The Swellesley Report

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

Summer plans are starting to shape up in Wellesley—here’s what’s on tap

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The Wellesley Recreation Department has a full roster of fun planned for this summer, so don’t be so hasty to leave town. Between the concerts lineup, the annual MOPO miler, and the Family Fishing Clinic, good times are coming soon. Concerts take place on the bandstand behind Town Hall, and usually start at 7pm. In past years, there have been plenty of active games set up for the kids, too.

Plus, summer camp. The Swellesley Report’s Summer Camps page, sponsored by NEOC, lists over 100 programs from local day camps to overnight adventures.

Here’s the gist of the scheduled activities. We’ll dive into the details once summer looks like it’s really going to happen. Don’t see your free or low-cost Wellesley summer 2026 event listed? Email us at theswellesleyreport@gmail.com for inclusion.

Family Fishing Clinic

DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 20, 5:30pm-7:30pm
LOCATION: Longfellow Pond, 204 Oakland St., Wellesley
FEE: $5
DESCRIPTION: Have you ever wanted to learn how to fish? Now’s your chance, let the MassWildlife Angler Education Program be your guide. We’ll have equipment on hand for use, as well as terminal tackle, and live bait. You’ll learn the basics, from casting out, to baiting up, and the best part – you’ll be able to fish. So come try your hand at this great pastime, guaranteed to catch some fun! Pre-registration is required.
PRO TIP: This one is popular. You might want to sign up now. Check out Rec’s brochure.

Morses Pond, the beach within reach

2026 Morses Pond season operation dates are June 22, 2026- August 16, 2026.

Residents can purchase MOPO beach tags online or at the Recreation Office.

Fun to be had: BBQ Pavillion rentals, swim lessons, non-motorized water craft rentals, playground.

MOPO is open seven days a week; lifeguards on duty 10am to 5pm
Park Rangers on duty: 5pm to dusk

During the hours of 10am-5pm, walkers /runners/dogs are not allowed through the beach area

Summer concerts

Thursday, June 24: Wellesley Town Band—Our very own Town Band performs a lively mix of familiar, crowd-pleasing music designed to appeal to audiences of all ages. Their repertoire typically includes classic marches, beloved show tunes from Broadway musicals, and recognizable themes from popular movies.

Wellesley summer concert
Wellesley summer concert scene

Wednesday, July 8: The Rico Barr Band—New England’s Premier Classic Rock, Soul and Blues Band. Gritty and groovy music that’s fun to listen to and fun to dance to. The Band’s song list includes The History of Rock & Roll, 50s to the present.

Wednesday, July 15: Classic Groove—A repertoire range from R&B and Top 40 to Smooth Jazz and Latin, and more.

Wednesday, July 22: The Reminisants—Classic hits and golden oldies from the ‘50s through the ‘70s, playing a collection of great music appealing to all kinds of musical tastes and generations.

MOPO Miler

DATE: July 19, 8:45am check-in; swim starts at 9:30am

There’s typically a small fee to take part. Participants must be at least 16 years old, and those under age 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver. We swear we’re going to swim it this year.

Music at Morses Pond

DATES: Sundays, July 5; July 12; August 9; August 16
TIME: 2pm-4pm

Sign up now for summer camp

SPONSORED CONTENT: It’s that exciting time of year again—time to register your children for summer camp. Programs have their sign-up links ready to go, so now’s the time to jump on things, before spaces fill up.

The Swellesley Report’s Summer Camps page lists over 100 programs from local day camps to overnight adventures.

Thanks to NEOC for their swell sponsorship of our Summer Camps page. NEOC sparks and stokes the excitement, discovery, and fun children have while outside and builds their understanding of nature, where kids explore and play outside at an easy pace, without any technology at all.

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Down Under School of Yoga opens in Wellesley

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SPONSORED CONTENT: Step into Down Under Yoga in Wellesley—a studio where movement, recovery, and community come together under one roof. Move through the multi-room space, which offers Hot Power and Vinyasa yoga, barre and strength training, Pilates Reformer classes, a Finnish sauna, invigorating ice showers, and a red light recovery suite designed to support your body in every phase of wellness.

