Designers recommend starting a new kitchen design with appliance research as your selections impact layout and cabinetry. At Clarke, New England’s Official Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showrooms, a culinary staff including Executive Chef Shelby Grigoriadis demonstrates a variety of Wolf appliances, answers all your questions, and even has you taste the results! It’s the most delicious way to gain kitchen confidence when building or remodeling. Clarke showrooms are located in the Boston Seaport and Milford. For more information, please visit www.clarkeliving.com.

Debi Benoit, senior vice president of William Raveis Real Estate, recently announced two new additions to her growing team: Darah Joyce, operations manager; and Laurin Shields, sales associate. Joyce, a former lance corporal in the Marines, was a real estate agent with Compass and an associate manager with William Raveis’s Hingham office. Shields, a Wellesley resident and licensed real estate agent formerly with Coldwell Banker, has participated in over $100 million in career sales.

A.J. Rose Carpets & Flooring is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new flooring showroom in Needham. Located at 120 Highland Avenue near Panera Bread, the new store features 2,200 square feet of flooring solutions ranging from luxurious carpet to durable hard surface products. And if you can’t make it to the store, A.J. Rose now offers a Shop From Home program. Stop by their new Needham location or visit www.ajrosecarpets.com to learn more.

Prepped and Polished, a leading educational services provider for students in grades K through adult, has relocated to a larger and more accommodating facility at 462 Washington Street in Wellesley. This exciting development represents a significant milestone for the company as it aims to provide an enhanced learning environment and expand its ability to assist more students. Alexis Avila, a licensed guidance counselor, founded Prepped and Polished in 1999. The firm offers tutoring, test preparation, and executive function coaching. For more information, please call 781.753.9951 and visit www.preppedandpolished.com.

The West Suburban YMCA’s new Wells Ave Y is celebrating its first-year anniversary. Just minutes away at 135 Wells Avenue in Newton, the totally renovated location offers four indoor full-size basketball courts, daily pickleball, free group exercise classes, all new strength and cardio equipment, a four-lane indoor pool, work lounge, free childcare, and summer day camps. Members can also visit the Needham branch at 276 Church Street. For more information, visit wsymca.org or stop by for a tour.

The MacDowell Company, a Weston-based landscape architecture firm, welcomes Christopher D. Patzke to the team. Christopher graduated from the University of Virginia with a master’s degree in landscape architecture and has been a Massachusetts Registered Landscape Architect for over ten years. Pursuing what has been a lifelong passion in this field, he now has over two decades of experience designing a diverse range of the finest landscapes in the Boston area. The MacDowell Company is honored to have him as part of the team and family.

Gail Lockberg, broker owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Town and Country Real Estate, was recently awarded the Andrew F. Hickey Award for Distinguished Service by the Greater Boston Association of Realtors at a brunch held at the Wellesley Country Club. Gail was recognized as a prominent leader within the REALTOR association, real estate industry, and her local community. Throughout her 25 years of service, Gail has served on the Board of Directors, the Arbitration and Mediation Committee, and a variety of special committees, task forces, and work groups.

Dedham Country Day (DCD) is excited to host a series of admissions events this fall and winter. Prospective families can observe a classroom, schedule a personal tour, connect with the head of school for coffee and conversation, or hop online for an evening virtual learning spotlight. Check their website for a complete schedule of events and opportunities to explore DCD’s pre-kindergarten through grade 8 program. Visit https://www.dedhamcountryday.org/admissions/.

Gabrielle Clemens, JD, LLM, CDFA®, AEP® and managing director Private Wealth Management was named 2023 Best-In-State and Top Woman Wealth Advisor by Forbes and 2023 Woman to Watch by AdvisorHub. Her goal is to educate and empower her clients to make sound, critical financial decisions with the future in focus. Gabrielle’s highly acclaimed new book Marriage is About Love, Divorce is About Money (Plumage Press, 2023) is available on Amazon. To learn more, email gabrielle.clemens@rbc.com or call 617.725.1702.

