The Swellesley Report

Since 2005: More than you really want to know about Wellesley, Mass.

Buzz building for Wellesley High homecoming football game, dance & community Raiders’ Day

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In addition to the Friday night football game (Oct. 16, 6pm) and Saturday night dance (Oct. 17, 7pm), the third annual student-led Raiders’ Day will be held for the community on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 11am-2pm at the Hunnewell Fields.

Raiders’ Day is free, fun-filled afternoon perfect for families and kids of all ages. Over 40 WHS clubs, sports teams, arts, and music groups will be hosting activities, including:

  • Pumpkin decorating & face painting
  • Sports clinics including baseball, football, volleyball, and more
  • Games like spikeball, cornhole
  • Live performances by Rock Band, Improv Troupe and more
  • Demonstrations from the Robotics team and other clubs
  • WHS Cheer team performance
  • Food & treats for purchase at the hot dog wagon!

Parents and community members have donated raffle items that will be available for adults to bid on.

Watch the promo video courtesy of Wellesley Media, and Wellesley High students and staff.

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Dedham Country Day School

Wellesley charity news: Team Lymphoma Warriors raises $66k at Jimmy Fund Walk, readies for ‘Night of Excessive Happiness’ party; Coats for Kids and Families drive is on

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The latest Wellesley, Mass. charity news:

Team Lymphoma Warriors raises $66k at Jimmy Fund Walk, readies for ‘Excessive Happiness’ party

Earlier this month 36 members of Team Lymphoma Warriors completed the Jimmy Fund Walk, traveling from eight states to be part of the event and collectively walking more than 300 miles. They raised more than $66k for Dana-Farber, with additional matching gifts still being counted.

jimmy fund team
Team Lymphoma Warriors (Courtesy photo)

Team Captain Meagan Occhialini of Wellesley says “What started for me in 2023 as a way to give back after my dad was treated for lymphoma at Dana-Farber has grown into something I never could have imagined. This year was particularly meaningful after losing both of my parents. To have so many friends, family members, neighbors, and current and former colleagues show up for us was pretty incredible.”

Occhialini says her dad became known during his lymphoma treatment for what he jokingly called his “excessive happiness,” and that attitude has continued to inspire the team.

On Friday, Oct. 16 (8-11pm), Occhialini and her husband Dave are hosting “A Night of Excessive Happiness” at the Italo Club in Wellesley, featuring live music from Wellesley’s own “Grounds for Divorce.” There will be bar bites, dessert and a cash bar, and the casual event is open to the public.

Pay what you can, though a minimum of $25 is suggested, with all proceeds going to a special fund at Dana-Farber to support an annual lymphoma speaker series, championed by Occhialini’s dad’s doctor and now Chief of Lymphoma at Dana-Farber, Dr. Matthew Davids.

Caring Partners’ Coats for Kids and Families drive is on

Caring Partners’ Coats for Kids and Families, a charitable effort that’s been taking place for about 30 years, is collecting gently used coats of all sizes and for all ages from Oct. 5 through Jan. 9. Anton’s Cleaners, which has a location at 277 Linden St., is among the sponsors for this program. There’s a particular need for XL and infant/pre-K sizes. The drive cannot accept coats with rips, tears, broken zippers or permanent stains.

Every donated coat will be professionally cleaned at no charge and distributed through local nonprofits, social service agencies, schools and community organizations to children and adults who need them.

For more information, contact Stephanie Littlefield, Anton’s Cleaners Community Relations, at 978-851-3721 or Stephanie@antons.com. To register your organization to participate or distribute coats, find a collection location, donate financially or learn more, visit antons.com/cfk.

The Swellesley Report has been amplifying the efforts of local non-profits and charitable programs since 2005. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our independent news venture.

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Wellesley Youth Basketball
Longfellow, Wellesley
Outdoors

Explore Wellesley Town Forest on Oct. 17; Kids’ Trails Day was wholesome fun

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The Wellesley Trails Committee will lead its next public walk on Saturday, Oct. 17 (10-11:15 a.m.) at the – Town Forest.

There is so much more than the loop around Longfellow Pond during this 1.6-mile trek.

Wellesley Town Forest near Fiske
Wellesley Town Forest near Fiske Elementary School

 
The Town Forest is the largest reservation in Wellesley and supports a wide variety of wildlife and birds in a natural environment. Walk along the Longfellow Pond shoreline and climb to the top of a spectacular high esker deposited by glaciers and then back at the pond, view the summer residence of Chief Maugus and his Algonquin tribe.

Meet at Longfellow Pond parking lot. Use this address for GPS: 204 Oakland St., Wellesley.
 

Kids’ Trails Day was wholesome fun

 

Kids' Trails Day 2026
Courtesy photos

 
Kids’ Trail Day took place on Oct 3 at Morses Pond was a huge success, according to the Wellesley Trails Committee.

Over 60 kids and adults enjoyed a scavenger hunt through the woods in this annual event held  by the Trails Committee and supported by the Natural Resources Commission. The event helps promote the trails system and passive recreation.

Sustainable Wellesley also had an information table at the event.

