 Wellesley High School and Wellesley Public School Community,
Please help support Wellesley High School Seniors on their upcoming community service day. This great senior tradition will happen on Wednesday, May 28. Wellesley High School seniors will collect and deliver pre-loved home items to Welcome Home in Newton. Since 2016, this volunteer staffed organization accepts home goods from anyone wishing to donate and keep items out of landfills. These goods are cleaned, shelved, and made available to people struggling to meet their basic needs. Women make up the majority of the requests they receive, most of whom care for children, parents, spouses, siblings and neighbors. The goods one client receives therefore serve to benefit many, bolstering health, self- esteem and a sense of well-being. It is their vision to see that everyone who contacts Welcome Home receives the essential kitchen, bath, bedding, and decorative items they need to turn any living situation into a home. Please look around your home and donate any gently used home goods in good working condition (no stains, tears or chips and all appliances should be in working condition). They are especially in need of
Please review the available slots here and click the button to sign up. On Wednesday, please leave any goods on your doorstep or visible location on your property labeled "Welcome Home". Thank you! - Wellesley High School SENIORS  Volunteers are an integral part of Wellesley Town Government.
The Select Board is actively seeking candidates to appoint to Town boards, committees, and commissions. These individuals will fill vacant positions or replace members whose terms are expiring. Appointments are made annually in the late spring for terms beginning on July 1. The Select Board follows its Appointments Policy to select individuals who would like to serve on the following boards/committees for the coming Fiscal Year (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026):
*Please note: If you will be reappointed to a board or committee on which you already serve, you will STILL need to complete the Volunteer Form. To learn more about specific boards or committees, or to inquire about boards or committees not appointed by the Select Board, please visit the Town Government pages and search alphabetically.  Speaker: Kelly Beatty; Officer, MA Chapter of Dark Sky
Wednesday, May 14, 7:00pm Wellesley Free Library, Wakelin Room Come learn how you can safely light up your home, business, and community without wasting energy, disturbing your neighbors, or creating an unhealthy environment for humans and wildlife. Light pollution, simply put, is any unnecessary or excessive outdoor illumination. It robs us of the night sky’s beauty, negatively affects the ecosystem, and creates an in-your-face waste of energy. But a new mindset and new technology are poised to slow this bane of modern life. Kelly Beatty has been explaining the science and wonder of astronomy to the public since 1974, when he joined the staff of Sky & Telescope. He served for more than a decade on the Board of Directors for the International Dark-sky Association (darksky.org) and is now an officer with DarkSky’s Massachusetts chapter. Sponsored by: Wellesley Conservation Land Trust Spring Lecture Series Co-sponsored by: Sustainable Wellesley and Wellesley Free Library.  Thursday, May 15th @ 12PM
Massachusetts has a rebate for new and used electric cars and trucks (EVs) called MOR-EV. During this webinar, they will go over the rebate and how much it can save you on an EV. REGISTER HERE They’ll talk about:
 “There are a lot of issues that affect young children, but you can actually tie all of those issues back to climate,” said Pediatrician and Chief Science Officer at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University Dr. Lindsey Burghardt last week in Wellesley.
Dr. Burghardt discussed how children’s development is deeply influenced by environmental factors and emphasized the importance of addressing systemic issues like pollution, violence, and climate change, which shape early childhood outcomes and long-term health. A warming climate connects to nearly every major issue affecting children’s well-being, making it a central concern for future health and equity. Many of you asked for a recording, so here it is. To learn more about the work Dr. Burghardt and the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University does, click here. For ideas on things YOU CAN DO - big and small - click here.  Bring your family, neighbors and friends to walk with us in the Wellesley Parade Sunday, May 18th from 1-3pm.
RSVP here. Enjoy the shout outs and cheers from friendly spectators along the route. You can feel the environmental enthusiasm in town. We will be encouraging actions that will help us meet the Town-wide goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Help us get the word out on fighting pollution. We will be lining up at 12.45pm near the corner of Woodlawn and Washington Streets (Pole #3). Should be fun. Strollers welcome. Rain date June 1st. RSVP here. In case you are looking for another hands on volunteer opportunity that day... Our community needs extra hands to help out the waste sorting project during the Picnic/Carnival/Fireworks event on Sunday, May 18th on Hunnewell Field. There are many time slots (3:30pm-10 pm) to fit your schedule so sign up here for one today.  Thanks to Town of Wellesley for the photo and article Wellesley's work to improve the climate has earned state recognition. At a ceremony with state officials on Friday, May 2, the Town was recognized by the Healey Driscoll administration as one of the first communities in Massachusetts to earn the Climate Leader certification.
