Vol. 1 No. 12
Free to Every Home and Business Every Month
26.2 For a Cause BY DAVE HALPERIN
ners will lace up their sneaks to raise money for Wellesley ABC.
When the Boston Marathon runs through Wellesley on April 16, several athletes will have more than the finish line on their
The two nonprofits were chosen by the Board of Selectmen to receive race numbers given to the town by the Boston Athletic
The athletes, for their part, needed to pay $4,000 up front to their respective charities in order to secure those numbers, so these days they're busy not only training, but fundraising in order to make up that money and perhaps even provide additional dollars to these two local organizations. "My wife has been a teacher in Wellesley for 15 years, and a longtime supporter of METCO," said METCO runner Jeff Merritt during an event held in honor of the runners at the home of Friends of Wellesley METCO chair Lisa Sargent. "We have also have twin boys in Kindergarten, and this was just a great opportunity to help METCO."
Team ABC: Back Row, left to right: Mbeira Maorongarti, Scholar House Resident Director; Akilah Ransom, Scholar House Resident; Stephen Campbell, ABC runner; Devon Ellis, ABC runner. Front Row, left to right: Yina Cordero, Scholar House resident; Jamilia Simon, Scholar House resident; and Lisa Morrissey, ABC runner. Photo by Dave Halperin.
minds. Eight are running the race on behalf of the Friends of Wellesley METCO; four run-
Association in exchange for hosting a leg of the race.
Merritt is running in his third marathon, but April will mark the first time he toes the line in Hopkinton to run what is perhaps the country's most prestigious race.
Silifa Wallace, whose two children attend Wellesley schools through METCO, doesn't have
MARATHON RUNNERS continued on page 5
April 1, 2012
Incumbents Win, Alcohol Passes in Town Election BY DAVE HALPERIN The town-wide election on Tuesday, March 13 featured a low turnout and tight races, with in-
With the resignation of Owen Dugan from the Board of Selectmen and the expiring term of incumbent Terri Tsagaris, two slots were open for Selectmen. Three residents ran for the two seats:
A show of support for candidates in the town-wide election. Photo by Caroline Fahey.
cumbents holding serve and being joined by newcomers on the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee. Voters also approved new liquor licensing legislation.
Tsagaris sought reelection while Don McCauley and former Select-
TOWN ELECTION continued on page 6
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Brig Br ight g L Lights: g Wellesleyites You Should Know By: Je’Lesia ’L M. Jones
Owen Dugan Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, said: “The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people.” One morning by 9 a.m., a couple of weeks before the end of his final term with the Board of Selectmen, Owen H. Dugan had already jogged (as he does daily at 6 a.m.), visited a Wellesley resident with a complaint, and prepared for a second meeting with another resident who simply wanted someone ‘from the town’ to listen to a concern. Owen, a 45-year resident of Wellesley, was not only up for the task, but was the perfect civil servant who valued residents and what they had to say. Owen has always believed that effective leadership involved listening. He made this rare quality a cornerstone of his tenure and listening to residents, regardless of points of view, has aided Owen well during his seventeen years of service to the town. “There is nobody that knows better than the resident, the user,” Owen said. “Nobody who can give input on how to fix something better than the user. It can’t be a oneway street.” Owen feels that the current Board of Selectmen also operates by the same mantra. “We make it a point, if someone calls into the Board of Selectmen’s office, we call them back that day,” he said. “We may not have a solution that day, but we let them know that we hear them, and we will find a solution.” And finding solutions to problems is what Owen Dugan does best. “I first became involved in town government when I helped Sid Farnsworth on his campaign. He was running for the Department of Public Works,” Owen said. After that experience, he realized the personal satisfaction available from direct community involvement and the difference that active participation in government could make. “My first entrée with the Town was on the Advisory Committee. I
served from 1995-97,” he said.
are a few items,” he said.
Following his time on Advisory, Owen was elected to the Department of Public Works and served there from 1998-2005. By now he was beginning to make a name for himself as a no-nonsense, get-thejob-done sort of guy, who was frank in his dialogue. He had also honed his skills in listening.
In addition, another meaningful accomplishment was the hiring of an Executive Director for the Town of Wellesley.
“I’ve never held anything back. I don’t have a dark side in my life,” Owen explained. “Most people know everything there is to know about me.”
“We (Wellesley) needed added fiscal discipline and that was one of Hans Larsen’s strengths,” Owen explained. “With Hans’ leadership, we have a town-wide financial plan and all departments follow it.
Owen said. “The Selectmen have taken some actions and will take some more,” he said. Owen’s retirement from the Board of Selectmen was effective with the town election held on March 13. He said he “will probably do the same things,” though he indeed plans to spend time involved on some boards and in organizations. “I serve on a couple of committees and boards and committees outside of town. I will continue to do that,” he said. Owen will also focus on his hobbies. “I do a lot of woodworking, playing golf, growing vegetables, and
April1, 2012
International Business Machines (IBM). Owen and his wife have three sons. One son lives in Wellesley, one in Southborough, and one in Hinesburg, VT. “They are all off of my payroll,” Owen said with a chuckle. He and his family have been members of Saint Paul's Catholic Church since 1968. Whatever retirement holds for Owen, love for the Town of Wellesley will always loom large in his heart, and Wellesley will always be grateful to Owen for his seventeen years of service to the town.
This ability to consider all sides, though remaining firm in decision making, culminated with Owen’s election to the Board of Selectman in 2005. Over the years, Owen has been involved in many projects that have changed the function, operation, and even the appearance of Wellesley. He is modest about taking credit for Town accomplishments. “Owen has been a dedicated volunteer for Wellesley for many years,” said Barbara Searle, Chair, Board of Selectmen. “His goal has always been to improve Wellesley. This has been manifested through his work to improve infrastructure, insure beneficial agreements with developers, his work on traffic issues with neighborhoods, insuring neighborhoods that abut commercial areas have their concerns heard and addressed, and he always did this work with a smile and good humor." “The Board (of Selectmen) did things as a unit,” Owen said. “The rejuvenation of Grossmans; controlling health care cost for Town employees while still providing quality health care; and funding the pension liability/unfunded OPEB (Other Post Employee Benefits, i.e., pension and health care)
He developed a roadmap, and we’ve been able to provide quality services without asking the town for an override,” Owen continued. “We haven’t had an override for 56 years and not many towns can say that. That’s why Wellesley is such a good town. It’s well run,” he said. Additional achievements occurred during Owen’s tenure as a Selectman, including the successful development of Linden Square and the building of the new Wellesley High School. He is also hopeful that Wellesley Square will be reborn, as well. “We’ve been meeting with the landlords and the merchants,”
jogging every morning at 6 a.m.,” Owen said, a wide smile breaking across his face. He sits back in his chair, sighs, and smiles again, exuding a joy that comes from a fulfilled life. “My wife, Elizabeth, grows flowers. She’s a very good horticulturalist. I grow the vegetables,” he said. Owen Dugan was born in Quincy. He attended St. Sebastian’s and Notre Dame. He served in the United States Navy. After leaving the Navy, he worked for Bethlehem Steel. “I built nuclear ships,” Owen explained. Following that experience, he then embarked on a 30-year career at
“He served Wellesley well and the Board will miss him,” stated Selectman Chair, Barbara Searle. “My experiences in Wellesley have taught me one thing: Having dealt with what goes on in town and the boards I serve on outside of town, Wellesley is a fabulous town to live in. In the Metro West, no town is better,” Owen said. Bright Lights: Wellesleyites You Should Know appears in each edition of Wellesley Local Town Pages. Please email Je'Lesia M. Jones at arie8@comcast.net with Bright Lights' suggestions.
April 1, 2012
Local Town Pages www.wellesleytownnews.com
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Planning For & Managing Changed on the Elder Care Journey BY DENNIS B. SULLIVAN, ESQ., CPA, LLM At Dennis Sullivan & Associates, we help people and their families protect spouse, home and life savings from the increasing cost of nursing home and medical care, as well as savings on taxes and avoiding the time, cost and delays of the probate process. With people living longer, it is important to plan ahead for what can happen as you and your spouse age. That’s why we created the Unique Trust, Estate and Asset Protection review process to help people eliminate potential problems in their planning as they plan for the years ahead. Planning for long term care is especially important as we all age. A 2011 World Alzheimer’s report showed that 50% of people over 80 will be diagnosed with a dementia during their lifetime. This is why we created an online Alzheimer's Resouce Center to help people and their families learn about what can be done to help care for a loved one or friend with dementia or Alzheimer’s. On February 23rd we hosted a client workshop at the Wellesley College Club as part of our Lifetime Protection Program. This exclusive event featured several expert guest speakers on the topic: "Planning for and Managing Changes Along the Elder Care Journey". Helpful information was provided for clients on how to stay
in their homes safely, alternative living options available, how to evaluate those opportunities and how to pay for different care options. According to a recent AARP study 86% of respondents plan to stay in their current home as long as possible, and as people get older that percentage increases. That reminded me of a couple we helped with our Life Care Planning Services. They were considering moving but decided against it by installing lifts so that he was able to get up and down the stairs. During our conversations they mentioned visits to a family member who lived in a retirement community. They both shrugged their shoulders as they explained everyone there was so old it was depressing. That’s why they decided to stay home! The first guest presentation at the Wellesley College Club event was provided by Debbie Gitner and Linda Sullivan of Elder Care Resources, who spoke about the importance of having a professional that can provide a health care plan assessment, identify potential health risks and help develop the right solution for each individual situation. The professional “care coordinators” incorporate their services as an integral part of our Life Care Plan. Among other things, a care coordinator acts as a liaison for families, overseeing care and alerting families to potential problems, able to screen, arrange, and moni-
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tor in home help and other services and help families avoid nursing home costs by avoiding inappropriate placements. The second guest presentation was given by David Isaacson of First Financial Resources, who spoke about how to pay for long-term care and managing changes on the elder care journey. David focused on long-term care insurance and how it can help defray the cost of living longer by helping pay for in home care, assisted living, and a nursing home if need be. David helped those in attendance evaluate whether long term care insurance makes sense by walking people through the various options; whether they should remain self-insured, rely on friends and family, protect assets so they can qualify for MassHealth, or whether it makes sense to transfer some risk to an insurance company buy purchasing long-term care insurance. In order to help people and their families deal with life’s uncertainties we have developed a couple of unique guides and programs. First, we created the 19 Point Trust, Estate, and Asset Protection Legal Guide (accessible online at www.Dsullivan.com/19-pointtrust-estate-asset-protection-legalguide) designed to help people discover where problems may exist in existing planning as well as the opportunities to improve their planning. One of our unique programs for clients is the Lifetime Protection Program, which provides an ongoing review to help clients in dealing with changes in the law, finances, health, or family situation. These changes may require a
client’s planning to be updated to accomplish their goals. Clients are also able to attend exclusive events like our recent event on planning for and managing changes on the elder care journey. We also discussed another important new resource, the Alzheimer’s Resource Kit, sold nationally for $200, available free online at www.BostonMemoryLawyer.com. We are committed to helping families dealing with the challenge of Alzheimer’s through the many life changes on the Elder Care Journey. For some people we even provide a Life Care Plan. The Life Care Plan is a roadmap for total care; it includes the legal protection needed to safeguard assets, honor your loved one’s wishes and provide for family members and it describes how your loved one’s long-term care, financial, physical and psychological needs will be met. For more information on the benefits of a Life Care Plan visit www.Dsullivan.com/life-careplanning. In summary, the Lifetime Protection Program Event on Planning for and Managing Life’s Changes Along the Elder Care Journey was well received by those in attendance. If you would like a DVD on the topic of Life Care Planning please contact our office at (781) 237-2815. We also have a DVD series from a previous Lifetime Protection Program event on Safe Investing for Seniors available upon request. To learn more about protecting your home, spouse, family and life savings and register to attend a free, educational Trust, Estate & Asset Protection Workshop visit www.Dsullivan.com/workshop registration or call 800-964-4295.
