Memorial Day is an important time to remember and honor those who have served our country. On this federal holiday, people across the country reflect on the sacrifices and service of U.S. veterans throughout history. Our team at Wellesley Dental Group is extremely grateful for the sacrifices of our country's heroes.
Memorial Day was first known as Decoration Day after the Civil War, where individuals visited and decorated the graves of military troops who lost their lives during battle. In more recent years, Memorial Day and the weekend surrounding is often filled with parades, picnics, and ceremonies. Memorial Day is also typically the kickoff of summer, with many people heading to beaches and parks. Although things will look differently this year due to COVID-19, we can still honor this important day at home and make strides to prevent coronavirus. The traditional Memorial Day parades and gatherings are not safe this year, but here are some creative ideas to honor our military service members while staying safe at home:
Make a grand meal with your quarantine crew! Fire up your backyard grill with some of these recipes:
Bring out the board games for some family fun, or sidewalk chalk to draw a memorial day mural if you are feeling artistic!
Organize a video party to spend time with those who you are unable to gather with. Share stories, catch up, and spend time with loved ones virtually and create new traditions.
Create a campfire in your backyard and gather your family around for sweet treats and stories.
Refresh your American history knowledge by reading and researching online.
At 3 p.m. today local time, join in a moment of silence for the National Moment of Remembrance. During this time many across the nation will be sending their prayers and appreciation to those who have died who served the country, as well as active soldiers, and veterans.
Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com toset up an appointment.
Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist, Dr. Derek, and Dr. Emad is happy to help with your TMJ and orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs,Dr. Stephens would love to help, and our gum-specialistDr. Singhcan help with your gum-related concerns.
All Metrowest Schools and organizations are invited to join Wellesley Dental Group's 9th Annual Community Candy Driveto benefit the US troops serving overseas. From November 1st to November 9th, we will be collecting candy, along with handwritten notes and cards for our soldiers.
Our goal is to teach our kids lessons in giving by encouraging them to share their extra Halloween candy with our troops. The sweet treats and the handwritten cards are a little reminder of home for our troops, and a message of support just in time for Veteran's Day. The packages will be sent via CarePacks, a non-profit organization, along with oral hygiene supplies.
We are inviting all schools and organizations to participate in our Press Event - November 10th at 10:00 am. Local media andphotographers will capture the spirit of giving in our community. Principals, faculty, parents, and students (with the permission from their teachers, of course) are all?welcome to attend.
To schedule a candy drop-off or RSVP for the event, please call (781-237-9071) or email us (candydrive@wellesleydentalgroup.com).
Looking for things to do this weekend, or a reason to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather? Look no further - May 20-22nd marks the Wellesley's Wonderful Weekend Parade and fireworks! The caring team at Wellesley Dental Group is excited to be the Fireworks and platinum sponsor again this year along with Roche Brothers. The Fireworks this year will be even bigger and better. Make sure to mark your calendars and spread the word. We look forward to spending the weekend with you and your family -keep a look out for our tractor float at the parade. Check out the schedule below and stay tuned for more blog posts with photos and a glimpse at all of the fun!
Open House at Wellesley Municipal Light Plant— 4 Municipal Way (455 Worcester Street, Route 9) Featuring an historical tour of the Original Substation.
The parade starts at the intersection of Route 16 (Washington Street) and Route 9 and continues westbound along Route 16 to Wellesley Square. The reviewing stand is in Wellesley Square.
4:00p.m.—5:30p.m.
Grace Knight Babson Fund for Religious Education — 56th Annual Program Knight Auditorium, Babson College Campus, Wellesley Avenue
5:00p.m. — DUSK
Picnic in the Park at Hunnewell Field
Food*, drinks*,kid’s rides*, crafts, games, Gotham Cruiser photo-ops & other fun
Food by Charles River Rotary, Captain Mardens, and others
6:00p.m. Opening Act 7:00p.m. Main Attraction
Concert for Wellesley at Hunnewell Field
Featuring the Reminisants(7p.m.) and Wellesley Town Band (6p.m.)
