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-Kim Reichelt
The Eliza Juliet Norton Foundation aims to continue Eliza’s legacy by providing children with increased access to and enhanced experiences in athletics and beyond with a focus on teamwork, good sportsmanship, and community building.
Wayland Police collecting toys for Toys for Tots. The Wayland Police Department is excited to announce we will be collecting toys donated this year for the United States Marine Corp Reserve “Toys for Tots” program. You can drop off your new, unwrapped, non-violent toys at the Wayland Public Safety Building lobby from today, until the last collection day, December 10th, 2023. Please only donate new, unwrapped, non-violent toys!!!!! If you have any questions, please contact Sergeant Christopher Custodie, Wayland PD, 508-358-4721 or ccustodie@wayland.ma.us
Kids Fundraiser & Holiday Craft Fair – Celebration International Church. 2nd Annual CIC Kids Fundraiser & Holiday Craft Fair, December 9, 10 am-4 pm at the Celebration International Church, 6 Loker Street. Come have some fun and shop at our Holiday Craft Fair. Crafts created by CIC’s children’s ministry teachers and students. Enjoy some hotdogs, chips, drinks, and a bouncy house for the kids. Proceeds will help fund the purchase of a Kid’s van. This van will transport our kids to community events, field trips, and school events to support their fellow Kid’s Ministry friends and reach those in their communities who are without transportation to get to our yearly camps. Our camps include games, crafts, plays, snacks, and lunch, all of which are free! Past events have enabled us to have over 70 kids from all over the MetroWest area come and have a great time with us!
Wayland Middle School PTO Gift Drive. Join the Wayland Middle School PTO and help make the holidays brighter for tweens and teens, ages 12-18, living in the Wayside group home just a few miles from the Wayland Middle School, who can’t be placed in foster homes, and can’t be with family, primarily because of abuse and neglect. These 80+ kids, some with no family contact at all, are living in a group home for the holidays. How can you help? Visit the Wayland Middle School PTO’s Amazon wishlist of items picked out by the kids of the Wayside Youth & Family Support Network. For many of these kids, this will be their only holiday present. Because every kid deserves to have something special at the holidays, and to know that someone out there cares! Most gifts are under $50, and all are 100% tax deductible. Click here to pick out and donate a gift now! SHIPPING: Select “Wayside Campus-Gift Registry c/o Tim Hagen Address” All gifts are 100% tax deductible
Wayland Community Fund serving Wayland residents temporarily in need of financial assistance. Please call us if you need help!
The Wayland Community Fund (WCF) provides short-term emergency financial assistance to Wayland residents who have lived in Wayland for at least one year. WCF provides funding for basic needs such as utilities, rent, food, medical bills, and other living expenses. Please call us if you need help with your bills, 508-358-3624 or go to the town website for an application.
Join the MRC! New Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers are always needed! We have a great group of volunteers, however, we would love to recruit new members. If you are interested in helping out your community and would like to volunteer please contact the Health Department at Health@wayland.ma.us.
Upcoming Meetings
Meeting Schedule for The Week: See the Town Website’s Calendar online here. Please check the online calendar for the latest updates, as meetings noted below could have been updated (change in date, time or location) since we captured them. Also, some meetings could have been added since we collected the calendar information.
Please check the Town Calendar to confirm meeting times, locations and agenda. There can be updates from when we capture the schedule below.
Note: Links to all remote and hybrid meetings are available via this page
Monday, December 4
* Select Board, 7pm (Hybrid) Agenda includes: STM Warrant Hearing, discussion of STM topics, logistics, police chief appointment, update from Energy & Climate Committee
* Planning Board, 7:30pm (Remote) Agenda includes: 105 Plain Rd, 104 Plain Rd, MBTA Communities Multi-Family Zoning prep for public forum
Tuesday, December 5
* No meetings currently scheduled
Wednesday, December 6
* Finance Subcommittee (School), 8:30am (In Person) Agenda includes: Green Energy program in schools, enrollment and class size reports, building use and policy guidelines, Full Day Kindergarten, FY25 Budget update, long-term school building plan
* Special Town Meeting, 6:45pm, Wayland High School Auditorium
Eliza J Norton Foundation hosts Talk with Holocaust Survivor. Eliza J. Norton Foundation Hosts Talk with Kati Preston, Monday, December 11, 6:30-7:45pm at Wayland Middle School Auditorium
The Eliza J. Norton Foundation is hosting a talk with Kati Preston – an author, Holocaust survivor, and activist for tolerance and anti- bullying. Kati has shared her story of survival with countless school children throughout New England. Her talk invites her audience to take a journey through history as she recounts the details of her early childhood in Nazi-occupied Hungary. Her lasting message is to never underestimate the power of one. She reminds kids of the power they possess to do the right thing and the importance of acting with compassion to fight against hate and prejudice. She warns against bullying and to embrace others who are different from ourselves. This talk is appropriate for middle and high school aged community members.
