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The Swellesley Report

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

  • Restaurants, sponsored by black & blue
  • Camps, sponsored by NEOC
  • Wellesley Square
  • Private Schools, sponsored by Prepped and Polished
  • Public Schools, sponsored by Sexton
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  • School news
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  • Deaths
  • Housing
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Top Stories

Special Town Meeting on May 11 to focus on future MassBay land use/housng/forest
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Save the date—annual Plunge for Elodie is Saturday, April 4

March 30, 2026 by admin

Plunge for Elodie, WellesleyThe annual Plunge for Elodie is BACK!

This 9th annual event to help fight Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare genetic disorder, will include music (including live music from students at Wellesley’s Bach to Rock music school); Chick-fil-A; and of course, the big plunge into the refreshing waters of Morses Pond.

WHERE: Morses Pond, Turner Rd., Wellesley, MA

WHEN: Saturday, April 4th @10:30am, rain or shine

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: For all those taking the Plunge, please complete this waiver online prior to the event. Arrive ready to take the plunge with your plunge suit under the clothes you wear to the event. Don’t forget to bring towels, a warm change of clothes, a plastic bag for wet clothing, and comfy shoes that are easy to slip on. Swim caps will be provided! ALL ages are welcome, there is no fee to Plunge, and it’s a wonderful event for families to participate in on Easter weekend.

Meet Elodie

Plunge for Elodie, Wellesley
Elodie and supporters pump up for The Plunge

On July 15, 2016, Elodie was born with a rare genetic disorder called Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). This disease means that Elodie is missing a critical protein that helps bind the layers of the skin together, making her skin extremely fragile. Her skin will break or blister frequently, with everyday contact. There are no cures for this disease right now.

Despite all of this and the resulting pain and discomfort from her disease, Elodie remains a happy, well-adjusted kid—she thrives at school, loves all things princess, has a burgeoning sense of humor, and is the best older sister to her brother Gus.

In short, she is the sweetest little girl in the world. We could all learn so much from this beautiful 9-year-old warrior. She inspires everyone around her to fight every day for much-needed treatment, and ultimately a cure. Please donate to the cause. All donations benefit the EB Research Partnership, the largest non-profit dedicated to funding research aimed at treating and ultimately curing EB.

Filed Under: Charity/Fundraising

     

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Rotary Club of Wellesley runs Repair Café, keeps items out of landfill

March 24, 2026 by admin

Thanks to the Rotary Club of Wellesley for this dispatch from the club’s Repair Café event.

The Rotary Club of Wellesley last Saturday helped keep numerous items out of the landfill at the annual hands-on Repair Café event.

If it’s broke, fix it—stuff Rotary made whole

  • many lamps
  • an electric scooter
  • a paper shredder
  • a blue ray drive
  • 2 cassette players
  • a rice cooker
  • a radio tuner
  • a screen door (complete with road trip)
  • a vacuum cleaner power cord

Thanks to a great effort from volunteer Repair Coaches Fred Bunger, Bill Westerman, James McLaren, Doug Ling, Charlie Tyler, and helpers Edith Paley, Frank Rowbotham, Kip Dole, and Dan Larochelle. The coaches also showed several attendees how to fix the things they brought.

Repair Cafe, Wellesley
Fred Bunger and Martha Pott with a fixed floor lamp.

Wellesley Librarian Marissa Jorgensen brought samples of reference materials, several tools from the Library of Things, and fun puzzles to take home. All the participants had a great time and enjoyed helping each other figure out how to fix things.

Thanks to all those who donated to help fund future Repair Cafés.


Next on Rotary’s plate—dinner

Join Rotary Club at their annual Taste of Wellesley Spring Culinary Fundraiser, an exquisite evening of food, a cash bar, and live music. Sample the best dishes of 17 Wellesley restaurants, catch up with friends, listen to music and relax under the stars! Proceeds will benefit a variety of causes aimed at helping reduce food insecurity in the community.

Tickets here.

Filed Under: Charity/Fundraising, Clubs

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CEO of Goodwill sends thanks to Wellesley for huge donations in 2025

March 13, 2026 by admin

To the editor:

I am writing to thank the residents of Wellesley for demonstrating their community spirit and commitment to sustainability by donating nearly 300,000 pounds of clothing and household goods to Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries in 2025.

Goodwill is a community-based nonprofit that relies on these donations to support its mission. Each year, it provides job training and career services to help thousands of individuals with barriers to self-sufficiency to achieve independence and dignity through work.