[caption id="attachment_9197" align="alignleft" width="502"] Wellesley Dental Group team picture![/caption]
What an exciting November it's been at the Wellesley Dental Group. This year brought our biggest and best Candy Drive yet! With participation from over 30 schools from across the Metro-West, and more than 9,000 students involved, the spirit of community giving and patriotism was in the air. Not to mention, our 8th Annual Candy Drive stirred up a lot of amazing press coverage. We cannot thank you and the community enough for all of the support and donations of candy and handwritten notes for the troops. A special thank you to Wellesley Public Media, Westwood Hometown Weekly, The Swellesley Report, Wellesley Weston Magazine, and The Wellesley Townsman for featuring our Candy Drive in their publications. We can't wait to see what next year's drive has in store for us.
Check out #CandyDrive2015 in the news:
Wellesley Public Media captured our lovely Dr. Zarah Ali showcasing the highlights of the 2015 Candy Drive.
[caption id="attachment_9248" align="alignleft" width="430"] Photo courtesy of Chandana Gopal.[/caption]
The fourth grade Girl Scout Troop 75364 at Downey School in Westwood ran a Halloween Candy Drive to collect candy to be packaged in Care Packs for troops stationed abroad.
The Downey community has participated in this event run by Wellesley Dental Group for the last four years.
This year, the Girl Scouts took in their biggest collection yet, and collected more than 200 pounds of candy, which equates to almost one pound per child at Downey.
Hometown Weekly: Candy Collected For U.S. Armed Forces At Wellesley Event
[caption id="attachment_9252" align="alignleft" width="430"] The Upham Elementary School in Wellesley and the Delaney Elementary School in Wrentham shared the $1,000 prize for their PTOs.[/caption]
In what has become an annual tradition, Drs. Femina, Ejaz and Zarah Ali of the Wellesley Dental Group recently held a candy drive that raised nearly 8,000 pounds of candy for members of the U.S. armed forces serving our country overseas.
The candy is delivered to Care Packs, a nonprofit organization that creates and ships individual packages full of candy, handwritten notes, oral hygiene supplies and other treats and essentials from home for the troops overseas.
The week-long collection, which receives support and participation from several schools, including all the Wellesley Public Schools, and other organizations culminated last week in a big celebration that had approximately 100 people join in, including Superintendent David Lussier, Ellen Gibbs from the Board of Selectmen, MSG Trevor George and local veteran Pete Jones. Thirty-one schools from 13 towns participated in the collection.
“Our favorite part was to see the community come together in the spirit of giving and gratitude,” Femina Ali said. “It’s truly inspiring to see how much candy our kids willingly donate, and reading their handwritten notes and cards really strikes a chord. It’s a wonderful thing to see right before Veterans Day.”
Also attending the big celebration were members of the Wellesley Police Department and many of the school principals. Wellesley High’s Keynotes performed and elementary school student Evan Lariviere sang the National Anthem.
“We definitely raised more candy this year than last year, and than ever before, but the real accomplishment was the scope of the event,” Femina Ali said. “We’ve never had such widespread participation from the surrounding communities, and we reached as far as Wrentham and Braintree this year.”
All Metro-West Schools are invited to join Wellesley Dental Group’s 8th Annual Community Candy Drive to benefit the U.S. troops serving overseas. From November 1st to November 5th, our office will be collecting candy, as well as handwritten notes and cards, to be sent to American servicemen via non-profit organization CarePacks, along with oral hygiene supplies.
This year, the competition is bigger than ever! We will be awarding a grand prize of $1,000 to the school PTO that donates the most candy! The winning school will be selected based on the amount of candy donated divided by the number of students in the school, to ensure fair competition.
The Candy Drive is open to any school or institute that is interested in participating in this cause. We also invites schools and organizations to be a part of our Press Event on November 5th at 10:00 am, at our office on 5 Seaward Road in Wellesley. Principals, faculty members, parents, and students (with the permission of their parents and teachers) are welcome to attend. Local institutions, media and photographers are also invited to participate. RSVP is requested.
To schedule a candy drop-off, please call 781-237-9071 or email the Wellesley Dental Group at candydrive@wellesleydentalgroup.com. Our goal is to teach our kids lessons in giving by encouraging them to share their extra Halloween candy with our troops overseas. These sweet treats and the handwritten cards are a reminder of home for these soldiers, and a reflection of our gratitude. To check out awesome photos and more information regarding last year’s event, click here. Let’s keep this fun tradition going!
