Dean Poritzky, Principal/License Partner of Engel & Völkers Wellesley, is pleased to announce the addition of Greg Coutu, Licensed Real Estate Agent, to the team at the Wellesley office located at One Abbott Street. With fifteen years of experience working for Sudbury Design Group, a top landscape architecture and construction firm in Massachusetts, Greg has developed a passion for real estate and a true appreciation for quality construction and design. Greg’s skill set and first-hand knowledge of home building and design make him uniquely qualified to advise his clients on the purchase and sale of real estate in his hometown of Sudbury and surrounding communities.
Angie O’Donnell and Wellesley resident Sue Williamson, executive coaches and founders of 3D Leadership Group, a Boston-based leadership development firm, recently commemorated their firm’s 10th anniversary by taking their executive coaching team to New York City to participate in a two-day workshop facilitated by Leaders’ Quest, a social enterprise with a charitable foundation that works with leaders from business, government, and civil society to catalyze change by developing wise, compassionate, and adept leaders. For more information, please visit www.3dleadershipgroup.com and www.leadersquest.org.
Wellesley resident and architect Patrick Ahearn FAIA, was awarded a Citation Award for “Excellence in Architecture” at the 2017 AIA New England Awards. Senior Associate Michael Tartamella received the award on the firm’s behalf at the award ceremony. Visit www.patrickahearn.com for more information.
Dr. William LoVerme at Accurate Aesthetics Plastic Surgery, P.C., is ushering in a new era in women’s intimate health with the BTL Ultra Femme 360 machine, the first of its kind. This brand new feminine rejuvenation machine tightens and raises the labia, decreases the vaginal opening width and canal, and improves natural lubrication, urinary stress incontinence, menopausal dryness, and satisfaction. The procedure is done in their office with no pain/downtime and is non-invasive. For more information, call 781.263.0011 or visit www.AccurateAesthetics.com.
The Wellesley Bank Charitable Foundation recently announced a ten-year $50,000 commitment to the Wellesley Council on Aging, Tolles Parson Center. “We are thrilled to invest in the Tolles Parson Center, which we believe will add great value to the quality of life for the seniors in our community,” said Maureen Sullivan, president of the Wellesley Bank Charitable Foundation. In honor of the pledge, the art room in the Center will be named after the Wellesley Bank Charitable Foundation. For more information, visit www.wellesleybank.com.
Save the date! The 2018 Wellesley Kitchen and Home Tour will be on Saturday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The doors to six gorgeous homes will be open, caterers will serve gourmet bites, pop-up boutiques will offer Mother’s Day gifts, and design experts will answer all of your questions. Last year’s tour was the most successful in the event’s history—more than $65,000 was raised for scholarships and grants for local nonprofits.
Family owned and operated since 1977, A.J. Rose Carpets & Flooring continues its local outreach as a proud sponsor of Kate’s Voice. Kate’s Voice is a local nonprofit that provides music therapy services to students with special needs. Through interactive sessions, music therapy offers students the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills in social, self-expression, communication, and gross/fine motor functions. For more information, visit www.katesvoice.org and www.ajrosecarpets.com and visit A.J. Rose, your local flooring experts, in Burlington, Natick, and Saugus.
Drs. Ali of Wellesley Dental Group celebrated their 10th Annual Candy Drive! Every year, the drive has grown in size and scope. What started as a small candy buy-back with a handful of local children has morphed into an endeavor that spans the Metrowest. This year, 41 schools participated, along with numerous businesses and organizations. Best of all, they collected more candy than ever before: just over 10,000 pounds.
Cathy Varetimos is celebrating her three-year anniversary as the owner of Beauty and Main, located at 79 Central Street in Wellesley. Varetimos has been in the cosmetic/skincare industry for over 20 years. She and her staff of highly educated beauty stylists help customers with all of their beauty needs including makeup application services for special events as well as everyday lessons. Shop a wide variety of makeup and skincare lines including new product lines KORRES, Patchology, Lavanila, and Moroccanoil. Visit www.beautyandmain.com.
