Wellesley business buzz: Harmony Thai Wellness aims to help you to relax; Wicked Clear Ice gets ‘Chronicle’ treatment

May 14, 2026 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The latest Wellesley, Mass., business news:

Harmony Thai Wellness wants you to relax

Harmony Thai Wellness, which opened earlier this month in Lower Falls (14 Mica Lane, Suite 102), is offering authentic Thai techniques within a modern luxury massage environment.

Chuck Nguyen leads the business side of Harmony, while his wife, Tayya, and her business partner Nicole are both licensed massage therapists.

“My wife’s inspiration came from seeing a gap between standard massage services and what a truly high-end, intentional wellness experience could be from her time working across multiple different massage businesses,” Nguyen says.

Harmony Thai Wellness — Massage therapists and business partners Tayya and Nicole

Nguyen says Harmony is focused from the outset on customized service and consistency, which he says “is something that can be lacking in this industry.”

While Nguyen and his wife live on the south shore, they’ve become familiar with Wellesley over the years from visiting a relative in Framingham several times a week. “Wellesley felt like the right fit for the kind of experience we’re building,” says Nguyen, a U.S. Marine Corps. veteran who also owns a real estate property management company, and has extensive experience in business leadership, operations, and program management.

The business has two rooms, one with a single massage table and other with two.

Harmony offers both Thai and Swedish massage among its services, including a combination of the two. The difference between the techniques? “Swedish massage is what most people are familiar with—it uses oil, light strokes, and is focused on relaxation and circulation. Thai massage is more interactive and therapeutic. It’s performed with stretching, compression, and movement techniques, often described as ‘assisted yoga. It works deeper into mobility, flexibility, and energy flow,” Nguyen says.

As for what’s hot these days in massage, Nguyen says there’s growing interest in “more therapeutic and results-driven treatments—things like deep tissue work, sports recovery, and modalities such as hot stone and cupping.” There’s also demand for holistic wellness, combining physical relief and mental relaxation, he says.

Harmony is offering $20 off all services as a grand opening promotion.

Harmony’s arrival expands Thai massage offerings in town. Other businesses include Mai Thai Spa in Wellesley Square and Aunjai Thai Massage, which opened earlier this year in Wellesley Hills.

Expand your reach (and support local news) by advertising on Swellesley.

Wicked Clear Ice gets ‘Chronicle’ treatment

Wicked Clear Ice, which got its start in a Wellesley home a number of years ago, is now cranking out tens of thousands of its perfectly clear ice cubes and orbs per week.

That’s gotten the attention of local restaurants, retailers (Fells Market carries Wicked Clear Ice products), and cocktail drinkers, and also the long-running TV show “Chronicle.”

“Chronicle” this week aired a segment on Wicked Clear Ice during a show focused on the cocktail industry.

Know of Wellesley businesses opening or closing? Fill us in: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Wellesley Wonderful Weekend—here’s the entire schedule

May 14, 2026 by admin

The town of Wellesley is preparing for one of its most anticipated traditions as the Celebrations Committee gears up for Wellesley Wonderful Weekend. This year’s festivities are set to be particularly historic, as the community gathers to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States.

A very special concert

Tickets are going fast for “Voices and Songs of Liberty—A Patriotic Concert Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of America.” Get your tickets NOW, click here

DATE/TIME: Thursday, May 14, 7:30pm-9pm
LOCATION: Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, 207 Washington Street
DETAILS: Concert by Wellesley Symphony Orchestra; Wellesley Town Band; Wellesley Choral Society; and special guest soloist, Ayla Brown

And so much more

The major events include the Veteran’s Parade, followed by the Town picnic, concert, and fireworks, on Sunday, May 17. In addition, there’s plenty to do over the whole weekend including checking out historical displays; open houses all over town (police, fire, MLP, and more); the Schofield 5k Wonder Run; Rotary Club of Wellesley’s Pups in the Park event; and so much more.