The Swellesley Report: Wellesley Dental Group has sweetened the pot for annual post-Halloween candy collection
Ready to get rid of all that candy? Join Wellesley Dental Group’s 8th Annual Community Candy Drive to benefit the U.S. troops serving overseas. From November 1st to November 5th, the office will be collecting candy, as well as handwritten notes and cards, to be sent to American servicemen via non-profit organization CarePacks, along with oral hygiene supplies.
This year, the office will award a grand prize of $1000 to the school PTO that donates the most candy. The winning school will be selected based on the amount of candy donated divided by the number of students in the school, to ensure fair competition. The Candy Drive is open to any school or institute that is interested in participating in this cause.
To schedule a candy drop-off, please call 781-237-9071 or email the Wellesley Dental Group at candydrive@wellesleydentalgroup.com. If your child attends a Wellesley public school, check with the office. Many of the schools are collecting candy and will bring it all in a big pile to the drop-off point.
The Wellesley Townsman: Wellesley's candy mountain: Each year at Halloween, it grows outside a local dental office
[caption id="attachment_9196" align="alignleft" width="319"] One of the many handwritten cards from local elementary school students[/caption]
It may seem a little ironic for a dental office to be collecting candy, but for the eighth year in a row Wellesley Dental Group sponsored their Annual Community Candy Drive. Outside their 5 Seaward Road offices on the morning of Nov. 5 stood a huge candy mountain.
It wasn’t just the Wellesley school community that donated. More than 9,000 students participated this year, not including colleges. From Nov. 1-5, students from 30 schools in 13 towns brought their extra Halloween candy to Wellesley Dental Group for the benefit of U.S. troops serving overseas. The students also wrote letters and cards to accompany the candy that will be sent along with oral hygiene supplies.
“It’s become a community event. I love it,” said Dr. Femina Ali, who added that this year’s candy drive was definitely bigger than last year’s.
“It just gets bigger and bigger every year … she [Dr. Ali] puts her heart and soul into it,” said Wellesley resident Mary Bowers who attended the donation celebration.
According to Dr. Femina Ali, however, it was her daughter, Dr. Zarah Ali, also a dentist at Wellesley Dental Group, spearheaded this year’s event.
“It’s definitely a team effort,” said Dr. Zarah Ali. In estimating the amount of candy students dropped off this year, she said, “I know we have more than 7,000 pounds. I would guess 9,000.”
With a promise of $1,000 to the PTO of the school that donated the most candy, participation was robust. As it turned out there was a tie: Upham Elementary School in Wellesley and the Delaney Elementary School of Wrentham shared the prize money.
Dr. Zarahi Ali said they determined the winning schools by taking the amount of candy donated and dividing it by the number of students – to the 10th of a pound.
Megan Fennell was there with fellow students from the Kennedy Middle School in Natick. She said she wanted to participate because “I thought it would be an experience, and we wrote letters for the soldiers that we’re giving the candy to.” Her school collected 586 pounds of sweet treats.
Superintendent of Wellesley Public Schools David Lussier attended the event and was proud not only of his schools’ participation but also of the Wellesley students who performed for the crowd – Evan Lariviere, a third-grader from the Upham School, and the Wellesley High School Keynote Singers, who all demonstrated their vocal talents.
Rick Bruce of CarePacks was on hand with a truck to take the candy to the non-profit organization’s warehouse in Weymouth. He said the drive is “a great community event.”
After the candy gets packed into sandwich-size bags Bruce said, “We’ll get two or three shipments out of this.”
Also, don't forget to like us on Facebook to view pictures and more from the event!
Post Candy Drive:
We received a thank you note from one of our soldiers to a Sprague Elementary School student who participated in our candy drive. Read more here in this article written by The Swellesley Report:
[caption id="attachment_9209" align="aligncenter" width="658"] The 3 Drs. Ali in front of the mountain of candy collected this year![/caption]
We did it again! The 8th annual community candy drive was an amazing success! We had over 30 schools from 13 different towns and more than 9,000 students participate in our drive, making it the largest in size and scope thus far. To make it even sweeter, we collected more candy than ever before! We are beyond thrilled that our community, and so many neighboring communities, came together in the spirit of generosity to show gratitude and appreciation for our troops overseas. We hope they enjoy these sweet treats, along with handwritten notes, cards and oral hygiene supplies.
