Each year the readers of Wellesley Townsman Newspaper recognize the achievements and, most importantly, community involvement of Wellesley-connected individuals or groups who they believe have had a significant impact on the town or the larger world, especially over the last 12 months.
Their choices, plus staff nominations, become the pool from which the Townsman 10 are chosen. The Townsman 10 are not necessarily well-known; they may be making quiet contributions that we feel deserve the spotlight. They need not be the most popular folks in town — this is not a popularity contest. The one thing they do share is that they are somehow making a difference, whether behind the scenes or center stage.
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Why they were nominated: Femina and Ejaz Ali recognize the importance of giving back, and can make going to the dentist a tolerable—if not pleasurable—experience, according to Joanna Bandte.
I immediately fell in love with their engaging personalities, wonderful staff, and the mission that drives their practice when I saw them turn my children's nervousness about seeing a dentist into excitedness," Bandte said in nominating the pair for the Townsman 10. "They treat everyone who walks through their door like family, and I believe that comes from their connectedness and commitment to the Wellesley community."
Find out what's happening in Wellesleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"I've watched first hand as Drs. Ali and Ali have extended their generosity and passion for community service to Wellesley and beyond. I am especially appreciative of this, because living in an affluent town like Wellesley, it is hard to find opportunities to teach our children the importance of giving back. I am grateful that I need look no further than Wellesley Dental Group, where they've encouraged my children to drop off their gently used clothes, books, and toys at their office for Cradles to Crayons."
Wellesley Dental Group’s 2013 candy drive netted over 7,000 pounds of leftover Halloween candy that was sent to troops overseas as a sweet way to show their appreciation for the armed forces’ efforts. For the elementary schools that donated the most candy, the Alis awarded a total of $850.
"Wellesley Dental Group, whose philanthropic mission is at the heart of their practice, has set a terrific example for others to follow."
- Published in the Jan. 2 issue of The Wellesley Townsman Newspaper.