Down Under Yoga, Wellesley
Down Under Yoga check in area. Pilates studio, right

What sets Down Under apart is its people, and its inclusivity. A powerhouse faculty—deeply committed to the craft of teaching and the strength of community—brings each class to life with intention and care.

For nearly two decades, Down Under has stayed true to a simple mission: to offer comfort, inspire reflection, and ignite movement through yoga and fitness. That purpose is felt in every detail, every class, every teacher, every room.

In Wellesley, an experienced team of  instructors carries that vision forward. With a focus on alignment, flow, and stillness, they welcome each student with openness, whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or returning for your thousandth practice.

“You’ll notice throughout the studio there are no Buddha heads, no religious iconography. It’s meant to be a very welcoming space to all,” says Justine Wiltshire Cohen, owner of the Wellesley studio. Down Under also has two locations in Cambridge, one in Newton, and one in Boston’s South End.

Down Under Yoga, Wellesley
Yoga studio. “The light in all of these rooms is just gorgeous,” says Justine Wiltshire Cohen,” owner of Down Under.

Down Under Yoga, Wellesley

Located at 159 Linden Street, this newest studio is more than a place to work out. It’s a place to belong. It’s where you show up, roll out your mat, meet new teachers, and reconnect with yourself and others. It’s the kind of community that feels like home.

The class schedule is now live, and if you haven’t visited yet, contact Down Under Yoga for a free class at the Wellesley location.

Down Under Yoga, Wellesley
Sauna for sweat and relaxation.
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Obituary: Cheryl Ann Colbert

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Cheryl Ann Colbert, known affectionately as “Pookie,” age 77, of Wellesley, Massachusetts, died on March 3, 2026, from dementia. She bravely survived breast cancer twice and persevered through heart failure resulting from her chemotherapy treatments.

Cheryl Ann Colbert
Cheryl Ann Colbert

Cheryl was born to Phyllis and Joseph Livernois in Southbridge, Massachusetts. A graduate of Woodstock Academy and Peter Bent Brigham Nursing School, Cheryl was a registered nurse and a nurse practitioner. She held a Bachelor of Science degree from Emmanuel College and a Master’s degree in nursing from Marymount University. She worked at Faulkner Hospital, Lahey Hospital, Olsen Home Care, Riverside Community Care and eventually founded Senior Care Alternatives, a geriatric care management service in Wellesley, with Frances Kerchner (the job in which she had the most joy).

Additionally, she co-founded the Wellesley Cancer Prevention Project, was President and involved with the Wellesley Garden Study Club, and joined the health and healing task force at Wellesley Village Church (where she was a dedicated member for 37 years).

She is survived by her daughters, Samantha (Todd), Sarah (Jonathan), Natalie, and her son John (Jill); her grandchildren, Tyler, Mason, Madelyn, Sophie, Jack, and Jane; her brothers, Lawrence and Jay; as well as numerous nieces, cousins, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, John R. Colbert, Jr, her brother Charles “Chuckie”, and her parents, Phyllis and Joe.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Wellesley Village Congregational Church, 2 Central St, Wellesley. In honor of Pookie’s passion for gardening, we invite guests to dress in Spring colors. Donations can be made in her honor to the church www.wellesleyvillagechurch.org and the Wellesley Garden Study Club www.gcfm.org/wellesleygardenstudyclub

If you’d like us to run a complete obituary of your loved one on Swellesley, please send to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

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Latest on proposed MassBay land sale issue: Comments being accepted on draft regs; Friends of Centennial forms

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For those tracking the Commonwealth’s plan under the Affordable Homes Act to sell MassBay Community College property to support new housing and help fund campus upgrades, there have been a couple of new developments. The state’s designation of 45 acres at 40 Oakland St. as surplus (this includes about 40 acres of forest adjacent to Centennial Reservation and 5 acres of parking lot) has raised questions from town leadership, concerns from forest users, and hopes for housing advocates.

