Waylandenews Executive Director Kim Reichelt is a member of the Wayland School Committee
Wayland News
News in the past week
* Lee’s Farm Stand reblooms. Show almost any long term Wayland citizen the sign scripted with “Lee’s Farm Market,” and they would instantly be able to tell you its location in town. This sign stands in a small vacant lot with a shack, empty except for a counter. Why would this sign be posted on an empty lot? Especially on Boston Post Road, one of Wayland’s busiest streets?
* Wayland Mask Mandate: Board Fails To Approve On Second Try. The effectiveness of masks is apparently still up for debate in Wayland after the Board of Health voted — for the second time in January — against a mask mandate this week. Wayland stands out in the region on masks: Framingham, Marlborough and Natick have enacted mask mandates during the recent COVID-19 surge. Sudbury has had a mandate in effect since August. Video of the meeting is online here
* After Friend’s Death, Wayland Teen Wants Neck Guards Mandatory. For Youth Hockey Players. Sam Brande is on a mission to make a change. “I want to be able to make a change because of what happened to one of my good friends,” Brande said. The 16-year-old lost his childhood friend, Teddy Balkind, in a tragic fatal hockey incident earlier this month.
* Board of Selectmen statement regarding Agreement with Twenty Wayland, This week, the Board of Selectmen and Twenty Wayland, LLC finalized negotiations and entered into an agreement (“Agreement”) to bring to closure the terms of the 2006 development agreement for the mixed use property located at 400-440 Boston Post Road. The Board of Selectmen entered into a similar agreement in 2018, but due to title concerns, that agreement was set aside. This new agreement gifts the Town land for municipal and conservation use, finalizes the accounting escrow and gift accounts, anticipates the closeout of any Conservation and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) review, and concludes the development actions. While all negotiations result in compromises, the Board of Selectmen is pleased with the outcome and is confident that it will serve the Town for many generations.
Domestic Violence Roundtable Collects Valentine Donations for Families in Shelter. Each February, the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable collects items for Valentine’s Day and fills gift bags for women, men and children temporarily living in local domestic violence shelters and transitional housing programs: REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, The Second Step, and Voices Against Violence. The Valentine Bags are decorated by the children from Sudbury Extended Day.
Members of our local communities are cordially invited to participate in this collection again this year. We welcome your donations, but due to Covid 19 restrictions and social distancing, we will not be inviting donors to join us this year in assembling the gift bags. However, this is a great opportunity for civic organizations, workplaces, families, friends, and neighbors to contribute to the Roundtable collection and to help us make lives brighter for families affected by domestic violence. Small acts of kindness like the gift bags let families know they are supported in their decision to leave an abusive situation and brighten their day. These gestures are especially appreciated during the pandemic.
Some examples of needed items are gift cards for CVS, Target, Market Basket, Gas etc. For mothers and teens some items would include full size bath products, fuzzy socks, cosmetics, nail polish, hair products, journals, etc. Items for children could include playing cards, art supplies, small toys, small stuffed animals, matchbox cars, and educational items. Baby items may include toys, rattles, baby cups, baby socks, bibs, and baby body products.
In past years the Roundtable has provided as many as 125 bags for families in shelter and transitional housing.
If you are interested in contributing to the Valentine’s Day collection and have questions, please contact the Roundtable at info@dvrt.org. Donations may be left in the collection baskets provided at Sudbury Wine and Spirits in the Rugged Bear Plaza Road, 410 Boston Post Road, Sudbury or at Spirits of Maynard, (next to Market Basket) 4 Digital Way, Suite 3, Maynard. The collections will start on January 22nd and end on February 5th. Thank you for your consideration.
Heart of Hunger 28-Day Fitness Challenge raises money for area United Way food pantries. Join the United Way’s 2nd Annual Heart of Hunger 28-Day Challenge. During the month of February, participants will commit to run or walk a minimum of one mile, outdoors, every day! Why? Because exercise is good for you AND you’ll be helping people who don’t have enough to eat.