Jan Gleysteen Architects (JGA) is pleased to announce that Alix Sara Israel has joined the firm after managing a design team for a local design/build company. She is a graduate of Connecticut College and the Boston Architectural College. She will be heading up marketing and will undertake design and management of upcoming residential projects. For more information, please visit www.jangleysteeninc.comJan Gleysteen Architects’ “Modern Farmhouse” is one of the covers featured on the current issue of the Boston Design Guide (BDG). The Weston house is a gracefully proportioned juxtaposition—a horizontal barn board angled garage with a vertical exterior of the main house. For more information, please visit www.jangleysteeninc.com.

One2One Bodyscapes Wellesley, the preeminent personal training and Pilates studio in Wellesley, is celebrating 24 years. With decades of combined experience, their skilled professionals know how to get you to achieve your best and have mastered the personal in personal training and Pilates. If you’re looking to get the most out of your workouts, give them a call at 781.235.2262 for special offers and to book your first session. Visit www.one2onebodyscapes.com/Wellesley for more information.

Attorney Deborah A. Katz is honored to announce that her firm, KATZ LEGAL GROUP LLC, was once again recognized in the 2024 Best Law Firms® rankings in the area of family law. Best Lawyers uses globally renowned and respected purely peer review methodology. Deborah and her team have extensive experience handling complex divorce and family law matters with the highest level of professionalism and compassion. To schedule a consultation, contact Attorney Katz at 781.328.1133 or email deborah@katzlegalgroupllc.com.

The Sarkis Team is expanding its footprint in Boston’s MetroWest communities. With over 60 years of combined experience, The Sarkis Team is Douglas Elliman‘s #1 team in Massachusetts and #5 nationwide. The team is committed to elevating the art of buying and selling real estate through strategic partnership, collaboration, innovation, and storytelling. Their mission is to leverage their vast network, real estate expertise, and regional knowledge to help their clients.

Lara O’Rourke and Chelsea Robinson are thrilled to celebrate one year since the launch of The Lara & Chelsea Collaborative, a team of top-producing brokers at Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty. The team additionally includes agents Rikki Conley, Meaghan Gay, and Sneha Patel. With connections at the core of their business, Lara and Chelsea are amongst the Top 100 agents of the Sotheby’s International Realty network worldwide. Contact Lara and Chelsea at 617.852.7018 or tlcc@gibsonsir.com.

Zoë Forbes and Fleuri recently hosted the filming of “Julia at Home”—a show following Julia Collin Davison, best-selling cookbook author and longtime host of “America’s Test Kitchen” and “Cook’s Country.” The filming at Fleuri features a segment with Chef Marc Sievers, cookbook author and cast member of “America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation.”

Anderson’s Jewelers, located at 21 Grove Street in Wellesley, is celebrating 76 years in business. Recently, they have expanded their estate jewelry collection into ten display cases. From antique jewelry made during the Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco eras to contemporary pre-owned designer jewelry, there’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for here. Their selection is constantly changing with new pieces added daily. Find Anderson’s on Instagram @andersonsjewelers.

Eye Care and Laser Surgery of Newton-Wellesley is excited to share that they now offer in-house LASIK Refractive Surgery. They offer the latest technology on the Wavelight platform. Just like your fingerprints, your corneas are unique to you. Contoura Vision by Wavelight maps their individual shape to create a totally personalized procedure for personalized results. They are here to help their patients live life to the fullest, without the hassle of glasses and contact lens. Please call the office at 617.796.3937 to book a free consultation.

Grant Associates, LLC is helping homeowners with their home improvement projects. From major renovations to smaller home remodels, planning and attention to detail are always prioritized. Owner Robert Grant spent much of his college years and early adulthood in Minnesota, then moved back to Massachusetts and started his remodeling company. A graduate of Weston High School, Grant is interested in getting started with plans, designs, and approvals for your renovations or remodeling project. For more information, please call 617.775.7651.