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Break-ins Home and car break-ins recently occurred in Wellesley The Wellesley Police Department is investigating a residential break in on Washington Street that occurred on Wednesday, March 14. A passerby contacted the Wellesley Police Department after seeing a broken window pane at a residence just before 3:00 p.m. Wellesley Police officers Janet Popovski and Evan Rosenberg responded to the home, which is located on Washington Street in the Wellesley Hills section of town. Officers searched the home, but did not locate any suspects. The home owner, who was away during the day, reported that some items of value were removed from a bedroom in the house. Wellesley officers and detectives conducting an investigation determined that the break in occurred between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Detectives also determined that there was forced entry to the residence. The incident remains under investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Four residents from the Bates School area reported thefts from their cars during the overnight hours on March 8, 2012. Residents from Ingersoll, Woodland, Pilgrim and Cleveland Roads all reported the thefts. In each case, the vehicle was parked in a driveway, and unlocked. GPS units and IPods were stolen. On March 9, 2012 two commuters that were parked in the Tailby lot (Linden Street at the Wellesley Square MBTA station) reported motor vehicle break-ins. These vehicles were locked and secured. The suspect broke passenger side windows to access GPS units and a bag that were in plain view. These thefts are believed to have occurred between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Local Town Pages www.wellesleytownnews.com
April 1, 2012
MARATHON RUNNERS continued on page 1
the experience of running multiple marathons behind her - this will be her first - but she was a sprinter in college. Others on the Friends of Wellesley METCO race team are Miles Bennett, Carly Tetel, Chris Crowley, Jim Everhart, Maureen Nguyen, and Lisa Rogers. All of the METCO runners can be supported by visiting www.firstgiving.com and typing
port us," she added, and yet, she wasn't all that surprised either, given the town's traditional support of METCO, including being one of the original METCO towns in 1966. "Wellesley stood up [in 1966] and said, 'I'll give it a try,' and that speaks to the moral fortitude of this town." At Wellesley ABC, the mission is similar: to provide opportunities to youth who may not otherwise receive the quality of teaching and learning available in
Fundraising for the house, said money raised from the Marathon will allow the group to renovate the kitchen at the Wellesley ABC Resident Scholar House, where the girls live. "It hasn't been renovated in 40 years, so you might say it's in disrepair and in need of renovation," she noted. "We did some fundraising last year, but the Marathon will help make it happen." Wellesley ABC team runner
Page 5
for them," he said. "It feels like running with a smaller charity is more meaningful." Boston Marathon veteran Lisa Morrissey joined the ABC team at the behest of her teenaged daughter, whom she said told her, "If you're going to keep doing what you're doing (running marathons), you should do it for a cause." "She's close to the ABC girls and sees how hard they work, and what a worthwhile cause it is," Morrissey said. Steve Nocka and Wellesley High School teacher Devon Ellis round out the Wellesley ABC team, which, on Marathon Monday, will have a certain group cheering especially hard for them: ABC Scholar House Resident Director Mbeira Maorongarti said she and the house's five resident scholars will be out on the race route, holding signs in support of Campbell, Morrissey, Nocka, and Ellis.
CORRECTION In the March edition of Wellesley Local Town Pages, new World of Wellesley (WOW) Chairperson Dr. Phyllis Gimbel Schnitman was incorrectly referred to as Phyllis Gimbel. We apologize for the error. Dr. Phyllis Gimbel Schnitman is a longtime member of WOW who took over the chairmanship in February. She spends her days as an associate professor of secondary education and professional programs at Bridgewater State University. A member of the Bridgewater State University faculty since 2005, Gimbel Schnitman recently received the DiNardo Award for Excellence in Teaching. She has also served as a faculty teaching fellow in the university’s Office of Teaching and Learning and is the assistant coordinator of Writing Across the Curriculum.
"Usually we all go down to watch," Maorongarti said, "so this time we can go down and see people running for Wellesley ABC." To read more about the Wellesley ABC team and to support their cause, go to www.crowdrise.com and type in "Wellesley ABC." Friends of Wellesley METCO team runners Silifa Wallace, Chris Crowley, Jeff Merritt, Lisa Rogers, and Maureen Nguyen. Not pictured are Miles Bennett, Carly Tetel, and Jim Everhart. Photo by Dave Halperin.
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Sargent was excited by the fundraising opportunity. "It's a real windfall," she said. "It represents more than half of what we would raise in a year, through our more typical fundraising channels, so having it fall in our lap means a great deal to us." METCO Director Kalise Wornum noted the role that the Friends group plays in the lives of METCO students, who travel each school day from homes in Boston to attend schools around Wellesley. For example, the Friends group helps METCO provide after school transportation so students can take part in activities. "I'm a METCO alum," Wornum said, "so I know how important it is to have transportation options." "I was floored that people were willing to run 26.2 miles to sup-
Wellesley. As a residential program for academically talented young women of color from underserved communities, Wellesley ABC (the letters stand for A Better Chance) provides support and a family atmosphere while students attend Wellesley High School. Mariann Younis, Co-chair of
Stephen Campbell said his interest in running on behalf of Wellesley ABC is in part due to the organization's size, which makes him feel like he can make a difference. "I always look for a charity to help, and this one is so small that every dollar means so much and really is a life-changing process
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TOWN ELECTION continued from page 1
man Roy Switzler hoped to gain a spot as well. Out of a total of 15,478 registered voters in Wellesely, just 26 percent, or 3,952 made it to the polls that day. 2,445 chose Tsagaris and 2,173 picked McCauley, leaving Switzler out with 1,654 votes; 1,625 left their B.O.S. section blank, while 7 chose a write-in candidate. With budget difficulties looming and talk of an override hovering, all three candidates had spoken of keeping an eye on budgetary priorities during a debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters earlier in the month and in literature provided by the League. Asked after the election if there are one or two issues he hoped B.O.S. election winners would
April1, 2012
keep in mind from his campaign, Switzler pointed to spending and transparency. "I certainly hope they'll keep spending in mind, which I think is the big concern," he said, adding, "I hope more is done in public... There seems to be an awful lot being done in executive session." In the race for School Committee, three were in the running for two seats. Incumbent K.C. Kato, with 2,298 votes, easily won reelection. Fighting for the one remaining spot, Tere Ramos, with 1,603 votes barely edged Jennifer Looper, who drew 1,438 to her cause. Reached the day after her victory, Kato said she was looking forward to continuing to work on behalf of the schools. "I'm very happy and relieved, and thankful to a lot of people who helped on my campaign," she said.
Precinct A poll workers. Photo by Caroline Fahey.
On the question of whether to accept new legislation that will allow the Board of Selectmen to issue liquor licenses to restaurants with 50 or more seats, voters overwhelmingly approved the measure by a vote of 2,749 to 457, with 746 people leaving the question blank. Selectmen were set to consider the specifics of the measure in meetings that took place after press time.
Two residents hold signs for their candidates. Photo by Caroline Fahey.
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Meanwhile, on March 12, Dugan sat on his last meeting of the Board of Selectmen after seven A lonely voter: only 26 percent of registered voters made it to the polls. Photo by Caroyears of service. During line Fahey. that meeting, Board "We want to thank Owen for his Board of Public Works, and Mumembers took some time to recoglong service to the community, nicipal Light Board, as well as his nize his efforts on behalf of the through his active involvement in seven years on the Board of Selecttown. [the Advisory Committee], the men," Searle said. "One thing that we can always count on Owen for was he was our infrastructure stalwart: roads, development projects, bridges, easements, trucks, facilities. Owen always took that on for the board and provided us with great recommendations and advice."
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"He also spent considerable time looking out for the neighborhoods," she added. "He was always about town, checking up on projects, reviewing sites that the Board of Selectmen were going to address at their Monday night meetings. But while he was doing this, the top priority was always the neighbors."
April 1, 2012
Local Town Pages www.wellesleytownnews.com
Wellesley Square's Juggling Act Town Hall Balances Customer and Employee Parking By Dave Halperin Balancing parking needs in a busy town square is never easy, and Wellesley Square is no exception. With the goal of keeping street parking spaces open for customers, the town limits parking on square streets to two hours, charging $0.50 per hour, while designating three nearby lots as "long term" lots with 10-hour spaces and reduced rates to ease the burden on area employees.
To get the word out about these options for employees, Town Hall has sent notices to area businesses and landlords, asking for their help in urging employees to leave street spaces open to customers.
the Cameron Lot." "I do encourage daytime employees to park in appropriate lots, but I all can do is ask," he continued, adding that employees get frustrated because the lots fill
Street and Washington Street," she said, referring to a meeting between town officials and the Wellesley Square Merchants Association. "They would be opened up on the same cost basis as the lots." Connolly said the town is looking at improving lighting to deal with the problem of employees
ing inward. The closer those long-term spaces are to where they work the better, said square employees. Two retail employees who asked not to be named said the longterm lot closest to their store is too far away, so they go through a "juggling act" each day. "It's challenging, it's a juggling act. You feed the meter, but sometimes you get a ticket," one said. "We help each other out," the other said. "If one of us is with a customer, hopefully the other person can run out to feed the meter." Others who asked not to be named said they have secret, illegal spots that have gone un-ticketed. One woman said she had been parking in a nearby office lot before the owners recently starting towing; now she's back to running in and out of her store to feed the meter.