One development is that the state’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) has proposed draft regulations for Surplus Real Property and is asking for public comments. The purpose of the regulations is “to establish a framework to guide municipalities and developers in the residential development of surplus real property…”

You’ve got until 11:59pm on April 13 to submit comments to EOHLCRegulationComments@mass.gov (with the subject line “Comments on 760 CMR 77”). Don’t send the comments to the town of Wellesley—as the town of Wellesley emphasizes on its MassBay Proposed Land Disposition web page.

friends of centennialA second development is that a group has been formed called Friends of Centennial, which describes on its website how the organization came to be and how it hopes to proceed.

“For several months, a small group of concerned residents has quietly laid the groundwork to protect the 40 Oakland Street parcel and the surrounding shared natural spaces that have been used and cherished by thousands for many decades. With our own funds, we took the time to research, consult experts, and build a strong factual and legal foundation before asking the broader community to get involved. To date, we have invested more than $35,000, which has allowed us to move forward with focused confidence.

“The next phase requires wider financial and community support. We hope you will join us by donating to our new nonprofit organization, Friends of Centennial, so that we can take the necessary action to stand up against this proposed project.”

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Wellesley Council on Aging has full house for St. Patrick’s Day lunch

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The Wellesley Council on Aging brought a touch of Ireland to town with its annual St. Patrick’s Day lunch, drawing a full house of patrons for an afternoon of food, music, and easygoing celebration.

Patrons enjoyed a classic Irish-inspired meal while the Matt Wright Duo provided live entertainment, mixing traditional tunes with familiar favorites that had the room tapping along.

Thanks to COA’s Kevin McDonald for sharing info & photos.

COA St. Patrick's Day Lunch

COA St. Patrick's Day Lunch

COA St. Patrick's Day Lunch

Thousands of people—including lots of seniors—visit The Swellesley Report daily to keep current on Wellesley:

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Wellesley Symphony Orchestra concert to celebrate Women’s History Month

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Wellesley Symphony Orchestra concert
WSO presents “Women Compose”

The Wellesley Symphony Orchestra invites you to Women Compose, a special concert celebrating Women’s History Month, on Sunday, March 22 at 2pm. The performance will take place at the Katherine L. Babson Jr. Auditorium at Wellesley High School.

Under the direction of Music Director Mark Latham, this program showcases the powerful voices of five remarkable women composers: Lera Auerbach, Margaret Bonds, Kati Agócs, Autumn Maria Reed, and Louise Farrenc. Spanning centuries and styles, their music offers a rich and compelling journey through storytelling, emotion, and innovation.

The concert opens with Lera Auerbach’s Requiem for Icarus, the final movement of her Symphony No. 1. This haunting work captures the myth of Icarus—his daring flight and tragic fall—with striking intensity. Margaret Bonds’ Montgomery Variations follows, a deeply moving piece from 1964 built on the spiritual I Want Jesus to Walk With Me. Composed in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., it reflects both sorrow and hope through seven expressive variations.

Adding a lively contrast, Kati Agócs’ Shenanigan brings energy and playfulness, drawing inspiration from a traditional Celtic fiddle reel. In Mental Health Suite, Autumn Maria Reed explores themes of anxiety and depression with honesty and compassion. Reflecting on her work, she shares, “I spent my early adulthood struggling, but I have found light, and I hope that others struggling will find their light.”

The program also honors Louise Farrenc, a pioneering 19th-century composer who achieved rare recognition in her time. Her Overture No. 1 (1834), her first work for full orchestra, highlights her bold and expressive voice.

Remembering a musician and a friend

In addition to celebrating women composers, the orchestra will pay tribute to the late Dianne Mahany—former principal clarinetist, board member, and cherished friend. In her memory, the Wellesley Symphony Orchestra commissioned Mark Latham to compose Elegy in Memoriam Dianne Mahany, which will be performed at this concert.

The afternoon will also feature a special performance by Daphne Lee, winner of the 2025 Michael H. Welles Young Soloist Competition. She will perform the thrilling final movement of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto.

Join us for this inspiring afternoon of music on March 22 at 2pm at Wellesley High School, 50 Rice Street. Tickets are available online and at the door with a pay-what-you-can model (suggested price: $30). Seating is general admission, and free parking is available on-site. A reception will follow the concert, and all audience members are warmly invited.