Jan Gleysteen Architects of Wellesley is honored to be named “Best Traditional Architect – Boston” 2018 by Best of Boston HOME Magazine. This achievement marks the first “best of” honor for the firm. Boston HOME publishes the home industry’s “best of” every year in their winter issue, recognizing companies they see as exceptional in their respective field. Jan Gleysteen Architects builds homes of grace and distinction in its hallmark New Traditional architectural style, adding a modern flair. For more information, call 781.431.0090 or visit www.jangleysteeninc.com.
Jared Wilk of Benoit, Mizner, Simon & Co., was recently chosen to be featured on the HGTV show My Lottery Dream Home. On each episode, host David Bromstad takes recent lottery winners on extravagant house hunts to help them find their dream homes. For a recent episode featuring a Massachusetts’ lottery winner, the producers chose Wilk’s listing in Natick as one of the three finalists to be viewed on the show, and Wilk was the only agent showcased.
Benoit Mizner Simon & Co. recently hired eight new associates to its growing group of quality real estate agents. Three of these eight associates have been hired specifically to the Wellesley office and four to the Weston office. Christine Tin, Claudia Perkins, and Susan M. Sullivan are the new Wellesley office agents and Danielle Meade, Francesca Mills Purcell, Jeanne Racioppi, and Laura Bennos are the new Weston office agents. Beth Klencheski is the one new Needham office hire.
Bonsoir Fine Linens has launched a new website: www.bonsoirfinelinens.com. Visit Bonsoir online or in the new showroom at 873 Worcester Street (Route 9 West), Suite #1, where you’ll find an exquisite collection of luxury home linens with a personalized touch. Bonsoir draws upon 25 years of experience to create bespoke bed, bath, and table linens that are uniquely yours. You’ll find embroidery, jacquard, and print patterns from around the world in the highest quality fabrics including Egyptian Giza cotton, modal, silk, linen, wool, and cashmere.
Church Street in Wellesley was home to two celebrations in November. Candace Evans Lucas, owner of cosmetics store The Candy Bar, celebrated her store’s five-year anniversary at the 20 Church Street location. Kate Phelan, owner of Sloane & Ivy, a women’s clothing store, held a styling event at her 22 Church Street boutique. For more information, visit www.candybarcosmetics.com and www.sloaneandivy.com. About Town in this issue has photos from both events.
Brimmer and May, an independent, co-educational school serving Pre-K to 12th grade students in Chestnut Hill, has opened the Hastings Center, a two-story addition to one of their existing buildings. The Center is named after the Hastings family, members of whom are Wellesley residents and supporters of the Brimmer community. The new addition will house state-of the art innovation, STEAM, media, and Maker Labs where students will innovate and experiment with creative ideas in order to develop their problem-solving skills.
FLX Training is celebrating a decade of connecting, inspiring, and improving lives in our Wellesley community. Their newest addition, Community CORE, is a group training class offered the first Saturday of every month that gives back to a local charity in need. FLX Training is located at 443 Worcester Street in Wellesley. For more information, call 781.235.2733 or visit www.flxtraining.com.
Construction continues on Charles River School’s (CRS) new middle school building, with occupancy expected for the 2018−2019 academic year. This new building will support the school’s progressive, innovative curriculum. To learn more about CRS, an independent school for Grades Pre-K−8, contact Director of Admissions Kat Whitten at 508.785.8213 or kwhitten@charlesriverschool.org and visit www.charlesriverschool.org. New transportation options will be available for the 2018−2019 academic year.
Citizens Bank is pleased to announce that Jeff Page (NMLS# 697300) has recently joined the Home Mortgage Division as a Sales Manager. Jeff was previously a mortgage loan officer and sales manager at Citizens for 15 years. Jeff is available for mortgage consultations at the Wellesley branch at 182 Linden Street. For questions about mortgage financing, please reach out to Jeff at 617-910-8238 or by email at jeffrey.page@citizensbank.com.
Jane Gladitsch has joined Berkshire Hathaway Town and Country Real Estate. Jane is an award-winning interior designer offering a unique skill to showcase a home’s vision and value. With a background in corporate management and expertise in contract negotiation, relationship development, and sales, she prides herself on making all her clients feel like they are the only clients. For more information, visit www.bhhstownandcountry.com.