Your new year’s resolution to get fit doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon; you just need to be committed! This is a great activity to do with family and friends and is suitable for all ages! Funds raised from the registration fee will support United Way of Tri-County’s three food pantries and two hot meal programs providing fresh, nutritious food to residents of the MetroWest/495 community. 100% of the $15 registration fee will support the food program of your choice. T-shirts are available for purchase and a portion of t-shirt sales also helps those who need access to fresh, healthy, and nutritious food.
Progress is tracked via online leaderboards by participants who enter their distance. All participants who enter their mile(s) each day in February will be entered into a raffle for some great prizes, and the farther you go, the more raffle chances you receive! To register or sponsor the event, please visit the United Way’s website at uwotc.org/heart. Questions can be directed to Sandy Baldi, Special Events Manager, at 508.370.4873 or sandra.baldi@uwotc.org.
Next training program for ESOL tutors will begin in February. The program of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) of the Wayland Library continues to flourish in spite of the limitations due to the pandemic. Approximately 35 tutors are working with learners, some with as many as three individuals. These learners range from beginners, like the grandmother from Russia who must start by mastering our alphabet, to well-educated immigrants who want to pursue further studies or work in their previous professions. Most tutors are teaching remotely, using whatever technology works for both tutor and learner, be it Skype, FaceTime, Zoom or email and telephone. A few have found places where they feel safe together without masks.There is always a need for tutors, and the next training course will start (virtually) in late February. The only cost for the training is the purchase of a book for about $40. More details online here. If you are interested in the possibility of becoming a tutor you can contact Ginny Steel for more information.
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 meetings are available via this page
Monday, January 24
* School Committee, 5:30pm, [In Person at Wayland High School Lecture Hall]. Agenda includes: COVID-19 response, FY23 recommended budget (Middle and Elementary Schools), Community Budget Presentation, including Q&A (7pm)
The latest from the Wayland Library (full newsletter online here)
Adult Services:
* Implicit Bias Training (January 31)
* Great Presenters: The World’s Emergency Room (February 3)
* Craft Supply Swap (donations Jan 23-28, pickup Jan 29)
Online Access to Business Press. The Wall Street Journal, Banker & Tradesman, Barrons, IBD, The Economist—formerly, we had them only in print form. Now, when you’re in the library, you can get to their online versions, containing additional content and features. You can also go online for The New Yorker, Harvard Business Review, National Geographic, and The New Republic. Just stop by the Reference Desk, and the librarian will log you in.
* 4th/5th Grade Book Club: The Goldfish Boy (Feb 15)
February Vacation Specials:
* Comic Making Workshop with Jarrett Lerner over Zoom (Feb 24)
* Kids Cooking Green: Chocolate Peppermint Cookies (Feb 25)
For Families: Story Walk: A Story for Small Bear (January)
Curbside Pickup. Need a hand picked selection of books for your children? Please call us at 508-358-2308 and we would be happy to put a collection together for you for curbside pickup.
Exploring Engineering Symposium – FREE virtual event for STEM students, January 30. A civil/structural, chemical, biomedical, and former mechanical engineer will share their experiences entering and working in the rapidly-growing field of engineering. A college consultant specializing in STEM will then discuss how to translate your engineering aspirations to successful college applications. Many colleges ask applicants to explain their interest in their selected field, and this is a great opportunity to find that reason. Figure out what path is interesting to you! Get your questions answered: Live Q&A after each presentation! The symposium will be held on Sunday, January 30th, from 2:30-5:30pm. Click this link to register. All attendees will be sent an expert guide with resources for engaging in meaningful engineering/STEM experiences while in high school. Hosted by Lily Yu, Class of 2022 at Wayland High School.
From Julian to Gregorian: How our calendars changed, Tuesday, January 25, 1pm at the Council on Aging and on Zoom. Dates are important to historians and genealogists, but do you know the relationship between the dates recorded and the calendar in use at the time? The switch of our calendar started in 1582, but lasted into the 20th century. Join Seema Kenney to explore this timely topic as we enter a new year. There will be time for questions following her presentation. Seema Kenney is the owner of Ancestral Books, Legacy & Education. She completed the Genealogical Research Certificate Program at Boston University’s Center for Professional Education in 2010, and is a member of several genealogy societies. Registration is required, contact the COA at coa@wayland.ma.us or 508-358-2990.
