Clubs Archives - The Swellesley Report

Rotary Club of Wellesley seeks volunteers to help at “Farmer’s Market”

June 27, 2025 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

The Rotary Club of Wellesley is seeking community volunteers to help with food distributions sites during summer 2025. The Club will host a “Farmers Market” featuring fresh vegetables, fruits, and bread on eight Monday nights, beginning July 7, 6pm-8pm, for residents at Barton Road.

You can volunteer for one Monday or multiple Mondays to help host the Farmer’s Market, or to bag groceries in the Community Room at Barton Road, then deliver those bags to seniors living at 50-60 Grove St.

Please contact Andrea Kaiser at ccstpg@verizon.net

Wellesley Rotary Club, trees for Arbor Day — Wellesley Rotary Club volunteers

Community news: Wellesley Girl Scout sells 500-plus cookie boxes; Metrowest Women’s Fund ambassador named

June 22, 2025 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The latest Wellesley, Mass., community news:

Wellesley Girl Scout sells 500-plus cookie boxes

Wellesley Girl Scout Reagan Der, of Troop 63316, has earned special recognition for selling more than 500 packages of cookies. A portion of the cookies were donated to Needham’s Good Shepherd Hospice, specifically the pediatrics palliative care program that Der’s younger brother Wyatt had been a part of .

According to the scout, the cookie program offered entrepreneurial and other skills. The cookie sales helped earn the troop funds to use for an end-of-year special event.

Just over 500 Girl Scouts sold over 500 packages of cookies in 2024-25.

More information on Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts.

Metrowest Women’s Fund ambassador named

The Metrowest Women’s Fund, which focuses on the needs of women and girls in the area, has named Wellesley’s Christina Pavlina as a community ambassador.

The fund accepts grant applications annually for programs serving women and girls from low incomes. These range from programs focused on health, education, legal assistance, activities, and more.

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

National Charity League to run summer food drives for Wellesley Food Pantry

June 4, 2025 by admin

From the Wellesley Food Pantry

The National Charity League (NCL) is hosting several food drives to benefit the Pantry, in conjunction with Roche Bros., Wellesley over the summer:

Saturday, June 14
Saturday, July 19
Saturday, August 23

NCL food drives are generally from 9am-3pm. Purchase any wish list items and drop them off with the NCL volunteers on your way out.

You can also make a cash donation by using this link or by mailing a check payable to the Wellesley Food Pantry to Wellesley Food Pantry, 207 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02481. The Pantry is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and donations/contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Tax ID number is 45-0941804.

Wellesley Rotary Club fundraiser draws hundreds with local cuisine

May 28, 2025 by Deborah Brown

David Wade and Shannon Kelly were coChairs

raise close to $ 60 net

Over a dozen local restaurants brought their guaranteed crowd-pleaser dishes, 300 guests showed up hungry, and everyone has the Rotary Club of Wellesley to thank for this annual spring fundraiser.

Who doesn’t love dressing up and hitting the Wellesley Country Club for an evening of food, dancing, and schmoozing? David Wade, co-anchor of WBZ-TV news, brought some stardust to the event, and spoke about the real need many of our neighbors have for help with groceries—even in the leafy-green suburbs. Village Table Wellesley director Shannon Kelley also attended. Kelley, along with an army of volunteers, runs a food program created during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to the many who became food insecure during that time. Since then, the need has only increased.

Co-chairs David Wade and Shannon Kelley. Wade, co-anchor of WBZ-TV, spoke to the crowd in support of Taste of Wellesley. Kelly, director of Wellesley Village Table (hosted by Village Church), works with Rotary to help both organizations further their work in addressing food insecurity.

The hottest spots in town donated their guaranteed crowd-pleasers, served up with aplomb—filet mignon from Smith & Wollensky; oysters on the half shell from Captain Marden’s; crab cakes from black & blue Steak and Crab; sweet treats from Le Petit Four, and ice cream from Truly’s. Other local community-minded foodie businesses who participated included Alta Strada, Bocado, Caffe Nero, Captain Marden’s, Dryft, Fiorellas, Juniper, Katara, Lockheart, Papa Razzi, Pho Station, and Roche Bros.

The event netted over $60k, which will provide thousands of meals for low-income residents, and direct support to students of MassBay Community College, and organizations that support homeless veterans.

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Wellesley Kitchen & Home Tour was over-the-top as usual—just the way everyone likes it

May 8, 2025 by Deborah Brown

During a season of dreary, rainy weekends, the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club somehow managed to score the first profoundly beautiful spring Saturday for the Club’s annual Kitchen & Home Tour fundraiser. Wellesley’s leafy green streets were filled with excited tour goers who ditched their Hunters and high-rise jeans for strappy sandals and Saylor sundresses. It’s true, the Tour is always part gawking at over-the-top houses packed with all manner of amenities, and part fashion show.