Cutting Edge Homes Architects + Builders participated in the Junior League of Boston 2017 Designer Show House. In-house designers Anu Shah and Laura Custodie presented their stunning transformation of the Grand Foyer to thousands of visitors during the month of October. They were among 20 of the area’s top designers selected to make over rooms at the 1853 William Flagg Homer House. Proceeds raised from the Show House support the Junior League of Boston’s mission. For more information, call 508.435.1280 or visit www.ThinkCuttingEdge.com.
There is new leadership at the Dana Hall School of Music in Wellesley. Executive Director Michelle Kiehl brings an extensive background in business management and a strong commitment to the growth and advancement of students through music education. She is joined by Artistic Coordinator Genevieve Marino. In addition to her new responsibilities, Marino teaches classical voice, acoustic guitar and beginner piano. The School of Music provides high quality music instruction to students of all ages and backgrounds. For more information, visit www.danahall.org/som.
VIVIDS Hair Color Dyes are now at Jesamondo Salon & Spa. A galaxy of color options including Fireball, Mermaid, Cupid, Lemon, Absinthe, Lilac, and numerous others can be streaked or balayaged to create an array of looks to suit any modern fantasy. Donning the crowns of celebs and locals alike, they’re ideal for any season. Go for a simple splash of color to amp up your style or full-on unicorn. Call 508. 907.7171 for details and visit www. Jesamondo.com.
Coldwell Banker Wellesley office Sales Associate Ellen Walsh is celebrating 30 years in the real estate business with $400 million in sales. Ellen’s extensive experience and dedication to customer service have helped earn her position among the company’s top real estate professionals. Having lived in Wellesley for over 40 years, Ellen has extensive knowledge of Wellesley and surrounding communities, she has also been recognized by Wellesley Weston Magazine for her interior staging and flower expertise.
Darby Road HOME (DRH) is expanding its design services beyond Boston, the Cape, and New Hampshire to Quechee and Woodstock, Vermont. DRH owner and operator Michelle Coppolo owns a vacation home in Quechee so it is only natural to include her design services there as many of the second homeowners are from the Boston area. Because she is in Quechee so frequently, she can offer the same design services on site throughout the year that she offers her other clients. For more information, call 781.899.6900.
Weston resident Tiina Smith recently opened Tiina Smith Studios, offering a collection of fine jewelry to the discriminating buyer. Tiina fell in love with jewelry more than two decades ago and began assembling her collection. After receiving inquiries from admirers about her pieces, she decided to help others acquire unique and elegant jewelry. Please view a sample of the collection at TiinaSmithStudios.com and email her at tiina@tiinabsmith.com.
Trove, located at 542 Boston Post Road in Weston, recently held a trunk show for Ray Griffiths, one of the world’s most gifted jewelry designers. Griffiths creates exquisite gold crownwork settings that reflect his early training fabricating the intricate substrata of tiaras and crowns. Based in New York City, the Australian-born designer has been creating timelessly elegant jewelry for more than 30 years, and his technical skills can be seen in his signature collections as well as custom pieces. For more information, visit www.raygriffiths.com.
ARID Newton-Wellesley Dental Specialty Group recently hosted a group of cardiologists, infectious disease specialists, and primary care physicians for their second lecture series on the etiological association between poor oral health and overall health. Dr. Touradj Ameli, a leading prosthodontist in implant dentistry, discussed the interrelation between dental implants and idiopathic cardiomyopathy; a legitimate concern for infective endocarditis. To attend the upcoming lecture series on poor oral health and respiratory diseases, contact ARID at info@aridnw.com.
While seniors were home for Thanksgiving break, Needham Bank recognized the Wellesley High School girls’ golf team’s achievement of winning the state championship last June by presenting jackets to the team. The entire team was in attendance in the school’s atrium along with coach, Ken Bateman, Needham Bank’s Wellesley Branch Manager Stephen Walls, and the bank’s president and CEO, Wellesley resident Joe Campanelli. “We are very appreciative of Needham Bank for going above and beyond to celebrate the team’s victory,” commented Coach Ken Bateman.
