Wellesley, Mass. government meetings for week of Nov. 17, 2025: Wellesley College renovation; Bullying prevention; Facilities capital plan; Vote 17 request

November 16, 2025 by admin Leave a Comment

A sampling of Wellesley, Mass., meetings and agenda items for the week of Nov. 17, 2025:

Planning Board (Nov. 17, 6:30pm, online)
ADU Bylaw Discussion; Project of Significant Impact (PSI)—Wellesley College, Residential Swing Space; Zoning Board of Appeals Cases – Site Plan Approval for 169 Great Plain Avenue – RDF; RIO Task Force Update

Library Board of Trustees retreat (Nov. 17, 7:15pm, Wellesley Free Library main branch)
Overview of Staffing, Programs, Projects, Buildings and Issues; FY27 Action Plan Draft; FY27 Schedule of Library Closures Draft; FY27 Operating Budget Draft; FY27 WFL Capital Plan Draft; FY27 FMD Cash Capital for WFL; Capital Planning Committee Update; Trustee Assignments; Gift Acceptance; Washington Street New Sign

School Committee (Nov. 18, 6:30pm, online)
Discussion: Update on Elementary Literacy; Discussion/Vote: 2026-2027 Program of Studies; Discussion/Vote: Policy Subcommittee Update ● IC/ICA: School Year/School Calendar ● IMDA: Accommodations for Religious and Cultural Observances ● IKF: New Graduation Requirements Policy ● IKFE: New Competency Determination Policy; Discussion: Draft 2026-2027 Academic Calendar; Discussion: Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan (BPIP) Annual Update; Discussion/Vote: 2025-26 District/Superintendent Goals; Discussion/Vote: Enrollment Projection Table J (for FY’27 Budget Use)

Select Board (Nov. 18, 6:30pm, Town Hall & online)
FY27 Facilities Capital Plan Presentation; Discuss and Vote PSI-25-03 Wellesley College Temporary Residence Halls Traffic Recommendation; Discuss and Vote – Vote 17 Request to Select Board for Non-Binding Ballot Question on Annual Town Election; Discuss Town-Wide Capital Planning Committee; 2026 Annual Town Meeting • Open Warrant

Advisory Committee (Nov. 19, 6:30pm, Town Hall)
Facilities Management Department Overview/Cash Capital Questions/discussion

Board of Health (Nov. 20, 10am, online)
Director Report (Includes Environment, Social Work and Community Health Departments)—Parent and Newborn Support Services Program Update, Skip the Stuff Program Update, Opioid Abatement Fund Community Health Assessment; Nurse Supervisor Report

Council on Aging Board (Nov. 20, 4pm, Tolles Parson Center, Schuler Room, 500 Washington St)

UMASS Needs Assessment Update; FY26 Assistant Director Goals; Director Search Sub Committee Update

See info on all upcoming town government meetings.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2025—rediscover the joy of shopping local

November 16, 2025 by admin Leave a Comment

Make your holiday gift-giving list, check it twice, then pop into Ana Katarina’s, Pattee’s, Vivilicious Chocolates, Sara Campbell, Linden Square, and Page Waterman to make a solid start on your shopping. These are the places to hit for something truly unique, special hostess gifts, and even (or especially!) a little bit of self-gifting.

Ana Katarina

Pattee’s

Vivilicious, Natick Center’s very own chocolate heaven, celebrates the artistry of fine chocolate, blending Brazilian passion with French elegance. Crafted in small batches with ethically sourced cacao, each creation harmonizes bold global flavors with pure sophistication. Discover our tastings, private classes, and signature Taster Club—we ship your gift nationwide.

Sara Campbell

Linden Square

Page Waterman

More local shopping options—Kenzie & Hope; The Cashmere Sale; Anderson’s Jewelers; London Harness; Wellesley Square

Wellesley Marketplace Returns: Celebrate 47 Years of Holiday Tradition!

November 15, 2025 by admin Leave a Comment

SPONSORED CONTENT: The holiday season kicks off in Wellesley with the 47th annual Wellesley Marketplace, taking place Saturday, November 22nd, at Wellesley High School. Get your tickets here. This beloved community event showcases more than 200 artisans, boutique owners, and craftspeople from across New England—making it the go-to destination for unique, meaningful gifts.

Wellesley Marketplace, 2025 — The Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club always knows how to put the fun in fundraising.

Shoppers can explore an incredible range of locally made treasures, from fine art and gourmet treats to jewelry, clothing, home décor, toys, ornaments, and much more. Whether you’re checking off your holiday list, hunting for a thoughtful hostess or teacher gift, or indulging in something special for yourself, you’ll find it here.

Wellesley Marketplace is one of three fundraisers coordinated by the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club (WHJWC), and all proceeds generated are used to provide scholarships for deserving local students, as well as grants for organizations and programs that provide education, enrichment, and essential services to our local population.

Year after year, generations of shoppers return for the festive atmosphere, high-quality selection, and opportunity to support local makers and small businesses. By shopping at Marketplace, you’ll not only discover the perfect holiday gifts but also help strengthen the community.