Anthony Frausto, AIA, an accomplished senior architect, recently joined the award-winning firm Mellowes & Paladino Architects. With more than 25 years of experience in high-end residential architecture, he has garnered expertise in crafting bespoke designs across a diverse geographic range. A native Californian, Anthony embarked on his architectural journey on the West Coast in Montecito before further honing his skills. Holding a degree from Boston Architectural College, he is a registered architect in Massachusetts, LEED AP certified, and an esteemed member of the American Institute of Architects.

Exceptional Health is now open in Needham at 140 Gould Street and is accepting new patients. Dr. Li Tso, M.D. has joined the practice and is dedicated to redefining primary care at Exceptional Health. He is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a physician for the New England Patriots since 2010. Exceptional Health also welcomes Christine Harrington, M.D., who brings over two decades of experience to the practice as an internal medicine and primary care physician. Visit www.exceptionalhealthmd.com or call 781.772.5500.

a Blade of Grass is happy to announce they won two National Association of Landscape Professionals’ (NALP) Gold Awards of Excellence 2023 for their residential project called “Form to Table.” These awards recognize the outstanding projects in commercial and residential landscape contracting, management, and design. In September, Heather Lashbrook Jones and Miriam Hellweg attended the NALP conference in Dallas, where they received the awards. They’re honored and proud of the entire team for their hard work and creative vision. To learn more, please visit www.abladeofgrass.com.

Jesamondo Salon & Spa has added master stylist and make-up artist Tatiana Zhweiss to their team. She brings over 20 years of experience from leading Newton area salons. Jesamondo has also expanded their luxury hair care product lines to include Kérastase and its Fusio-Dose system. These highly customizable hair treatments target problem areas unique to each customer. Call 508.907.7171 to schedule your appointment or book online at www.jesamondo.comJesamondo Salon & Spa is pleased to announce and welcome master stylist Gulnara (Gula) Zaytsev to its expanding staff. Gula brings more than 25 years of experience from her salon in Brookline, spending the last three years at Bella Santé in Wellesley. Her passions include color, men’s cuts, bobs, and pixie-style haircuts. Jesamondo has also added nail technician and reflexologist, Daysy Benavides. Cheri Siebert-Wright and Nikki Borghesi have both returned from their leaves of absence. Call 508.907.7171 to schedule an appointment, or book online: www.jesamondo.com.

Get your holiday glow going at Elizabeth Renee, now celebrating 32 years. Elizabeth Renee’s skincare products contain the best ingredients that science has to offer. Moisture C is a lightweight moisture fluid that adds an extra Vitamin C boost to your skincare program. It improves hydration, enhances the brightening effect of your Vitamin C serum, and improves collagen stimulation when used paired with another serum. For more information on how to keep your skin looking youthful, email beautifulskin@elizabethrenee.com or call 781.235.7546.

Copper Leaf Development is celebrating 14 years in the home building business. Owner David Silverstein, a Wellesley resident, started the company with the idea of building houses influenced by classic architectural details that fit into their neighborhoods and are built with care and determination. Living and raising his family in Wellesley makes his work all the more important to Silverstein, and his caring staff and subcontractors truly care about their product. Please visit www.copperleafdevelopment.com for more information.

Carpenter & MacNeille is honored to receive a 2023 Bulfinch Award for their project, Gentleman’s Farm.” Presented by the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA), the Bulfinch Award is one of the highest achievements within Classical and traditional architectural design. They are grateful to the New England ICAA for this significant recognition. To learn more about the firm, please call 781.694.4044, visit www.carpmac.com, and follow along on Instagram.

Designer Sashya Thind Fernandes, LEED AP, a Weston resident, is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of her interior design business, Sashya Thind, located in Wellesley. Her eponymous firm’s main focus is designing spaces that nourish the soul through her trademark philosophy of “warm minimalism.” She is now working with clients who are relocating and those renovating their vacation homes outside of Boston. To learn more, please visit www.sashyathind.com.

Dean Poritzky, founding owner/principal, and Paige McVay, vice president, Engel & Völkers Wellesley are celebrating seven years in business and recently attended Engel & Völkers Leadership Exchange in Scottsdale, Arizona; an annual event that brings together shop leaders throughout the Americas for two days of learning, collaborating, and sharing. The epitome of the E&V culture of leadership, attendees left the event with new ideas, fresh perspectives, and even more relationships that make the Engel & Völkers network unlike any other.