Senator Rausch to hold Virtual Town Hall, January 24. Join Senator Rausch this January to reflect on the past year and look ahead on what’s to come in 2022. The event will begin with a short Beacon Hill briefing from the Senator and then open up to questions and discussion. This event is open exclusively to the community members of Attleboro, Bellingham, Dover, Franklin, Medfield, Milford, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley, and Wrentham. If you have any questions, please email Alana Westwater at alana.westwater@masenate.gov. Register online here.
Information Session for Y’ladim BaTeva, Outdoor Jewish Learning Program for Children. Information Session for Y’ladim BaTeva, Outdoor Jewish Learning Program for Children. Y’ladim BaTeva offers a unique program for those in Metrowest Boston seeking an alternative to traditional Hebrew School for their children and is now welcoming new registrations. An Information Session will be on Zoom on Wednesday, January 19 at 8:00 PM, with the opportunity to meet both Rabbi Katy Allen and Education Director Stephanie Kennedy. Y’ladim BaTeva has small, mixed-grade, outdoor classes for children in grades K-7 and monthly family programs that are primarily outdoors, as well as short weekly online check-ins. This program leads to a bar or bat mitzvah or alternative coming of age ceremony. More information about Ma’yan Tikvah and the children’s program can be found at www.mayantikvah.org. To RSVP for the Open House or for additional information, contact Rabbi Katy Allen at rabbi@mayantikvah.org. Flyer online here
The Wayland Public Ceremonies Committee is Seeking Nominations for the 2022 C. Peter R. Gossels Good Government Award. C. Peter R. Gossels cherished democracy. A resident of Wayland for 58 years, he first served on the Finance Committee and then as Town Counsel, followed by 30 years as Wayland’s elected Town Meeting Moderator. Peter’s non-partisan generosity of spirit, fairness, and passion for good government marked his 50 years of volunteer service to the Town of Wayland.
The Wayland Public Ceremonies Committee is proud to announce a new award – the C. Peter R. Gossels Good Government Award, named in his honor – and invites all Wayland residents to offer nominations for this annual distinction. The criteria for selecting the award recipient are as follows:
The C. Peter R. Gossels Good Government Award is bestowed upon a long-time resident of Wayland who has served as a volunteer for 20 years or more with generosity of spirit to improve and support operation of good town government. The award honors unpaid, secular service that promotes positive citizen engagement with town government; provides information to voters and officials to enhance fairness and well-informed decisions; and may recognize innovative initiatives that enhance operation of the Town of Wayland. The award will annually recognize an individual who exemplifies Peter’s passion for justice, civility, and high standards of conduct. This award may also be bestowed posthumously.
The deadline for consideration is Friday, February 25, 2022. Submissions are limited to 500 words or less and must include your contact information. Please submit your 2022 C. Peter R. Gossels Good Government Award nomination by mail or e-mail to: Donna Bouchard, Wayland Public Ceremonies Committee, 72 Concord Road, Wayland, MA 01778. Email: dbouchard@wayland.ma.us
The winner will be announced at Wayland’s 2022 Annual Town Meeting. For more information, please click here
Announcements from Prior Newsletters
Implicit Bias Training, January 31, 6-8pm on Zoom. Racism in our schools is a problem that affects students of color and their learning environment. As such, it is profoundly important that we come together as “One Wayland” to address the issue. As an initial step forward, we invite you to attend an implicit bias training by a certified Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging consultant. The goal is to enhance our self-awareness about possible unconscious bias and white privilege. We intend this event to be the first in a series of community-driven efforts to support our schools and students, and to advance equity, inclusion and belonging in town. All are welcome to attend this free Zoom event. Co-sponsors: Wayland Human Rights, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Wayland Interfaith Leaders Association, Wayland Free Public Library, Wayland Children & Parents Association, Wayland Community for Social Justice Policing Group, Concerned Wayland Residents. To RSVP, please email Dovie King. Flyer online here
Red Alert for the Planet: What does Glasgow Mean for Mass?, January 27 webinar. In November 2021, at the conclusion of the UN Climate Change Conference (aka COP26), the organization’s president announced that the Summit kept alive the goal of limiting climate change to 1.5 degrees C, but its pulse is weak. Earlier in the year, the UN Climate Change Report had declared a red alert for our planet. On January 27 at 7pm, MetroWest Climate Solutions will host a free webinar with Phil Giudice, who has 45 years’ experience in the energy industry as a geologist, entrepreneur, executive, board director and energy official in state and federal roles. Most recently, Phil served as Special Assistant to the President for Climate Policy during the startup of the Biden-Harris administration. Phil will synthesize the results of two weeks of intense negotiations, describe why this conference was important, and discuss where the U.S. will go from here. To register, click here. For more details, click here.
