Inbox Winter 2017/18
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.
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.
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.
MassBay Community College is pleased to announce that Governor Charlie Baker has reappointed longtime Wellesley resident Thomas E. Peisch as Chair of the College’s Board of Trustees. Peisch has served on the MassBay Board of Trustees since his appointment by former Governor Deval Patrick in July 2012. In November of 2012, he was elected to Vice Chair, and Governor Baker appointed Peisch as Chairman of the Board of Trustees in November, 2015. He is a founder of Conn Kavanaugh Rosenthal Peisch & Ford, LLP.
The Wellesley Historical Society is pleased to announce its new Treasurer and Board Member, Maria Bunker. Maria is a partner with Livingston & Haynes in Wellesley, and works with clients in a range of diverse industries including nonprofit organizations. Maria is a CPA who received a Master of Science in Accounting from Bentley University. She brings valuable financial expertise that will be important to the Board and the membership as it continues to grow.
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.
The Law Offices of Sonja Selami, P.C. held a client appreciation dinner to benefit St. Jude’s Hospital. Hosted at the Elm Bank Gardens in Wellesley, the event raised over $10,000 for the foundation. Sonja Selami has provided the Greater Boston area with quality real estate legal services for more than 10 years. Sonja and her team of skilled attorneys work closely with homebuyers, sellers, lenders, and other real estate entities in a variety of estate transactions. Learn more at www.selamilaw.com.
Cutting Edge Homes, Inc., is proud to announce Laura Custodie as senior interior designer, a new position within the firm. Custodie earned her M.A. in Interior Design from the New England School of Art and Design at Suffolk University and joins the Cutting Edge team with expertise in residential interior design with luxury boutique firms across Massachusetts. The inclusion of an interior design department builds on Cutting Edge Homes’ reputation as an all inclusive boutique firm. For more information, call 508.435.1280 or visit www.ThinkCuttingEdge.com.
Longtime community leaders and Wellesley Council on Aging activists John and Dwin Schuler and Mary Bowers are being recognized as outstanding individuals for their significant contributions to the Town and to the Council on Aging over many years. Two prominent rooms at the new Tolles-Parsons Center will be named in their honor: The John and Dwin Schuler Multi-Purpose Room and the Mary Bowers Café. The Wellesley Board of Selectmen unanimously approved this request by the New Era Fund, a program of the Friends of Wellesley Council on Aging.
Drs. Femina and Ejaz Ali, and the team at Wellesley Dental Group celebrated their 20th year of delivering healthy and beautiful smiles to Wellesley and the surrounding communities. They were also awarded recognition as Boston’s Top Dentists in the August 2017 edition of Boston magazine. They look forward to many more years of serving as smile ambassadors, especially now that their team is growing with the addition of their daughter, Dr. Zarah Ali, a general dentist, as well as a group of dedicated specialists.
Dana Hall School in Wellesley is hosting the Forum at Dana Hall School, a public symposium series designed to examine a topic of particular relevance to girls and girls’ education. As a leader in girls’ education, Dana Hall School is well suited to lead an informative and practical discussion on topics that are timely and relevant to the parents of adolescent girls. The Forum events are held in the fall and spring, and they are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.danahall.org.
Lisa Abeles, president of Abeles & Associates Architects, Inc. and a Trustee of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, curated an inaugural sculpture event called “Gifts from the Garden” that was held at Elm Bank in Wellesley. The gardens were symbiotically transformed, incorporating 37 intriguing sculptures by New England artists. “It was exciting to re-visit my education in art and architectural art history, and satisfying to spend time evaluating sculptures, meeting with artists, and situating the artworks in the gardens,” Abeles shared.
FLX Training of Wellesley is introducing a unique experience called FLX Recharge. The wonderful benefits of exercise come from the quality of our body’s ability to recover, rebuild, and recharge. FLX Recharge is a special class to help us release physical and mental tension, enhance mindfulness, and refocus our body’s natural strength. If you are ready to recharge your mind, body, and soul, please visit www.flxtraining.com or call 781.235.2733.
a Blade of Grass, a company offering a fresh perspective in landscape design, has moved to Sudbury. Heather Lashbrook Jones, MCH and her team are excited to have a new space where they can stretch their legs. The new location, at 9 Old County Road, offers a natural light design space, display gardens, and an expansive area for their vehicles and plants. Stay tuned for news of an open house and visit www.abladeof grass.com for more news.
