The Swellesley Report

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

Sign up now for summer camp in Wellesley (and beyond)

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NEOC, WellesleySPONSORED CONTENT: It’s that exciting time of year again—time to register your children for summer camp. Programs officially 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.

Don’t see your camp listed, or want to update your current listing? Contact us at theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

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Arts roundup—Wellesley Repertory Theatre presents “Come From Away”; Colossal Collage Night; Music Collective at Babson; new director coming to the Davis; “Dance” with WSO; and more

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Wellesley is fortunate to have a lively arts scene, with various opportunities to engage with or make art at any given time. Check out a concert, theater performance, or art reception this month. Here are just a few events happening soon, here and beyond Wellesley.

Wellesley Theatre Project presents Come From Away

Wellesley Theatre Project, "Come from Away"Come From Away is a moving and uplifting musical based on the true story of what happened in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001. When 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers were unexpectedly diverted there, the residents of this isolated community opened their hearts and homes to the stranded travelers.

DATES: April 16, 17, 18 & 19
TICKETS here

Art Wellesley, Colossal Collage Maker Night

LOCATION: St. Paul Church Parish Hall (Rear building), 502 Washington Street
DESCRIPTION: Let’s create a colossal collage together. During community maker nights, participants use found papers to cut, glue, and assemble a botanical-themed collage. Think big, as in colossally big. Elizabeth Cohen and Jenny Schneider will expertly guide the process. The colossal collage will be hung at the Wellesley Free Library throughout June. This event is free and open to everyone. No art experience required.

Babson Music Collective Concert

DATE/TIME: Tuesday, April 27, 7pm
LOCATION: Babson College, Carling-Sorenson Theater
COST: Free, and open to the public
REGISTRATION encouraged, (walk-ins welcome)
DESCRIPTION: The Collective is rooted in the jazz traditions of improvisation and creative expression. The strudent group finds inspiration in a range of musical styles from pop and afro beat to classic jazz standards.

Wellesley College arts news

Wellesley College has announced the appointment of Dina Deitsch as the new Ruth Gordon Shapiro ’37 Director of the Davis Museum. Currently director and chief curator of Tufts University Art Galleries, Deitsch will begin work at Wellesley in mid-July.

Deitsch  has worked at Boston area art organizations for nearly two decades. Deitsch earned her B.A. at the Stern College for Women at Yeshiva University. She holds an M.A. in the history of art from Williams College and completed additional graduate work at New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts, specializing at both schools in modern and contemporary American and European art.

Currently leading the Davis are interim co-directors Amanda Gilvin and Mary Beth Timm.

In other Wellesley College arts news, congratulations to Wellesley Repertory Theatre, which produced “Lifted,” written by Wellesley College alumna Mfoniso Udofia.

Presented as a work-in- progress last week at the College’s Alumnae Hall, the ‘text-in-hand’ presentations treated the audience to creativity in action as Udofia continues to hone this powerful play about a Harvard researcher accused of plagiarism for incorporating her deceased father’s work into her own.

Wellesley Repertory Theatre
“Lifted,” a work-in-progress presentation. Photo by Annielly Camargo.

Exhibit at Beth Urdang Gallery

LOCATION: 15 Central Street / 16 Grove Street, Wellesley, MA 02482
DATE: through April 25
ARTISTS: Clara  Berta, recent paintings, a brilliant painter of exuberant light-filled abstractions based in Laguna Beach, CA whose works reflect the natural radiance of her surroundings.

Wellesley Symphony Orchestra, “Dance!”

DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 10, 2pm
LOCATION: This concert will be at the Wellesley High School Auditorium, 50 Rice St, Wellesley, MA
TICKETS here
HIGHLIGHTS: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912) – Four Waltzes; Gabriel Pierné (1863-1937) – Concert Piece, Harp, Op. 39; Claude Debussy (1862-1918) – Dances Sacres et Profanes, Emily Richardson, Harp; Alberto Ginastera (1916-1983) – Estancia: Four Dances; Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) – Petruchka

Apply to be a Community Art Advisor

The Community Foundation for MetroWest is seeking 3-5 Community Advisors to help guide the Foundation’s investment in arts and culture across the region. This is for nine months with a stipend of $6,500.