The donation site is located at the Wellesley Recycling and Disposal Facility at 169 Great Plain Avenue.

Everyone has items to donate and I am deeply grateful to each Wellesley resident who chooses to donate them to Goodwill. You make a difference.

Sincerely,

Joanne K. Hilferty
President and CEO
Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries

Filed Under: Charity/Fundraising, Letters to the Editor

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Runner finishing off all Wellesley’s streets & trails as part of Boston Marathon training

March 4, 2026 by Bob Brown

kevin clark run

What’s a mere 26.2 miles along the Boston Marathon course cheered on by thousands of people once you’ve already knocked off all 189 miles of Wellesley’s streets and trails, many by yourself and sometimes in a couple feet of snow?

First-time Boston Marathoner and 21-year Wellesley resident Kevin Clark is about to find out come Marathon Day on April 20.

Like many local runners, the pandemic initially inspired Clark to explore more of the town just as a way to get out of the house and do something. Then he kept going and going and going…

Now he’s 86% through all of Wellesley’s streets and trails—and when we say all, we mean all. He’s not just dipping a toe onto a street and calling it done. He’s running the full street or trail.

“I’ve enjoyed visiting neighborhoods I never knew including Standish and Sheridan Estates, along with the trails leading to our neighborhood schools. I enjoy seeing the look on people’s faces when I come through on dead ends and cul de sacs that see little traffic or strangers,” Clark says. “I once worked as a milkman and I like to run to all our public schools on a run I call the “Milkman’s Route.”I also was surprised to find some steep hills tucked in throughout the town and forests.”

Clark is running the Boston Marathon in memory of his and his wife’s son Harry and on behalf of the Community Fund for Wellesley, which provides essential grants to address both emergent and ongoing needs within the Wellesley community. Clark hopes you’ll contribute to the cause to provide him with extra incentive to finish all the Wellesley miles and then crank out a fast Boston Marathon in April.


Contribute to Kevin Clark’s Boston Marathon run on behalf of the Community Fund for Wellesley


Both goals have been extra challenging during this snowy and icy winter with “many sidewalks impassable or sketchy,” Clark says.

Clark has used an app called Wandrer to track his miles across Wellesley. It gamifies things by awarding points for new roads and trails covered. It also sync with Strava, a popular app that Clark uses to track various activities.

Related: More Boston Marathon bios of Wellesley runners raising funds for good causes.

Filed Under: Boston Marathon, Charity/Fundraising

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Wellesley charity runners: Share your 2026 Boston Marathon profile

February 4, 2026 by admin

We’ve created a page featuring profiles of those from Wellesley who are taking part in the 2026 Boston Marathon on April 20 for a charity as well as those who are participating for a Wellesley charity.

Fill out this form if you’d like us to include your bio and a link to your fundraising page on our site.

We’re also very happy to hear from anyone taking part in the race in any way if you’ve got a great story to tell: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

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Filed Under: Boston Marathon, Charity/Fundraising

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Wellesley’s 2026 Boston Marathon charity runners

Many Wellesley-ites are registered to take part in the 2026 Boston Marathon on April 20. Some have qualified by posting fast times in previous races, while others are participating to raise funds for charities in Wellesley and beyond.

Here’s a form you can fill out if you’d like us to include your Boston Marathon profile (including a link to your fundraising site) on this page. Please, only those who either live in Wellesley, or who are taking part in the race for a Wellesley charity, should fill this out. We’ll try to get entries added to this page within a day or two of receiving them.

We’re also happy to hear from anyone taking part in the race in any way if you’ve got a great story to tell: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com


Will Wiegman

Will Wiegman

Charity & fundraising page: Wellesley Friendly Aid

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: I am honored to run for this organization because it is determined that all people from Wellesley get a taste of how loving this community is through material resources and just the gesture alone. I also am happy to raise funds for children to have the opportunity to participate in camps through the Wellesley Recreation Department which I was a camper in as a kid and also worked for as a tennis instructor for four years.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? 0

Fun fact about your running: I ran a 16-mile race in New Hampshire during the first blizzard of the year.