The town also issues debit-based parking cards so that handfuls of quarters are not needed for parking every day. (As with any of the public parking spaces in town, anyone may use the longterm spaces.) "The bottom line is we've been working with the landlords and the merchants for many months now to free up spaces on the street for customers and get the employees into the parking lots," explained Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Barbara Searle, "so when we Tailby Lot offers day-long parking. raised the [street parking meter rates], we kept the rates in But discussions with many emthe lots the same as before, so that ployees in the square revealed that it's cheaper for employees to park some find the lots inconvenient to in the lots than in the streets use because of their distance, and today." many said the lots are often full Tailby Lot on the corner of Lin- by the time they arrive for work. den Street and Crest Road, with "Most of [the staff here] have 220 spaces; Cameron Lot on the the parking lot cards," said Anne corner of Cameron and WashingSchunior of the cooperative art ton streets, with 150 spaces; and market Clever Hand on Central Weston Lot, on the corner of WeStreet. "Except the lot on the corston Road and Washington Street, ner of Weston Street and Washwith 34 spaces are the town's ington Street fills up quickly, three long-term lots. Waban Lot is often by 8 a.m., and a lot of stores a four-hour parking lot, but don't open until 9:30 or 10. I think Deputy Town Administrator Terry it's important that employees Connolly said that employees aren't parking on the street, for who leave their cars there beyond customers, and I don't mind the that time frame are usually not walk, but there needs to be space." ticketed. In addition, 25 formerly two-hour street spots were con"This is a hot topic here at Blue verted to long-term spaces at the Ginger," said Blue Ginger manbehest of area businesses, includ- ager Daniel Adelson. "We have ing Blue Ginger Restaurant. Four- almost 90 employees, so we're teen spaces were converted to definitely the largest employer in long term on Washington Street, the square. And it is a sensitive west of Blue Ginger, while 11 issue because, especially, there's a spaces on Weston Road south of lot of women here who have to Central Street were also con- leave late at night, and I'm not verted. comfortable with them walking to
Page 7
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Local Town Pages www.wellesleytownnews.com
April1, 2012
Arts In Wellesley Distinguished Authors, Distinguished Setting at Wellesley College BY ZACKARY LAMOTHE On the afternoon of March 13, Wellesley College played host to authors Leah Hager Cohen and Jim Shepard as part of their springtime Distinguished Writers Series. The presentation took place at the college’s Newhouse Center for the Humanities in idyllic Green Hall. With its protruding tower and exemplary Gothic features giving it a truly collegiate look, this building was the ideal home for literary discussion. The authors spoke in a room flanked by swooping arches on one side and medieval style windows on the other. The room was set up with rows of chairs for the audience to sit on and a podium up front for the authors. Next to the podium were two chairs and a lamp where the writers sat, creating a faux study setting. Cohen, author of such novels as House Lights and her most recent work, The Grief of Others spoke first. First she detailed the backdrop of her latest novel and then proceeded to give the audience a tantalizing taste of it as she entertained with a vivid rendering of selected scenes. Next to speak was Jim Shepard, who read two selections. Shepard began with excerpts from his short story “The Nether-
lands Lives with Water”, which wowed the audience with a grim reality of what life could be like with heightened climate change. This story is one of eleven in his newest collection of short stories titled, You Think That’s Bad. Finally, he shared his newest short story in its entirety, called “Cretan Love Song.” Shepard is the author of seven books including Like You’d Understand Anyway and Project X. His short stories have appeared in numerous highly regarded publications like Esquire, The New Yorker and The Atlantic Monthly and he has compiled four books of his collected stories. Both authors captivated the crowd with their readings, but even more impressively entertained questions in a forum type setting. Inquiries into the authors’ writing process, story and character development were discussed. Both writers of contemporary fiction emphasized the strong bonds that form between character and writer. When Hager Cohen spoke of certain of her characters, she seemed to be speaking as if they were living, breathing human beings and not the product of her imagination. Shepard touched on a common theme of his work, tragedy. Much of Shepard’s writing is rooted in history; he adds fictitious elements
Beginner Workshops & Open Studio in Encaustic Painting Encaustic artist Amalia Tagaris is opening up her art studio at Gorse Mill Studios in Needham for beginner workshops in encaustic painting, offering both beginner classes as well as open studio time for students to experiment and explore the ancient art form of painting with wax.
Cost is $75 for a three-hour beginner workshop and $85 for a three-hour open studio session.
For more information, visit the artist's website www.atwaxstudio.com. Amalia Tagaris Encaustic Photography Gorse Mill Studios, Studio 205 31 Thorpe Rd • Needham • 857-544-3173 info@atwaxstudio.com
to events that the audience already knows the ending to. Settings of his writings have included the Hindenburg Disaster, the Minoan volcano eruption and the catastrophe at Chernobyl. This was in strong contrast to Hager Cohen’s latest book which also dealt with sadness, but on a more personal, familial level. Similarly to Shepard, Cohen is rooted in non-fiction as well, with four published non-fiction books to her résumé. If you missed this event, do not fret, the Distinguished Writers Series at Wellesley College returns in April. On Tuesday, April 10 at 4:30 p.m., the Newhouse Center for the Humanities at Green Hall will once again host two authors of note, Nikky Finney and Tom Sleigh. The event is free and the public are encouraged to attend. Free parking is available in the visitor’s parking lot near the college’s entrance off of Route 135.
The Department of Smoke and Mirrors The Department of Smoke and Mirrors (DSM) is a meditation on the effects of contemporary media on our collective and individual relationship with contemporary political discourse and action. This work draws on the spectacle of journalistic firepower that hijacks today’s politics: from Washington and Wall Street, to the network of satellites and screens that report, to the protests that Occupy, the whole world is watching what a few of us are producing. DSM is comprised of a sculptural diorama of miniature architectural facades augmented with mapped projections, and surrounded by surveillance cameras — all sur-
Wellesley Resident's Zip Code Story Wins Lit Prize The story printed below, "Off the Map," is a creative nonfiction piece penned by Wellesley's Lisa Rogers that won the Zip-Code Stories literature contest collaboratively sponsored by Drum Literary Magazine and WBUR. The contest occurs monthly and Rogers won the January prize. The Drum, which initiated the ZipCode Stories idea and brought it to WBUR's Radio Boston, is a literature magazine that features new fiction and essays by upcoming and established authors, exclusively in mp3 form. Each month, The Drum accepts fiction or nonfiction stories about four different zip codes. Once a winner is chosen, the story airs first on Radio Boston, and is then featured on the Radio Boston website www.wbur.org/2011/08/05/zipcodestories - as well as on The Drum's own website at DrumLitMag.com. Additionally, an interview with Rogers can also be heard at the Radio Boston website. Lisa Rogers lives in Wellesley and is a library teacher at Hardy Elementary School.
Off the Map BY LISA ROGERS A sharp, cold, morning with a riotous pink and orange sky abruptly wakens the far western edge of 02482. Morses Pond’s icy surface blings back, and I reach for my skating tights and fleece pants, hoping I won’t wake the dog. Once he’s up, I’ll never get out without suffering his relentless bays: I’ll hear him even as I’m tracing the day’s first figures. “Come back, come back, come back,” he’ll plead, his howls diffusing in the thin air. Down a steep hillside, evergreens ring the bowl of the pond. Swans patrol the open water in the channel in front of the town beach, its docks pulled up for the winter. If the snow holds off, we’ll soon be able to skate clear across. Away from the boot tracks of the ice fishermen, the ice is smooth and fast, like a just-paved road, and the curve of the shoreline makes it a natural rink. Morses Pond’s western rim holds only a slice of Wellesley; unless traveling by water, you must pass through Natick to reach the rest of town. An acquaintance calls our neighborhood “leftover Natick,” which I think is meant as an insult, but I don’t see it that way. The spot
rounded by self-reflective panoramic video projections. This augmented mis-en-scene investigates the relationship between authority, protest, the lens and the screen. The rhizome of surveilled objects and subjects in this work reflects on a culture where there is no time or distance separating the artifact, from the experience, from the spin. Davis Museum, Davis Museum and Cultural Center, Wellesley College, 106 Central Street. 781.283.2051. Hours: Tue–Sat, 11 am – 5 pm. Wed, 11 am – 8 pm. Sun., 12 pm – 4 pm. Mon & holidays - Closed.
once known as Morses Pond Grove is short on Swellesley’s yummy mummies, triple garages, soaring great rooms and finicky lawns, and long on folk who are outdoors more than in. It’s a place where, depending on the season, you can keep your kayak on your neighbor’s dock, join an impromptu barbecue, meet in the middle of the pond to dive off a float or admire the moon. The pond frees us from lot-line boundaries and allows us to enjoy each other’s talents and quirks as we revel in our shared natural resource. When the pond is frozen, someone from the neighborhood will be out. My neighbor Pete glides on Nordic skates, a Hans Brinker-like figure taking perfect strides with his wife Kate. Don glides with a sail; Dave tests his iceboat; Carol clears snow; Kara skates with me; Cathy offers up hot cocoa. The kids play ice hockey or skate from house to house. A calm friendship and goodwill happily characterize our precious bit of earth, sky and water. It’s hard to leave it—perfect in summer, irresistible in winter. But, when the world beckons, we head past the pond, crossing zip codes as if we were going into another country. Our tasks completed, we turn toward home, move beyond Wellesley College’s gothic towers, and glimpse the water winking down to the right. It’s almost like we’ve found a spot off the map. We park the car, pull out skis, skates or paddles, grab the leash, and to the pond we go.
April 1, 2012
Local Town Pages www.wellesleytownnews.com
Page 9
Arts In Wellesley WSO's Instrument Petting Zoo
"An American Wife" Premieres April 12
Wellesley Symphony Orchestra annual Children's Show drew kids and parents from far and wide to Mass Bay Community College on March 11, where an "instrument petting zoo" preceded the musical variety show. The show featured a special guest appearance by the Wellesley Middle School Grade 78 String Orchestra, which joined the symphony for several pieces. WSO President Leslie Holmes also appeared on stage to narrate the classic tale "The Little Engine that Could."
The Wellesley College Theatre Department is proud to present the New England premiere of An American Wife, opening Thursday, April 12 @ 7pm in the Ruth Nagel Jones Theatre of Alumnae Hall, Wellesley College. An American Wife is by Karen Blomain and Michael Downend.
and Susana Puente-Matos join Boston-area theatre professionals Will Bouvier and Will Keary in bringing this story vividly to life. The design team includes: Ken Loewit (Set and Lighting Design), Nancy Stevenson (Costume Design), and George Cooke (Sound Design)
When Frank Flynn returns to rural Pennsylvania after his service in World War II, he doesn't get quite the welcome he, or his Polish war bride, Stella, had been expecting. Jobs in the coalmine are scarce and the small-minded Irish Catholic community does not know what to make of them. Stella's painful past binds her new family together in a heartfelt story of perseverance in the face of bitter tragedy.
Performance Dates: April 12 @ 7:00 p.m.; April 13 @ 8:00 p.m.; April 14 @ 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; April 15 @ 2:00 p.m.
Under the direction of Nora Hussey, Wellesley College students: Angela Bilkic, Chelsea Ennen, Haley Harris,
Ticket Prices: $10 general admission; $5 for seniors and students; Free for students with Wellesley, Olin, or Babson ID. Free for members of the Wellesley College community with ID. Call the Wellesley College Theatre box office to make a reservation: 781.283.2000. The theatre is handicap accessible. For disability services contact Jim Wice @ 781-283-2434.
We publish the 1st of every month. Advertisement and editorial deadline is the 15th of each month.
editor@wellesleytownnews.com
Miranda Russell Concert Local musical sensation Miranda Russell will perform a concert of pop, jazz, and blues to benefit Women of Means on Friday, April 20, 2012 at 7 p.m. at the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church.
Critics hail Russell’s performances as “heart stopping” and “stunning” and praise her incredible voice that has garnered her several awards on her CD releases. Tickets are $35. All proceeds will help Women of
Means provide free health care to homeless women and their families. Seating is limited. For more information and tickets, call 781239-0290, or visit our website at www.womenofmeans.org.
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Page 10
The $10,000 Window never showed up, but Bob called him back anyway and gave him another chance. Joe promised to “stop by” within the week.