Whole Foods donated apple cider and cookies for all to enjoy.
Kids' Trails Day 2026

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Wellesley Symphony Orchestra
Wellesley Marketplace 2026

Private education opportunities at local Open House events in Wellesley and beyond

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SPONSORED CONTENT: For prospective families considering a private school education for their children, local private schools are opening their doors to for upcoming Open House events. These visits offer a valuable opportunity to explore campus facilities, meet dedicated administrators and faculty, observe engaging classroom environments, and learn more about each school’s unique educational philosophy and curriculum. Whether your family is considering early childhood programs, elementary foundations, or college preparatory middle and high schools, attending an Open House is the ideal way to ask questions, discover extracurricular offerings, and experience firsthand the vibrant community culture each school has to offer.

Find the right academic environment for your student.

Don’t see your private school listed here? Contact theswellesleyreport@gmail.com to learn about inclusion.

Dedham Country Day School

DCD—Classroom Observation Day, Friday, October 16, 8:30 to 10:30 AM
Register here

Pre-K to Grade 8
90 Sandy Valley Rd., Dedham, MA 02026

Classroom Observations are DCD’s version of an Open House. Experience a typical morning with students and teachers, and explore our brand-new theater and learning spaces! Register now for Oct. 16, Nov. 12, or Jan. 8 to see how your student can thrive at DCD.

St. John School, Open House—Sunday, Oct. 18, 10am-11:30am
Register here

Pre-school – 6
9 Ledyard St., Wellesley, MA 02481
Built on the cornerstones of Academic Excellence, Faith Development, and Community, Saint John School provides an education within an atmosphere of Christian concern, commitment, and dedication to service.

Veritas Christian Academy Open Houses
Oct. 22, 9am-10:30am; Nov. 5, 9am-10am; Nov. 8, 2pm-3:30pm; Nov. 19, 9am-10am
Register here
Grades K-8
6 Loker St., Wayland, MA 01778

Veritas is a pre-school through grade 8 learning community cultivating inquiring minds, authentic faith, and compassionate hearts. Choosing the right school is important and we’d love to get to know your family.

Dana Hall School, WellesleyDana Hall School—Open House, Saturday, Oct. 24, 1-3:30pm
Register here

Grades 5-12
45 Dana Road, Wellesley, MA 02482

An à la carte-style event that lets you customize your day: look inside our classrooms, step into mini-lessons across various academic subjects, talk with program directors, and meet our school administrators to see how you will thrive here.

Walnut Hill School, NatickWalnut Hill School, Open House—Sunday, Oct. 25, 1pm-4:30pm
Register here
Grades 9-12
12 Highland St., Natick, MA 01760

Meet faculty and student representatives from our arts and academic departments, tour campus (including dorms, studios, performance spaces, and more), and enjoy a special arts showcase featuring current Walnut Hill students. Whether your interest lies in Dance, Music, Theater, Visual Art, or Writing, Film & Media Arts, there will be a host of opportunities throughout the day to ask questions and get a sense of life as a student at Walnut Hill!

Star Academy, BostonStar Academy Boston, Open House—Oct. 27 (Watertown) & Oct. 28 (Wellesley)

Discover a school where small classes, strong academics, and individualized learning help every student grow. Meet our teachers, explore our campuses, and learn more about Star Academy. Register: staracademyboston.com/open-house/

Watertown Campus—Preschool & Grades K–5; October 27, 9:30-11:30am
Wellesley Campus—Preschool & Grades 6–12; October 28, 9:30-11:30am

Fay School, SouthboroughFay School, Open House—Sunday, Nov. 1
Register here

K – grade 9
48 Main Street, Southborough, MA 01772
Coeducational day and boarding school, located on a 66-acre campus, and is the oldest junior boarding school in the United States.

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Wellesley, Health Dept., Menopause movie

Pre-Patriots game flyover zooms above Wellesley, birds freak out

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F-35 pilots warmed up ahead of their Patriots game flyover above Wellesley, prompting some residents to look up and others to sound the alarm on social media (followed by the usual arguments about it being a waste of money vs. pilots needing to train, etc.).

Meanwhile, the jets sent the birds flying…

 

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Wellesley MA town government meetings for week of Oct. 12; AC at Advisory & other Town Meeting prep; Condos at ZBA

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A sampling of Wellesley, Mass., meetings and agenda items for the week of Oct. 12, 2026:

Board of Health (Oct. 13, 9am, online)

Chair Report: Budget Discussion; Director Report: Opioid Abatement Fund and Restaurant Update; Nurse Supervisor Report

Select Board (Oct. 13, 6:30pm, online)

Discuss and Vote FY28 Budget Guideline Discussions; Special Town Meeting Preparation • Discuss and Vote Article 7, Town Bylaw Amendments to Article 2, 2A, and 3;

Executive Session (not open to public) • M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3), to conduct strategy with respect to negotiation with the Wellesley Patrol Officers Association, Wellesley Superior Officers Association, Dispatch Union, IAFF Local 1795 (Firefighters), Wellesley Free Library Staff Association, and Wellesley Free Library Supervisors Association.