Omar Dominick Flores

 Omar Flores runner

Charity & fundraising page:  Cradles to Crayons

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: I’m Omar, I’m from Washington, D.C., and I’m a junior at Babson College. I feel incredibly blessed to be running the Boston Marathon this year for Cradles to Crayons. Having watched the marathon for the past two years, I knew this was something I wanted to do before graduating, and being able to run for such an impactful cause makes it even more meaningful. Cradles to Crayons works to provide children with the clothing and essentials they need to thrive with confidence and dignity. Every donation goes toward supporting that mission, and I’m so grateful for any support along the way.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? None

Fun fact about your running: I love to run without headphones and sometimes if I need some stimulus I start pretending that I am running from animals.


Jennifer Neundorfer

Jennifer Neundorfer runner

Charity & fundraising page:  Wellesley Education Foundation

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: I’ve wanted to run the Boston marathon for a number of years – when I saw the email about running to support WEF, I knew this was the cause I wanted to support! I am a proud Wellesley public schools graduate – I attended Fiske, Wellesley Middle School and Wellesley High School (class of 1999). In 2019 I moved back to Wellesley, and I am now a Wellesley public schools parent – I have a 5th and 3rd grader at Fiske. As a WPS parent, I see WEF’s impact on our schools, teachers, and students. It’s been incredible to see our teachers testing new innovative learning modules with WEF grants, and then hear from my children how much they learned or how they enjoyed them. I wholeheartedly support WEF’s mission of supporting curiosity, creativity and learning for all – it’s this spirit that makes Wellesley Public Schools such an amazing school system and community. I am incredibly proud to support WEF with my marathon run.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? This will be my first!

Fun fact about your running: I was running on a particularly cold day this January, and when I bit into my energy chew I popped out a crown on one of my front teeth. I finished the rest of my training run and ran straight to my amazing dentist here in Wellesley on Walnut Street (Dr. Tina Wang from Premier Dental Group). She immediately took me in, fixed my tooth, and 15 minutes later I was doing my cool down run back to my house.


Stephen Forasté

Aly and Steve on Boylston Street 2004 Boston Marathon - Stephen Foraste

Charity & fundraising page: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: I am again honored to be toeing the line in April for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. I very much appreciate all the encouragement and donations friends and family have made over the years. Your support helps provide crucial resources for research, advocacy, and services for individuals living with MS. In the 23 years since Aly and I began running for MS some amazing developments have occurred in MS research. Back then, there were only a couple of drugs, with potentially serious side effects, making dose decisions quite difficult. Now there are 28 drugs to help alleviate a variety of symptoms for both Relapsing and Progressive MS. Even better, drugs are now under trial to repair MS damage. While this is amazing progress, unfortunately, none of these treatments fully cures MS – yet… MS affects more people everyday. Some are teammates who began running in honor of parents, and are now themselves patients. The MS Society, with your help, continues to fund research to find a cure and end this disease forever. Please join me in continuing to support this important tradition we began to honor Aly’s mom, and those who continue to live with MS today. The marathon, with your help, is the opportunity to be part of something far bigger than one’s self; it offers a sense of the power to make a difference. Thank you again for your support and I look forward to hearing from you!

How many Boston Marathons have you run? 17

Fun fact about your running: My wife and I were introduced to Wellesley through the Boston Marathon. We were dating back when we were training for our first Boston, and running through town made us both think, “someday…” Not too many years later we moved to Wellesley with our twins.


Roland Ordovas

 roland ordovas runner

Charity & fundraising page:  Wellesley Council on Aging

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: Hi! My name is Roland Ordovas and am honored to be running the Boston Marathon 2026 to support the programs and services provided to Wellesley seniors by the Wellesley Council on Aging. As a Wellesley resident with my wife and two daughters, this cause is deeply personal to me. The Council on Aging plays a vital role in our community by helping older adults stay active, connected, and supported through essential services, social programs, and wellness initiatives. Their work not only enhances the quality of life for seniors, but also strengthens an entire vibrant community. Running Boston for the town of Wellesley as a resident is both an honor and a challenge I am proud to take on. Please consider making a donation and sharing this page — every contribution, no matter the size, helps ensure Wellesley seniors continue to receive the care, resources, and connections they deserve.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? First timer!

Fun fact about your running: 3 NYC Marathons down, Boston could not be missing! All that snowy mileage is paying off … the unicorn is calling


Julianne O’Leary

Julianne O’Leary runner

Charity & fundraising page: Wellesley Food Pantry

Why you’re running for this cause/organization:  We never truly know what others are going through and food insecurity can affect any of us. Helping our neighbors who may be struggling is one way to help us all grow and thrive! Every mile is a reminder that small efforts add up, and if my running can help bring awareness and support to neighbors who need it, then it’s miles well spent.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? This is my first.