Doug Masters, owner of Masters Touch
This is a story about Bob and his $10,000 window. When oil prices skyrocketed, Bob decided it was time for a new window. He had one old window that was leaking air and he knew it was driving up his heating bills. “Better get that replaced before winter,” he thought to himself. Bob called five contractors to get bids. Two were local companies with a lot of signs in his neighborhood year round so they were easy to locate and he felt they must be doing a good job or they wouldn’t have so many signs up. He also tried a national brand of windows whose advertisement he had heard on the radio. Finally, he asked around and was referred to a couple of other guys who offered multiple services. But the end result was not what he anticipated. First, one of the local companies with never called him back. Of the two local guys in the neighborhood, one never called back and the other, “Joe”, promised to be there that very evening. He
Next, he called the local company and the national brand. Both made appointments with him right away and the local company even sent out an email to confirm the appointment. So now Bob had three appointments for bids and that seemed like enough. Within a couple of days the national brand company and the local company both showed up on time for their appointments. Both salesmen really new their product and were courteous and informative. Not only did they tell him everything about the windows and their service, they also showed Bob insurance papers, licenses and advised him not to hire anybody to work on his home if they weren’t qualified or didn’t have full insurance protection. Within a couple of days Bob received clear and well written quotes from both companies and was surprised to find the local company was 20% lower then the national brand, although he felt the prices were comparable. Just one more bid to go – the neighborhood jack-of-all-trades, Joe. Bob showed him the window in question and Joe looked at it and said, “I can put a new window in for $300. You buy the window and I’ll come and do the work, cash only.” Bob though it was a great deal
that would save him money. “Can you measure it for me?” Bob asked. “Sure” Joe replied. “Do you have a tape measure?”
Joe proceeded to lug the window up the stairs by himself, scraping the walls in the process. He finally got the window into the room where it would be installed. All the while Bob was working in his home office. At about 12:30 Joe came to see Bob.
April1, 2012 timates this mistake cost him $10,000. The moral of Bob’s story? Homeowners, take a moment to think before you hire a nonprofessional or uninsured company. There are plenty of legitimate companies out there
Bob thought that was a bit unprofessional but loaned him his tape measure. Joe told him the measurements and Bob wrote them down. A quick handshake and the deal was set. This was in August. Two weeks later the shop where Bob ordered the window called to let him know it had arrived. He picked it up and then called Joe to set up the installation. After three days worth of calls Bob finally got Joe on the phone. “Oh yeah,” he said, “I forgot all about that job. I’m really busy now but I can probably be out in a month.” Another month? Bob decided to let it go and wait. A month later Bob called again and this time it took him almost a week to get an answer. Once on the phone Joe said, “It’s a really busy time of year. I’ll get there in early November.” Another month went by. After several more frustrating phone calls Bob finally got Joe to commit to installing the window in mid December. It was an icy winter’s day the morning Joe showed up.
“I need a ladder,” he said. “I didn’t know I had to put this in from the outside. Do you have a ladder I can borrow?” Bob showed him his old ladder that he used to clean the gutters. Joe then lugged the window down the stairs and outside and Bob went back to work. About 45 minutes later Bob heard a terrible crash. He rushed outside to discover that Joe had attempted to carry the window up the ladder and had made it to the top when the ladder slipped on some ice and came crashing down. Joe was severely injured.
and they deserve your business when you need them. Sure, it’s tempting to go the cheap route sometimes, but always remember that if you hire a contractor without insurance, YOU are assuming a lot of risk and it could cost you dearly. Do the right thing and make sure your builder, your lawn care company, your painter or any other company that works on your home is playing by the rules and has full insurance. It could save you a lot of money in the long run!
Bob called 911 and an ambulance came. Joe ended up being flown to a Boston hospital for emergency treatment. Fast-forward a few months. Bob receives notification that Joe has filed a lawsuit against his homeowner’s insurance. Bob immediately called him. “No hard feelings,” Joe said. “But I’m hurt bad and I need the money.” Joe ended up getting a whopping $500,000 check from the insurance company.
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Then, the insurance company told Bob that he was being dropped from their coverage. “What!” he exclaimed. “I’ve been with you for 25 years and never had a claim before!” He ended up being dropped, had to hire a lawyer and had to pay through the nose for his new carrier to cover him. In all he es-
If there is anything else I can do just let me know!
Doug Masters Masters Touch PO Box 171 Medfield, MA 02052 508-359-5900 ext. 201 Fax 508-359-4042
April 1, 2012
Local Town Pages www.wellesleytownnews.com
Wellesley Chooses Romney in Primary BY RENEE REYNOLDS On Tuesday, March 6, Massachusetts residents headed to the polls to cast their votes in the presidential primary election. While less than nine percent of Wellesley voters filled out their ballots, the town heavily favored GOP candidate Mitt Romney, who accounted for 72.2 percent of the state-wide vote. Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, accounted for 1,974 votes in Wellesley. Romney was followed by Ron Paul, who received 166 votes. Rick Santorum was next in line with 151 votes. Wellesley had been broken up into seven precincts since 1952, but added an additional precinct as of January 1 of this year. New lines were drawn to accommodate Precinct H because, according to state law, no precinct can have more than 4,000 residents. Despite the low turnout, a variety of residents were brought to the polls this year – old and new. Rebecca and Michelle Juliani, who were accompanied by their mother, Kenna, cast their first-ever votes on Super Tuesday. Each of the Julianis voted for Romney. “I voted for Romney because he was our governor, and I think that because of that, he understands the people of Massachusetts,” Rebecca Juliani said. Michelle Juliani mirrored her
[Romney] as president.” Also on the ballot on Super Tuesday were positions for the State Committee Man, State Committee Woman and Town Committee.
Pete Jones, who was born and raised in Wellesley, was holding signs supporting Susan Hoffman and Carl Nelson for these positions. Jones said he feels that a lot of residents are not informed of what these candidates do and that there is a lot of guess work involved Voters favored former Massachusetts governor Mitt in casting these Romney in the presidential primary on March 6. votes. statement. “I think he is better able to connect with the people,” she said. Their sentiment was echoed by Kenna Juliani, who said, “I like that he seems like a businessman rather than a politician.” The town’s obvious favoritism toward Romney on Super Tuesday was probably due in part to the lack of major contestant to Barack Obama on the Democratic side. Still, Wellesley still saw some Democratic voters at the polls, with Obama receiving 788 votes. Gary Smith, who has lived in Wellesley for 39 years, said he filled out a Democratic ballot. “I did think about voting Republican for the candidate I thought was least likely [to win],” he joked. “I wanted to keep a balance. I’d rather not see
“The State Committee Man and State Committee Woman are a good link and aid to state-wide organizations, Republican and Democratic, and they rely on getting volunteers out to spread the word,” he said. “I am proud to do my civic duty.” Jones opted to hold his signs outside the Sprague School; voters from both Precinct B and H cast their ballots at the school. Jones expressed his concern over people not properly educating themselves on those who will be involved in running the country. “I personally have put in a lot of time researching these candidates, but I know a lot of people don’t,” he said. “A lot of people just cast their votes based on the last sign they see while they are pulling into the parking lot.”
Wellesley resident Pete Jones holds signs for State Committee Man and State Committee Woman outside the Sprague School.
Page 11
Kitchen Tour Coming Soon Spring is a great time to start thinking about doing some home renovations. If a kitchen remodel is on the list this year, then the best way to get ideas is to tour some of Wellesley’s most fantastic kitchens. The Wellesley Hills Junior Women's Club (WHJWC) is holding their fourth and final fundraiser for the 20112012 year, the Wellesley Kitchen Tour, on Saturday, May 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Attendees are welcomed into six of Wellesley's finest homes which feature not only unique and stunning kitchens, but well-appointed first-floor spaces as well. "They're simply gorgeous," states Kitchen Tour co-chair Julie Beyer. The addresses of the homes are a tightly guarded secret until the big reveal on April 23 on the WHJWC website at www.whjwc.org. Advanced tickets ($30) for the self-guided tour are currently available online at www.whjwc.org; beginning on April 21st, they may also
be purchased in-person at Roche Brothers in Wellesley. Tickets will be available at each home on the day of the event for $40. Tickets are nonrefundable, and the tour is held rain or shine. Children under the age of 18 are not permitted inside tour homes due to insurance regulations. Proceeds from the Wellesley Kitchen Tour provide much needed funds to local charities and scholarship programs. The Wellesley Hills Junior Women's Club is a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to community service. Since its inception 67 years ago, the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club has generated approximately $4.5 million in funding to support essential social services, making it one of the largest grantmaking organizations in the area. In addition to the Wellesley Kitchen Tour, the organization is also responsible for Wellesley Marketplace, Luminary Night, and the Wellesley Phone Book.
Local Town Pages www.wellesleytownnews.com
Page 12
For the Newman Boys Benefit Supports the Future of 3 Children Stricken by Tragedy BY DAVE HALPERIN
press time.
In an impressive show of support for three boys who lost their mother and father in a traumatic series of events, more than 125 people flocked to the Wellesley Community Center Saturday, March 10 for the Newman Boys Benefit, while more than 400 others paid the price of admission in a symbolic gesture.
Organizers of the March 10 event said its singular aim was to support the Newman boys. They called it an act of love meant to provide for the boys' futures while demonstrating that their friendship and mentoring of the boys would last a lifetime. Being there for the boys, organizers said, is a reflection of the kind of person their mother was.
The Newman Boys Benefit raised money for Thomas, 12, Joshua, 10, and James Newman, 7, former Wellesley residents now living with their uncle in Canada. Between 2008 and 2011 the Newman family, including Katherine Newman and her boys, lived in Wellesley before moving to Oakville, Ontario. On January 13 of this year Katherine Newman was found dead by stabbing; approximately an hour later, her estranged husband was shot by police, according to news reports. Both incidents were still being investigated as of
"Her whole life was her boys," said good friend Julie Johnson. "It breaks my heart she won't see them grow, so we're trying to help the kids."
"The message we're trying to give to her kids is, out of tragedy, you support each other, you care for each other," said Betsy Komjathy. "We want them to find joy in their lives." A logo designed by local graphic artist Nancy Dobos expressed that wish by displaying the image of three boys with their arms raised "reaching for success," Dobos said. Dobos was not the only Wellesley resident or business that donated time, money, or merchandise to the cause. The live auction featured tickets to Boston sports teams, while silent auction items included a variety of services and gifts from too many businesses and individuals to mention.
The Newman Boys Benefit featured live music, live and silent auctions, and food and drinks. Taking place two months from the time of Katherine Newman's death, the mood was meant to be positive. "We waited to have it be on a positive note, to focus on the boys, to have it be about their care and education," said Ann Jackowitz.
Dave Walton (left) and Jamie Wyeth perform.
April1, 2012
Johnson said organizers originally expected to offer only the sports tickets, but they were overwhelmed by the generosity of the business community. The money raised from both auctions and the price of admission will go directly to the kids, Johnson noted, Betsy Komjathy, Irene Stayshion, and Julie explaining that the Johnson. uncle they now live Mourners also took a walk to Fuller with in Canada is also supporting Brook. three children of his own. "The kids talked about her strength Anyone interested in helping may and her kindness. They talked about still contribute to the Newman boys' when she had breast cancer, the digcause by visiting www.newmannity she showed during that time," boystrustfund.ca. Komjathy said. While the nighttime benefit was a Katherine Newman's aunt, Irene celebration of the boys' futures, orStayshion, had traveled from Canada ganizers paid tribute to Katherine for the day's events and said the Newman in a memorial service earturnout was a tribute to her niece that, lier that day. About four hours prior in a way, didn't surprise her. to the benefit, mourners gathered at Beveridge Hall at the Dana Hall "She was the most loving person in School, where prayers were said, the whole world," Stayshion said, exsongs were sung, and several Welles- plaining that more than 800 people ley youth spoke about Katherine. had attended her funeral in Canada.