Community Advisors will work with the Foundation over a 9-month period beginning in July 2026, bringing community perspectives to conversations about outreach, strategy, and investment in MetroWest’s arts and culture ecosystem. Advisors will help identify key needs and opportunities for creatives and cultural organizations, connect the Foundation to a broader range of voices, and inform more equitable, community-driven strategies for supporting the arts.

Learn more and apply here.

Beyond Wellesley

EVENT: Boston Lyric Opera presents Daughter of the Regiment
DATES: April 24 – May 3
LOCATION: Emerson Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston St
TICKETS here
DESCRIPTION: Laughter meets revolutionary spirit in BLO’s staging of Donizetti’s comedy. This production tells a heartfelt tale of love and loyalty in a patriotic toast to America at 250. Presented in partnership with Everyone250.

Not that we’re being dramatic, but we simply cannot survive without your help.

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Wellesley High senior Riley Spangler honored by CRWA for environmental leadership

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Wellesley High School senior Riley Spangler is proving that environmental stewardship doesn’t require a trip to a remote rainforest—it can begin right in one’s own backyard. Last month, at the Charles River Watershed Association’s (CRWA) annual meeting, Spangler was recognized for her years of dedication to the health of the Charles River, receiving the prestigious 2025 Young Leaders Award.

Riley Spanger, Charles River Watershed Assoc. award
Riley Spangler receives award presented by CRWA Volunteer and Outreach manager Ryan Smith.

Spangler has been a fixture of the CRWA’s Biological Monitoring Program since 2021. Her work involves knee-deep immersion in the watershed, conducting habitat assessments and sampling benthic macroinvertebrates—small aquatic animals and larval insects that serve as vital indicators of river health.

While legislators continue to debate the ongoing issues of sewage flow into the Charles, volunteers like Spangler are on the front lines providing the data necessary to protect the waterway. The CRWA relies on over one hundred volunteers annually to monitor these “little critters,” which vary in their tolerance to pollution. By surveying these populations, the association can gauge the true condition of the ecosystem.

“I really enjoyed my time volunteering for CRWA,” Spangler noted. “Who knew these little critters could tell us so much about the river?” Among the many species she has encountered, her favorite to date is the Serrate Dark Fishfly.

Turning curiosity into action

Spangler’s impact on the program went beyond data collection. Last year, she secured a $500 grant from the National Charity League (NCL) Wellesley Chapter. This funding allowed the CRWA to purchase brand-new sampling nets, ensuring that the Biological Monitoring Program can continue its mission with high-quality equipment.

Her experiences in the river even became the focal point of her college applications. In her essay, she reflected on how standing in the water shifted her perspective on her role in the world:”What started as a love of water has become a commitment to make a difference. Each time I pick up my net, I never quite know what I will find, but I recognize that my part in this world, no matter how small or wiggly, is important.”

Looking Toward a Sustainable Future

As she prepares for college this fall, Spangler plans to merge her passion for the environment with her interest in business. She intends to study sustainable real estate practices, aiming to bring innovative, eco-friendly approaches to the world of development.

For those inspired by Riley’s path, the CRWA offers numerous ways for community members—from young children to adults—to get involved in protecting local waters.

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

Please support your local online news source with a tax-deductible donation by scanning the QR code or by clicking on it.

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Beyond Wellesley

Boston & beyond music festivals for 2026

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The line-ups for music festivals in Boston and beyond have begun to roll out, featuring music for all tastes.

The big missing festivals this year are Boston Calling, which is taking a year off, though has already nailed down June 4-6, 2027 for its return. Also Freshgrass returns to North Adams on Sept. 24-26, 2027.

(Event organizers and performers are welcome to hit us up for possible coverage: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com)

2026 music festivals

The Town & The City Festival (Lowell) on April 30-May 2

town and city

Takes place in numerous venues across town, highlights music and the arts.

Green River Music Festival (Greenfield) on June 19-21

green river

Solid Sound (North Adams, MASS MoCA) on June 26-28

solid sound

Art, music, and comedy festival that takes over the MASS MoCA campus every other year. The band Wilco is the force behind this festival.

Levitate Music & Arts Festival (Marshfield Fairgrounds) on July 18-19

levitate music & arts festivalFeel-good festival known for its jam and reggae acts, but also newcomer musicians, live art work, a creators’ market, and more. We love that you can bring folding chairs and take a load off your feet to enjoy the music.