Kids are encouraged to attend with a parent/caregiver/adult family member. The talk is free but please pre-register here. Space is limited. Reach out to ejnfevents@gmail.com with any questions.
Social Media & Rising Extremism, December 12. Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 7 pm, via Zoom and in-person in the Sanborn Auditorium at Hingham Town Hall.
Dr. Sabine von Mering, Wayland resident and Brandeis Professor, will discuss the impact of social media on the spread of antisemitism, white supremacy, and other forms of hate, including among youth. The discussion will offer practical strategies for individuals, groups and institutions to combat these issues. This event is open to everyone and free of charge. We extend a special invitation to parents, urging them to attend and gain valuable insights into addressing these challenges. Sponsored by the Hingham Unity Council, Network for Social Justice and Weymouth Pride Project in partnership with the Wayland Human Rights, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. More information and registration here
Wayland Holiday Marketplace at Lee’s Farm, December 19. Holiday Marketplace on Saturday, December 9 at The Barn at Lee’s Farm (136 Boston Post Rd), 10am-3pm. A community centered holiday marketplace. Bringing local artisans and vendors together under one roof. Curated and Presented by Gina Anderson, a local Real Estate Agent and resident of Wayland.
Inter-Generational Hanukkah Celebration. Celebrate Hanukkah with Rabbi Katy from Ma’yan Tikvah with singing, crafts, games, latke making, discussion, candle lighting and a potluck dinner. All are welcome in Framingham, including all ages. RSVP by emailing rabbi@mayantikvah.org for the exact location.
Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Fund announces 2023-24 mini grants program. Announcing small grant funding for projects in effective teen relationships & violence prevention, the arts, and community service. As it has for over a decade, The Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Fund will offer small grants in 2024 of up to $2000 for innovative, creative projects related to the LDAMF mission. Do you (or does your organization) have an idea for how to promote healthy and safe teen relationships, to celebrate and further the creative or performing arts, or to encourage community service? If so, we encourage you to submit an online grant application by January 31, 2024. The simple and easy application process particularly values initiatives that do not already rely on major backing from other sources, and new applicants are especially encouraged. Funding decisions will be announced by Feb 15, 2024. For more information and the application form, please visit https://laurendunneastleymemorialfund.org/. Keep on sparkling!
The latest from the Wayland Library (full newsletter online here).
Note: Many events require registration. Please visit the Wayland Library calendar for registration links.
Adult Services:
* Virtual Author Talk: Victoria Aveyard (December 5)
* Great Presenters: Win Treese and The Romantic Engineer (December 5)
* Kids and Teens Buy One Get One Free Book Sale (December 10)
* Board Game Night (December 11)
* Virtual Author Talk: Stephanie Land and Class(December 12)
* Author Talk: William Martin and December ’41 (December 12)
* Steeped in Secrecy: The Boston Tea Party, 250 Years Later (December 16)
Children’s Book Sale. Just in time for the holidays, the Friends of the Library are gathering together a terrific assortment of books for kids of all ages. Picture books, chapter books, YA novels, graphic novels, drawing books, activity books, popular series, fantasy, and more–at amazing prices! Sunday, December 10 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Book Groups
* Evening. Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. (December 4)
* Noon. The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead (December 8)
* Henna Workshop for Teens. Henna, more traditionally referred to as Mehendi art, is a temporary tattoo art form consisting of intricate motifs that adorn hands and feet. This workshop will take an unconventional approach to the ancient art form. Teens will begin by getting familiar with the henna cone, and then draw patterns, such as flowers, leaves, and vines, on a canvas. Teens are also, of course, welcome to draw on their own hands. All materials will be provided. Local teen Niyathi Srinivasan from Henna for Humanity will lead this workshop. For teens in grades 6 and up. Please register HERE. Thursday, December 14, at 4 p.m.
Wayland-Weston Rotary 4th Annual Christmas Tree Sale. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-3pm at Land’s Sake Farm, 90 Wellesley St, Weston. A portion of proceeds go to Land’s Sake hunger relief programs and Rotary’s charitable projects. Visit http://www.westonwaylandrotary.com for more details.