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Wellesley resident Wendy Willrich agreed. Katherine Newman and her boys had a way of connecting with people that allowed them to develop close friendships during their time in Wellesley. "She was a loving woman, just a lovely woman, and she had amazing kids," she said. "And even though they didn't live here for very long, they became an incredible part of the community."
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Wellesley Teen Takes on Hollywood
Americans really played the prep school team, they would easily win. Perhaps we'll see a scrimmage when they film Crooked Arrows II: Electric Boogaloo.
BY MARY KAYE CHRYSSICAS
In the opening game scene, Vandervelde (5'10 on a good day) gets completely destroyed by University of Albany star defenseman Mike Banks (6'3). Naturally, the scene took several takes to get right. Vandervelde couldn't walk the next day. Despite on-camera brutality, the pair developed a close friendship.
Adele turned heartbreak into success by crafting ingenious lyrics that catapulted her songs to the top of the charts. Tom Brady went from being the 199th NFL draft selection and second string quarterback to leading the Patriots to five Super Bowls (winning three) and earning Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year. And writer Todd Baird and producer Mitchell Peck used those high school years warming the bench at lacrosse games to write, create and produce the first ever lacrosse movie, Crooked Arrows. Peck joked, "Although I may have been third string, there's a lot to be learned from sitting on the bench." This underdog sports movie debuts May 18 in local theatres and features a Native American lacrosse team facing off against a favored prep school team. Auditions were held across the country in Baltimore, Syracuse, Los Angeles and Wellesley to find the best lacrosse talent out there. Wellesley High School sophomore Jack Vandervelde auditioned in May, hoping to maybe snag a background part playing lacrosse, but instead secured an impressive speaking role as Toby, the only character of European descent on the Native American lacrosse team. Van-
the rare opportunity to learn from Hollywood veterans, Gil Birmingham and Dennis Ambriz, both of Twilight fame. What Vandervelde loved about acting was "waking up every day knowing I would get to
So what's the next step for Jack Vandervelde? "I'm a big believer in having a dream and doing whatever it takes to make it happen. I'll audition for roles and hope to go to college somewhere in California." We all hope this is just the first of many roles for him. If interested in pursuing acting, check out Boston Jack Vandervelde (left) and the Crooked Arrows Casting and upload a lacrosse team. head shot on their talent website. They offer acting classes to help determine if this do something I had always is the path for you. And, of course, dreamed of doing." It was an eye act in school and local plays! opening experience for Vandervelde, who got to meet Native Best of luck to Jack Vandervelde American actors who came from in the film Crooked Arrows, opentribes all across New England. ing May 18! Having local auditions also beneMary Kaye Chryssicas is an aufitted other lacrosse talent, thor, yoga teacher, lacrosse coach and cameo appearances and motivational speaker. from several Wellesley High School athletes are featured in the outtakes. Even this reporter's husband hoped for his big break, but his part ended up on the cutting room floor. But, hey, that's Hollywood.
Page 13
Local soccer and lacrosse players Mary Louise Dixon, Ilaria Santangelo, Nekele McCall, Katie Loughlin, and Ashton Chryssicas with the Crooked Arrows lax brothers.
Profile of Jack Vandervelde BY MARY KAYE CHRYSSICAS What type of kid were you? I loved imitating people, playing music and guitar.
Favorite celebrity? Taylor Swift Any summer plans? Hang out with friends, family and Ashton. Audition for any local roles.
Favorite movie? Ides of March Favorite Comedy? Role Models If you had to choose a favorite actor to play you, who would it be? Ryan Gosling or Matt Damon. Any actors that became mentors for you? Chelsea Ricketts, Brandon Routh, Michael Hudson and Mike Banks.
You're about to become a big deal...maybe America's new heart throb! How do you feel about that idea? Ha Ha Ha... When I told my family this question, they laughed and asked if I was joking, and then went back to watching American Idol. I guess that says it all.
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Vandervelde and Mike Banks.
dervelde explained, "I have always wanted to act so I did a play while at St. Sebastian's. I also wanted to prove to my parents that I was serious about acting and branch out from just playing sports. Honestly, this was the best experience of my life." This summer Vandervelde got the chance to prove just that and spent 28 days filming Crooked Arrows at local prep schools. He had
Vandervelde grew up playing lacrosse and loves the game (brother Murphy plays at Harvard) but was really impressed with the lacrosse talent on the set. "You think your fundamentals are good but these guys make absolutely no mistakes. I never saw a ball drop. The Native American's stick skills were absurd." Lyle Thompson from the Crooked Arrows team was actually the #1 ranked college recruit. Additionally, there was high level talent on the prep school teams, specifically John Carrozza from Syracuse, and Dillon Burke from Bucknell. Several actors agreed that if the Native
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Local Town Pages www.wellesleytownnews.com
April1, 2012
April Calendar of Events April 1 Stamp out Suicide, 5K run. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Registration at Webster Athletic Center at Babson College, 9 a.m. Babson College, 231 Forest St. $5.00. Stamp Out Suicide is a Babson College FME (Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship) business that sells t-shirts, magnets, stickers, and green wristbands in order to raise awareness of suicide and bullying prevention. Food and drinks will be provided! Come and join in a community effort to raise awareness of suicide and bullying prevention by either running individually, or getting a team together to walk together! Registration begins at 9 a.m., the run starts at 10 a.m. To register, go to http://www.stampoutsuicide.com and purchase a $5.00 green wristband! April 2, and each Monday WAGLY Meetings. WEST SUBURBAN ALLIANCE OF GAY AND LESBIAN YOUTH (WAGLY) at Unitarian Universalist Society, Wellesley Hills, 309 Washington St., every Monday (except public holidays) from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. Nonprofit support organization for Metrowest GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning) high school youth and straight allies providing weekly social and educational programs. Information: w w w. WA G LY. o r g ; info@WAGLY.org. April 5 Preventing Depression in Teens: The CATCH-IT Intervention Program. 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Cheever House, Wellesley College. Project CATCH-IT is a combined primary care/internet-
based preventive intervention that aims to reduce the risk of depression in adolescents with depressive symptoms. It is designed to teach teens strategies to prevent depression. In this presentation, Tracy Gladstone, Ph.D., Director of the Stone Primary Prevention Initiatives at the Wellesley Centers for Women, will describe the CATCH-IT intervention. Lunchtime seminars are free and open to the public. Bring a lunch; coffee and tea will be served. Wellesley Centers for Women – Cheever House. 828 Washington Street (Route 16), Wellesley, MA. 781.283.2500. April 12 Women Working with Women. 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Women's work relationships are a complex and often contradictory subject. Popular culture portrays women's workplace relationships as largely negative, with women often described as catty, mean, or intrinsically untrustworthy. In this presentation, Anne Litwin, Ph.D., Judith V. Jordan, Ph.D., and Joyce Fletcher, Ph.D., will discuss their research on women's work relationships, which provides a more accurate and positive understanding of the origins of some patterns of relationships stereotypically seen as negative. Lunchtime seminars are free and open to the public. Bring a lunch; coffee and tea will be served. Wellesley Centers for Women – Cheever House. 828 Washington Street (Route 16), Wellesley, MA. 781.283.2500. April 17 Traveling Chef Luncheon at the Council on Aging, 11:45 a.m. A hand carved roast beef lunch sponsored by Springwell. If you wish to make a contribution, the
suggested donation is $1.75 per person. After lunch enjoy the sensational sound of singer Tommy Rull. His performance is supported in part by a grant from the Wellesley Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the MA Cultural Council, a state agency. Please call to register by April 11 at781-235-3961. April 18 Nikki A. Greene on Radcliffe Bailey’s Soundscapes. Wednesday, April 18, 2012. 6:00 p.m. Collins Cinema, Wellesley College. This lecture by Nikki A. Greene, Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in Art History & Africana Studies, explores the harmony between music and visual art within African American culture. While countless artists call on inspiration from various musical forms, especially blues and jazz, Radcliffe Bailey creates original compositional “riffs” that not only incorporate rhythms and beats structurally, but also transform materials and space (meta)physically as part of his distinctive visual-aural language and style. www.davismuseum.wellesley.ed u. April 20 Local musical sensation Miranda Russell will perform a concert of pop, jazz, and blues to benefit Women of Means on Friday, April 20, 2012 at 7 p.m. at the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church. Critics hail Russell’s performances as “heart stopping” and “stunning” and praise her incredible voice that has garnered her several awards on her CD releases. Tickets are $35. All proceeds will help Women of Means provide free health care to homeless women and their families. Seating is lim-
ited. For more information and tickets, call 781-239-0290, or visit our website at www.womenofmeans.org. April 21 Game Night. The Unitarian Universalist Society of Wellesley Hills (309 Washington Street) will be hosting Game Nights on March 31, April 21, May 12, and June 9. All children ages 3 and older are welcome. There will be pizza, prizes, and games. This event is open to the entire community with adults "on duty" so parents/guardians can drop off their kids and enjoy the evening. Game Night will run from 5-8pm and take place in the Parish Hall. For more information please contact Rev. Jack Lewis at jlewis@uuwellesley.org. April 21 The Wellesley Fire / Rescue Department is announcing that a Firefighter Entrance Examination will be held on Saturday April 21 at the Wellesley Middle School, 50 Kingsbury St. Please visit http://publicsafetyllc.com/site and click on the Register tab for examination and application information. April 21 Earth Day. The Natural Resources Commission is sponsoring its 12th annual Earth Day Clean-Up on Saturday, April 21, 10:00 a.m.- 12 p.m. along the Charles River in Lower Falls. Volunteers should meet at the intersection of River Street and Route 16 in Wellesley at 9:30 AM. Ample parking is available in the municipal lot on River Street, and the NRC will provide free t-shirts and refreshments for all volunteers. The NRC seeks
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volunteers to join in this annual effort that both makes a visible difference to the quality of the river bank, and also helps to raise awareness of the need to preserve the precious waterways, trails and green spaces in our community. The NRC partners on the event with the Charles River Watershed Association. For more information about volunteering call NRC Executive Director Janet Hartke Bowser at 781-431-1019, ext. 2294. April 29 Spring Concert at the Gardens at Elm Bank. Sunday, April 29 2012, 3:00 p.m.-4:15 p.m. Come join us for an afternoon of music celebrating spring and featuring the compositions of Claude Debussy.The concert will offer Claude Debussy's World; An Afternoon of the Faun, Printemps (Springtime), The Girl with the Flaxen Hair, Clair de Lune, and music from the Preludes.The Performers: Morton Hyams, keyboards; music director; organist. Morton performs as a pianist for major ballet companies and schools. Kimberly Moller: soprano; a recent graduate of Boston University's Master of Music program in Vocal Performance, she is now a candidate for a Performance Diploma in Voice at Boston University. Tickets for this concert are $8 for members and $10 for non-members. They may be ordered online, or purchased at the door the day of the concert. If you have questions, please call 617-9334963 or email membership@masshort.org.