On December 13, the Wellesley Sonja Selami Law Offices hosted a holiday celebrationof their new location at 40 Grove Street in Wellesley. The event benefitted the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and featured food by celebrity Chef Ming Tsai of Blue Dragon, a silent auction, and live music with Almost Owen. More than $10,000 was raised, totaling over $20,000 for the firm’s 2017 commitment to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Laurie Gorelick, principal at Laurie Gorelick Interiors in Natick, is pleased to announce that she is the recipient of the Design Excellence and Achievement (DEA) award from Inmod and has been named by Modenus as one of Design Hound’s Top 100 Influencers. The 2017 Inmod Design Excellence and Achievement award recognizes designers of the highest level of professionalism whose commitment to the field of interior design and to modern design in particular is exemplary. For more information, visit www.lauriegorelickinteriors.com or call 508.651.8330.
New England’s award-winning shop and design studio Casabella Interiors is launching an online boutique this spring. A go-to destination for all things home, you’ll soon be able to shop their sophisticated East Coast aesthetic 24/7. Get ready for a high-style mix of one-of- a-kind global furnishings, accessories, lighting, rugs, and art–all curated by company founder and principal designer Michele Chagnon-Holbrook. Visit www.casabellainteriors.com.
The Gardens at Elm Bank 2018 Calendar has arrived! This beautiful calendar features images of The Gardens at Elm Bank and the Elm Bank Reservation taken by Wellesley photographer John Harmon. Each month contains advice from Elm Bank horticulturists intended for growers in our region–tips for gardens, lawns, houseplants, and more. Order yours at www.masshort.org.
The MacDowell Company, a Weston-based landscape architecture and construction company, has received the Best of Boston Home award for Landscape Design/Build, West for 2018. The MacDowell Company is honored to receive this award and for the recognition of their dedication to the highest quality in design, construction and client experience. Please visit www.TheMacDowellCompany.com or call 781.899.9393. For more information on the Boston Home award pick up the Winter 2018 issue.
Weston resident Liz Darling, a veteran of the real estate sector, recently joined LEVATUS, a newly-launched wealth services company. Darling is part of the founding team and will serve as senior client advisor to LEVATUS’ clients. The LEVATUS founding team has almost 100 years of combined experience that they use to pursue positive change, offering a simplified, direct approach to investing. LEVATUS LLC is a registered investment advisor with offices at 129 Newbury Street, Boston. For more information, visit www.LEVATUSWEALTH.com.
Chris Norcross, Jon Lynch, and Wendy Beaulieu of William Raveis Real Estate proudly supported the research and treatment advancements being made at the Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers at Dana-Farber during the “Beyond Boston Luncheon” at Wellesley Country Club. It’s estimated the event raised over $200,000 to benefit the women’s organization.
Charlene Nigohsian Fallon, president of Nigohsian Carpet & Rug (www.nigohsiancarpet.com), is in her tenth volunteer year as a ski instructor at Loon Mountain for New England Disabled Sports, a nationally-recognized program that provides year-round adaptive sport instruction to adults and children with physical and cognitive disabilities. Programs allow individuals with disabilities to enjoy a boundary-free environment, outdoor recreation with friends and family, and access to equipment and instruction. Nigohsian Carpet & Rug is located at 55 Crawford Street in Needham.
Pam Kubbins, owner of Pam’s Pashminas, just returned from working with her creative team in India on some beautiful and unique textile designs. She will be featuring her new pieces in her online boutique at www.pamspashminas.com and at the World Trade Center for her tenth anniversary at the Boston Flower and Garden Show in March.
Elaine Bannigan, owner of Pinnacle Residential Properties, announced that Teri Adler is the company’s top agent for the tenth consecutive year and continues to be among the top agents in the state. Teri is a local native, received her MBA from Babson College, and she and her family currently live in Wellesley. For more information, visit www.pinnaclehouses.com or call 781.237.5000.
Temple Beth Elohim of Wellesley welcomed Shanna Zell as the new assistant cantor. Shanna is a singer/songwriter turned cantor who believes in creating a warm, uplifting community of song open to all seekers and lovers of Judaism. She graduated from the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music at Hebrew Union College in June and was also a cantorial intern for Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn. Cantor Jodi Sufrin notes that she is delighted to welcome Shanna as a partner in making sacred music.