Ivette Mesmar, longtime member of the Lions Club and branch manager of the Brookline Bank Wellesley Hills office, successfully revived the local Lions Club in July. Thanks to Mesmar’s recruiting efforts, the charter already has 22 members and is looking to continue its growth and service in the community. For more information about the Wellesley Centennial Lions Club, call 774.245.2472 or email wellesleylionsclub@gmail.com.
Wellesley resident John Harmon of John Harmon Photography is one of 50 artists who will be displaying their work at Francesca Anderson Fine Art’s 33rd Annual Almost Miniatures Show mid-November through January 13, 2018. Located in Lexington, the gallery’s hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.FAFineArt.com, email Francesca@PortraitsNorth.com, or call 781.862.0660.
Premier Dental Group of Wellesley has moved to a new location. Now at 70 Walnut Street, Suite 102, in the Newton-Wellesley Executive Office Park in Wellesley, Premier Dental Group provides patients with a wide range of general, cosmetic, and restorative treatments to help them achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Tina Wang and her team, and discover your options for achieving optimal oral health. For more information, please visit www.premierdentalgroupofwellesley.com or call 781.237.3031 to schedule an appointment.
Wellesley resident and architect Jan Gleysteen, AIA, was recently appointed as board member to the Wellesley Historical Commission. Gleysteen brings many years of experience in residential design and renovation to the position along with his passion for historical architecture. For more information on his firm and their work, please visit www.JanGleysteenInc.com or call 781.431.0080.
Designer Bath and Salem Plumbing Supply, New England’s longest-standing provider of fine fixtures, furnishings and accessories for the bath and kitchen, recently opened a new 7,000-square-foot showroom at 604 Pleasant Street in Watertown. Siblings, President Jason Sevinor and Showroom Brand Manager Mindy Sevinor, and the Designer Bath team bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise and expansive product selection to homeowners, designers, builders, and architects in the Greater Boston area. For more information, visit www.designerbath.com.
Construction is underway on Charles River School‘s new middle school building, which will support the school’s progressive, innovative curriculum. Project completion is anticipated this spring. To learn more about CRS, an independent school for Grades PreK−8, join them for one of their monthly Information Sessions. Contact Director of Admissions Kat Whitten at 508.785.8213 or kwhitten@charlesriverschool.org, or visit www.charlesriverschool.org. CRS will also offer new transportation options for the 2018−2019 academic year.
Gail Lockberg, a Wellesley resident and broker at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Town and Country Real Estate has identified a need in the marketplace for managers who care deeply about developing individuals on their team. For this reason, Gail has recently completed the Brian Buffini mentoring program and the company proudly announces that she is now a certified mentor.
Jesamondo Salon & Spa is now offering a way to add a final touch of glamour before your next special event with an organic airbrushed spray tan from Aviva Labs Natural Spray Tanning products—the best in organic sunless tanning. Jesamondo’s experts have been trained by national and local educators in the latest trends in hairstyle techniques and makeup artistry to help their clients look their best for cotillion, prom, black tie galas, and other special occasions. Schedule an appointment today by calling 508.907.7171 and visit www.jesamondo.com.
Local architect Patrick Ahearn FAIA published his first monograph, TIMELESS, available November 2017. TIMELESS reveals how Ahearn’s historically motivated, human-scaled designs have advanced the art of place-making in some of America’s most affluent and storied destinations including his hometown of Wellesley. Revealing the stories behind the 18 iconic houses and public environments handsomely depicted in its pages, TIMELESS captures Ahearn’s singular vision, creative process, and deep expertise. Please visit www.patrickahearn.com for more information.
Wellesley-based tech firm KeynectUp is excited to be moving to a new office at 30 Grove Street. Come visit! KeynectUp creates “app-less” technology to simplify the way organizations connect and communicate with their constituents. The company began with a unique contact-saving service, but now serves as a comprehensive communication platform. KeynectUp’s customers include over 90 of America’s top colleges and universities, as well as auto manufacturers, professional services, recruitment companies, and more.