Here are some highlights from our event:
Our annual community candy drive was in full swing last week, and candy donations from schools and organizations were piling in.
[caption id="attachment_9192" align="aligncenter" width="647"] Candy Delivery from the Cabot School![/caption]
We culminated with a press event on November 5th, paying homage to our troops overseas, showing off our mountain of candy, and bringing the community together in the spirit of giving, and a little competition! This year, our $1000 grand prize was shared between two winning schools, Upham Elementary in Wellesley, and Delaney Elementary in Wrentham!
[caption id="attachment_9194" align="aligncenter" width="643"] The winners of this year's competition: Upham Elementary and Delaney Elementary[/caption]
All in all, we had over 30 schools from 13 towns participating-- that's over 9,000 students! We love how so many schools, organizations, and communities came together for the same great cause!
[caption id="attachment_9195" align="aligncenter" width="663"]Sprague, Schofield, and Hardy School Principals with our Wellesley Schools Superintendent, Dr. David Lussier[/caption]
Thanks to Evan Lariviere for singing the National Anthem and the WHS Keynotes for singing America the Beautiful; it was an honor to hear such beautiful voices stirring up patriotism right before Veteran's Day.
[caption id="attachment_9198" align="aligncenter" width="486"] The Wellesley High School Keynotes, who sang America the Beautiful for us[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_9199" align="aligncenter" width="321"] Evan, who moved us all as he sang the National Anthem[/caption]
The handwritten notes and cards for the troops will be sure to put a smile on their faces! We imagine that they must be even sweeter than the candy.
[caption id="attachment_9196" align="aligncenter" width="254"] One of the many handwritten cards from local elementary school students[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_9203" align="aligncenter" width="276"] Handwritten card for the troops[/caption]
A big thank you to our amazing Wellesley Dental Group team for all their hard work, and off course to everyone that participated-- we couldn't have done it without you all.
[caption id="attachment_9197" align="aligncenter" width="659"]Wellesley Dental Group team picture![/caption]
A Special Thank You to the following Participants:
All Metro-West Schools are invited to join Wellesley Dental Group's 8th Annual Community Candy Drive to benefit the U.S. troops serving overseas. From November 1st to November 5th, our office will be collecting candy, as well as handwritten notes and cards, to be sent to American servicemen via non-profit organization CarePacks, along with oral hygiene supplies.
This year, the competition is bigger than ever! We will be awarding a grand prize of $1000 to the school PTO that donates the most candy! The winning school will be selected based on the amount of candy donated divided by the number of students in the school, to ensure fair competition. The Candy Drive is open to any school or institute that is interested in participating in this cause.
We also invites schools and organizations to be a part of our Press Event on November 5th at 10:00 am, at our office on 5 Seaward in Wellesley. Principals, faculty members, parents, and students (with the permission of their parents and teachers) are welcome to attend. Local institutions, media and photographers are also invited to participate. RSVP is requested.
Our goal is to teach our kids lessons in giving by encouraging them to share their extra Halloween candy with our troops overseas. These sweet treats and the handwritten cards are a reminder of home for these soldiers, and a reflection of our gratitude.
To check out awesome photos and more information regarding last year’s event, click here.
Let's keep this fun tradition going!