Fun fact about your running: I consider myself a novice runner but have always dreamed of experiencing Boston. I have lived in three of the towns along the route and have ties to every other town! I remember handing out orange slices to the runners while watching the race as a kid. I grew up watching so many friends and family tackle this historic feat.


Kerrie Jacoby

KBJ_ - Kerrie Bourque runner

Charity & fundraising page: Samaritans

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: I’ve lost two friends to suicide, and that loss has made it painfully clear to me how often mental health struggles go unseen and unspoken. When I reflect on how many people in my own life have been impacted by suicide, it underscores just how urgent this issue is and how vital organizations like Samaritans are. My hope is that by running and raising awareness for Samaritans, I can be part of changing the narrative so that even one person feels a little more seen, a little more supported, and a little less alone.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? I have not run a full marathon before so Boston will be my very first and I truly can’t imagine a more meaningful race. I have always wanted to run a marathon and Boston being my home makes it even more special, all while having the opportunity to run for a charity that is so close to me.


Kevin Clark

Kevin Clark running

Charity & fundraising page: Community Fund for Wellesley

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: I’m running in memory of our son, Harry Clark, and the great organizations supporting our town made possible throgh the generosity of the Community Fund for Wellesley including Art Wellesley, Community Investors, Dignity Matters, Land’s Sake Farm, Minding Your Mind, Village Table Wellesley, Wellesley A Better Chance, Wellesley Conservation Land Trust, and the Wellesley Food Pantry.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? 0

Fun fact about your running: As I train for Boston, I’m also running every street and trail in Wellesley. I’ve completed 164 unique miles out of 189 total miles in Wellesley. I will close out the remainder before the Marathon and welcome people to sponsor me to both finish lines.


Caitlin Welsh

Caitlin Welsh with Seton residence client

Charity/non-profit & fundraising page: Elizabeth Seton Residence

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: Since I joined the Elizabeth Seton Residence team as a physical therapist this past August, I have been blessed to be a part of a wonderful community that cares deeply about its residents and their wellbeing. It has always been a dream of mine to run the Boston Marathon, and to get the chance to run for the benefit of the patients I work with every day is an absolute dream come true.

 


Marian Derryberry

Marian Derryberry running

Charity & fundraising page: 

Wellesley Scholarship Foundation

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: This is my 11th marathon and 23rd year as a special educator at Wellesley High School. I have taught many students whose lives have been touched by the support of Wellesley Scholarship Foundation and it is incredibly meaningful to run on behalf of an organization that opens doors for all Wellesley High School grads. Running helps me to be a better teacher and teaching helps me to be a better runner! I’m thrilled to be able to combine my two passions by running this year’s Boston Marathon!

How many Boston Marathons have you run? 0

Fun fact about your running: I didn’t start running until I turned 45!


Lisa Tuyen

Lisa Tuyen running

Charity & fundraising page: Cotting School

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: I’m running for Cotting School because every child deserves to be seen, supported, and believed in. Cotting serves students with complex needs, giving them not just education, but dignity, confidence, and hope. Your support helps provide therapies, specialized instruction, and opportunities that truly change lives. Every donation is a step toward a future where these students can thrive.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? 0

Fun fact about your running: I started running because of a bet… and somehow it turned into marathons and meaningful causes. This time, every mile has a purpose—supporting the incredible students and families at Cotting School.


Alden Huang

Alden Huang

Charity & fundraising page: Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: I’m Alden, I’m from Wellesley, Massachusetts and a senior at Babson College. I’m super fortunate and grateful to be running the Boston Marathon this year as a part of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) team. My family has been involved with MDSC for years. This incredible organization works tirelessly to advocate for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, helping to create a more inclusive and supportive community. Every dollar raised will contribute towards their educational programs, resources, and opportunities for individuals to thrive. All donations are deeply appreciated, together let’s promote inclusion and awareness!

How many Boston Marathons have you run? 0

Fun fact about your running: I ran cross country and track all four years at Wellesley High School (2018-2022)


Daniel Venuto

Daniel Venuto

Charity & fundraising page: Friends of Wellesley METCO, Inc.