Kertzman & Weil, LLP announced that Amy Reich Weil, founder and managing partner, has been appointed to the Board of Advisors at North Hill, the leader in senior living communities in Massachusetts. Weil was asked to join the board because of her close ties, both professionally and personally, to the Needham and Wellesley communities. Ms. Weil’s firm provides attorney services for both residential and commercial real estate transactions.
Forever Young Laser & Skin Center is now offering Microblading, one of today’s top trends for creating the perfect brow. Forever Young’s trained clinicians apply colored pigment to mimic hair on the eyebrow. A form of semi-permanent makeup, the results can last up to 18 months. If you’re thinking about brow enhancement that would eliminate the need to apply daily makeup, schedule an appointment by calling 781.431.2110 and visit www.frvryoung.com.
Wellesley resident Joseph Campanelli, president and chief executive officer of Needham Bank, announced a reorganization of the executive team to further support the bank’s recent growth and continued rapid influx of new customers. This included the hiring of Salvatore Rinaldi to the position of chief administrative officer, and the promotions of Eric Morse, Laura Dorfman, and Stephanie Maiona to executive vice president. Needham Bank, with an office at 458 Washington Street in Wellesley, is a Member FDIC, SIF and Equal Housing Lender.
JB Sash & Door recently opened a Marvin Window and Door showroom. Owners Rick and Ron Bertolami invite homeowners to explore their unprecedented 3,000-square-foot space where a Marvin Personalization Station acts as a giant “dream board,” and Marvin pavilions exemplify creative installations that inspire new thinking. Visit www.jbsash.com/marvin for more information.
Wellesley resident and architect Jacob Lilley, AIA LEED, of Jacob Lilley Architects, Inc., was recently appointed by the Board of Selectmen to serve as a board member on the Wellesley Historic Commission. The Commission oversees the preservation and protection of the architectural, cultural, and social history of the town. The Board also reviews all demolition permits for tear-downs that meet the town’s new bylaw criteria.
Pine Straw is ready for the holiday season. New this year, you’ll find fresh flowers and centerpieces for your holiday tables. Be sure to stop by for festive holiday events including the Holiday Stroll, complete with giveaways, Prosecco, and cheeses from Wasik’s. And don’t miss the Chan Luu Pop Up on December 6 where you’ll find lots of fabulous gifts for those on your holiday list. Visit Pine Straw in Wellesley at 466 Washington Street and online at www.livegivepinestraw.com.
A.J. Rose Carpets & Flooring is excited to announce the 2017 winner of the Dream Room Makeover: Scott Morin. Morin’s “before” photo received more online votes than any of the other contestant’s in this year’s contest. Stay tuned for an “after” photo once his Dream Room is complete. A.J. Rose is Greater Boston’s go-to flooring expert. Visit one of their convenient locations: Burlington, Natick, or Saugus and online at www.ajrosecarpets.com.
Courtney Tritta of Courtney Tritta Beauty, located at 471 Washington Street in Wellesley, is celebrating one year in Wellesley. Nicknamed the “Brazilian Wax Queen” because of a technique she has perfected over the past 10 years, Tritta is able to quickly and painlessly remove unwanted hair. She is also a brow expert and now offers microdermabrasion. Tritta uses Eminence Organics skin care products that are chemical-free and suitable for most complexions. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 401.369.2982 or email info@courtneytritta.com.
Benoit Mizner Simon & Co. announced that principals Amy Mizner and Sheryl Simon were once again honored by REAL Trends, a trusted source of news, analysis, and information on the residential brokerage industry since 1987. The Mizner Simon Team’s transaction volume exceeded $115 million, ranking them #203 of the top 250 RE teams in the nation. In Massachusetts, the Mizner Simon Team ranks #4 in total sales volume. In addition, Sheryl Simon was selected as one of Banker & Tradesman’s 2017 Women of FIRE (Finance, Insurance and Real Estate).
Darby Road HOME will be hosting its annual Interior Designer Luncheon on November 30 to celebrate the end of another successful year. In an effort to continue its support of the Alzheimer’s Innovation Fund, one of Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s cutting edge researchers will lead a discussion on the current landscape of early prevention of Alzheimer’s disease that can affect someone we know. For more information please call 781.899.6900.