[caption id="attachment_9007" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Tufts Jumbos Making a Difference! Dr. Zarah Ali, Dr. Femina Ali, and Dr. Ejaz Ali at the 2014 Candy Drive.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_9004" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Candy Drive 2012 had over 5000 lbs of candy donated. Candy Drive 2013 had over 7000 lbs of candy donated. More than 7600 lbs of candy collected in 2014! We’re getting bigger and better each year![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_9002" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Students from Wellesley High School[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8994" align="aligncenter" width="600"] A striking rendition of the national anthem was given by a seven-year old Elementary School Student, Evan Lariviere.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_9005" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Speakers at the 2014 Candy Drive event included Wellesley Selectman Ellen Gibbs, School Superintendent Wellesley Dr. David Lussier, and The President of Care Packs, Mr. Rick Bruce. The US Marines, Army and the National Guards, the American Legion, the Wellesley Fire Department and the Wellesley Police Department were present.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8993" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Students interacting with our Troops![/caption]
All Metro-West Schools are invited to join Wellesley Dental Group's 8th Annual Community Candy Drive to benefit the U.S. troops serving overseas. From November 1st to November 5th, our office will be collecting candy, as well as handwritten notes and cards, to be sent to American servicemen via non-profit organization CarePacks, along with oral hygiene supplies.
This year, the competition is bigger than ever! We will be awarding a grand prize of $1000 to the school PTO that donates the most candy! The winning school will be selected based on the amount of candy donated divided by the number of students in the school, to ensure fair competition. The Candy Drive is open to any school or institute that is interested in participating in this cause.
We also invites schools and organizations to be a part of our Press Event on November 5th at 10:00 am, at our office on 5 Seaward in Wellesley. Principals, faculty members, parents, and students (with the permission of their parents and teachers) are welcome to attend. Local institutions, media and photographers are also invited to participate. RSVP is requested.
Our goal is to teach our kids lessons in giving by encouraging them to share their extra Halloween candy with our troops overseas. These sweet treats and the handwritten cards are a reminder of home for these soldiers, and a reflection of our gratitude.
To check out awesome photos and more information regarding last year’s event, click here.
Let's keep this fun tradition going!
[caption id="attachment_9007" align="alignleft" width="600"] Tufts Jumbos Making a Difference! Dr. Zarah Ali, Dr. Femina Ali, and Dr. Ejaz Ali at the 2014 Candy Drive.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_9004" align="alignleft" width="600"] Candy Drive 2012 had over 5000 lbs of candy donated. Candy Drive 2013 had over 7000 lbs of candy donated. More than 7600 lbs of candy collected in 2014! We're getting bigger and better each year![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_9002" align="alignleft" width="600"] Students from Wellesley High School[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8994" align="alignleft" width="600"] A striking rendition of the national anthem was given by a seven-year old Elementary School Student, Evan Lariviere.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_9005" align="alignleft" width="600"] Speakers at the 2014 Candy Drive event included Wellesley Selectman Ellen Gibbs, School Superintendent Wellesley Dr. David Lussier, and The President of Care Packs, Mr. Rick Bruce. The US Marines, Army and the National Guards, the American Legion, the Wellesley Fire Department and the Wellesley Police Department were present.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8993" align="alignleft" width="600"] Students interacting with our Troops![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_9007" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Dr. Zarah Ali, Dr. Femina Ali, and Dr. Ejaz Ali hosting the 2014 Candy Drive[/caption]
It's Candy Drive time again here at the Wellesley Dental Group, and we're as excited as ever! As the season changes and becomes cooler, and Halloween draws nearer, we're gearing up to host the 8th Annual Candy Drive for the troops this November 5th!
Donations to the Candy Drive will be happily accepted up until Thursday, November 5 at Wellesley Dental Group on 5 Seaward Rd in Wellesley. We request that donations be dropped off between 8 am to 11 am. Be sure to follow our Candy Drive Facebook Page for more updates and photos!
Each year, the WDG collects candy donations, as well as hand written notes and letters, from all around the metro-west region. All the candy that is collected is sent to US soldiers serving abroad, via Care Packs, along with the heart-warming letters and cards, and hygiene packages.
More than 7600 lbs. of Candy collected in 2014!
If you or your organization are interested in participating in this great cause, send us an email at smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com, call us at 781-237-9071, or come drop by at 5 Seaward Road, Wellesley! Candy collection officially starts on the 31st of October, and continues until the 5th of November. Also join us at our Candy Drive finale event on the 5th of November, at 10:00 am, at the Wellesley Dental Group!