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: My direct connection stems from my wife, a dedicated teacher at Sprague Elementary who has been a consistent collaborator with the METCO program since the start of her teacher career. This year she took on the role to host the Late Day program once a month at her school. She loves getting to run this program and work with students of all ages. Through her insights, I have learned about the exceptional students and the substantial benefits that the METCO program provides. This program offers Boston students access to a more individualized education, crucial resources they might otherwise lack in Boston Public Schools, and enriching academic summer programs. My goal in running is to raise funds that will surpass the minimum and increase access for more students to these vital programs and to build upon the already commendable work that METCO is accomplishing.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? 0

Fun fact about your running: I began my running journey by starting with 5k’s over summer 2025 and have rapidly increased my miles over the last seven months. I started my running journey last summer with my wife (who is also running her first Boston marathon in April). We are now running over 10 miles on our Saturday mornings, and we just signed up for our fist half marathon this winter. We have been working extremely hard to accomplish this goal of crossing the finish line on Boylston Street. We have been running 3 times a week, working out at home and the gym on non-running days, and eating right to maintain energy and motivation. Every week we continue to push ourselves to prove that we can accomplish this goal together.


Greg Williams

Greg Williams

Charity & fundraising page: Sustainable Wellesley

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: Promoting sustainability has become a significant personal and professional priority for me, as I want to do my part to protect the world that my girls are going to inherit; ‘Think global, act local’… Sustainable Wellesley is a great advocate for sustainability at the local level!

How many Boston Marathons have you run? This is my first!

Fun fact about your running: I was a pole vaulter in high school and college! Running track was what got me started as a runner, and I participated in triathlons and various running races (including Hood to Coast, an amazing relay race from the top of Mount Hood to the coast of Oregon) for most of my 30s.


Nicole Cavallaro

Nicole Cavallaro Running

Charity & fundraising page: Wellesley Community Children’s Center (WCCC)

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: I’m running to support Wellesley Community Children’s Center because I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it is for families. Both of my children have grown, learned, and built confidence through WCCC’s programs, and as a Board member I also see how critical fundraising is to providing scholarships and enriching experiences for all children. Running the Boston Marathon is a personal milestone for me, and I’m proud to pair that goal with helping ensure more local kids have access to this incredible community resource.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? This will be my first!

Fun fact about your running: This will be my third marathon — I previously ran LA in college and Providence after graduating. I like to joke that I don’t actually enjoy running, yet somehow I keep signing up for marathons. Growing up in this area, Boston has always been the one I wanted to do, and I’m excited to finally run it!


Jenifer Liu

Jenifer Liu running

Charity & fundraising page: Friends of Wellesley Veterans

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: My grandfather was a WWII veteran, and I grew up surrounded by his air force community. I have always admired the bravery, discipline and sacrifice of our service members, and it is a privilege for me to honor and recognize those who have fought for our freedom and served our country from the town of Wellesley.

How many Boston Marathons have you run?  This will be my first.

Fun fact about your running: I ran my first marathon 6 weeks pregnant with my third child. She’s now 9 years old and quite athletic, although she prefers dancing to running.


Michael Higgins

Michael S. Higgins running

Charity & fundraising page: Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries

Why you’re running for this cause/organization:  I am supporting the Friends of Wellesley Free Libraries by running in the 130th Boston Marathon! Having grown up in Wellesley Hills, I spent lots of time at the main building on Washington St. and the Hills Branch nearby my childhood home. The library was such a wonderful place to do schoolwork with classmates and explore the collections of books to expand my literary horizons. Our library is more than just a building filled with books; it’s a vibrant community hub where residents connect, learn, and explore. I am raising funds to help keep this valuable resource thriving, ensuring that everyone in our community can access information, culture, and new ideas.

How many Boston Marathons have you run?  0

Fun fact about your running: Goal to run in all 7 continents—have 6 down so far!


Neil Houston

Neil Houston

Charity & fundraising page:  World of Wellesley

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: Growing up in Wellesley and attending public school, I am proud to run the Boston Marathon for World of Wellesley. Since 1990, this organization has been instrumental in building a more welcoming community focused on diversity and inclusion. Every year growing up, my family would walk to the town center to support marathon runners from all over the world. It was inspiring to see people united toward a shared goal, while striving to achieve their personal best. After completing my medical training in dermatology, my wife and I returned to Wellesley to raise our family and give back to the community. It is a dream to have my children continue the tradition of watching the marathon while supporting their dad. The work of World of Wellesley ensures they will grow up in a more welcoming, diverse, and open community.

How many Boston Marathons have you run?  0

Fun fact about your running: Lots of my training runs are done with my 2-year-old in a stroller.