Theo & Isabella Design Group owners Susan Schaub and Scott Bell created “Wunderkammer, Cabinet of Curiosities,” a room in the 2017 Junior League Designer Show House in Belmont. The firm also received the Junior League of Boston’s Pineapple Award for their work in the community. Based in Sudbury, Theo & Isabella designs homes throughout the MetroWest area and all along the Atlantic coast. The firm’s client base also extends into New Hampshire and Florida. For more information, call 978.505.1616 or visit www.theoandisabella.com.
Precision Built, Inc. is celebrating its 11-year anniversary. Kris Kolligian started his business with a referral, and can proudly say 100 percent of the business has been earned thanks to satisfied customers who have spread the word. The company’s attention to detail is unparalleled, ensuring everything has been completed exactly as they dreamed. From historic renovations to island estates, Precision Built brings their clients’ vision to life. For more information, visit www.precisionblt.com or call 508.655.0778.
Life Time Athletic Chestnut Hill, located at 30 Boylston Street, introduces the new intense and unique training program, Spartan Strong. Designed by Spartan and Life Time, this first-of-its-kind race course meets group fitness studio crossover to bring the grit of the obstacle course mentality into the studio for exercise that will challenge the body and mind. For more information, visit www.lifetime.life.
Brimmer and May, an independent, co-educational school serving Pre-K to 12th grade students in Chestnut Hill, has opened the Hastings Center, a two-story addition to one of their existing buildings. The Center is named after the Hastings family, members of whom are Wellesley residents and supporters of the Brimmer community. The new addition will house state-of the art innovation, STEAM, media, and Maker Labs where students will innovate and experiment with creative ideas in order to develop their problem-solving skills.
Margolis & Bloom, an estate, special needs, and long-term care planning law firm, recently expanded its office locations in the Metrowest area, opening in the Wellesley Office Park and moving its Boston location to the Boston Marathon finish line on Boylston Street. Over the past 25 years, Margolis & Bloom has worked with its clients to find the best estate planning or elder law solution for each client. The firm’s nationally recognized attorneys make sure that each client’s unique needs are met. To learn more, visit www.margolis.com.
Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding Program was awarded $30,000 from the Weston Reunion Fund, Inc. Founded in Weston in 1988, and now located in Lincoln, Lovelane is recognized by the Boston pediatric medical community for its innovative approach in providing therapeutic horseback riding to 130 children with disabilities each week. Lovelane is one of several nonprofits selected by members of Weston High School’s Class of 1971 who initiated a fundraising campaign to not only benefit others in the community, but to make their 50th reunion impactful.
Morehouse MacDonald and Associates, Inc. recently announced its new joint venture with Sterling Design, forming a synergistic pairing that merges world class architectural and interior design services. Founded in 1958, Morehouse MacDonald and Associates, Inc. (morehousemacdonald.com) specializes in custom high-end residential architecture. Sterling Design (sterlingdesigninteriors.com) is a boutique firm founded in 1997 by the highly acclaimed designer Shelby E. Simes, ASID.
Wellesley-based F.L.Putnam Investment Management Company announced that Weston resident Abby Psyhogeos has joined the firm as senior vice president and private client advisor. She will be based in Portland, Maine, expanding the firm’s local presence. Psyhogeos joins F.L.Putnam from Bainco International Investors, a registered investment advisor based in Boston, where she spent nearly 30 years working with high-net-worth clients. F.L.Putnam provides investment management and financial planning advice and services to high-net-worth clients, endowments, and foundations. For more information, visit www.flputnam.com.
Wellesley resident Dr. Robert Savage participated in a panel discussion at the 21st Annual Boston International Fine Arts Show at the Cyclorama in October. The show is the largest fine art show of its kind in New England. Dr. Savage practiced medicine in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery in the Wellesley/Boston area for more than 35 years. Since retiring from medicine in 2016, Dr. Savage has dedicated his time to his other passions: art collecting and art history.
Keyes Drug in Newton, a pharmacy that provides prescriptions, compounded medications, medical supplies, high quality vitamins and nutritional supplements, and vaccines, has just announced it will partner with Newton at Home (NAH), a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping seniors living in their homes safely. “Partnering with Newton at Home to bring important health information to older adults throughout the city of Newton seemed like a perfect community collaboration,” said Weston resident Ray Dinno, co-owner of Keyes Drug.
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