Last year's event saw the highest amount of candy donated so far, and a huge number of beautifully made cards. At our press event, even the threat of snow and the freezing wind could not sway the enthusiasm of the large group of metro-west residents, including school children, gathered to honor the US troops. As part of the Veteran's Day celebrations, and the grand finale of the 7th Annual Community Candy Drive, this event brought together schools and organizations from across the region, to express gratitude for the soldiers serving abroad.
[caption id="attachment_9003" align="alignleft" width="600"] Students from Wellesley High School[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8993" align="alignleft" width="600"] Students interacting with our Troops![/caption]
The final weight of the candy donated amounted to 7650 pounds, with participation from schools in Needham, Natick, Framingham, Weston, Dedham, Westwood, Newton, Wellesley, Jamaica Plains and Waltham! Students, parents and teachers from these schools were present at this event. The 2014 Candy Drive managed to cross state boundaries with the involvement of an organization from Connecticut, as well!
The event started with a striking rendition of the national anthem by a seven-year old Elementary School Student, Evan Lariviere. The Wellesley High School Keynote Singers Club was present, and performed America The Beautiful. Speakers at the event included Wellesley Selectman Ellen Gibbs, who commended the Wellesley Dental Group and all participating towns in coming together for the cause. Dr. David Lussier, School Superintendent Wellesley, also spoke, highlighting how almost every person present would be able to trace their lineage back to a Veteran. The President of Care Packs, a non-profit organization that creates and sends individual packages to soldiers, Mr. Rick Bruce, thanked the community for contributing each year, and relayed how candy from past years has made thousands of soldiers happy.
The highlight of the event was the presence of the US Marines, Army and the National Guards, the American Legion, the Wellesley Fire Department and the Wellesley Police Department. Community members and children enjoyed personally interacting with Veterans and soldiers on active duty, and getting their photographs taken in front of the huge candy display. The event ended with a prize giving ceremony sponsored by the Wellesley Dental Group, rewarding the students present at the event for their contribution to the cause, and awarding certificates to participating schools and organizations.
We hope that you're as excited as we are to kick start the 2015 Wellesley Dental Group Candy Drive. For more photos, check out our Facebook Page. Stay tuned, there are more great photos to come!
What a magnificent Wellesley Wonderful Weekend for the year of 2015! Wellesley spirit filled the air this past weekend as we all celebrated the town's traditional Veteran's Day Parade, Picnic in the Park, and fireworks. Wellesley Dental Group is honored to have been co-sponsors for the fireworks, third year in a row. This year we had our Tooth Fairy aboard our parade float to greet all the smile ambassadors of Wellesley. She was also joined by Chuckles and families of volunteers who both stayed on the float to greet Wellesley residents and spectators and helped pass out oral hygiene supplies.
Alas, after the parade we were able to head over to Hunnewell Field to set up our tent and activities. At this year's Picnic at the Park we had feather extensions, balloons, facepainting, and pictures with our friendly mascot Chuckles; all the kids were leaving our tent with smiles on their faces!
What a truly Wonderful Weekend it has been! We would like to once again extend our gratitude to the volunteers at the Wellesley Celebrations Committee for orchestrating the weekend festivities, and the Wellesley Police Department and Wellesley Fire Department for keeping everyone safe. Thank you for the Wonderful memories you have created for the community members!
P.S.: Special thank you to Joanna Bandte, her family, and all the Smile Ambassadors who joined us on the float this year!
Have you been waiting for a weekend outside in the warm spring weather? If so, you and your family are in for a treat. The time is quickly approaching for Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend and our team cannot wait! This year marks the 17th Annual celebration and it is going to be BIGGER and BETTER. In fact, it’s the largest annual town celebration held every year. This is a great tradition that brings together Wellesley businesses and residents for a weekend of smiles and laughs amongst people of all ages.
Over 100 volunteer and community organizations help put on this magnificent event. Each year, your very own Wellesley Dental Group team is heavily involved in the fun and camaraderie. Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team of Wellesley Dental Group are co-sponsors along with Roche Brothers/Sudbury Farms of the spectacular fireworks! Come view the colorful assortment of fireworks with usat Hunnewell Field on Sunday May 17th at dusk. Get ready to scream, "ooo, ahhh" as the glamorous lights flash right before your eyes.
