Save the date (May 18): Wellesley High’s Young Ethnic Scholars Club invites you to International Night

May 12, 2026 by admin Leave a Comment

The Young Ethics Scholars Club is hosting its International Night event on Monday, May 18, 6-7pm at the Wellesley High School cafeteria.

International Night is a celebration of cultures from around the world. Throughout the evening, students will showcase their talents through spoken poetry, singing, dancing, and other performances. They will also have food from many different cultures for everyone to try.

The event is meant to bring people together and create a welcoming community where students can share their culture and learn more about others. Whether people come with friends, family, or alone, everyone will be welcomed and accepted.

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

Wellesley Wonderful Weekend—here’s the entire schedule

May 12, 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.

Pups in the Park Returns to Wellesley Wonderful Weekend

May 9, 2026 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

SPONSORED CONTENT: There is something special about the way dogs bring people together.

On Saturday, May 16, during Wellesley Wonderful Weekend, the Rotary Club of Wellesley will once again host Pups in the Park, a joyful celebration of dogs, community, and compassion at Hunnewell Field.

Wellesley Rotary, Pups in the Park. Officer Tana DiCenso & Winnie

The event invites families, dog lovers, and curious passersby to enjoy an afternoon filled with wagging tails and smiling faces. Highlights include a dog parade and costume contest, fun dog competitions, a photo booth, kids’ face painting, live music, a vendor market, and plenty of treats for both humans and pups.

One of the most exciting additions this year is a Ride-Along Raffle. One lucky Wellesley student will win a memorable ride to school on the first day of the new school year with Officer DiCenso and Winnie, the Wellesley Police Department’s beloved canine companion.

Beyond the fun, the event also supports an important cause. Proceeds from Pups in the Park benefit the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), a global organization dedicated to rescuing animals and protecting wildlife around the world.

For organizers, the heart of the event is simple: celebrating the connection between people and animals while bringing neighbors together.

Wellesley Pups in the Park — Boy with freshly painted face and his dog

“Dogs have a way of reminding us what community looks like,” said event organizer Linda Tighe. “They get us outside, they connect us with each other, and they bring joy wherever they go. Pups in the Park is really about celebrating that spirit.”

Dogs are welcome (of course), and attendees without dogs are equally encouraged to come enjoy the festivities.

More information and registration details can be found at WellesleyRotary.org.

Get tickets now for special Wellesley Wonderful Weekend concert

April 29, 2026 by admin

EVENT: Concert, “Voices and Songs of Liberty—A Patriotic Concert Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of America”

SPONSOR: Celebrations Committee as part of Wellesley Wonderful Weekend

DATE/TIME: Thursday, May 14, 7:30pm-9pm

LOCATION: Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, 207 Washington Street

Buy tickets, click here

DETAILS: Concert by Wellesley Symphony Orchestra; Wellesley Town Band; Wellesley Choral Society; and special guest soloist, Ayla Brown

Concert Program

PART I: BOSTON AND SURROUNDING TOWNS: A NATION FOR LIBERTY

Wellesley Symphony Orchestra
I. Overture: Boston, A City of Argument
II. Benjamin Franklin: The Mind
III. Samuel Adams: The Spark
IV. Abigail Adams: The Conscience
V. Collision: Ideas Become Action
VI. Toward Independence
VII. Coda: What Boston Gave the World

PART II: A NATION INHERITED

Wellesley Town Band, Wellesley Choral Society
America the Beautiful
Concert note: lyrics by Katharine Lee Bates—Wellesley’s own Katharine Lee Bates (1859-1929) graduated from Wellesley High School; wrote “America the Beautiful,”; worshiped at Wellesley Hills Congregational Church; and taught at Dana Hall School, and Wellesley College.

Shenandoah
This Land is Your Land
Simple Gifts
My Country ‘Tis of Thee

PART III: special appearance by soloist Ayla Brown

Our National Anthem will be performed by Ayla Brown, an American Idol TV show finalist who first sang in Wellesley as a teenager at Wellesley’s Annual Town Picnic stage two decades ago. Since then, she has appeared at some of the nation’s most iconic venues and events, including Monday Night Football, the Orange Bowl, presidential debates, the Boston Pops Orchestra, and for all of Boston’s professional sports teams.

Pride of America (song and lyrics by Ayla Brown)
Liberty Bell
Stars and Stripes Forever

More on Wellesley Wonderful Weekend

Wellesley Wonderful Weekend honors those veterans who served our country and also recognizes those organizations and people who serve our community. The theme of the special weekend is the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of America.

The weekend officially kicks-off on Thursday, May 14 with the concert described above. Get tickets today.