January 25th is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. National Poll Worker Recruitment Day is a national day of action established by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to encourage people to help America vote by signing up to be a poll worker. By encouraging more people to become poll workers in their communities, National Poll Worker Recruitment Day is addressing the critical shortage of poll workers, strengthening our democracy, inspiring greater civic engagement and volunteerism, and helping America vote.
Poll worker applications are available at the Office of the Town Clerk and in the vestibule at Town Hall. Interested and want to learn more? Stop by the Town Clerk’s Office any time between 8am and 4pm on Tuesday, January 25th. Ask about opportunities to work before an election (vote by mail and/or early in-person voting) and on Election Day, (shifts, pay, training, new ballot tabulators, and re-precincting).
If unable to stop by, please visit the poll worker link on the Wayland Town Clerk website for information about becoming a poll worker.
Wayland’s annual town election is May 10, 2022. The state primary election date to be determined. The state election date is November 8, 2022.
Nominate a Sophomore for the Rotary Club’s Rising Youth Leadership Award. We are hoping you can help generate nominations right now for the Rotary Rising Youth Leadership Awards which is exclusively for sophomores who live or study in Wayland or Weston. Please help us find generous sophomores by completing this 5 minute form and by sharing with all the faculty, parents and students you know. For more information, here are links to our webpage about the RYLA program and a Town Crier article. Most simply: “The Rotary Rising Youth Leadership Award program recognizes leading sophomores who invest themselves in “service above self, focusing on leadership and community service.” Nominating a sophomore takes 5-7 minutes using this very simple Google form. Anyone (faculty, parent, student, community member (coach, advisor) can nominate any student who lives or studies in Weston or Wayland. This round of nominations closes on Tuesday, January 18, and we’ll celebrate the the selected sophomores on February 10. Of course, we’ll answer any questions you or anyone else has. Email first is fastest and easiest, and we monitor westonwaylandrotary@gmail.com diligently.
Lifelong Learners, An Independent Collaborate – info session and intro to spring courses. On the Air – Tuesday, January 11 and Monday, January 17. Come learn about our program and hear our course leaders present previews of their spring courses. Interested in learning more about LLAIC’s terrific program offerings? Ready to expand your horizons with like-minded people? Come listen to what we offer, ask your questions, and hear from many of our Course Leaders about their upcoming classes. We are a secular, non-profit organization run by volunteers who love learning and socializing.
Come for the courses and stay for the friends! The program (different speakers each session):
* Tuesday, January 11: 9:30-10:30 for all interested in learning about LLAIC; 11:00-12:30 for Course Leader presentations
* Monday, January 17: 9:30-10:30 for all interested in learning about LLAIC; 11:00-12:30 for Course Leader presentations
You are welcome to join the proceedings at any time.
Contact membership@llaic.org by January 10 to request your January 11 invitation, and/or by January 16 to register for your January 17 invitation.
Lifelong Learning at Regis: spring classes begin in February. Lifelong Learning at Regis College (LLARC) is learning at its best. Join a community of adult students who strive to continue learning for daytime courses and lectures designed and taught by their peers. For more information, visit http://www.regiscollege.edu/llarc or email llarc@regiscollege.edu
Click the image at right for a program flyer.
Enjoy Nature with SVT this Winter! Anyone with an interest in nature and the outdoors is invited to participate in upcoming outings and webinars being sponsored by Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT). Most programs are open to the general public at no charge. During the winter, SVT will lead group walks at properties in Berlin, Wayland, and Northborough. Wildlife-themed outings include a Full Moon Owl Prowl and a Winter Wildlife Tracking, both planned for February. For those who prefer to enjoy nature from home, SVT will broadcast webinars on “Sri Lanka: A Unique Journey Through Nature” and “Wildlife in Winter.” All programs require registration. More details are available at www.svtweb.org/calendar.