[caption id="attachment_7421" align="alignright" width="503"] These marching bands really bring the mood up![/caption]
Also, to honor all Veterans, stop by earlier in the day at the 47th Annual Wellesley Veterans’ Parade. The parade will take place on Sunday May 17, 2015, at 1:00PM. To see the full schedule of events, please click here. You will not want to miss out on these great events, which will feature rides, games, food, and more for families and friends.
It is an exciting and busy day at the Wellesley Dental Group! As we prepare for the 7th Annual Candy Drive, the office is full of helping hands, bright smiles, and lots of candy! We always look forward to this time of year, as this event encourages community involvement, sharing, as well as showing our gratitude to our soldiers.
Behind the scenes, the glorious candy truck is making its way to local schools collecting candy for our U.S. troops! In celebration of Veterans Day, decorative cards and Halloween candies have been collected the past couple of weeks from several schools and participants in the Metro-West region. These items will be sent to our soldiers via Care Packs.
Today, Meenah Tariq, a graduate student and Fulbright scholar from Babson College, the Wellelsey Mothers forum, and the Wellesley College Pre-Dental Society have joined us so far as we set up for the drive. Gift bags, candy boxes, and more are being prepared for the big event.
The Community Candy Drive began as an incentive for children to maintain their oral health by sharing their trick-or-treat candy stash. Last year, we collected a whopping 7300 lbs. of candy! The candy drive encourages a spirit of giving and gratitude for the service of troops to our nation. Another fun aspect of the drive includes a raffle for all student participants, with gifts and prizes that will be distributed tomorrow at the big event!
The event will include guest speakers, Ellen Gibbs, Selectman at Town of Wellesley, and Dr. David Lussier , Wellesley School Superintendent. Not to mention the National Anthem by Elementary School students and a performance by the Wellesley High School Band. We will also be joined by guests from the U.S. Marine Corps, MA National Guard, Wellesley's American Legion Post 72, Celebrations Society, Wellesley Police and Fire Department, Wellesley Mother's Forum, Wellesley Veterans office, among others!
The help from the community is astonishing! Towns including Wellesley, Newton, Needham, Natick, Dedham, Boston, Framingham, Westwood, Waltham are all involved in the Candy Drive. Other local organizations involved are Babson College, Wellesley Police and Fire Department, Wellesley Mothers' Forum, Wellesley Hills Junior Women's Club, and Wellesley Food Pantry. The candy drive has even expanded to Connecticut, with support from United Church in New Haven!
At the Wellesley Dental Group we believe that the Community Candy Drive attests to the remarkable power and strength of the community. The donations and involvement of young children giving up the treats they love to our troops is heat warming! We hope that you can join us at our office tomorrow, Nov 14th 2014 from 10:00 am -11:00 am!
Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist Dr. Kim or Dr.Pradhan. Dr. Emad is happy to help with your orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs Dr. Ghazi would be more than willing to help.
[caption id="attachment_5854" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] National Guards at the Candy Drive[/caption]
We did it again! This year’s Candy Drive was a great success, and we are proud to say we have collected even more candy than last year: over 7340 pounds so far—and the candy is still pouring in! This weighs more than a Humvee! The candy will be sent as care packages with carepacks.org to the troops overseas as a sweet reminder of home.
Here are some highlights from the Candy Drive!
We were joined by so many wonderful people and organizations! We had the National Guards come out, along with a Humvee! We were also joined by some Veterans, who served as an amazing reminder for everything our troops do for us. We also had Chief Cunningham and the Wellesley Police Department, along with Chief DeLorie and the Wellesley Fire Department—everyone who keeps us safe! All the local public schools were represented, and a lot of children and school principals came personally as well. Even local businesses and organizations came to drop off candy and show their support!
[caption id="attachment_5841" align="alignleft" width="300"] Community getting together![/caption]
The spirit of patriotism was running high, just in time for Veteran’s Day! Two of our children sang the National Anthem, and we had a moment of silence for those overseas. Everyone was waving around handheld flags with big smiles on their faces.
[caption id="attachment_5842" align="alignright" width="300"] Julia and Aidan Bandte from Hardy School singing the national anthem.[/caption]
The Wellesley Public Schools had a little contest to see which school could collect the most candy. The winner was Upham, whose PTO was awarded with a $500 check, and second and third place went to Hardy and Sprague, respectively.