View the entire schedule here—you won’t want to miss a thing.

Wellesley event to address domestic abuse in community

April 27, 2026 by admin

Rooting for the future: a Wellesley tradition continues

April 26, 2026 by Deborah Brown

A dedicated group of two dozen volunteers gathered this week to uphold one of Wellesley’s most enduring traditions to mark Arbor Day. Participants gathered to bag and tag 400 Willow Oak saplings, each destined for the hands of a Wellesley fourth-grade student.

Wellesley Rotary, Arbor Day 2026 — Thank you to the volunteers—they’re sturdy as an oak, flexible as a willow.
Harrison Shaw, Phyllis Theerman, Lucy Costa, Fred Wright, Kip Dole, Paul Simard, Ashley Denton, Susie Perkins, Vin Spoto, Liz Becker, Donna Armentano, Star Zabriskie, Barbara Myles, Don McCauley, Karen Celi,Angela Organos and 3 Fourth Graders, Frank Rowbotham, Martha Collins, Josephine Okun, John Bradica, Tory DeFazio, Karen Bernardo

For over fifty years, the Rotary Club of Wellesley has spearheaded this initiative, ensuring that the students each receive a tree of their own to plant and nurture. This annual rite of passage not only beautifies the town but serves as a living lesson in environmental responsibility and community service.

This year’s efforts were bolstered by a partnership with Harrison Shaw, owner of Bartlett Tree Experts. Shaw is one of Rotary’s newest members, and his company donated this year’s 400 Willow Oaks, helping to keep this decades-old tradition thriving. Harrison then led the volunteer crew through the process of preparing the saplings for their upcoming distribution to the kids.

The success of this project relies heavily on the hands-on support of local residents. The Rotary Club gives a big “thank you” to the many volunteers who gave their time yesterday to ensure the next generation of Wellesley citizens can put down roots—literally.

Just reading about all this effort makes us hungry. You too? Then be sure to attend Rotary’s Taste of Wellesley Fundraiser on Wednesday, May 20, 6:30-9pm, at the Wellesley Country Club. Enjoy a wonderful evening of dinner, dancing, and drinks as over 15 of Wellesley’s best restaurants come together to help Rotary fight food insecurity. BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY.

Volunteers needed for Dressing of the Graves in Wellesley

April 24, 2026 by admin

The Veterans Services department is seeking volunteers to help place American flags on Veteran graves in Wellesley in preparation for Memorial Day.

The annual Dressing of the Graves event recognizes the bravery and sacrifice of departed individuals who served our country.

Dressing of the Graves will take place Thursday, May 7, 3pm, at Woodlawn Cemetery, 148 Brook Street. Volunteers should meet at the flag pole. Supplies are provided by the West Suburban Veterans District. No registration required.

Dressing of the Graves, Wellesley — Friends of Wellesley Veterans Board Member Chris Cavallerano instructs members of the Wellesley Lacrosse Team prior to placing flags on all veterans’ graves at Woodlawn Cemetery. Photo by Friends of Wellesley Veterans.

Get ready: Wellesley Wonderful Weekend 2026 is just around the corner

April 10, 2026 by Deborah Brown

Honor our local heroes

At its heart, Wellesley Wonderful Weekend is about honoring those who have served. As always, the Celebration Committee invites everyone to recognize the veterans who have defended our country, and the organizations that serve our community every day.

If you are a Wellesley Veteran, the Committee wants you to be a part of the festivities. All local veterans are encouraged to sign up here to participate in the parade, join the reviewing stand, or attend the special reception.

Join the march

The Wellesley Veterans’ Parade is a massive undertaking that traditionally brings the entire town to the streets. In past years, the parade has featured over 104 units, 14 bands, and more than 2,500 participants.

The Celebrations Committee is now accepting registrations for groups that want to march in this year’s milestone event. Whether you represent a local organization, a youth group, or a community service club, now is the time to register and join the ranks of those celebrating Wellesley’s spirit.

Your community “to-do” list

To make this weekend happen, the Celebrations Committee relies on the generosity and participation of residents. Here is how you can get involved today:

Donate to the cause: Please contribute to the event fund. Every donation goes toward supporting the parade and the various community activities held throughout the weekend. Donate today to help recognize those who serve.
Register to march in the parade.
Vote on parade balloons: The Committee has already begun inviting the public to vote on which balloons will soar through the streets this year. Vote here.
Clear your calendar: Wellesley Wonderful Weekend will take place Friday, May 15 – Sunday, May 17. From the Picnic in the Park to the fireworks spectacular at Hunnewell Field, you won’t want to miss a single moment of the fun.