With this certification, Wellesley will be eligible to apply for over $1 million in grant funding to support implementation of the Climate Action Plan and progress toward the Town’s goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Climate Leader program is offered by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and maximize the efficiency of buildings and transportation. Grant eligible projects include those involving renewable energy, battery storage, building electrification, and energy efficiency. Wellesley joins 18 other Massachusetts communities receiving this designation. Sustainability Director Marybeth Martello led a cross-department effort to obtain certification, with significant contributions from Sustainability Analyst Janet Mosley; valuable input from the Facilities Management Department, Department of Public Works, and Municipal Light Plant; and critical support from the Select Board and School Committee. Climate Leader status reflects the following achievements in climate action, including:
Wellesley became a Green Community in 2017 and since then, earned nearly $1 million in grant funding to support projects such as the Warren Building renovation, multiple LED lighting retrofit projects, and hybrid police cruisers. Pictured above are: Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Sustainability Director Marybeth Martello, Sustainability Analyst Janet Mosley, and DOER Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony.  15 Things you can learn about at the Sustainable Street Tour on May 17
Join Green Newton at our Sustainable Street Tour on Saturday, May 17, 2-4 pm. Talk to four Newton neighbors, as well as Newton Energy Coaches about sustainable projects. BTW, Wellesley has no cost energy coaches too so contact them for more local approach. There’s nothing better than speaking directly with someone who has completed a project to help you get started on yours. They will be on Fair Oaks Avenue in Newtonville, between Fessenden and California Streets, showcasing these 15 sustainable features (and probably a lot more), all within a 2 minute walk:
Sign-up is optional, but recommended at https://greennewton.org/street-tour/  Have a student in the schools?
Join the Wellesley Green Schools last meeting of the school year on Thursday 5/15 @10am in the Hardy Innovation Room. Never been? No Problem? New voices and ideas welcome, especially as we think ahead to the next school year. Topics include: waste reduction, transportation, healthy buildings, anti idling initiatives, biking, student projects, school gardens and more! Email [email protected] with questions and ideas for the Wellesley Green Schools team.  The Town of Wellesley is encouraging residents to try something new.
Explore ways to get around via public transit or bike or walk and you can enter to be part of a $200 raffle. TRY THESE 4 TRANSPORTATION MODES: • . Ride MWRTA Route 1 Bus • . Ride MWRTA Catch Connect • Ride MBTA Commuter Rail • Walk or Bike (where allowed) Wellesley's Trails Ride all 4 and you will be entered in to win the $200 cash grand prize raffle! Log at least 2 trips to be entered into the raffle. Be sure to to take pictures while traveling and log your trips and upload photos in order to win. You can record each trip as you go, or add them all at once. The challenge runs May 1- June 16th. Don't forget... "YOU ARE NOT IN TRAFFIC...YOU ARE TRAFFIC"  We love a re-use story.
The annual Bargain Haul at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church will be held Saturday, May 3rd from 8:00am – 12pm. Bag sale 11:15. 79 Denton Rd., corner of Washington St. (Rt 16) and Weston Road, Wellesley. The enormous selection includes jewelry, clothes, toys, housewares, books, electronics and more! Admission is $2. RAIN OR SHINE!  Pediatrician and Chief Science Officer at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University Dr. Lindsey Burghardt discusses Climate, Kids and Health (Physical & Mental) with Wellesley parents/caregivers on Wednesday, April 30th at the Hunnewell School at 7pm. Confirm your seat here.
The recent fires in LA (even some in Milton last year) have extreme weather issues on parent's minds. Dr. Burghardt will cover the connection between allergies, asthma, brain development, heat, pregnancy, low birth weight and preterm birth as well as vector borne diseases with our warming climate. She and others will offer suggestions on ways to mitigate these issues. Individually and collectively, there are a variety of actions we can do to create a healthier future for our children. Make time for this important discussion. RSVP as there is limited seating.  WHS Alum Kaitlin is looking for your input in her college research project on exploring climate activism.