Join us for one of the Boston area’s favorite holiday shopping traditions! Bring your friends, embrace the holiday spirit, and enjoy a full day of shopping, celebrating, and supporting local talent.

Tickets on Sale beginning 10/15! Click here to purchase.

DATE: Saturday, November 22nd
LOCATION: Wellesley High School, 50 Rice St.

Shop small. Give big. Start the season with Marketplace.

You know this Wellesley Christmas tree—there’s a decorating party on Saturday

November 14, 2025 by Bob Brown 1 Comment

Photos from the tree decorating party:

The big tree at the house on the corner of Washington Street and Wellesley Avenue is about to get its annual Christmas makeover with those giant, colorful ornaments.

A decorating party at the Wellesley home is set for 10am-1pm on Saturday, Nov. 15, and the event will feature a 42-foot lift to get the high branches.

Owner Phil Gormley says people have expressed their appreciation over the years for the joy that the tree brings to them.

Wellesley student-athletes sign college letters of intent

November 14, 2025 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Student-athletes at Wellesley High School and Dana Hall School in Wellesley made commitments to participate on college sports teams in the fall.

Seven members of the Wellesley High Class of 2026 have either officially signed or are committed to compete at the collegiate level. At Wednesday’s ceremonial signing event, the student-athletes were cheered on by Principal Jamie Chisum, Athletic Director John Brown and dozens of family, friends, and staff members.

The students:

Tara Battaglino, Brown, lacrosse
Abby Beggans – Villanova, lacrosse
Emily Burnham – Penn, soccer
Enzo Desviat Ruiz, Stanford, swimming
Alexa Heller – Cornell, lacrosse
Emma Tuxbury – Bucknell, track & field
Quinn White – Duke, swimming

Alexa Heller, Tara Battaglino, Emily Burnham & Emma Tuxbury

Dana Hall senior Paige Wheelan signed a ceremonial letter marking her intent to play Division I soccer for the Boston University Terriers.

The two-year co-captain has a varsity career total of 64 goals and 22 assists at the private school.

Paige Wheelan Dana Hall & BU — Paige Wheelan: Go Terriers!

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

Sara Campbell Warehouse Sale at Linden Square, Wellesley

November 14, 2025 by admin Leave a Comment

‘We Are Wellesley’ exhibit receptions & talks

November 14, 2025 by admin Leave a Comment

A series of receptions and talks are scheduled for the new “We Are Wellesley: Beyond White Picket Fences” exhibit.

Receptions & talks:
November 14 @ 4:30 – Wellesley High School
December 15 @ 6 – Barton Road Community Center
January 21 @ 6:30 – Wakelin Room, Wellesley Free Library

Come see the portraits by Wellesley High School photography students and teacher Doug Johnson of your fellow Wellesley residents, both those whose families have been here for generations and those newer to the community. Support via Wellesley and Massachusetts Cultural Councils.

Learn about the book by Catherine Simpson Bueker, Beyond White Picket Fences: Evolution of an American Town that motivated this photo exhibit.

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Wellesley Climate Action Committee—Reduce Your Climate Impact, Reduce Waste

November 13, 2025 by admin Leave a Comment

SPONSORED CONTENT: Want to make a real difference in your community and help preserve the planet for future generations? In this series, the Town of Wellesley’s Climate Action Committee shares six practical ways you can reduce your climate footprint. One way? Reducing the waste you generate.

Reducing Waste Matters

Every item we throw away—whether it’s food, packaging, or old electronics—has a carbon footprint. The good news? With a few simple changes, you can reduce household waste and help Wellesley reach its ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Easy Ways to Reduce Waste

Rethink What You Buy: The best way to reduce waste is to avoid creating it in the first place. Buy only what you need, choose durable and reusable products, and avoid excessive packaging. Support local businesses and consider borrowing, renting, or sharing items you don’t use often. Check out the Wellesley Free Library’s Library of Things.

Reuse & Repair: Give items a second life. Donate clothing, furniture, and electronics. Use reusable bags, bottles, and containers. Repair instead of replacing.

Recycle: Wellesley’s RDF (Recycling & Disposal Facility) practices a source-separated model for recycling which results in higher quality recyclable materials compared to single-stream recycling, and also generates revenue for the Town. Pass along or discover treasures at the RDF’s Reusables Area.

wellesley rdf — Wellesley RDF Reusables Area

Divert Your Food Waste from Landfills: Food waste makes up a large portion of household trash and releases methane when sent to landfills. Wellesley offers a Food Waste Drop-Off Program at the RDF. Interested in curbside pick-up? Wellesley’s Department of Public Works partners with Black Earth Compost to offer a pilot curbside composting program. Sign-up now and get a free starter kit. Composting is a simple, effective way to cut emissions and create nutrient-rich soil.

Choose Reusable Over Disposable: Swap paper towels for cloths, single-use coffee cups for travel mugs, and plastic cutlery for reusable sets. Small changes add up quickly—especially when adopted community-wide.

Ready to Take Action?

Reducing waste is one of the most immediate and tangible ways you can shrink your climate footprint. Explore waste reduction programs at wellesleyma.gov/reduce-waste.

More practical ways you can reduce your carbon footprint

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