Local Town Pages www.wellesleytownnews.com
April 1, 2012
Page 15
Sustainable Committee's Push for Renewable Power BY DAVE HALPERIN The Sustainable Energy Committee reported a growth in renewable energy purchases by households and businesses. In the first three months of 2012, the number of Wellesley residents choosing one of the renewable energy options rose from 605 to 682, while the number of commercial customers rose from three to seven. But with an eye on thinking globally and acting locally, the group is far from satisfied and is set to launch a new recruitment campaign urging customers of Wellesley Municipal Light Plant (WMLP) - including those "big fish" that account for 30 percent of the town's energy usage - to join the effort. WMLP is the town's own electric utility, which purchases electricity from a variety of sources. Beginning in 2009, residents were given
the option of choosing to purchase 10, 25, 50, or 100 percent of their electricity from renewable sources, most or all of which is purchased from Spruce Mountain Wind Farm in Maine. While there is a surcharge of $.04 per kilowatt hour for that renewable energy, according to the Committee, the typical household pays just $3.40 extra to opt in at the 10 percent level. According to Committee member Tim Fulham, every new customer and added percentage point helps. Referring to what he called an "entrenched infrastructure" of energy distribution nationwide, he said it's important for communities to start their own programs, with an eye on creating momentum beyond their own borders. By reaching goals specific to a town's overall energy consumption, communities across the country are seeking to be rated Green Energy
Partners by the Environmental Protection Agency. "It has to start somewhere," he said. But Ahab's white whale, as a group, is the town's five largest energy users- Babson College, Harvard Pilgrim, Sun Life Financial, Wellesley College, and Wellesley Office Park - which together account for 30 percent of usage. Given the high level of energy consumption within those commercial entities, going renewable through their WMLP accounts would mean a much greater cost, at the $.04 per kilowatt hour rate, than a residential customer would ever see, so they may be skittish about the change, said Fulham. But he hoped the larger users would not value dollars at the expense of values. "How do you compete [with the idea of the lower cost, non-renewable sources of energy]?" he asked.
"You have to sell that it's more than just dollars and cents - it's 'What kind of community do we want, what kind of planet?'"
haven't yet begun purchasing the energy they do use from renewable sources - an effort that Kaplan also mentioned.
During a conversation with the Board of Selectmen, Fulham and fellow Committee member Ellen Korpi said that conversations with those larger institutions are forthcoming.
"We are also [working] on the design and installation of approximately 1.5MW solar PV panels on the campus in two locations and have been coordinating this potential project with WMLP. At the same time we have implemented hundreds of sustainability and energy conservation projects on the campus over the past six years and have reduced our carbon footprint by 20 percent," she wrote.
In an email, Shelley Kaplan, Associate Vice President Facilities Management and Planning at Babson College said the school is considering the renewable option. "We have been looking at purchasing sustainable power from WMLP so they can participate in the EPA’s Green Power Partnership, but we are awaiting a review and discussion with our Business and Finance group on that decision," she wrote. Korpi later said it's important to note that the colleges have made great strides in reducing energy consumption overall, even if they
Meanwhile, the Committee's new campaign features signage, bumper stickers, and a flyer they hope will land in local realtors welcoming packet for new residents, all designed to help the planet little by little. "I really support a clean planet, and I also feel very strongly about energy security," Korpi said.
All Ages, All Types BY DAVE HALPERIN The push for renewable energy usage by the Sustainable Energy Committee has a town-wide flavor. Faith groups encouraged their congregations to participate in The Power to Choose Wellesley Energy Program as part of "Carbon Lent." Students from Babson College professor Xinghua Li's Media, Culture and the Environment course created social media buzz about Wellesley's renewable option through a YouTube video, and conservation and garden clubs and other groups are sharing the information with their members through speaking engagements and newsletter pieces. Wellesley Public Schools is also in on the act, including at the Fiske Elementary School, where students gave new meaning to Valentine's Day. According to Phyllis Theermann of the Sustainable Energy Committee, students there wrote and delivered Valentine's Day cards to Wellesley retailers that have signed up for renewable energy. Theermann said that several shops, offices, and organizations in Wellesley Hills are among the early adopters of the renewable op-
tion, including Little Bits Toy Store, Green’s Hardware, the Unitarian Universalist Church, the office of Janice C. Washburn M.D., and, nearby on Route 9, Wellesley Toyota. A note to Little Bits from Fiske students read like this: "Dear Little Bits Toy Store, We just wanted to wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day and thank you for buying renewable energy through the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant. We appreciate you helping make both Wellesley and the earth greener! Sincerely, The Fiske Kids Care Club." During their thank-you project, students were heard saying they would “only go to stores that use renewable energy," Theermann reported.
Fiske students write Valentine's Day cards to local businesses. Back Table: Meredith Lepper, Eva Wall, Coco Martin, and Katie Lysaght. Front Table: Elizabeth Wiegman, Charlotte Wilson, and Natalie Martin.
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Page 16
Wellesley Health Assessment is a Statistical Mixed Bag lated service providers met to discuss goals and challenges.
BY MARTY SACK A health assessment of nine Metro West communities including Wellesley was recently released by the West Suburban Community Health Network Area 18 (CHNA18), and the news was mostly promising. While Wellesley residents overall fared better on most health indicators, sources of concern exist. What to do with all this new information - 58 pages of statistics and general healthcare information titled "Community Health Assessment Phase I" - was the subject of an April 5 meeting at the Wellesley Free Library, where more than 50 health-re-
CHNA18 is a coalition of public, non-profit and private sectors working together to build healthier communities in Massachusetts through community-based prevention planning and health promotion; it includes Wellesley, Brookline, Dedham, Needham, Newton, Waltham, Weston, and Westwood. With a focus on developing collaborations among community groups and across communities, CHNA18 serves as a resource for local agencies and organizations to gather information, share ideas, and network on a regular basis. The group empha-
sizes transparency. The Community Health assessment was formed through interviews of residents and data from Massachusetts Community Health Information Profile (MassCHIP) and assorted state and federal agencies. Phase I of the Community Health Assessment found Wellesley residents faring far better than the overall state population, with lower rates of mortality, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, adult obesity, HIV/AIDS, teen births, and motor vehicle-related emergency room visits. The town has a significantly higher multiple birthrate than both the state and other CHNA18 communities.
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Sources of concern in Wellesley are mental health issues, transportation barriers - especially for the elderly alcohol and substance abuse among youth, and financial security, according to the CHNA report. In the mental health arena, depression/anxiety, substance abuse, and academic pressure are all concerns, the report states. The stressor most often identified by interviewees as causing their depression and/or anxiety was the financial difficulties caused by the recession and subsequent job loss. Academic stress was seen as detrimental to the mental health of youth. “There is a constant, accelerating high level of expectations for performance,” said one interviewee quoted in the report. Other interviewees agreed, adding that the increasing load of extra-curricular activities is also a factor; combined, the result is leading to anxiety, panic attacks, and even suicide, interviewees said. Related to this concern, many noted an increasing reluctance or inability of parents to articulate realistic expectations, provide loving discipline, and serve as role models for appropriate behavior. At the meeting, one Wellesley provider suggested there might be more timely access to mental health services to children in need. Still, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts among high school students throughout most of the nine CHNA towns were substantially lower than statewide, although data for Wellesley was not available. The report also addresses emergency room visits by local residents 19 and under for alcohol and substance abuse visits, and in Wellesley the numbers have been higher than the Massachusetts average. A service provider from the Wellesley Health Department suggested there may be more behind this statistic than meets the eye: local teens, the department staffer said, may be better informed about the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse and therefore may be more likely to go the emergency room when a potential problem arises, leading to the greater numbers reflected in the report. Additionally, Wellesley has a substantial college population which might have an effect on the alcohol and substance abuse data.
April1, 2012 The report did point out the town has a lower percentage of hospitalizations for substance abuse or opioid-related injuries as a whole. The growth of senior populations in CHNA 18 communities was also discussed at the April 5 gathering. Specifically, attendees touched on concerns over an increase in death by falls among the elderly, transportation needs for health care, and concerns about isolation. Moreover, interviews with residents of these communities, including Wellesley residents, revealed that they value collaboration with local hospitals, but overall are not aware of hospital services. During the meeting, representatives from local hospitals discussed alternative ways to educate the community about hospital services. In facing these challenges mentioned in the report, the Wellesley Health Department pledged continued communication with constituents. "While we haven’t had an opportunity to fully analyze the report, we will use the data to enhance communication and collaboration with town departments, agencies, public and private schools, the faith community and other organizations dedicated to addressing the health and wellness of the community," wrote Health Department Community Health Coordinator Cheryl Lefman in an email. Lefman also pointed to services currently available through the Health Department, including for: suicide prevention and crisis support (www.wellesleyacts.org); recognizing the warning signs of suicide (a Question, Persuade, Refer training program); and other mental health resources and guides (www.wellesleyma.gov/health or 781-235-0135). Phase II of the Community Health Assessment will include more community meetings and feedback, with an emphasis on more data collection about youth and seniors issues raised from Phase I information and from the active discussion and feedback at the April 5 meeting. The full CHNA18 Community Health Assessment Phase 1 is available on the web at www.chna18.org. The next meeting will be held on May 9 at a location to be announced soon. More information will be available at the website.
April 1, 2012
Local Town Pages www.wellesleytownnews.com
Page 17
School News
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Dem Aliens Are Back WHS Student-Directed Play Continues Run "In All Seriousness...Dem Aliens Gunna Getcha," the student-written and directed Wellesley High School winter play returns to the stage in late April after an extended break.
plained that the idea for a 1950s alien invasion show came early; from there, small groups worked together to generate ideas, which were written down and collected at the end of each week. In time,
The cast of In All Seriousness...Dem Aliens Gunna Getcha.
Student Directors (from left) Keaton O'Neil, Yara Farahmand, Amanda Chabot, and Cody Barbin.
Dem Aliens' initial run took place at the new Wellesley High School in February, making it the first production to take the stage there. Thanks to an original-play festival at Triton Regional High School on April 30, those who didn't catch it the first time around can do so at the festival, or at an open dress rehearsal at the high school on April 27.
characters, scenes, and general ideas were discovered. "We all work off of each other
The Triton original play festival it is the first of its kind in the area. Participating schools will present a forty-minute play acted, written,
and directed by students. After the final play, judges will take a look at a written copy of each script and announce awards for excellence in each category (acting, technical, directing, etc.). In the end, one play will be voted as being the best play in competition.
"The most important thing about this year's senior show is that we have a blast doing it," Chabot said. "The first day of rehearsal we put a room full of unique people together and a blank sheet of paper, and the last rehearsal is a stage full of people performing an entire script they composed."
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For the cast and crew this means a return to a process that began in early November with a series of small-group improv sketches, courtesy of prompts by drama department staff. From there, students discovered themes and moved towards defining the play's plot, style, title, and more.
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"Some of the things we come up with in rehearsal would make people think we were crazy if they saw us, but we have so much fun inventing new scenes and characters, we couldn't help but put them in the production," senior Amanda Chabot wrote in an email. "So things will get a little weird, but that's what makes Dem Aliens so entertaining." Chabot, who was one of the show's four senior directors, along with Cody Barbin, Keaton O’Neil, and Yara Farahmand, ex-
so well that our imaginations kept building and building until we had a script in our hands," she continued. "The cast is amazing and every single member is a part of that script, because we collectively wrote it together. We have people who are great at the drama aspects and the character building, and others who have a knack for witty lines."