Nice, a fest 2026 (Davis Square, Somerville) on July 24-26

nice a fest

All ages festival; line-up to come.

Breakaway Music Festival (Worcester, indoors and outside) on Aug. 21-22

breakaway boston

Electronic dance music extravaganza, has versions across the country.

Past 2026 festivals…. [Read more…]

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My Gym opens in Wellesley Square with activities for babies and kids

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The landscape of youth fitness in Wellesley has a new addition as energetic as a kid before recess. My Gym Children’s Fitness Center has officially opened its doors, offering active play experiences and classes for children from as young as three months up to 10 years old. Located at the former We Rock the Spectrum space in Wellesley Square, My Gym, with over 600 franchised locations worldwide, is all about physical play and developmental growth.

My Gym, Wellesley
The Swellesley Report stopped into My Gym during one of the play spaces rare quiet moments.

Under the leadership of Ryan Debin, CEO and founder of Momentum Enterprises, this new location marks the eleventh My Gym under his corporate umbrella. Debin’s Momentum Enterprises, a Boston-based firm, includes a variety of fitness-oriented ventures such as adult fitness clubs and racquet sports. For Debin, the Wellesley opening is more than just a business expansion.

“Opening our eleventh My Gym location in Wellesley is an exciting milestone for Momentum Enterprises,” says Debin. “Everything we do is rooted in helping families feel connected, supported, and inspired.”

Let’s keep it moving, people

The core philosophy of My Gym is simple: keep kids moving. The curriculum is structured so that there is no sitting or waiting in line. Instead, children rotate through various stations with active supervision from trained instructors.

“Every kid loves the ball pit,” says Craig Semenza, director of operations. “The rock wall is a big hit with the older kids, and we also have the trampoline, which they love.” Semenza says a zip line is expected to be operational by the end of the month, pending the arrival of final safety components.

My Gym, Wellesley
Ball pit

Semenza is currently overseeing the Wellesley start-up, hiring staff and establishing the fun-and-safe vibe of the place. He’ll drop down from a full-time presence in Wellesley to occasional visits before he “slowly fades away” to allow the local team to lead.

Healthy body, healthy mind

The programming at My Gym is built around four core developmental pillars:

  • Cognitive Development:Focusing on following directions and creative problem-solving.
  • Physical Growth:Promoting strength, balance, and agility.
  • Emotional IQ: Building trust, confidence, and self-esteem.
  • Social Skills: Moving from parallel play to teamwork and fostering friendships.

For the youngest participants, the gym serves as a resource for caretakers as well. Semenza observed that parents and guardians often use the class time to discuss learning milestones and share parenting insights.

My Gym, Wellesley

Class structure and accessibility

To ensure safety and personalized attention, My Gym maintains capacity strict limits and instructor ratios. The facility is designed to be family-friendly, welcoming grandparents to participate or watch. There’s also a comfortable entry area with a sofa for parents who need to catch up on work while their children play.

There are no long-term contracts or membership fees, and families can start or pause their enrollment at any time.

For more information on class schedules or to book an introductory session, check out My Gym’s website.

My Gym, Wellesley
Rock wall/parallel bar
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Rotary Club, Taste of Wellesley

Wellesley town government meetings for week of April 6, 2026: Legal talk about MassBay proposal in exec session; Design Review of 16 Laurel

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A sampling of Wellesley, Mass., meetings and agenda items for the week of April 6, 2026:

Select Board (April 6, 6pm, high school)

Vote to Appoint Special Counsel to assist with Elective Pay and Inflation Reduction Act; Annual Town Meeting Preparation

Annual Town Meeting continues (April 6, 7pm, Wellesley High School)

Night #3 of town legislative body session.

Select Board (April 7. 4pm, high school)

Executive Session: M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3), to conduct strategy with respect to potential litigation regarding 40 Oakland Street; Executive Session: M.G.L c. 30A §21(a)(3) to conduct strategy with respect to negotiations with the Wellesley Free Library Staff Association and Wellesley Free Library Supervisor Association; Return to Open Session: Administrative Matters • Appoint Members to Affordable Housing Trust •  Annual Town Meeting Preparation

Design Review Board (April 8, 6:30pm, online)

Sign hearings for Rani Mahal restaurant, Sit Still Kids Salon; Major Construction at 16 Laurel Ave. (condo project)

Permanent Building Committee (April 9, 7:30pm, online)

Agenda to come

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Wellesley Symphony Orchestra, 2026

Great spring running events in Wellesley (and beyond)

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On your mark, get set, register! Spring is road race season, and Wellesley and area towns welcome runners of all talent levels for a host of runs. There’s still plenty of opportunity to train, so hop off that couch and put in the miles.

