The Swellesley Report

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

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.

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

 
Dana Chang Foundation, road raceDATE: 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

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

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black & blue, Wellesley
Olive Tree Medical, Wellesley
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Page Waterman, Wellesley
London Harness, Wellesley

Wellesley celebrating National Public Health Week (April 6-10) with slew of activities

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The Wellesley Health Department is offering lots of free activities from April 6-10, some in partnership with local businesses, to celebrate National Public Health Week.

Highlights include:

  • Bounce houses for kids at the Warren Playground
  • Chair massage and art therapy at the Wellesley Free Library
  • Guided nature walk/forest bathing with meditation
  • CPR certification
  • Free intro fitness classes at Longfellow
  • Menopause Unlocked! A workshop with Dr. Natalie Pauli from Olive Tree Medical

public health week lineup

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Longfellow, Wellesley
Wellesley Wonderful Weekend
Wellesley Symphony Orchestra, 2026

Watch the Wellesley Health Department’s Community Health Needs Assessment forum recording

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The Wellesley Health Department this week hosted a community forum at the Wellesley Police station to discuss the results of its recent Community Health Needs Assessment, and how the town can best use these results to plan for Opioid Abatement Fund Spending. Wellesley Media recorded the session, which lasted about an hour.

We reported on the assessment earlier this year (See “Wellesley health checkup: Strong resources, lingering mental health gaps”)

The Wellesley Health Department is also gearing up for National Public Health Week, which starts on April 6.

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Wellesley Kitchen and Home Tour
Hunnewell Fun Fair 2026
Open conversation about residents' health needs

What’s Next for Wellesley?

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From the Wellesley Health Department:

The Town of Wellesley has been the recipient of Opioid Abatement Funds and expects to continue to receive funds through 2038. To use these funds responsibly, we have solicited feedback from a wide cohort of community stakeholders. The results of that feedback will be used to direct Health Department programming overall as well as the use of Opioid Abatement Funds.

On behalf of the Wellesley Health Department, we would like to invite you to a community forum on March 23, 6-7 PM at the Wellesley Police station (485 Washington St.) to discuss the results of our recent Community Health Needs Assessment, and how we can best use these results to plan for Opioid Abatement Fund Spending. Please see flyer for full event details. The event is free and open to all.

The full report and related documents are linked below: 

We value resident input and encourage you to share your thoughts, questions, and perspectives as the Town considers next steps. 

Share your thoughts and provide feedback, or call us at 781-489-4407. You can also email us at health@wellesley.ma.gov.

wellesley health flyer

Rotary Club, Taste of Wellesley

Public service announcement—Are you or someone you know having trouble heating your home?

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Mass.govIn the final weeks of the winter season, Massachusetts residents are finding it increasingly more difficult to heat their homes, as a colder-than-average season continues and fuel costs rise due to global turmoil.

But there is still time to apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), a critical resource that helps eligible households pay for winter heating costs.

The free statewide program assists eligible residents with covering heating costs, providing supplemental funding that allows eligible renters and homeowners to keep their homes safe and warm.

Bay Staters can learn more about eligibility and apply for HEAP by visiting mass.gov/heat.

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Make your health and wellness a priority in 2026—medical professionals in Wellesley (and beyond)

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SPONSORED CONTENT: Choosing a healthcare provider is a deeply personal decision, and finding physicians and specialists who prioritize both clinical excellence and compassionate patient care can be a challenge. The caregivers on Swellesley’s Medical Providers page are board-certified and engaged in the latest medical research and techniques to ensure you receive the most current and effective treatments available. Take the first step toward a healthier life by scheduling an appointment with a trusted medical professional who is ready to partner with you on your path to optimal well-being.

Find your medical provider:

  • primary care physicians
  • sports medicine
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Emergency crews respond to hazmat call at Wellesley daycare

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A slew of Wellesley Police, Fire and other emergency personnel were on the scene at he Bright Horizons early education center at 60 William Street in Wellesley on late Friday morning for a hazmat call involving what turned out to be a soap snafu.

The town received a call from an employee at the daycare center reporting that a student had been inadvertently exposed to a commercial grade dish soap while washing their hands. “Upon arrival the Wellesley Fire Department personnel learned that more than one student had washed their hands from this dispenser and as a precaution requested that multiple ambulances respond to the scene

Fire Chief Steve Mortarelli told local TV news stations, including Boston 25 News, that about 40 kids between the ages of 1 and 5 were at the daycare, and that 11 of them were hospitalized with “minor, superficial rashes,” similar to a bad sunburn. One adult was also taken to a hospital due to skin irritation. No further updates on the patients’ status was available as of late Friday afternoon.

The Wellesley Fire Department requested that the State Hazmat Team respond to investigate the incident.

“After an extensive recon of all rooms, the Haz-Mat team found that three of the soap dispensers contained a commercial dishwashing concentrate that was stored in the general vicinity. The Board of Health will be in contact with the business owner regarding next steps,” according to the town.