Thank you for taking the time to participate in this quick survey! This survey is part of a research project exploring climate activism, with a focus on how factors like privilege, community wealth, and personal circumstances influence who is able to participate in and organize grassroots environmental movements. Your responses will help students better understand the social dynamics behind climate action around the world. Your answers are completely anonymous and will only be used for research purposes. There are no right or wrong answers—they're simply interested in your experiences and opinions. Thank you again for your time and input!  World Asthma Day is Tuesday, May 6th and there is a rally at Bremen Street Community Park amphitheater in East Boston (344 Bremen St, Boston, MA 02128) from 4-6pm.
Why you should consider going: Everyone deserves clean air! But some zip codes are still breathing unhealthy levels of toxic air pollution. Let’s change that! Join the Massachusetts Environmental Justice Table, health professionals, grassroots organizers, and elected leaders to rally for clean air justice! RSVP today, and they will keep you updated on actions you can take leading up to the event.  The Wellesley Department of Public Works (DPW) has issued new MANDATORY one-day per week outdoor watering restrictions.
Under the new rules, homes and businesses must follow a one-day per week schedule based on street address numbers, and non-essential watering is banned between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. These restrictions replace the previous 3-day per week alternate day schedule and are effective immediately due to continued drought and to comply with new state regulations. “Although conditions have been improving in recent weeks, a lack of rain over the past year has resulted in lower than normal stream flows and ground water levels in our region. These new restrictions will keep us in compliance with state regulations and also help ensure that we can provide enough water for everyday use including health, safety and fire-fighting needs” said DPW Director Dave Cohen. Based upon street address numbers, nonessential outdoor water use IS ALLOWED according to the following schedule:
Essential uses of water include:
Nonessential uses include:
Visit the DPW webpages for more information on drought status, restrictions, and water conservation. The Natural Resources Commission also offers tips for healthy and sustainable lawn and landscape care. Questions? Contact the Water Division at [email protected] or call 781-235-7600 x3355.  No matter where you are or what you are doing think about doing something different moving forward.
We have lots of ideas here. Other suggestions for the week are here:
 Lots of events coming up.
Check our our calendar and website for more details. Looking forward to seeing just you; or bring friends, neighbors or your family to these events. RSVP today! Reach out at [email protected] with any questions.  Learn from some incredible gardeners at Wellesley’s Community Gardens on Saturday, May 3rd from 10:00 - 11:30 at Wellesley’s Community Garden on Weston Road. The program - co-sponsored by Sustainable Wellesley, Wellesley Conservation Land Trust, and Wellesley’s Natural Resources Commission - will cover site selection, crop suggestions, growing tips, and more. RSVP today!
Longtime gardener, John Spencer will launch the event with tips on how to start a garden. Michael Tobin -- a 15 year Weston Road Community Gardener whose specialty is growing enough garlic to last his family and friends through the entire year, plus use the seed for the next year's crop -- will talk about techniques for minimizing maintenance. Then, Lisa Moore -- Environmental Education, Outreach and Compliance Coordinator for the Wellesley Natural Resources Commission -- who enjoys learning new gardening techniques will offer an opportunity for the community to dip their toes into gardening. Thomas Engle will share information about the 4C garden as well. Side conversations may include pruning and growing flowers. This community, in-person event is open to anyone interested in starting a garden, including those who already have plots. All attendees will be gifted strawberry starter plants. Please click here to register for the event. See you in the garden! Rain date is May 4th at 1pm. Thank you to our co-sponsors: The Wellesley Conservation Land Trust is Wellesley’s local 501(c)(3) non-profit land trust that protects 14 sanctuaries across more than 45 acres of natural land in Wellesley and bordering lands in Needham and Weston. More information about our mission, the sanctuaries and membership can be found at WellesleyConservationLandTrust.org. The Wellesley Natural Resources Commission (NRC) oversees the use, preservation and protection of the town’s parks and conservation areas, serves as tree warden, sets policies for insect control and pesticide use, and protects the town watershed areas. The Commission also appoints the Wetlands Protection Committee and Trails Committee. The NRC serves as administrator for two community gardens in Wellesley that provide rental plots to residents.  Help keep the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) clean and green!