Cookbook Club. On Thursday, December 21 the Library’s cookbook club meets 5:30 – 7pm. It is pot luck style and this month’s feature is “Back in the Day Bakery” about sweets, treats, and breads. Test-cook a recipe for your holiday table! The library has many copies available. Last month participants sampled several delectable dishes https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/friend.cfm?curOrg=WAYLANDPL&tEvt=7355061&tfPopup=1
Upcoming from Arts Wayland:
Join Arts WaylandArts Wayland is open to all artists in all media and art supporters of all towns and locations, not just Wayland. We welcome new members to join and make new friends who love the arts and art making
Mosaic Jewelry Workshop. Friday, December 8, 6:30-9 pm, enjoy a night out making your own jewelry. Mosaic artist Amy Lou Marks will supply the silver-plated pendant bases and earring blanks and all the glass, china, beads, jewels and bling that you will need to make a unique gift for yourself or for others. With the holidays right around the corner, this is a great way to have fun creating something one of a kind for your loved ones! The best part–no previous jewelry or mosaic experience is needed. To make your evening more festive, BYOB and snacks to share. The course fee includes all supplies to make either one or two pieces of jewelry (pendant or pair of earrings). Pendants include a chain. Extra pendant and earring bases are available for an additional fee of $20/base.
Peter Mayer Benefit Concert & Nonprofit Showcase Tickets, Sat, Dec 9, 2023 at 6:30 PM. Thanks to the generosity of theMargaret Stewart Lindsay, Ilene Beal, and Stifler Family Foundations, Arts Wayland invites you to join us for Peter Mayer of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band for a night of holiday music to benefit local non-profit organizations, including Arts Wayland. This family friendly event takes place at the Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church in Cambridge, MA on December 9th beginning at 6:30 pm. Please buy tickets here: Peter Mayer Benefit Concert & Nonprofit Showcase Tickets, Sat, Dec 9, 2023 at 6:30 PM | Eventbrite and choose Arts Wayland as your charity of choice. You are invited to join us before and after the concert to meet directly with the non-profit organizations benefiting from your attendance, and to learn more about their work. A meet-and-greet with the artists will follow the show as well. This show is general admission. We can’t wait to see you there for what one critic called “A Christmas Show Like No Other!”
ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE Dive into the festive spirit at our annual Holiday Marketplace. This year the event will be held from 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday, December 3rd at the Wayland High School Commons. Explore a winter wonderland of unique gifts and handcrafted treasures from local artisans and vendors and embrace the joy of gifting while supporting local businesses and artists.
Announcements from Prior Newsletters
Wayland Police Department shares guidance to help prevent package theft this holiday season. As the holiday season approaches and gifts begin to be shipped and delivered, Acting Chief Ed Burman and the Wayland Police Department would like to provide tips to help community members prevent package theft. According to the National Neighborhood Watch, nearly 19% of Americans have had at least one package stolen in the past 12 months.
Vaccine Clinic, December 6. The Town of Wayland announces upcoming vaccine clinics: Protect yourself and your loved one’s this winter and get the updated COVID-19 vaccine and your seasonal flu shot! The Wayland Health Department is offering the following vaccinations while supplies last:
* Standard dose flu vaccine for age 6 months-64 years
* High dose vaccine for those age 65+
* COVID-19, Pfizer and Moderna ages 6 months+, Novavax ages 12 years
Vaccines are available free of charge and, like pharmacies, we will bill your insurance, please provide us with correct information. If you are uninsured, we can also provide you with vaccination.
Wednesday, December 6: Adults (18+ and older), 10AM – noon register here
Local vaccine clinics are open to anyone who lives, works, learns in or visits Wayland – we do not ask for proof of residence, we collect insurance information.
Homebound appointments, for those who are unable to leave home without the use of a chair car/ambulance are offered. leave a message at (508) 358-6805 to schedule. Our next homebound visits will be late November or early December.
No computer? No problem! Call us and leave a message at (508) 358-6805, you will get a call back in 3-5 business days to assist you with registration.
Wayland Youth Lacrosse Spring Registration 2024 now open. Registration for the SPRING 2024 WAYLAND YOUTH LACROSSE season for players in grades PRE-K–8 is now available online at http://www.waylandyouthlacrosse.org
We are very excited to be able to offer another full program of practices, games, and events this spring. It’s never too late to start; novice players are welcome! Our emphasis at all levels is for kids to have fun learning to play lacrosse and to make new friends.