Pam Forman, principal of PBF Homes, was asked to participate and be one of the 21 chosen designers to create a tablescape for To Live & Dine Boston 2023. Presented by Modern Luxury Interiors Boston and The Mandarin Oriental, Boston, the event featured New England’s leading designers showcasing their talents. As part of a partnership with The Greater Boston Food Bank, the event’s goal was to raise awareness and funds for those in need within our community. For more information about PBF Homes, please visit www.pbfhomes.com.

Patrick Ahearn FAIA was recently hosted by Syracuse University for a book talk and signing on his latest published work, History Reinterpreted (ORO Editions, 2023). The book details the dramatic architectural transformation of Duxbury’s Myles Standish Hotel into a grand dame residential estate and sold out its first printing. A member of the Board of Trustees and the Advisory Board for the Syracuse School of Architecture, Ahearn’s ongoing contributions include the Ahearn Workshops, which are geared to fortify undergrads’ understanding of the business of architecture.

Wellesley resident Pam Kubbins, the owner of Pam’s Pashminas, is celebrating 20 years of providing her loyal customers with beautiful scarves. She is also pleased to announce the debut of her new wool and cashmere collection. Inspired by her own nature and travel photography, Pam reproduces her beautiful and unique images on all natural and sustainable fibers including merino wool, cashmere, cotton, and silk. For more information, please visit www.pamspashminas.com, go to her Instagram page @pamspashminas.

The holiday season can be especially stressful for those who are recently divorced. Wellesley resident Caren Stanley is entering her third year of helping clients who are going through the process of divorce or are divorced and are still struggling to move forward. Caren’s “Journey of Divorce” course provides bonding and connection with six to eight fellow journeyers and tools and valuable resources to help you move forward in your life with dignity and grace. To learn more, please email caren@journeyofdivorce.com or call 617.794.9898.

Weston resident and long-standing top real estate professional Deena Powell is proud to announce her move to Advisors Living. Deena is joined by her daughter Casey Caso. This dynamic duo is known for their superior client services and local expertise. For more information, see their ad on page XX. You can reach Deena at 781.718.6555 and Casey at 781.801.6001.

FIXT Dental, located at 590 Washington Street in Wellesley, just celebrated its first anniversary. The practice is also expanding this winter to create additional lab space at its Belclare location. FIXT is recognized as one of the most advanced cosmetic and implant dental practices in the world. The team also includes an oral surgeon and periodontist who offer the very latest dental implant technology to patients who previously had to rely on dentures. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit www.FIXT.com.

Derith Cass and the team from FIERCE are sponsoring a six-week girls’ health and fitness program called “I AM FIERCE” to educate, inspire, and empower girls aged 11-14 through physical and mental fitness. I AM FIERCE emphasizes the link between physical and mental strength, boosting confidence and self-esteem. Participants gain improved fitness, nutrition knowledge, enhanced confidence, and better stress management skills. Join the FIERCE team to empower girls on their journey to self-belief and strength. Learn more at https://www.fiercebychoice.com/iamfierce.

Times change and so does the Women’s Community League of Weston. The new name for this 104-year organization is the Weston Community League (WCL), which its members found to be more welcoming to those in Weston and the surrounding towns. The WCL provides dynamic social, philanthropic and educational programming that benefits the Weston community and has contributed more than $1.5 million in scholarships and community projects over the years. For more information on the WCL, please visit www.wclweston.org.

Compass and the Jill Finkelstein & Associates Team is proud to welcome Audrey Fenton to the Wellesley office. Audrey’s background is in the financial services industry in Boston and New York, with institutional sales and marketing experience at Fidelity, Marsh & McLennan, and Mercer. She is committed to providing a seamless and superior customer experience to make buying or selling a home as enjoyable and rewarding as possible for her clients. Audrey can be reached at Audrey.Fenton@compass.com.