Here’s the schedule—don’t miss a thing! For a larger-print version, please go to https://wellesleywonderfulweekend.com/schedule-2/

Thursday, May 14

7:30-9pm

Voices and Songs of Liberty — A Patriotic Concert Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of America
Wellesley Symphony Orchestra, Wellesley Town Band and the Wellesley Choral Society Concert, with special guest soloist Ayla Brown.
Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, 207 Washington St.

Saturday, May 16

Saturday-Sunday
Encampment Display — 18th century military equipment, Royal Irish Artillery
Morton Park Field, 485 Washington St.

7 a.m.	Charles Link Trail Thru-Hike Guided long-distance hike led by Scout Troop 185.
8 a.m.–Noon	Pancake Festival at Wellesley High School Wellesley Kiwanis Club and Wellesley Key Club. 50 Rice St.
9 a.m.–1 p.m.	Kids Crafts, Free Vision Screening and Eyeglass Collection Wellesley Lions Club. Linden Square Plaza, 180 Linden St.
9 a.m.–Noon	Touch a Truck Department of Public Works, 20 Municipal Way (off Route 9). 11 a.m.–Noon sensory hour, no honking.
9 a.m.–1 p.m.	Open House at Wellesley Municipal Light Plant 4 Municipal Way (off Route 9).
9 a.m.–1 p.m.	Open House at Wellesley Main Fire Station #2 457 Worcester St.
10 a.m.–11:15 a.m.	Guided Walk — Hemlock Gorge (1 mile) Explore trails and bridge along the scenic historic Charles River. Meet at Echo Bridge Office Park parking lot, 381 Elliot St., Newton.
10 a.m.–Noon	Open House at Wellesley Police Station 485 Washington St.
10 a.m.–2 p.m.	Open House at Wellesley History & Exhibit Center Wellesley Historical Society, 323 Washington St.
10 a.m.–2 p.m.	Tollhouse Shop Sale Wellesley Historical Society, 229 Washington St.
Noon–2 p.m.	Open House at Wellesley Council on Aging Tolles Parsons Center, 500 Washington St.
1 p.m.–2 p.m.	Join famous ventriloquist Paul Revere Interactive performance explaining Paul Revere’s ride and drafting of the Declaration of Independence. Town Hall, 525 Washington St.
2 p.m.–3 p.m.	Front Lines of Valley Forge, General George Washington Presented by Family Descendants. Town Hall, 525 Washington St.
1 p.m.–3 p.m.	Build Your Own: Nancy’s Troll and Fairy House Event At Pickle Point on Morses Pond. Parking area opposite 49 Russell Rd.
3:30 p.m.–6 p.m.	Pups in the Park Hunnwell Field.
4 p.m.	Veterans Ecumenical Memorial Mass at Saint Paul Church Organized by Wellesley Veterans Council. 502 Washington St.

Sunday, May 17

8 a.m.	Wonder Run 5K Race and Kids Fun Run Certified family 5K road race followed by Kids Fun Run and activities/prizes. Wellesley High School Track, 50 Rice St.
8 a.m.–10 a.m.	Guided Bird Walk at Morses Pond Hosted by Wellesley Conservation Land Trust. Meet at Morses Pond gate.
8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	Antique Car Show “Wheels of Wellesley XIII” Central Street.
1 p.m.–3 p.m.	58th Annual Wellesley Veterans Parade 2026 theme: 250th Anniversary of the Birth of America. Route from Wellesley Community Center to Wellesley Square.
4:30 p.m.–Dusk	Picnic and Concerts in the Park at Hunnwell Field Food, rides, crafts, games, ponies and more. Concerts by the Wellesley Town Band and The Reminisants, plus theatrical performance by The Wellesley Theatre Project.
Dusk	Fireworks At Hunnwell Field.

Wednesday, May 20

6:30 p.m.–9 p.m.

Taste of Wellesley
Rotary Club of Wellesley.
Wellesley Country Club.
Charity event featuring local restaurants, cafes and caterers.