It’s Girl Scout Cookie Time! The girls are back in town – with all of your favorite Girl Scout cookies! If you are not contacted by a local girl scout (via text, email, or social media), find us at bit.ly/wgsCookies. See where we are selling locally, or get cookies shipped directly to you! Send cookies to people you love, treat yourself, or donate to our Community Caring program. And be sure to try our new Adventurefuls cookie. Still $5 per box. Thank you for supporting Wayland Girl Scouts!
Registration Open for Wayland Youth Soccer spring season. Registration for the Spring 2022 season for players in grades K through 12 is now available online here. It is never too late to start; novice players are welcome! Our emphasis at all levels is for kids to have fun learning to play soccer and to make new friends. Soccer requires little equipment (cleats and shin pads) and a lot of games that involve running with the ball and developing foot skills. Almost 60% of our school children have participated in Wayland Youth Soccer at one time or another and we would love to have your child join us as well.
Registration open for Wayland Youth Lacrosse spring season, Registration for the 2022 spring youth lacrosse season is still open for Kindergarten- 8th Grade players. Sign up now to play one of the fastest-growing, most popular sports in Massachusetts! Regular registration deadline is January 14. Wayland Youth Lacrosse teams are composed of student-athletes who have a wide-range of lacrosse skills, including new players who are just beginning their lacrosse game and skilled players who have been shooting on net for years. All teams and levels are committed to developing the whole player and focus on teamwork as well as character and skill development. For registration information, click here
Heating and cooling with heatpumps, January 11 webinar. Electrifying your home’s heating system with a heat pump is one of the most effective ways to reduce your overall carbon footprint and make your home more comfortable. On Jan11, 2022 (!), from 7-8:30 pm, come and learn about cold-climate air-source heat pumps, geothermal systems and heat pump water heaters. You should attend if you:
* want to learn why heat pumps are climate friendly
* want to add air conditioning to your home, or
* have an aging heating system (more than 15 years old) and want to know about replacement options.
You will learn about suitable options for your home by talking with installers, neighbors who have installed systems, and HeatSmart volunteers. You will also learn about available financial incentives.
Snowpal Building Contest. All winter long. Build your best thing: a snowperson, a snow fort, whatever. Send a photo to rec@wayland.ma.us. Be creative! Winners will be announced on March 11, and receive a prize.
Immediate Part-Time Employment opportunities with Before/After School Extension (BASE). BASE is run by Wayland School Community Programs
Positions Available: After School Leaders; Substitutes; After School Nurse
Hours: 2pm (1pm on Wednesdays) to 5 or 6pm; 2, 3, 4 and 5-day positions available
Locations: Wayland Public Schools: Claypit Hill Elementary, Happy Hollow Elementary, and Loker Elementary
Description: BASE is looking for Activity Leaders to plan activities that support, instruct and engage children in a fun, recreation-based environment. Suggested activities include, but are not limited to: gym/outdoor cooperative games; arts projects; crafts; culinary arts; music; drama; homework club; and board games. Substitutes fill in as needed at any of the 3 sites, assisting with planned activities. The After School Nurse supports individual students with medical needs, provides standard first aid as needed, and supports general programming activities as a floater, as necessary and appropriate. Complete details online here
Office hours with Select Board member Adam Gutbezahl. Select Board Member Adam Gutbezahl invites you to attend his weekly remote, virtual office hours. Please feel free to sign up to ask questions, discuss topics of interest, or simply say hello. Office hours are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9pm and Thursday afternoons from 12-2pm. You can reserve an appointment online through Calendly.
Office Hours with Senator Rausch: Senator Rausch has shifted her monthly in-person office hours to remote, virtual office hours held on Fridays. Conversations with the Senator and her staff will take place via phone call or video conference. During these virtual office hours, residents from any part of the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District are welcome to share their questions and opinions on state issues with Senator Rausch and her staff. Any constituent may reserve a 15-minute appointment. Click here to sign up for a slot.
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