We look forward to celebrating this extraordinary music with you.

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Three Wellesley Troop 185 Scouts achieve prestigious Eagle Scout rank

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Three high school students from Wellesley Boy Scout Troop 185 were honored for attaining the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout at an Eagle Court of Honor ceremony held earlier this month. The ceremony recognized Cotter James Healey, Jeffregy Peng, and Thomas Zhou for their exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to the values of Scouting.

The rank of Eagle Scout is a rare achievement, earned annually by only about 4% of all eligible members of the Boy Scouts of America. To attain this rank, a Scout must accumulate at least 21 merit badges, including 13 from a list of Eagle-required badges such as First Aid, Family Life, Citizenship (in the Community, the Nation, and the World), and Camping, in addition to completing a significant community service project.

Each Scout received the prestigious Eagle Scout medal and badge, an embroidered rank patch, and an official certificate during a Court of Honor ceremony. Their certificates also highlighted the impact of their individual Eagle service projects:

Cotter James Healey combined his appreciation for history and Scouting by curating an exhibit at the Spellman Stamp Museum in Weston. His project, “Scouting Through Stamps,” involved organizing and displaying historic artifacts to highlight the legacy of Scouting.

Wellesley Boy Scouts, Cotter Healey and family
Wellesley Boy Scouts, Cotter Healey and family.

Jeffregy Peng played a vital role in protecting the Charles River Watershed by leading a team of 25 volunteers who stenciled more than 200 “No Dumping” signs on catch basins along the Fuller Brook Trail. His efforts significantly raised local awareness for the importance of water conservation stewardship.

Wellesley Boy Scouts, Jeffrey Peng and Family
Jeffrey Peng and family

Thomas Zhou, an avid outdoor enthusiast, directed the Sudbury Trail Bog Bridge extension near Babson Skating Center. With a crew of 21 Scouts, he extended the bridge structures over muddy terrain and converted a half-bridge into a ramp, enhancing trail accessibility and safety for all users.

Wellesley Boy Scouts, Thomas Zhou and his family
Thomas Zhou and family

Scout leader Jon Flynn brought the scouts’ accomplishment into perspective. “It’s easy to be pessimistic about what we see the world, but when you see the next generation at their best, I can confidently say that I am not only confident in our future, but genuinely excited to watch what we will be able to accomplish,” Flynn said. “Thomas, Jeffrey, and Cotter have character and integrity, which will lead them to do the right thing, even if it’s hard.  They also have the grit and resilience to make sure that the job gets done, especially if it’s hard. I’m thrilled to see them going off into the world as Eagle Scouts.”

Certificates of thanks and congratulations were signed by all five Wellesley Select Board members—Marjorie Freiman, Chair; Tom Ulfelder, Vice Chair; Colette Aufranc, Secretary; Elizabeth Sullivan Woods; and Kenneth C. Largess III, further recognizing the significance of the Scouts’ accomplishments.

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Screenshot 2026-03-16 at 2.49.18 PM

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Open conversation about residents' health needs

What’s Next for Wellesley?

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From the Wellesley Health Department:

The Town of Wellesley has been the recipient of Opioid Abatement Funds and expects to continue to receive funds through 2038. To use these funds responsibly, we have solicited feedback from a wide cohort of community stakeholders. The results of that feedback will be used to direct Health Department programming overall as well as the use of Opioid Abatement Funds.

On behalf of the Wellesley Health Department, we would like to invite you to a community forum on March 23, 6-7 PM at the Wellesley Police station (485 Washington St.) to discuss the results of our recent Community Health Needs Assessment, and how we can best use these results to plan for Opioid Abatement Fund Spending. Please see flyer for full event details. The event is free and open to all.

The full report and related documents are linked below: 

We value resident input and encourage you to share your thoughts, questions, and perspectives as the Town considers next steps. 

Share your thoughts and provide feedback, or call us at 781-489-4407. You can also email us at health@wellesley.ma.gov.

wellesley health flyer

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Wellesley Symphony Orchestra, 2026