Town of Wellesley challenges state’s designation of MassBay parking lot & forest as surplus property

May 14, 2026 by Bob Brown 1 Comment

The Wellesley Select Board, on behalf of the town, this week sent a strongly-worded letter to the state in response to the Commonwealth’s notice last month of the property at 40 Oakland St. being designated as surplus. The state under its Affordable Homes Act is looking to issue a request for proposals to developers mid-year with the aim of having 180 housing units built on the MassBay Community College property, with proceeds from the land sale designed to help fund campus upgrades.

Town leaders and counsel finalized the letter following a Special Town Meeting on May 11 designed to give the board advice from the town’s elected legislative body and other residents. The message from Special Town Meeting was for the town to try to negotiate with the state to ensure issues of importance to Wellesley are addressed and to reserve the right to take legal action if negotiations fail.

The board met on May 12 to discuss and vote on the letter to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) and the Division of Capital Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), known as the state’s real estate agency. (see Wellesley Media recording of meeting).

The town near the start of this year sent a few dozen legal questions to the state on the MassBay land matter, and in April sent comments on the state’s proposed regulations. But it has been frustrated by a lack of “meaningful answers,” as noted in this new letter.

In the latest letter, the town writes: “There continues to be a lack of clarity around the standard under which property is designated as ‘surplus real property’ generally, and why the Property here is considered properly designated as ‘surplus’. The AHA states that, for such designation, the relevant real property must be surplus ‘to the current and foreseeable needs’ of the Commonwealth. The Notification, however, does not provide any explanation as to why the Property satisfies this requirement, and the facts as understood by the Town do not suggest that such a designation is proper.”

And later in the letter: “In light of these and other remaining, unaddressed concerns, and for the sake of clarity, the Town does not intend to indicate any assent to the legality of the Project at the Property under the AHA in responding to the Notification within 30 days. Indeed, in rendering this response, the Town waives no rights or claims and hereby reserves all rights.”

What’s more, the town notes that the Affordable Homes Act doesn’t entirely limit its authority regarding developments, and that it “expects to amend its Zoning Bylaws to regulate housing project uses under the ‘surplus real property’ program under the AHA.”

The town cites “vague wording” regarding indications by the state to support some of Wellesley’s top concerns. The letter, signed by Wellesley Executive Director Meghan Jop with the Select Board and a handful of lawyers cc:ed, emphasizes a need for the town’s top concerns, such as compliance with Wellesley’s inclusionary housing bylaw and the need for a conservation restriction, to be specified as requirements in any request for proposals. The town in its May 13 letter raises its concerns the state’s project could have on the property, the town, and its residents.

As was discussed at the May 12 Select Board meeting, a section of the letter is devoted to how the state and developer would need to address traffic and circulation issues any such housing development at 40 Oakland St. might bring. The main idea would be shifting MassBay campus access from Oakland Street to Rte. 9.

The town ends its letter by expressing thanks for the opportunity to comment and states it has submitted the letter “for the purpose of continuing a constructive dialogue with DCAMM and HLC…”

Can New England’s forests save us? Land Trust’s spring lecture to explore “net zero” tradeoffs

May 14, 2026 by admin Leave a Comment

Station Oak, Wellelsey, summer — Station Oak, Post Office Square, Wellesley

As Wellesley grapples with the competing demands of housing development and environmental preservation, the Wellesley Conservation Land Trust (WCLT) is stepping forward to provide a science-backed perspective on the vital role of our local ecosystem. The community is invited to the Wellesley Free Library on Thursday, May 21, 7pm-8:30pm, for a deep dive into the complex history and uncertain future of New England’s woodlands.

The featured speaker, Jonathan Thompson, PhD, Director of the Harvard Forest in Petersham, MA, will present “The Role of Forests in Decarbonization: Land-Use Tradeoffs for Net Zero”. Dr. Thompson’s research focuses on the intricate interactions between biological, physical, and human systems that have shaped our region since the post-colonial period.

This event is free and open to the public.

Why this matters locally

Wellesley’s landscape is currently at a crossroads. While approximately 49% of the town remains forested, much of that land is fragmented—consisting of narrow strips of trees between residential properties rather than contiguous ecological blocks. Furthermore, nearly 82% of Wellesley’s land is considered unprotected, leaving it vulnerable to the “local forces” of land-use change that Dr. Thompson will address.