Ryan Connon

Ryan Connon Boston Marathon

Charity & fundraising page:  Wellesley ABC

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: While attending Wellesley High School, I saw firsthand the impact of Wellesley ABC Scholars on both the students involved and the broader community. As peers, it was meaningful to see additional students receive mentorship and guidance while navigating their time at Wellesley High School, and Wellesley ABC was a special organization to witness and engage with. Since my time in high school, I have continued to see the program’s lasting impact through the dedication of its leadership and volunteers, as well as the powerful stories that have emerged from the program. The opportunity to support such a great organization and help provide life skills for tomorrow’s leaders is an honor, and I am grateful to contribute in the small way I can through fundraising and raising awareness.

How many Boston Marathons have you run?  This is my first Boston Marathon

Fun fact about your running: I have had the opportunity to participate in the Falmouth Road Race, the B.A.A. Medley Relay and Half Marathon, the Nantucket Triathlon, and the Cambridge Half Marathon. During my runs, I typically listen to audiobooks or podcasts for the first 75% of the distance, then switch to music toward the end for an extra boost of energy. Living in Boston’s North End, I especially enjoy running along the Charles River Esplanade.


Charlie Katsikaris

Charlie Katsikaris

Charity & fundraising page:  Wellesley Neighbors 

Why you’re running for this cause/organization:  Growing up working for my Dad at Fells Market right here in Wellesley I would see and develop relationships with some of the sweetest elderly people. After seeing the service that Wellesley Neighbors provides I knew this was a charity that hit home for me. Giving back to this community feels like a full circle moment and what better way to do it then by running the Boston Marathon.

How many Boston Marathons have you run?  0

Fun fact about your running: I have run 1 marathon before this and three half marathons and even one triathlon!


Aaron Thomas

Aaron Thomas, runner

Charity & fundraising page:  Golf Fights Cancer

Why you’re running for this cause/organization:  Almost everyone I know has been impacted either directly or indirectly by cancer and I wanted to fundraise for an organization that helps so many people in need of support as they battle cancer. I also grew up in Newton going to the marathon every year and this is my last chance to run it before I turn 50.

How many Boston Marathons have you run?  Zero!

Fun fact about your running: I’m definitely not trying to win the race, just hoping to finish!


Brooke Ryan

Brooke Ryan, runner

Charity & fundraising page:  Brigham & Women’s Stepping Strong Center

Why you’re running for this cause/organization: I am running for my best friend, Maria. On the day we were supposed to graduate from Wellesley High School a few years ago, her life changed forever when she was in a devastating car accident. Thanks to the Stepping Strong Center and its relentless commitment to transforming how traumatic injuries are prevented, treated, and healed, Maria survived—and was able to walk again. Traumatic injury is the leading cause of death for Americans age 44 and under, so I’m running to raise money to help sustain this extraordinary mission, so that more families and patients get a second chance, just like Maria did.

How many Boston Marathons have you run?  0, this will be my first!

Fun fact about your running: I am training in Wisconsin and often am running in temps below 0º!!

Non-profit news roundup

Boston Community Pediatrics honors Wellesley residents; Resident on Christopher’s Haven board; Local firm gets clean energy workforce dev grant

December 22, 2025 by Bob Brown

Boston Community Pediatrics celebrates 5th anniversary

 

Non-profit pediatric practice Boston Community Pediatrics recently marked five years of providing healthcare with a celebration honoring patients, families, staff, community partners, and supporters. More than 550 people attended and helped raise almost $1.5 million toward the mission.

Wellesley resident and Boston Community Pediatrics founder Dr. Robyn Riseberg awarded her parents, Wellesley’s Gary and Lynne Smith, with The Indispensable Advocates Award for “standing behind BCP since the very beginning, amplifying the mission with genuine belief, unstoppable energy, fabulous fashion, and a love so contagious that almost all Bostonians have now heard the story.”

Dr. Riseberg and the Smiths at awards ceremony
Lynne Smith, Dr. Robyn Riseberg & Gary Smith (Jill Person Photography)

 

More recognitions:

  • Community Champion Award: Rev. Dr. Gloria White-Hammond and Rev. Dr. Ray Hammond

  • Bridge Builder Award: Silversmith Capital Partners

  • Legacy Award: Demond Martin, Co-Founder and CEO, WellWithAll

  • The Bold Believer: Jasmine Tinker

  • The Dr. Gerald Hass Heart of Healthcare: BCP front-line staff

 


 

Resident appointed to Christopher’s Haven board

 

Bruce Taylor Headshot
Bruce Taylor Headshot

Bruce Taylor of Wellesley has been appointed to the Board of Directors for Christopher’s Haven, the Boston nonprofit that provides affordable housing and community support for families whose children are receiving cancer treatment at nearby hospitals.