[caption id="attachment_5845" align="alignleft" width="300"] Chief Cunnigham of the Wellesley Police Department presenting a check to Wellesley Public School PTO Contest Winner[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5874" align="alignright" width="300"] Veterans Lindsay Ellms and Pete Jones and Carl Nelson from the Wellesley Celebrations Committee.[/caption]
Our World War II Veterans Lindsay Ellms and Pete Jones were honored. Wellesley Celebration Committee was also represented by Carl Nelson and Pete Jones. Thank you to Roy Switzler for your help and support.
It is heart warming to see the whole town come together in the spirit of giving. The Wellesley Fire Department and Wellesley Police Department, along with the National guards supporting the town-wide initiative to support the troops. All Wellesley Public Schools participated with many private and neighboring town schools.
[caption id="attachment_5878" align="alignleft" width="300"] Wellesley Fire Chief DeLorie and Police Chief Cunningham with the Wellesley School Principals and Drs. Ali & Ali[/caption]
At the letter writing table, kids and adults both had an opportunity to write a personal note or card to send along with the candy to our troops. We imagine that these kind words of love and support will be even sweeter than the candy!
It has been so touching to see the message of health and giving being spread across our community. We really could not have done it without everyone’s help, and we want to thank everyone who participated! And lastly, a big thank you to the Wellesley Dental Group team that put in the hard work to make our Candy Drive such a success!
Making Big News and A Bigger Impact!
[caption id="attachment_5894" align="alignleft" width="300"] Tufts Jumbos Making a Difference![/caption]
Together we can do so much! It was wonderful to see the Wellesley and Metrowest community united through the spirit of philanthropy. The candy drive is not only a wonderful way to promote oral health but it is also a way to give back. Our mission of being smile ambassadors is two-fold: promoting healthier teeth for our children and also bringing smiles to the troops overseas. Seeing all of the kids give up their extra candy and writing beautiful heart-warming letters to send to the troops is incredibly touching, and shows just how much our community cherishes our troops.
Special thanks to all the Wellesley Public School Principals, Chief Rick DeLorie of the Wellesley Fire Department, Chief Terrence Cunningham of the Wellesley Police Department, and Joanna Bandte for her tireless efforts in making this a huge success!
[caption id="attachment_5814" align="alignleft" width="202"] Zarah Ali trying to contain the candy.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5830" align="alignleft" width="300"] Everyone getting together and sending the candy and handwritten notes off to the troops![/caption]
Join Drs. Ali & Ali this year by supporting Wellesley Dental Group’s 6th annual Candy Drive to benefit U.S. Troops.
“Our goal is to encourage kids to give up their extra Halloween candy and send a little sweetness overseas. For our troops, who are so far away, M&Ms and the handwritten cards children send are a little treat that remind them of home,” said Dr. Femina Ali of Wellesley Dental Group.
All Wellesley Public schools are eligible to participate. The school that donates the most candy per child will win $500 to use at their PTO’s discretion.*
Wellesley Dental Group will kick-off the drive with a Halloween Costume party on October 30th from 4-6 p.m. at their office (located at 5 Seaward Road in Wellesley, Mass.), with food, games, prizes and toothbrushes. Everyone is welcome. They will accept candy donations between Nov. 1 and Nov. 8 and will hold a press event on the 8th at 10 a.m., which is open to the community, before they send the candy off in a U-Haul. CarePacks, a non-profit organization that sends care packages to troops overseas, will package up the candy and cards. Principals, faculty, parents and students (with permission from their teachers of course) are welcome to attend.
To schedule a candy drop-off between November 1 and November 8 at Wellesley Dental Group, located at 5 Seaward Road in Wellesley, Mass., please call 781.237.9071 or e-mail smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com
*To ensure a fair competition the winner will be determined by the total weight of the candy donated divided by the total number of students attending each school. We are requesting the schools provide us with this information. Read More here!
All Metrowest Schools and organizations are invited to join Wellesley Dental Group's 9th Annual Community 
by a seven-year old Elementary School Student, Evan Lariviere. The 