Don’t see your local road race listed here? Email theswellesleyreport@gmail.com for inclusion.

New Life 5k/10k—Medfield

DATE: Saturday, April 11, 2026
LOCATION: McCarthy Park & Fields, Medfield
DESCRIPTION: Course winds through tree-lined streets, past rolling fields, and along serene nature trails, offering a mix of paved roads and well-maintained paths. Runners will experience gentle hills and open stretches that showcase the town’s beauty, making for a dynamic and enjoyable race experience. Participants of all abilities—from seasoned runners to casual walkers—can enjoy a fun day out.
REGISTER HERE

Boston Marathon—comes right through Wellesley

DATE: Monday, Apr. 20, 2026
LOCATION: Starts in Hopkinton, ends on Boylston St., Boston
WATCH IN WELLESLEY: The runners will speed through Wellesley via Washington St. Great places to watch—we like the Wellesley College Scream Tunnel; Wellesley Square; in the Town Hall area; near the Hunnewell tennis courts; Sprague Clock Tower area; at the Rec Center.
DESCRIPTION: Although registration has closed for the storied 26.2-mile race, you can cheer on the runners and get inspired for next year.
DONATE to Wellesley runners supporting a variety of non profits.

JR’s Paws for a Cause Dog-Friendly 5k walk/run—Natick

DATE: Sunday, April 26, 2026
LOCATION: Natick High School Football Field parking lot (corner of Windsor Ave. and West St.)
DESCRIPTION: Proceeds go to various non-profits that benefit canines.
REGISTER HERE

Dana Chang Foundation 5k Run/1k Walk—Natick

DATE: Sunday, April 26, 2026
LOCATION: Walnut Hill School for the Arts, 12 Highland St., Natick
DESCRIPTION: The Dana Chang Foundation 5K Run/1K Walk is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about congenital heart conditions and the importance of early detection. This event honors the memory of Dana Chang, a young artist who passed away suddenly in 2024 from an undiagnosed heart condition, and supports programs that promote education, early screening, and community awareness.
REGISTER HERE

Walk to End Homelessness—Natick

DATE: Sunday, May 3, 2026
LOCATION: Natick High School, 15 West St.
DESCRIPTION: Join Family Promise Metrowest at Natick High School for a 2.3 mile walk to help raise funds and awareness about the impact of lack of affordable housing on families in our community. All funds raised support programs that help families stabilize their housing and build brighter futures.
PERKS: Food, music, and fun are free!
REGISTER HERE

NCLS Dragon’s Path & CAAN Newton AAPI 5K/1K Race

DATE: Sunday, May 10, 2026
LOCATION: 154 Wells Ave., Newton
DESCRIPTION: A joyful celebration of Mother’s Day, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, healthy living, and the vibrant spirit of our community! Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, all ages and abilities are welcome! Enjoy a flat, fast, tree-lined course along the scenic Wells Ave loop in Newton.
REGISTER HERE

Wonder Run—Wellesley

wonder-run-logoDATE: Sunday, May 17, 2026
START LOCATION: Wellesley High School track, 50 Rice St.
DESCRIPTION: The Wonder Run is a celebrated part of Wellesley Wonderful Weekend. Sponsored by the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club, hundreds of participants and great community support are anticipated again this year. Proceeds generated from the Wonder Run directly support community groups, scholarships for deserving local students, and grants to organizations and programs that provide education, enrichment, and essential services to the local population.
REGISTER HERE

Schofield 5k—Wellesley

DATE: Sunday, June 7, 2026
LOCATION: Schofield Elementary School, 27 Cedar St., Wellesley
REGISTER HERE
DESCRIPTION: 9:30m 5K (USATF Certified Course); 10:30am Kids Fun Run & Award Ceremony; 10:45am-12:45pm Fun Fair

Please help The Swellesley Report run with a tax-deductible donation.

 

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Wellesley in Bloom starts May 2!

Wellesley in Bloom starts May 2!