Taylor brings more than 30 years of leadership experience, including over two decades at the Timberland Company, followed by senior roles at City Year and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. His connection to Christopher’s Haven’s work is personal: when his son Alex was eight years old, the family spent months traveling to Massachusetts General Hospital for treatment following a brain tumor diagnosis. Alex ultimately made a full recovery.

 


 

Local firm gets clean energy workforce development grant

 

Associated General Contractors of Wellesley has received a $40,000 grant to develop a Construction Management Pre-Apprenticeship Program in collaboration with Early Investors, Franklin Cummings Technical College, and YouthBuild Boston.

The grant comes from a pool of $4.7 million from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for student and young adult career awareness and training to grow the state’s clean energy and climatetech workforce.

 


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Filed Under: Charity/Fundraising, Environment, Health

Community

Volunteers rally to throw holiday parties for Wellesley seniors in public housing

December 17, 2025 by Bob Brown

singers seniors
Wellesley High singers entertain residents

 
When Wellesley launched its volunteer-led Civil Discourse Initiative five years ago, it did so with a goal of bringing community members together for small group discussions. Some of the results of 250 people participating in programs might be hard to measure, but a series of holiday parties being held this season for Wellesley seniors in subsidized housing is as tangible as it gets.

Civil Discourse attendee Nancy Joyce tells us that when she learned there were no holiday events planned specifically for Wellesley seniors in public housing, she reached out to Wellesley Housing Authority Chair Maura Renzella and and Wellesley social worker Wanda Alvarez to see if anything could be done.

They decided to put together three parties, one at each senior housing location in town. The Weston Road and River Street events have already been held, and one more is slated for the Washington Street complex on Dec. 21 from 2-3:30pm. More than 150 people live at those three residences, and those who can’t attend the parties are being given gift bags.

“We only started planning a month ago, but we have been able to get support from so many people and organizations in this short time!” Boyle says. Wellesley Friendly Aid offered to be the fiscal agent, to enable acceptance of tax-free donations. Organizations and individuals ranging from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and Wellesley Village Church to Needham Bank, Fells Market, Roche Bros., realtor Teri Adler, were among those making donations or supplying goods and gift cards.

The Hardy and Schofield school neighborhoods came forward with baked goods and donations, while the Wellesley High School Choral Department arranged for singers from a cappella groups Inchordination and Ladies First to entertain party guests (“I think that’s the highlight,” Joyce says).

Wellesley Girl Scouts are serving as party staff, assembling gift bags of items donated by others, and importantly, mingling with residents.

girl scouts seniors party
Hadley Grover, Colleen Behm, Cara and Ariana

 
“Everyone just rallied,” Joyce says.

(This is all not to say the Wellesley Council on Aging didn’t have holiday events, including the annual Thanksgiving luncheon with the Fire Department, open to the town’s public housing residents. Also, the Police and Fire Departments were hosting a holiday party at Barton Road, and gifts were being organized for kids in that complex.)

Joyce credits Renee Spencer, the Wellesley Housing Authority’s resident board rep, for bringing the seniors’ needs to her attention in the first place at a Civil Discourse Initiative meeting.

Spencer, in turn, says Joyce has been “a powerhouse” in spearheading the events.

“I enjoyed seeing the children with the seniors, they both had fun,” Spencer says.

Nancy Joyce & Renee Spencer
Nancy Joyce & Renee Spencer

 
Joyce says she learned during the Civil Discourse Initiative that since COVID, support for the communities in subsidized housing has declined for a number of reasons. Some religious and charitable organizations focused their philanthropy in other places, including beyond Wellesley, she was told.

But with some on-the-fly coordination and lots of holiday spirit, Wellesley seniors were served.

“I am really happy with how the parties turned out and I look forward to having a little more time to plan next year!” Joyce says.
 

Bonus niceness: Lasagna Love

 
Separately, high school Girl Scouts made lasagna—”Lasagna Love”—and helped bring it to Barton Road residents.

The scouts hail from six different high schools, both private and public.

Lasagna Love scouts
 


 

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