Wellesley Neighbors

Wellesley Neighbors members hit the road on September 24th for a wonderful day in Sandwich, Massachusetts, with a visit to Heritage Museums & Gardens followed by lunch at the historic Daniel Webster Inn.

From the moment we boarded the comfortable coach bus in Wellesley, it was a relaxing outing. (A special shout out to Lieutenant Mike Lemenager of the Wellesley Police Department for permitting members to park for free for the day in one of the town’s lots.) At Heritage, members had time to explore the beautiful grounds and gardens, wander through the museum’s fascinating exhibits (especially the spectacular antique car collection), and simply enjoy being together in one of Cape Cod’s most beautiful settings. Afterward, we gathered for lunch at the Daniel Webster Inn before settling back onto the bus for the ride home (tired, but well fed).

Trips like this one are an important part of Wellesley Neighbors. They give our members a chance to experience places that can be challenging to visit independently, while taking care of one of the biggest obstacles to a day trip: the driving! Instead of worrying about traffic, directions, parking, or a long drive home, everyone could relax and enjoy the day together.

A Very Special Thank You to the Wellesley Hills Junior Women's Club! We are enormously grateful to the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club whose generous grant funded our bus transportation for this trip. Their support made it possible for us to offer a comfortable, accessible group trip to the Cape without passing the substantial cost of chartering a bus on to our members. That matters. For older adults, transportation can be the difference between wanting to participate and actually being able to go. Without their support, this trip would never have happened.

We recognize the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club’s long tradition of supporting organizations and programs that strengthen our community, and we are delighted and honored that Wellesley Neighbors was among last year’s grant recipients. Thank you for helping us get out, explore, have lunch together, and come home with some wonderful new memories!!

🔥 WHAT CAN DANTE TEACH US 700 YEARS LATER? 🔥
Join Wellesley Neighbors next Wednesday at the Wellesley Free Library for a fascinating afternoon with Dante scholar Richard Lansing, Professor Emeritus at Brandeis University.

Why does a 700-year-old poem about Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven still captivate us? Lansing will bring The Divine Comedy to life, exploring Dante’s unforgettable journey and its timeless questions about justice, love, human choices, and the search for meaning.

No knowledge of Dante required. Just bring your curiosity!
📅 Wednesday, September 16 at 4pm
📍 Wellesley Free Library Wakelin Room

Free and open to everyone. We hope you’ll join us!

Members enjoyed a World Cup Final Match Watch Party and Ice Cream Social at Truly Yogurt in Wellesley! Wonderful to support a fabulous local small business that supports local nonprofits.

Board Member Opportunity: Help Shape the Future of Wellesley Neighbors

Wellesley Neighbors is looking for community-minded individuals to join our Board of Directors.

As we continue to grow, we're seeking people who want to share their ideas, experience, and energy to help build an organization that keeps neighbors connected, engaged, and supported throughout life's later years.

About Wellesley Neighbors:
For more than 15 years, Wellesley Neighbors has been building connections that help older adults remain active, engaged, and independent. Serving Wellesley, Needham, Natick, Dover, and Weston, we offer volunteer services such as transportation, technology assistance, trusted referrals, and friendly visits, along with a vibrant calendar of social, educational, fitness, and cultural programs that help members build friendships, explore new interests, and enjoy life.

We welcome applications from both Wellesley Neighbors members and community members who share our mission. You do not need to be a current member to serve on the Board.

Serving on the Board is a chance to make a lasting difference while helping shape the future of Wellesley Neighbors. You'll work alongside dedicated volunteers, staff, and fellow board members to strengthen our organization, expand opportunities for older adults, and build an even more connected community.
Interested?

To learn more about serving on the Board of Directors, please contact Joan Minklei at [email protected]

Solo aging educator and advocate, Ailene Gerhardt, sent this out to her community partners today! Here is what she wrote about NPR's segment on solo aging:

"On June 22, NPR's All Things Considered aired a segment exploring solo aging demographics and the evolving landscape of independent planning. Yesterday, July 9, they published the accompanying in-depth digital article across their website and social media feeds.
This piece brilliantly weaves together the essential pieces of the solo aging ecosystem, featuring my insights alongside pioneering voices like Sara Zeff Geber, Ph.D., Barbara Sullivan of the Village to Village Network, and Jason Resendez of the National Alliance for Caregiving.
To see grassroots community models, national caregiving advocates, and strategic navigation architects highlighted together proves that the roadmap for independent longevity is being actively rewritten. We are moving the narrative away from a lens of worry and toward an empowered reality of intentional design, choice, and clarity.
You can listen to the brief 3-minute piece or check out the full article here: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/09/nx-s1-5886348/solo-agers-demographics-caregiving-family-aging"

Please join us at the Cambridge Public Library for a three-part series on solo aging starting in September. See flyer below.