They are looking for Green Team volunteers who will play a key role in the Pan-Mass Challenge's sustainability efforts by:
The PMC will provide gloves and all necessary supplies—you bring the energy and commitment to making a difference! It’s a hands-on, high-impact way to support the riders and the shared mission. Register here https://www.pmc.org/volunteer. Please create a profile> then add a job> select Hubsites from the Dropdown > Wellesley - Babson College > them select any time on the Green Team that works best for your schedule.  WHS alum Celia Sanabria will run the Boston Marathon (her first) in support of Sustainable Wellesley. As a lifelong Wellesley resident, Celia has seen firsthand how the community comes together to tackle climate change, reduce waste, and promote clean energy and wants to be part of the solution.
"Running 26.2 miles is a big challenge, but knowing each step supports a cleaner more resilient future makes it all the more meaningful," said Celia. Celia’s goal is to raise $5,000 to help fund programs like:
Thanks for donating today and help us achieve even more in 2025!   We were thrilled with the turnout for our recent showing of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics. Many attendees have asked us: What’s next? How can you make an impact on what may feel like an insurmountable problem? Here are five actions you can take to make a difference:
Advocate Email, call, or write to your elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels to let them know that plastic reduction is important to you and to ask them what they are doing to address the problem. MA is woefully behind many other states when it comes to plastic-reduction legislation. Governor Healey will consider an Environmental Bond Bill in mid-April. Call her office today and let her know you support plastic reduction. Educate Become more informed. There are numerous books, articles, lectures, and websites about plastics and their impact on the environment and human health. Bennington College offers online classes. Beyond Plastics Boston holds a monthly meeting (virtual) with expert speakers. Wellesley’s Unitarian Universalist Church is offering a community read of How to Give Up Plastics on April 10 (Register here for a virtual discussion from 7-8 PM). Participate Knowledge is power, and we can be very powerful together. Humans are creative, innovative, and resilient, and we can take steps together to reduce plastic production and pollution. Participate in organizations like Sustainable Wellesley, Wellesley Green Schools and introduce green collaboratives in community groups. Communicate Motivate others to learn about the issue. Speak up and share your concerns with the owners and managers of your favorite restaurants and encourage them to move away from plastic. They are listening to their customers! Eliminate This image shows the 5 R’s of Sustainability. Note that recycling is in the last spot! Analyze your plastic consumption and integrate alternative behaviors into your daily routine. As a consumer, harness your purchasing power. Choose items with alternative packaging. Visit bulk food stores, like Fulfilled Goods in Newton, that offer products package free. You can refill your own container from home. Uncertain about where to begin? Here is a handy checklist to get you started! Resolve to make small changes in your everyday life. While these may seem like small steps, it is a start in changing behavior and making us more conscious of our consumption. Missed the movie? If you were unable to join us, or if you want all of your friends to see the movie, it is playing at the following locations and times: April 17th @ 5:30 PM at the Jamaica Plain Public Library April 29th @ 7:00 PM at the Lexington Venue  Wellesley residents are invited to Green Newton's Annual Earth Day Festival, a celebration of all things green for the whole family on Sunday, April 27th from 12:00-4:00pm in the Newton North High School Parking Lot!
Groove to live music and savor delicious food while discovering countless ways to make a positive impact. Explore booths hosted by local businesses and nonprofits, offering guidance on everything from going solar and choosing electric vehicles to home insulation and composting. Earn a cookie by completing our Eco-Trivia Treat Trail, and discover hidden gems thrifting at our Conscious Closet Corner. Plus, equip yourself with sustainable tools and tips at the Green Tool Garage, featuring battery-powered lawn care and more. Little ones will love the petting zoo, face painting, and engaging nature-themed activities, making this Earth Day a memorable and educational experience for everyone. This event is sponsored by Revision Energy, Lucid, Junkluggers, Lavallee, Forge, and Fulfilled Goods.  The Town of Wellesley seeks input on residential waste practices. Take a DPW survey; your responses will help shape the Town’s solid waste management model. Take the survey here.
In other trash talk... The Wellesley Recycling and Disposal Facility (RDF)'s Spring 2025 schedule is (drum roll!)...
For questions or more information about the RDF or DPW, email [email protected].  Wellesley's Recycling and Disposal Facility Superintendent, James Manzolini, will be speaking in the Parish Hall of the UU Society of Wellesley Hills at 309 Washington St, on Thursday, April 24·7:00 – 8:30pm. Desserts served at 7pm and program to follow. For more information contact [email protected].
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