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April1, 2012
School News
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Middle School Musical Benefits Haiti BY DAVE HALPERIN The Wellesley Middle School Drama Department put on the musical Once on this Island over the course of three days in early March.
volved in the play decided that donations received during the play's three-day run would be given to the nonprofit organization Be Like Brit, started by the parents of Britney Britney Gengel, the Massachusetts' resident and college student who died in the earthquake while volunteering there.
to students and answer questions. WMS Performing Arts Director Elizabeth Perry wrote in her program notes for the play that focusing their efforts not only on the musical but on helping Be Like Brit achieve its goals brought students and staff together.
"That fact that we are all focused on global awareness by raising money for Be Like Brit, has brought us together in unBe Like Brit seeks to carry out expected ways," she wrote. "I Britney Gengel's wish to build an am so proud of the cast for their orphanage in Haiti. efforts, and was so impressed Given the similarities between the play's plot and the destruction Gengel's mother, Cherylanne by their thoughts and questions Choreographer Kara Sullivan gives the students directions. wrought by the real-life Haitian Gengel, visited the middle school when Brit's mother, Cherylann earthquake, staff and students in- prior to the play's opening to speak Gengle, visited us on February Taking a break from a rehearsal Leah Fine wrote about that hard 28th." on March 7, students involved in work in her program notes. the play told a reporter that they "Through my teaching and diWellesley Celebrates Education agreed with Perry's words. recting experiences I have discovcontinues its mission with more education"I think it's good that we're helpered how challenging and related events culminating in the dedication of the new Wellesley High School in May. After ing to build an orphanage, and that rewarding it can be to bring a a wonderful “Turn Out the Lights” celebration [the play] is for a good cause," said group of young people together to in November, we are looking forward to turnsixth grader Jack Grossi. learn and perform with skill and ing on the lights of the new school! Please visit pride," she wrote. "Working on www.WellesleyCelebratesEducation.org for Students also talked about the joy this play has certainly proven to be the most up-to-date information. of acting in general. "It's fun beno less than challenging but also cause you get to be someone else Sun, Apr 29, 2 PM: Dedication of 1938 Room sponsored by the Wellesley Historical Society, 1938 Room of incredibly rewarding. I do hope for a day," said Tess Buckley. "It WHS Library. Come learn about the 1938 Room in the new Wellesley High School and view various artiand feel that the cast and crew was a lot of work, but it pays off," facts from the 1938 High School that have been incorporated into the new building. Historical Society presishould be proud of all their hard added Hannah Scholl. dent Martin Padley will serve as emcee. Historical Commission chairman David Wright will explain the comwork in creating this performmission’s role in developing the 1938 Room, its features and significance. Wellesley historian Beth Hinchliffe Once on this Island Director ance." will describe a number of the artifacts (plaques, murals, bricks, plantings and others) that were moved from the The play tells the story of Ti Moune, a Caribbean peasant girl who lives through a terrible storm that causes a flood that wipes away many of her island's villages.
old school to the new one, discussing the special history of each item as well as its symbolism in bringing the past into the future. Coffee, tea, and cookies will be served courtesy of the Historical Society. Tues, May 1, 3:15 PM: Preview Tour & Reception at WHS exclusively for Wellesley Senior Citizens, sponsored by The Fund for Wellesley, Council on Aging and North Hill. Space is limited so RSVP to Kait Haas (781-235-3961 or KHaas@wellesleyma.gov) by Apr 13. Wellesley Senior Citizens are invited to an exclusive Preview Tour and Reception at the new Wellesley High School. Current WHS students will lead tours and present information on the many exciting features of the new school. As there is no parking at or near the school, shuttle bus transportation will be provided from the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church (207 Washington Street, Wellesley Hills), courtesy of North Hill and the Council on Aging. May 14 – May 18: GoSmart (WHS students) sponsored by the Wellesley Green Schools and Trails Committee. In celebration of our new green high school, GoSmart is encouraging all Wellesley High School students to reduce carbon emissions by walking, biking, or taking the bus to school during the third week in May. The Wellesley Trails Committee will publish trail maps in the Wellesley Townsman the prior week, and Landry's Bicycles will provide free bike tune-ups at WHS on Monday, May 14. Participating students will earn reward points for 'going smart' that will enter them into a drawing on Friday, May 18 for prizes donated by City Sports, Marathon and Thunder. Tues, May 15, 3:30 PM: Rededication of the WHS Wilbury A. Crockett Library. Almost 30 years ago, the library at Wellesley High School was named for legendary English teacher and department head Wilbury A. Crockett. Wilbury Crockett not only taught generations of WHS students devotedly and memorably, but he also inspired a host of English teachers who considered his mentoring and example as the touchstones of their careers. We rededicate the WHS library as a tribute to his legacy. Fri, May 18 – Sun, May 20: Turn On the Lights Celebration Fri, May 18, 7 PM: Masterworks Concert featuring WHS Orchestra and Choruses, WHS Katherine L. Babson, Jr. Auditorium. May 19-20: Wellesley's Wonderful Weekend (events at http://www.wellesleyparade.com) Sat, May 19, 9 AM - Noon: Tours of WHS including “green” features. Sat, May 19, 4 PM: WHS Dedication, WHS Katherine L. Babson, Jr. Auditorium. The public ceremony to officially dedicate the new Wellesley High School Building will include music and presentations by state and town officials, students and the principal. Refreshments will be served and additional public tours will be offered after the ceremony. Sat, May 19, 6:30 PM: Kids’ Movie Night at WHS screening “The Goonies,” WHS Gym. Sun, May 20, 1 PM: 44th Annual Wellesley Veterans’ Parade, Washington St. Sun, May 20, 6:30 PM: Wellesley Concert & Fireworks, Hunnewell Field
WMS students rehearse Once on this Island
Local Town Pages www.wellesleytownnews.com
April 1, 2012
Page 19
School News
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Young Hardy Writers Shine BY DAVE HALPERIN Two 3rd graders at the Hardy Elementary School were finalists in the Charlesbridge Publishing Company's "Me and My Dragon" writing contest, and student Ellie Jones took home top prize. Jones' story - "I Wont a Dinisor!" - took a unique approach to the dragon-themed writing exercise, adopted from the children's story Me and My Dragon by David Biedrzycki. She imagined a scenario where a dinosaur pretends to be a dragon in order to win over a girl who has put an ad in the paper to find a pet dragon. Jones said "I Wont a Dinosor!"
came to her while in Hardy library teacher Lisa Rogers' class, and then she finished it at home. Rogers had suggested the contest to students. Arianna Cozza, one of two runners-up, wrote about a boy named Sam who wanted a pet and ended up with a dragon. "I thought a little bit about what it would be like to have a dragon, then changed it a little bit," she said. Both Jones and Cozza will receive signed copies of Me and My Dragon, and their entire class is set for an author visit by Biedrzycki. In addition, for her win, Jones
Ellie Jones (left) and Arianna Cozza.
will receive a $100 gift card to Wellesley Books.
To read Jones' story in full (and see the accompanying pictures)
go to www.charlesbridge.com and scroll down.
Dear Scarlett Dear Scarlett: I have a high school friend who is spiraling out of control - drinking, cheating with taken guys, acting promiscuously and bullying girls. She needs help but I'm afraid to say anything for fear I become her next victim. Any ideas? Love, Help Me Dear Help Me: Sounds like she's hurting more than just herself. When that's the case, if you can't talk to her yourself, tell someone who might be able to help (parent, guidance counselor, confident peer leader). Many people pretend to be friends with characters like this because it's much easier than being their enemy. Some just ignore them and hope they grow up. It might hurt her to hear it, but rally one of the leaders in your friend group to talk to her. She may not even be aware of all the drama she cre-
ates or might be suffering from something more serious such as mental illness that contributes to the reckless behavior. Some girls can be subtle bullies - inventing rumors, excluding, ignoring. The good news is that people can change if they are aware of their behavior and don't feel judged. But realize that we don't always know the story behind a face - she could be acting out because she's hurting in some way. You can also choose to ignore her but the problem will likely grow. xo, Scarlett
way too involved in their own worries to care that you're single again or back in Florida or just got into your seventh college. People who keep some things a mystery make themselves more interesting. Information overkill can give the impression, false or not, that you are desperate for attention with not much really going on in your life. Consider how much time you are on your computer scanning people pictures. If you really care who likes your Facebook status, then the real question is: Are you living LIFE? xo, Scarlett
Dear Scarlett: Why don't people ever like my Facebook status? Love, Tired of Being Ignored Dear Ignored One: Are you telling the world too much? Young adults are really
Dear Scarlett is an advice column by Mary Kaye Chryssicas, who wrote Breathe, a self-help book for young adults. Please submit your questions for Dear Scarlett to mkchryssicas@comcast.net. Identities will be kept strictly confidential.
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April1, 2012
Wellesley Sports Boys Basketball Season a Job Well Done BY DAVE HALPERIN
it was a collective effort."
Midway through their 20112012 campaign, it wasn't clear what kind of team the Raiders boys' basketball team was. Were they the unit that, after a loss in the first game of the year, reeled off four consecutive W's? Or were they the group that hit a rough patch in the middle of the season, losing six of eight between January 4 and January 27.
That collective effort wound up defining the Raiders, turning them from self-doubters to believers and potential tournament no-shows to winners of two state tournament games with a shot at the South Sectional championship. Following the Newton North loss on January 31, the team won seven straight, including a 50-44 victory over Hingham in the opening round of the state tourney.
those passes, piled on the three-pointers and finished with 16. The win was earned at least in part on the backs of their fans, who travelled to Randolph in droves and were easily the more vocal of the two teams' crowds. But it was the in- The win against Randolph was a close one. Photo by Connie Main. domitable Paul player. "And I felt like we were Santangelo whose play best de- great group of kids." going to have to play really well as fined the victory. Facing a taller Magpiong said he knew early on Randolph front line, the center that this Raiders squad would need a team. won enough battles for rebounds to prove itself through hard work "I've been telling them in the and loose balls to finish with 13 and team basketball, and he told locker room before most games, 'I points and 11 boards. them as much before almost every can guarantee you, you will not be outworked'... that they would have "It was amazing," Magpiong game. to work hard in order to overcome said. "Paul is undersized, but he is "I really felt like we were going one of the toughest players you'll to need to overachieve in order to any deficiencies, but that they wouldn't be outworked." ever see." be successful," he said, pointing to With the one win over a higher the absence of any one dominant seed under their belts, Wellesley hoped to make it two in a row against Hopkinton, the six seed, but they fell behind early. True to form, they came back, but it was too little, too late, and their season ended with a 58-56 loss. "We fought back, right into the fourth quarter," Magpiong said, attributing the run to defensive pressure. "We tried to pressure their point guard more, and we just built momentum from there."
Cooper Ainge against Randolph. Photo by Connie Main.