Ice Cream Social and World Cup Watch Party today 3-5PM at Truly Yogurt in Wellesley.

Board Member Opportunity: Help Shape the Future of Wellesley Neighbors

Do you enjoy bringing people together and strengthening the community around you? Wellesley Neighbors is seeking passionate, community-minded individuals to join our Board of Directors.

About Wellesley Neighbors
For more than 15 years, Wellesley Neighbors has helped older adults stay active, connected, and independent. Serving Wellesley, Needham, Natick, Dover, and Weston, we provide volunteer-driven services alongside a vibrant calendar of social, educational, fitness, and cultural programs. Our members don't just receive support; they build friendships, discover new interests, and thrive.

What Board Members Do
Board members help guide the direction and long-term health of our organization by:
* Providing strategic leadership, governance, and financial oversight
* Serving as ambassadors in our communities
* Supporting fundraising and cultivating community partnerships
* Contributing expertise in areas such as marketing, technology, finance, or programs
* Participating in board meetings and serving on committees or special projects

Who We're Looking For
We welcome applicants who:
* Are passionate about building a connected, supportive community for older adults
* Can commit to a three-year board term
* Bring experience in finance, marketing, communications, technology, law, fundraising, event planning, nonprofit leadership, or community engagement
* Are eager to contribute their time, talents, and networks
* Thrive working collaboratively toward meaningful goals

Why Join?
You'll work alongside dedicated staff, volunteers, and fellow board members to expand opportunity, deepen connection, and strengthen an organization that truly matters to people's lives.

Interested?
We'd love to hear from you. Contact Executive Director Joan Minklei at [email protected].

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated every day, and older adults remain one of their favorite targets. From fake tech support calls and "grandparent" emergencies to investment fraud and AI-generated voice scams, knowing what to watch for is one of the best ways to protect yourself and the people you care about.

This helpful guide from Wells Fargo Advisors explains today's most common scams, the warning signs to look for, and simple steps you can take to reduce your risk. A few minutes of reading today could save you from a costly mistake tomorrow.

Read more:

Elder Scam Prevention | Wells Fargo Advisors Knowing how to spot a scam, and following tips can help protect older family members and younger adults too from financial fraud and scams.

Wellesley Neighbors celebrates 15 years of connection and community - The Swellesley Report On June 16th, Wellesley Neighbors celebrated its 15th Anniversary Spring Dinner, bringing together members, volunteers, founders, and

Celebrating 15 Years of Connection and Community 🎉

On June 16, Wellesley Neighbors gathered at the beautiful historic 1858 Town House in Sherborn to celebrate our 15th Anniversary Spring Dinner. Members, volunteers, founders, and supporters came together to reflect on how far we've come and to look ahead to an exciting future. A special thank you to Needham Bank for generously sponsoring the evening and to the staff of the 1858 Town House for their warm hospitality.

The evening included special recognition of our founders and of Janet Giele, whose vision and leadership helped bring Wellesley Neighbors to life. What began in 2011 as a small village movement has grown into a vibrant community serving older adults throughout Wellesley, Needham, Natick, Dover, Weston, and beyond.

We were also delighted to welcome many new members who have joined us over the past year. As Executive Director Joan Minklei shared, we are entering "a new generation of Wellesley Neighbors," with new interest groups, expanded programs, cultural outings, volunteer opportunities, and fresh ways for members to connect.

Recent additions include Mahjong, a Poetry Discussion Group, a Culinary Interest Group, and a Mystery Book Club, along with an ever-growing calendar of educational, social, and cultural events.
"What hasn't changed is what matters most. At its heart, Wellesley Neighbors remains a community built on connection, friendship, generosity, and mutual support."

As we begin our sixteenth year, we're grateful for everyone who has helped build this community and excited about what comes next.

📸 Photo 1: Wellesley Neighbors founders Ann Swanson, Hank Solomon, Ralph Wagner, and Nancy Gans with Janet Giele, seated.
📸 Photo 2: left to right, Executive Director Joan Minklei with President Polly Conlon, Vice President Fred Breimyer, Clerk Larry Baldwin, and Treasurer Judy Barr.
Photo credit: Abby Minklei