Don’t delay. Register now AND save $25 on all Grade 1-8 registrations submitted before December 15, 2023! Registration will close on 1/15/24.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact the Wayland Youth Lacrosse at Waylandlacrosse@gmail.com
Boy Scout Troop 1 Christmas Tree Sale. Wayland Boy Scouts Christmas Tree sale starts Saturday. 100% of our Trees are Premium Grade – the best grade available. Fresh from Nova Scotia, from 5 to 10 feet
Sale at Community United Methodist Church, Main St & Damon St
Holiday Pop-Up Sale & Kids’ Shop, December 2. First Parish in Wayland’s Holiday Sale returns on December 2, 10am-3pm. It’s an opportunity to shop with a purpose! We’ll feature Fair Trade giftable food items, handmade items from nonprofits, and gently used holiday décor. Back by popular demand: The Kids’ Shop, featuring tables of low-cost items where kids can shop for family and friends. (Cash sales please.)
We’ll offer handmade items (jewelry, scarves, purses, ornaments, home décor, etc.) from at least four organizations supporting marginalized women and children, including:
Project Have Hope from Uganda
Under the Same Moon from Guatemala
Rift Valley Women’s Group from Tanzania
Sewing Seeds for Hope, for Afghan Women artisans
Also, we will offer our delicious Equal Exchange Fair Trade Organic foods that support small farmers throughout the world. Join us to purchase unique, handmade gifts and food items and to help marginalized families break the cycle of poverty.
First Parish in Wayland is located at 225 Boston Post Rd. Overflow parking is available at Trinitarian Congregational Church, across the street.
A Conversation with MA Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer, Thursday, January 25 at 7:00 pm on Zoom
How is our commonwealth battling climate change, and what will it mean for you? Congregation Or Atid is pleased to host Massachusetts Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer as she discusses this and other issues facing us in the era of climate change. This event is free and open to the public.
Please use this link to register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with the zoom link.
Celebration International Church Food Pantry serving the community for over 25 years Celebration International Church in Wayland partners with the Boston Food Bank to serve the people of Metrowest by providing groceries in a time of need. If you or someone you know is enduring unemployment, financial hardship, a disability, or something similar, we would like to help! Visit https://www.cicalive.org/food-pantry for more information.
2023 Hazardous Waste Collection for Wayland residents. First $50 of Hazardous Waste is Free. Residents will pay overages
In the past the Wayland Health Department has held an annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day (HHWD) for Wayland residents through Clean Harbors. We understand how important it is to properly dispose of household hazardous waste and have held these events at least twice a year for many years. Despite a lot of outreach to Clean Harbors and research into other vendors we have not been able to secure a date for this event in over a year. According to the state, many municipalities are having the same problems with obtaining a vendor to host a HHW event. This is due to a shift to regional HHW collection depot models which at this time there is no ability for Wayland to join one but there may be an opportunity in the future.
We have been able to identify an interim solution and we have made arrangements with NEDT New England Disposal Technologies. Beginning on April 1 and through June 30, 2023, Wayland residents may drop off hazardous waste to their facility and Wayland will cover the cost up to $50 per household.
We urge residents to contact the facility of your choice prior to traveling to confirm posted dates, times of operation, and types of waste accepted. Payment by resident can be made to NEDT in the form of cash or credit card.
Golden Tones Chorus is Together and Live. It’s a music-making opportunity for MetroWest people of retirement age with NO AUDITIONS and a come-when-you-can attendance policy. Join us in-person (observing protocols to minimize covid risk) or via zoom, Tuesdays, 11am-12:30pm. Choir experience and music-reading are NOT required to have fun singing, dancing, playing, and creating live concerts for the MetroWest community! Visit goldentones.org, email office@goldentones.org, or call us at 508-318-6318.
Emergency alert notifications may include missing children or missing persons, criminal activity, fires, drinking water contamination, utility outages, various threats to people or the environment and other incidents as deemed necessary by Town public safety officials. Those enrolled also may receive timely non-emergency alerts, including road closures, snow plow schedules and more. The alerts are sent to residents via phone call, text message, email and social media.
All community members are invited to register for the CodeRED notification system to receive important alerts and updates. To sign up for these informative, lifesaving alerts, please click here. Registration is customizable, allowing users to choose which alerts they’d like to receive, as well as preferred ways like text, email, cellphone, landline and more.
Community members are encouraged to download the CodeRED Mobile Alert app available in the App Store or Google Play after they sign up to receive alerts.
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