this type of product. It’s made for people whose lives are on the go, but who are tired of sacrificing their diet for speed.”