"When we were sitting there at 78, people were wondering if we would even make the tournament, and that's why I think that chemistry is just very important," said Head Coach Glen Magpiong after the team's season-ending loss to Hopkinton in the South Sectional semi-finals. "It was a tale of two seasons," Magpiong said. "After [losses to] Dedham (1/27) and Newton North (2/3), the team really turned the corner and came together, and we went on a seven-game roll, and it wasn't because of any one person;
In the second round, Wellesley, the number ten seed, faced off against second seed Randolph, which stood at 18-2, in a Thursday evening away game. With a balanced passing attack, a swarming defense, and the spirited play of their front line, Wellesley upset Randolph 58-54 to keep their streak, and their season, alive. Cooper Ainge (14 points) led the Raiders attack, using every manner of moves to slice through the Randolph defense for layups or lastsecond dishes to teammates. Harry James, the recipient of many of
Three-pointers by James (16 points) helped make up the deficit on the offensive end, and Wellesley found themselves down just one with 15 seconds to go and a last second shot opportunity. But Hopkinton's defense forced Wellesley into a bad shot, and the loss. Hopkinton would go on to the South Sectional Finals. Magpiong, calling the contest "a great high school game," reflected on a difficult but rewarding season. "Although this was my most challenging year of coaching, it was the most rewarding," he said, "and the way that they rallied around each other to succeed and get to the level of where they got to, and get the results they did, I told them that I'm proud of them and that I love them. They're a
Mack Jones battles for points. Photo by Connie Main.
April 1, 2012
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Wellesley Sports Benzan Climbing the All-Time Ranks at RL
posed to just playing in games," he said. "His improvement over the last three years is a credit to his work ethic and the amount of time he spends developing his skills."
Hoopster Leads Team, Threatens Scoring Record BY DAVE HALPERIN When it comes to team sports, there are role players and allstars, those who specialize in defense, and others who concentrate on offense; and then there are those rare most valuable players, those who affect every aspect of the game and raise their teammates' level of play to new heights.
assists and 8 rebounds.
cial."
"Skill-wise I think he is in the class of very few players. Whether it be ball handling, passing, shooting, he's placed himself
All of this led to a unanimous All League New England Prep School Conference selection, his second such award in as many years, and he did it against gimmick defenses designed to stop RL's best player. Each game he faced a box-andone or a diamondand-one; one game he was double-teamed from baseline to baseline.
The latter category includes Patrick Benzan of Wellesley and the Roxbury Latin School. Benzan, now a sophomore, began his varsity basketball career at Roxbury Latin in eighth grade, joining a team not known for its basketball prowess. His first season with RL the squad managed just three wins, but they've climbed steadily each year, posting 15 wins against 9 losses in 2011-2012. "Because of Patrick Benzan's rapid development, we've gone from three to seven to 15 wins in his three seasons here, and there's an absolute correlation between his improved level of play and the team's success," said RL Basketball Coach and Athletic Director Tony Texeira, " Benzan, a point guard for RL, did it all this year while leading RL to the New England Prep School quarterfinals. "He's a point guard, but on our team he's got to assume a dual role," said Texeira. "He runs the team, but he's also our best offensive player. It's a difficult thing to do." During the 2011-2012 campaign, Benzan averaged 17 points a game while hauling in four and a half rebounds, dishing out 5 assists and recording 2.46 steals per game. In a contest against Belmont Hill the sophomore hit for a career-high 30 points with 10
in that category," Texeira noted. "He's not just doing one thing, which is what makes him so spe-
His coach credits Benzan's rapid improvement over the last three years to his focus on practicing the fundamentals of the game. The Wellesley resident, Texeira said, defies the stereotype of the young star who avoids the practice court in favor of the bright lights of competition. "He sees the value of practice and improving his skills, as op-
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Texeira also points to the young man's court sense: "That work ethic is coupled with just his sense of the game. He has a pretty sophisticated feel for the game, which is important for a point guard." With two years of high school basketball left to play, Benzan has already amassed 936 points at the varsity level, making the vaunted 1,000 point mark just a few games away and the RL alltime scoring mark within reach. The holder of that all-time RL scoring mark is none other than Wellesley product and former Penn University basketball player Remy Cofield. Having already enrolled at RL, it's possible that
Benzan will follow in Cofield's footsteps once again, this time into the Ivy League, as several teams in that conference have shown interest. Patriot League and America East teams have also inquired about Benzan, as has Stanford University. Coaches from those squads are hoping to land a player whose allaround ability makes him difficult to define, unless you start talking most valuable player.
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April1, 2012
Wellesley Sports
Dance Team Goes to States BY LIZZY SNELL The Wellesley High varsity dance team successfully took the message of one of their songs to heart, “Just dance. It’ll be okay.” The Raiders placed third at the Emmanuel College dance competition on Feb. 12 and finished ninth at the MSSAA State Dance Tournament on March 11. Carol Almeda-Morrow, mother to dancer Maddie Morrow, said that the girls have figured out how to show the crowd that they’re enjoying what they’re doing and having fun. “Being comfortable and making it look like you’re having the time of your life makes the biggest difference,” she said. “It’s showmanship.” Almeda-Morrow added that the routine itself – a remix of Lady Gaga songs – was one that gets the crowd going and clapping their hands. “They think you’re having fun, if you know you’re having fun,” she said.
The new type of routine is due in large part to first-time head coach Alexis Leahy, who brings Boston Celtics dance team experience to the table. “It’s been awesome,” Leahy said of her first year as head coach. “It’s almost as much fun for me as it is for them.” Leahy was quick to credit the team with making the transition to coaching easy for her, especially her two captains, Molly Astrove and Laine Wirth. “I will say all of the girls have been sort of fantastic,” Leahy said. “They’re just very polite and wellmannered. I never get an attitude. I haven’t had to be disciplinary. It’s kind of unbelievable to me. It’s not that you expect that with high school kids, but you kind of don’t know what you’re going to get sometimes. And they’ve just all been wonderful.”
The WHS Dance Team huddles up in preparation for the state meet. Photo by Lizzy Snell.
“Even when the captain is running things, she’ll get back to me and say, ‘Everyone was respectful, they treat me the same way they treat you…’ It made my job very easy.” Captains and dancers alike agreed that the team is more like a
floor. Everett Putnam-Mackey, a sophomore, credited a team sleepover that happened earlier in the year as a major step in everyone on the team growing closer. “We’re all in different grades, so
Even when Astrove and Wirth have been in charge of captains’ practices, Leahy said there has never been an issue with authority on the team.
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The lone senior on the dance team, Anna Kasok, admitted as she walked into practice on March 10 that the realization had hit her that it was her final practice as a Raider. “It’s sad because I’m the only senior on the team, but it’s fun just looking back and remembering the past four years on the team,” she said.
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Junior captain Molly Astrove agreed, saying that even though every year brings something different and you never know how it’s all going to fit together, she has never seen any type of drama on the team.
Practicing a routine. Photo by Lizzy Snell.
sisterhood than just a group of teammates. With various fundraising and team events, the girls have gelled together in a way that keeps any sort of drama off of the dance
H
we didn’t know each other that well,” she said. “I don’t know, we all fit together and are all really nice and inviting to new people on the team.”
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Having a new coach for her last year on the team only brought good things, Kasok added. “I really like Alexis, our new coach. I think it’s really nice to have fresh ideas and fresh choreography. Her history as a Celtics dancer is definitely an added bonus.” Overall though, Kasok said she would miss her relationships with her fellow dancers, as the team has shared every emotion together throughout the season. “We’re all great, really close friends,” she said. “Whenever somebody is hurt we’re always there helping the other ones; sharing in the happy and the sad.”
April 1, 2012
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"Concept" of H.S. Football Playoff is Approved BY MIKE STOLLER The MIAA's Tournament Management Committee (TMC) voted 15-0 on March 19 to approve the concept of a new statewide high school football playoff system. The proposal to change the current system, which does not allow for true state champions and makes fewer teams eligible for the playoffs than in other high school sports, was developed by the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association (MHSHCA). It now awaits a vote on May 10 by the MIAA Board of Directors. “The idea is to have more quality teams in the playoffs and provide a playoff atmosphere to more student athletes,” said Steve Dembowski, spokesman for the Executive Board of the MSHSFA and longtime head coach at Swampscott High. The MHSFCA proposal would permit at least two teams from each league/conference to make the postseason - as opposed to the one team that qualifies under the current system - as long as there are at least five teams in the circuit. Other teams in each league or conference division could become eligible through a
wildcard type scenario. The restructuring also would reduce the number of statewide divisions to six, as opposed to the subdivisions (i.e. Division 1A) now factored into the alignment. To avoid having more games overall played during the regular season, the first seven games would be a qualification round for the postseason, in which teams would earn points on a rating system based on wins and losses and the level of competition of both divisional and nonleague opponents. The last six weeks would serve as the postseason for those teams who stay in the hunt each week, while the teams that don’t make the playoffs and the ones knocked off in the early rounds would complete their schedules against other teams of the like. In all, there would be six state champions, one from each division. So, how would this all play out for Wellesley High School and the entire Bay State Conference? Simply put, the top two teams from both the Carey and Herget divisions would be guaranteed playoff berths, and the remaining teams in the conference
could still qualify through their ratings points as judged by the MIAA.
Since the teams who would qualify for the playoffs would be determined earlier in the season, only 12 teams, as opposed to the current 74, would still have a chance to win a state championship by the time the annual Thanksgiving rivalry games roll around. This would allow more athletes who play both fall and winter sports more time to prepare for their winter sports seasons.
Celebrating Purim The Wellesley Weston Chabad recently held its annual Purim celebration at the Wellesley Community Center. Purim is a Jewish holiday celebrating the foiling of a plot by an advisor to the king of Persia named Haman, who wanted to kill all the Jews in the empire.
Purim celebrations usually mean wearing costumes, eating food, and drinking wine. Or, as Wellesley Weston Chabad Rabbi Moshe Bleich said, Purim is like many other Jewish holidays: "They wanted to kill us, we survived, let's eat." - DAVE HALPERIN
According to Dembowski, the reason the MIAA approved only the concept, and not the specific plan at the March 19 meeting, was due to concerns about scheduling, revenue splits, and the rating system. "I think if those questions are answered, I think most people in the room liked the concept," he said, referring to the 15-0 vote. At this point, Dembowski and the MHSFCA are largely out of the picture, with their plan being presented to the TMC by the MIAA's own football committee, which he said will make amendments to the plan before presenting it again on May 10. If it is approved, the new system could be in place as early as the 20132014 season.
Members of Wellesley Weston Chabad do the limbo during their Purim celebration.
Officer Savage 5K Road Race
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The Wellesley Police Department Runners Club will again be sponsoring the annual Officer Savage 5K Road Race and Fun Run. This year the event will be held on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at the Webster Athletic Center, Babson College, Forest Street, Wellesley. The 5K race starts at 11 a.m. The route is well marked, starts and finishes at Babson College, and has water stations along the way. A kids' Fun Run is held at 10:00 a.m. for children 10 and under There is plenty of free, easy parking on the Babson campus. Preregistration is $18, day of the race is $20. First 300 applicants will receive a free long sleeve T-shirt! Following the race, there is a family style cookout and picnic at Babson, including children's rides. Questions? Contact the race director, Lieutenant Jack Pilecki 781235-1212 or JPilecki@wellesleyma.gov.
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April1, 2012
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