Boulder falls on, kills hiker

A sad story out of the White Mountains in New Hampshire: 28-year-old Shu Qin of China (in the U.S. visiting relatives in Wellesley), 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

(UPDATE 5/9: A video report)

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