The lecture is co-sponsored by the Wellesley Public Library, the Natural Resources Commission (NRC), and Sustainable Wellesley. Attendees can expect to learn how New England’s forests have evolved and what specific land-use tradeoffs may be necessary to ensure they continue to serve as a critical defense against climate change.

Obituary: Frederick V. Fortmiller Sr.

May 13, 2026 by admin Leave a Comment

Frederick Vincent Fortmiller, Sr. died on April 15, 2026. Fred possessed a rare intelligence, set an example of honesty and candor, and lived a full life, sharing his joy and loyalty with his family and friends.

The son of Hubert and Laura (Pollina) Fortmiller, Fred was born in Boston on September 26, 1928. He spent his early years in public schools in Newton, MA, before graduating from Phillips Academy Andover (where he was hockey captain), Harvard College (as a bio-chem major), and Harvard Business School.

He then served as a U.S. Navy supply officer in Yokosuka, Japan, where Fred developed a deep affinity for the Japanese people and culture. American and Japanese joint ventures became a significant part of his efforts as a business consultant, and he became a collector of Japanese prints, screens, and pottery.

Fred married Mary Jane Harvey in 1968, and they spent the early part of their 58 years together living with their children Lee and Fritz near the pond in Newton where young Fred had learned to play hockey. They then moved to Wellesley to watch sunsets over Morses Pond. Fred’s interest in the health of Morses Pond led to his becoming President of Wellesley Conservation Land Trust.

With their children grown, Fred and Mary Jane moved to a sea-side home in Gloucester and enjoyed their summers living on a down-Maine sailboat, inviting friends and family to share their coastal cruising adventures.

Throughout his adult life, Fred served his school, college, and business school alumni classes, led the trustees of the Phoenix – SK Club at Harvard, and became a stalwart on the Board of Harvard’s Commencement Committee. For over 20 years, he and Mary Jane were trustees of Thom Child and Family Services, caring for families throughout Massachusetts.

His life and his love for his family and friends will be celebrated at a gathering later this year, and his ashes will be scattered in the ocean he loved.

Fred is pre-deceased by his brother-in-law Frank Harvey, and he is survived by his wife Mary Jane, his daughter Lee, his son Fritz, his daughter-in-law Danica Mills, his grandchildren Rowan and Cordelia, his brother Hugh, his sisters-in-law Francie Nolde and Pat Harvey, his nieces Jennifer and Nancy, nephews Ben and Jon and their families, and scores of cousins, their children, and many friends who also loved Fred’s energy, wisdom, humor, and compassion.

Wellesley Public Schools restoring online Canvas learning management system

May 13, 2026 by admin Leave a Comment

The Wellesley Public Schools system has shared an update on Canvas, the online learning management system whose maker was hacked last week. WPS disabled the system last week as software company Instructure worked to resolve the issue.

In the meantime, the Canvas problems caused teachers and students grief at this time of year featuring final projects and exams. Alternative systems were used in some cases during the Canvas shutdown.

WHS relies heavily on Canvas as our LMS, so it’s definitely made studying for tests and completing assignments more difficult for students.

Dear Members of the WHS Community,

Following our previous communication regarding the decision to disable the Canvas learning management system, we are writing to provide an update on the status of the platform.

Instructure, the parent company of Canvas, has announced that it has reached an agreement with the unauthorized actor involved in the recent cybersecurity incident. As part of this resolution, Instructure reported that they had received digital confirmation of the destruction of the stolen data. Instructure had previously conveyed that identifying information, such as names and email addresses of users, was involved in the incident, but core learning data, including course content, submissions, and credentials, were not compromised.

Based on this information and the advice of legal counsel, we are working to reactivate Canvas for Wellesley High School today. To ensure the security of our staff and student data, we will be reopening the platform with all data sharing from Canvas to other third-party applications turned off.

We recognize that this has been an extremely disruptive period for our students and teachers. The WPS technology department will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as necessary.