Dedham Country Day School (DCD), an independent coeducational day school for children Pre-K through Grade 8, invites parents to come see the school in action during our Classroom Observation days on November 30 and January 19 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. (Registration on our website is required.) Also, check our website at www.dedhamcountryday.org for dates and times of our Off-Campus Admissions Coffees. DCD is located minutes from the intersection of Routes 128 and 109.
Don’t miss TROVE‘s annual Ray Griffiths Jewelry Trunk Show on Thursday, December 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with champagne; Friday, December 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Saturday, December 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The renowned designer will bring an extensive collection of jewelry using his intricate 18-karat gold crown work setting of gemstones, diamonds, and pearls. TROVE, located at 542 Boston Post Road in Weston, features fine jewelry, handbags, accessories, home furnishings, gifts, and other luxuries from around the globe.
Krauss Dermatology welcomes Dr. Suzanne Mosher, Mohs surgeon, to the practice. Dr. Mosher is board certified in dermatology and specializes in removal of non-melanoma skin cancer and melanoma. She and the team at Krauss Dermatology understand that skin cancer surgery, particularly on your face, can be intimidating. Dr. Mosher is an expert surgical oncologist whose reassuring manner and superb surgical skills can calm even the most anxious of patients. For more information, call 781.416.3500 in Wellesley or email cosmetics@kraussderm.com.
Engel & Völkers Wellesley recently celebrated its grand opening at One Abbott Street in Wellesley Square. Engel & Völkers Wellesley is one of the newest shops in the residential real estate division of Engel & Völkers AG founded in 1977 with world headquarters in Hamburg, Germany. As part of the opening celebration, the firm donated $1,000 to the local Massachusetts chapter of Special Olympics to help advance the Play Unified campaign and Engel & Völkers’ own effort to help create more respectful communities.
Building another bridge from medicine to dentistry, ARID Newton-Wellesley Dental Specialty Group is the first dental clinic in the U.S. to introduce Digital aMMP-8 Biomarker Diagnostics. This tool strengthens preventive services by implementing early detection and prevention of oral inflammation leading to advanced gum disease, periodontal disease, and peri-implant inflammation. Dr. Touradj Ameli is a member of the Federal Association of Dentists (BZÄK) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Prävention und Anti-Aging Medizin. For more information, call 781.237.1190 or email info@aridnw.com.
Laurie Gorelick, the principal designer of Laurie Gorelick Interiors, a full-service interior design studio for residential and commercial spaces, was thrilled to participate in the Junior League of Boston’s recent 2017 Designer Show House, held at the 1852 William Flagg Homer House in Belmont. Gorelick joined 20 other designers who donated their time and materials to demonstrate their talents while still maintaining the property’s original character. The Show House is a charitable event to benefit community programs. For more information, visit www.JLBoston.org.
Dr. William LoVerme and his team, at Accurate Aesthetics Plastic Surgery, P.C., are happy to announce that their practice has been named a Center of Excellence for BTL Exilis™ and BLT Vanquish™. Exilis is for patients who are seeking to reduce wrinkles and have more a youthful looking face and body without undergoing the knife. Vanquish Fat Removal has no downtime, is a FDA-cleared non-invasive treatment, and is easier than Cool Sculpt. You can lose two to four inches. For more information, call 781.263.0011 and visit www.AccurateAesthetics.com.
Katherine Macdonald, president and executive director of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, announced that the 8th Annual Festival of Trees and Snow Village will take place November 24 to December 10, 2017. Featuring over 70 beautifully decorated trees, Santa, horse drawn wagon rides through Elm Bank, and the magical Snow Village and Trains, it’s a holiday family event for all to enjoy. Check out www.Masshort.org/festival-of-trees for a detailed schedule.
Mortgage Equity Partners announced that Amy Tierce has accepted the position of vice president of sales and marketing. Tierce has a lengthy and celebrated career in the mortgage banking industry spanning more than 30 years and has held leadership and governance positions at the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association. In her new role, Tierce will be responsible for the look and feel of Mortgage Equity Partners and will be the mentor and manager of their sales and marketing teams.