Board of Library Trustees (Oct. 13, 7:15pm, Wellesley Free Library main branch)

Overview of Staffing, Programs, Projects, Buildings and Issues; Grand Opening of Hills, Recap; All Board, Recap; FY28 Capital Request Draft; FY28 Budget Prep and Timeline; FY28 Annual Action Plan Draft; Annual Report to Town

Advisory Committee (Oct. 14, 6:30pm, Town Hall)

Special Town Meeting Article 15 – Citizen Petition • Accelerated School A/C project SUBJECT TO CHANGE; Discussion – Article 14 (all motions) and Article 15 (all motions); Discuss and Vote STM Warrant Motions* • Article 14, Motion 1 – School Air Conditioning Design Funding • Article 14, Motion 2 – School Air Conditioning Design Funding for acceleration at Bates and Fiske • Article 15, Motion 1 – Citizen Petition – Accelerate School Air Conditioning at Bates and Fiske – SUBJECT TO CHANGE • Article 15, Motion 2 – Citizen Petition – early procurement for Schofield– SUBJECT TO CHANGE • Article 15, Motion 3 – Report to 2027 ATM or to any Special Town Meeting before it regarding school air conditioning- SUBJECT TO CHANGE • Article 16 – Citizen Petition – Wight Pond – preparation for acquisition • Article 2, Motion 1 – Consent Agenda • Article 3, Motion 1 – Amend Salary Plan ○ (Discuss Article 8, as needed) • Article 7 – Amend Town Bylaws – Article 2, Article 2A and Article 3

Council on Aging Board (Oct. 15, 4pm, Tolles Parsons Center)

CHAIR’S REPORT  Lunch at the COA  Wellesley Civil Discourse Initiative  Updates from the Board Retreat;  Hybrid Meeting Compatibility Update – Tim Fulham; DIRECTOR’S REPORT Gift Acceptance (Vote);  Budget / Finance • Monthly Budget update • Quarterly update on Personnel Services; Operations • Assistant Director vacancy update • Volunteer Driver Program research • Massachusetts Councils on Aging Conference; Programming & Community Partnerships • September/October Program Highlights • October 8 Citizens Leadership Academy COA session recap • Wellesley High School student and alumni photography and oral history project; Policy / Board Work • Art Policy Working Group Update • Seasonal Lights Display

Zoning Board of Appeals (Oct. 15, 7:30pm, online)

ZBA 2026-53 Dean Behrend 592 Washington Street (condo project)– continued from September 24, 2026

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Indigenous Peoples Day 2026 Wellesley—what’s open and closed, nearby events

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Indigenous Peoples Day will be observed in Wellesley on Monday, Oct. 12. The holiday celebrates and honors Indigenous American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures.

All municipal buildings and offices are closed on Monday, October 12 for the Indigenous Peoples Day holiday. Regular operations resume on Tuesday, October 13.

Wellesley Indigenous Peoples Day closures on Oct. 12

  • Public schools
  • Town offices
  • Recycling and Disposal Facility
  • Wellesley Free Libraries
  • Regular business hours resume on Tuesday, October 13
EVENT: 6th Annual Indigenous Peoples Day Ceremonial Celebration, “Medicines of the Lands: Healing Through Ancestral Plants”
DATE: Monday, Oct. 12, 2026
TIME: 11am–5pm
LOCATION: Albemarle Field, 250 Albemarle Rd., Newton, MA
DESCRIPTION: All are welcome to this free, outdoor, family-friendly, Indigenous-led, volunteer-run event to enjoy great music, check out cultural dances and presentations, support local Indigenous vendors and non-profits, and eat delicious food. Rain or shine.

EVENT: 6th Annual Indigenous Peoples Day event
DATE: Monday, Oct. 12
TIME: noon-2pm
LOCATION: Camps of Edwards Church, 39 Edwards St., Framingham
DESCRIPTION: Edwards Church, UCC is hosting Framingham’s 6th Annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration. We honor the historical presence of the Nipmuc people on this hill, hundreds of years ago, and we celebrate the rich cultural traditions the Nipmuc people bring to our communities today.  The event features a talk and participatory presentation by Maria and Shani Turner.

Maria is  Chairwoman of the Natick Nipmuc Tribe and Sonskq (Chief) of the Nipmuc Nation Confederacy, holds a master’s degree in Education and Counseling. She recently retired from the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and currently serves as Director of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) program for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.

Shani Turner, Medicine Woman for the Natick Nipmuc Tribe, is active in her community and has organized several Wampanoag Week celebrations for Mashpee schools. She also performs traditional blanket dances with the Eastern Woodland Dancers.

All are invited.

EVENT: Indigenous People’s Day story time and craft celebration at Ten Trees Books in Natick
TIME: 11am
LOCATION: Ten Trees Books, 29 Main St., Natick
AUDIENCE: Fun for all ages!
Register to join: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2002081461546?aff=oddtdtcreator

Don’t see your event here? Contact theswellesleyreport@gmail.com for inclusion.

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