Thank you for your continued patience as we work to restore our digital learning environment.

Sincerely,

Dr. Adam Steiner, Director of Educational Technology

Dr. Jamie Chisum, WHS Principal

Business buzz: Dover Saddlery closing Wellesley store after 50+ years; Village Bank opens applications for retail incubator

May 13, 2026 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Big changes in Church Square in Wellesley:

Dover Saddlery closing in Wellesley after 50+ years

Dover Saddlery, Wellesley. Photo credit: Brice MacLaren

Dover Saddlery, a Wellesley institution for more than 50 years, has announced its store at 595 Washington Street will soon be closing. The equestrian equipment and apparel company, based in Littleton, Mass. and operating dozens of locations across the country, has filed a document with the state warning it will be laying off 112 people in July.

According to a post that looks AI-generated on the Wellesley store’s Facebook page: “Our Wellesley, MA store will soon be closing its doors. Thank you for your support and loyalty over the years. Serving you and your horse has truly been our privilege, and we’re grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us. With sincere gratitude, we thank you for riding with Dover and wish you the best on your riding journey.” The store is having a closing sale.

You’d never know anything is amiss by looking at Dover Saddlery’s cheerful website, but the equestrian equipment and apparel company has gone through the private equity gauntlet over the past decade, trying different strategies to expand and strengthen its business.

The Wellesley Celebrations Committee during last year’s Wellesley Wonderful Weekend celebrated Dover Saddlery with a Special Recognition Award for its 50 years of business in town. The recognition write-up in part read:

Dover Saddlery was founded in 1975 by Jim and David Powers, former members of the USET Three-Day Event Team. Fresh from the 1972 Olympic Games in Germany, Jim Powers wanted to offer riders in New England a saddlery shop dedicated to providing a broad selection of the best tack available from around the world. His vision was to use the knowledge he gained from having trained and competed with top international riders to select and develop the best products for horses and riders. Soon, David Powers joined Jim with the idea of making Dover Saddlery’s expertise available to equestrians across the United States with a mail order catalog.

While Dover Saddlery grew rapidly and expanded quickly beyond its first retail store location in Wellesley, Massachusetts, its founding principles of offering world-class service and products remained the focus of the organization. The company is staffed by a team of experienced, dedicated equestrians who understand the needs of horse owners and riders. They know how to “turn out” riders and horses. They know the importance of a comfortable performance breech or a well-fitted saddle and the unbeatable durability of properly tanned leather.

The Village Bank opens applications for retail incubator

The Village Bank, which expects to open its first Wellesley location at 579 Washington St. this summer, has opened the application for entrepreneurs interested in being considered for a rent-free, 725 sq. ft. retail pop-up space inside the branch.

The bank is partnering with UpNext, which connects property owners with businesses to temporarily use retail spaces, to find candidates for”The Village Shop” space. The aim at the Wellesley location is to feature a rotating series of pop-ups that would operate in the dedicated storefront throughout the year.

This marks the bank’s first such pop-up space for retailers, though future residencies are planned for Needham and beyond.

The Village Bank’s Wellesley branch will also include a community room available to residents during non-banking hours for civic meetings and community activities.

The Village Bank - Rendering_Wellesley branch_The Village Shop 1 — The Village Bank rendering of pop-up space at branch

Know of Wellesley businesses opening or closing? Fill us in: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Wellesley Trails Committee leading walk at Hemlock Gorge on May 16

May 13, 2026 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Hemlock Gorge – 1.0 mile

Saturday, May 16- (10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.)

The Wellesley Trails Committee is leading a walk on the trails at Hemlock Gorge, including the deck of the seven-arched Echo Bridge.

This is a scenic and historic area along the Charles River at the corners of Wellesley, Needham and Newton.

Meet at the Echo Bridge Office Park parking lot, at 381 Elliot Street, Newton. Park on the side of the lot facing the river.

The walk is free and no registration is required.

Walks take place unless it pours rain or there are high winds. Dogs on leashes are welcome.

Please send tips, photos, ideas to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com