Deborah A. Katz if pleased to announce that Attorney Daniel J. Shanahan has joined Katz Legal Group, LLC as Of Counsel. Shanahan has spent 17 years focusing on litigation. He has been a faculty member and contributor to legal education programs sponsored by MCLE and the National Business Institute. His extensive experience at both the trial court and appellate level will be an excellent addition to the office. Attorney Shanahan is looking forward to working with the firm and providing Wellesley residents with exceptional legal services.
Pam Kubbins, Wellesley-based entrepreneur and owner of Pam’s Pashminas, is excited to debut her 2018 Spring Scarf Collection. The new collection is online at www.pamspashminas.com and will be featured at the upcoming Boston Flower Show at the Seaport World Trade Center. Pam will be celebrating her 10th year at the Flower Show and always looks forward to seeing her wonderful customers there.
Eleni Kaplan is highlighted in the 2018 Boston Design Guide feature “Breaking Ground.” Eleni, daughter of Marc Kaplan of Sanford Custom Builders, is a third generation builder and owner of E.K. Sanford Builders. Her custom home construction company excels in crafting thoughtfully designed homes with finely executed details and skillfully works within the allocated budget and timeframe. Eleni can be reached at eleni@sanfordcustom.com.
Wellesley Investment Partners, a wholly owned subsidiary of Wellesley Bank, is proud to announce their inclusion on Financial Advisor magazine’s list of the Top 50 Fastest Growing Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firms in the country based on 2016 asset growth. Wellesley Investment Partners qualified for the list with $307.15M in assets under management as of December 31, 2016, with growth exceeding 30 percent from prior year-end numbers. The firm is one of just two Massachusetts RIAs to make the list. For more information, visit www.wellesleyinvestmentpartners.com.
The Wellesley Mothers Forum announced the start of the 2017−2018 membership year at a kickoff event held in the fall at the Wellesley College Club. Co-Presidents Kim Markelewicz and Sita Merchea are leading the organization this year, with 65 dedicated volunteers. The new board of directors and committee volunteers are proud to provide opportunities for over 500 local mothers to come together with the goal of establishing a long-term support network. Membership is open to residents of Wellesley and surrounding towns. Visit www.wellesleymothersforum.com.
This year, Whitla Brothers Builders celebrates its 30th anniversary. Founded by Wellesley natives Stuart and Douglas Whitla, the company specializes in custom residential construction in both the Wellesley/Weston area and Chatham. Since Stuart’s passing in 2007, Douglas has carried on the brothers’ guiding principles of infusing passion, excellence, integrity, and fun into every Whitla Brothers project. For more information, visit www.whitlabrothers.com or call 508.359.4292.
Carpenter & MacNeille, Architects and Builders, is pleased to announce the opening of its new location at 445 Washington Street in Wellesley. The celebrated team offers a full suite of in-house design, construction, woodworking, and home service programs for fine residences from Maine to Nantucket. Founding Design Principal Robert S. MacNeille, AIA and Managing Director Michael T. Gray, AIA are thrilled to offer this new location dedicated to serving their growing list of clients in the Wellesley and Weston area. Visit www.carpentermacneille.com or call 781.694.4044.
Owned and managed by Weston residents Linda and Stan Shotkus for 39 years before closing last spring, Lyn Evans celebrated a Grand Re-Opening shopping event this fall at its three locations in Norwell, Concord, and New Canaan, CT. South Shore resident Charlie White has invested in the brand and reopened the business. Helping preserve her family’s legacy is Jenn Shotkus, the daughter of Linda and Stan, who is serving as buyer for Lyn Evans. To learn more, read “Carrying On” in the Business department on page 122 in this issue.
Former longtime Wellesley residents Mark and Gwenn Snider, co-owners of The Nantucket Hotel, invite you to spend the holidays at their award-winning hotel that was named the #1 Hotel in the United States by TripAdvisor. Stay for Thanksgiving and enjoy a traditional buffet feast, experience the famous Christmas Stroll, or celebrate 2018 at their Gala New Year’s Eve Snow Ball with an orchestra and champagne. This year’s theme is “A Winter Wonderland.” Visit www.thenantuckethotel.com for more information.
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