Each of the six homes reflected what aesthetic heights a team of home-design gurus can achieve. Architects, interior designers, landscapers, builders, and more left their tasteful marks on every square inch of the homes. In one case, on every 7,932 square foot.

Co-chair Nidhi Modi said, “This year we selected a broad range of homes that highlighted a stunning range of styles—from the simplicity of minimalism to bold use of color, pattern, and texture. Another unique aspect of this year’s tour was that we featured homes for growing families and also empty nesters, who designed something that was true to their own unique lifestyle.”

The $75 tour tickets provided design inspiration, a look at the latest trends, and perhaps a bit of envy.

If the Tour snuck up on you this year, that’s no surprise. Tickets went on sale in mid-March, and were gone in under an hour. Seriously. If you want a chance at tickets next year, you’ll have to camp out on the Juniors’ socials next year for word on the tickets release date.

Funds raised through Kitchen and Home Tour ticket sales, along with proceeds from the Club’s other events throughout the year, also enabled the Juniors to award over $228,000 this spring in scholarships for deserving local students and grants to organizations that provide education, enrichment, and essential services to the community.

Here are a few of the beautiful homes we had the opportunity to admire. Thanks to all the homeowners who let the washed masses tromp through their private living spaces.

Cliff Estates gambrel

Wellesley Kitchen Tour, 37 Cypress Rd. — This gracious gambrel-style home in Cliff Estates was custom built in 2024 by Back Bay Development Group

Beauty on the Charles River

Kitchen Tour, Wellesley, 216 Winding River Rd. — The home, situated on the banks of the Charles River, was designed by a team from Jacob Lilley Architects, JW Construction, and Kate Kelley Design.

Not exactly how the colonists did it

Wellesley is home to many Colonial-style homes. This one, built in 2015 and renovated by Jacob Lilley Architects, JW Construction, and Nicole Hirsch Interiors combines elegance and modernity.

Kitchen Tour, Wellesley, 52 Westgate Rd. — Custom rug by Art + Loom in Miami; custom coffee table by Robert James. Above the fireplace, textile art by Lauren Williams. The blue lacquer console is by Dune.

What’s next for Juniors

Wonder Run 5K and Kids Fun Run, taking place as part of Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend! REGISTER HERE.
This family-friendly event promises a day of fitness, fun, and community spirit. The Wonder Run 5K is a USATF-certified course, offering a scenic route through Wellesley, starting and finishing at the Wellesley High School track. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering, everyone is welcome to join in the excitement.
Wellesley Marketplace, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at Wellesley High School
The premier juried artisan gift show is considered Wellesley’s official kick-off to the holiday season. Over 200 shopkeepers and artists—local and from around the country—convene at WHS as 2,500 shoppers browse and buy.

Interested in joining the WHJWC? Learn more about the Club here.

Join Wellesley Neighbors today for caring, connection, community

April 25, 2025 by admin

SPONSORED CONTENT: Wellesley Neighbors is a membership organization that makes life more connected, more enjoyable, and a whole lot easier for older adults. It’s a welcoming, low-pressure community where members regularly gather for shared meals, museum visits, local outings, and lively conversations. If you’ve recently retired or moved to the area, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to fill your calendar with interesting, easy-to-join activities. Whether it’s a group dinner, a cultural excursion, or a discussion group, just register and show up. It’s a great way to stay engaged and make new friends.

Wellesley Neighbors, Boston Marathon — Wellesley Neighbors cheer on runners at the Boston Marathon.

The benefits go beyond social connections. Need a ride to the doctor or help getting online? Friendly, dependable volunteers are ready to lend a hand. And when you’re looking for a trusted plumber, electrician, or even a good housekeeper, you’ll have access to a curated list of local professionals—all vetted by the community and recommended by fellow members. It’s like having a personal support team, just a phone call away.

With Wellesley Neighbors, you can stay in the home and neighborhood you love while gaining a community, a full calendar of social events, helpful services, and genuine connections. Join Wellesley Neighbors today. Membership information here. Affordable Access membership options are available.

Wellesley Neighbors, Natick Historical Society — Wellesley Neighbors tour the Natick Historical Society museum.

At Wellesley Neighbors, membership goes both ways. While you enjoy the support and camaraderie of the community, you can also give back as much as you choose. Many members find fulfillment by volunteering to assist fellow members, whether it’s offering a ride, helping with errands, or providing a friendly check-in. Volunteering not only strengthens the fabric of the community but also creates meaningful connections and a sense of purpose. It’s a wonderful way to stay active, share your time and talents, and make a direct impact in the lives of others who may need a little extra support.

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