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.

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