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Monthly Archives: July 2026

Marcia Allen

Marcia died peacefully at home with daughter Janet.

Born on February 16, 1937 in Framingham, MA.  Marcia was the daughter of the late John A. and Dorothy Newell of Medfield and the beloved wife of Richard E. Allan whom we lost in 2021.

Marcia is survived by...

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Great Hall Concert Series returns

The Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series, renowned for its world-class musical performances in a historic and convenient suburban setting, has just announced its 13th season. Performances will all take place at 7:30 pm at the Needham Town Hall.

Emmy, Tony and Grammy-nominee Lauren Ambrose opens the season, followed...

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Germans Gather in Walpole for World Cup

By Samantha Drumm Hometown Weekly Staff

Before Germany’s showdown against Paraguay last week, local and international German FIFA fans gathered in Walpole and Foxborough to celebrate their team spirit.

At Boylston Schul-Verein, Walpole’s German Club, local fans gathered weekly to watch games, drink Hefeweizen, and celebrate the team's advancements in the...

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Walpole celebrates America’s 250th

by Elizabeth Connolly Hometown Weekly Staff

Walpole’s 66th annual Night Before the Fourth celebration took place on Friday, July 3rd, and the crowds were as big as ever. This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as communities across the country gathered to commemorate the 250th birthday of America.

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Walpole Girl Scouts meet Janet Applefield

On Monday June 1, Walpole Girl Scout Troop 82540 had the honor of being joined by Janet Applefield. Author of Becoming Janet and Holocaust survivor, Janet’s story tells of bravery, strength, and resilience.  Her message of stopping discrimination, promoting kindness and peace is inspiring to all.

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Walpole resident supports record fundraising

By Lenny Strauss| Hometown Weekly Staff

On July 15th, the Baker Center for Children and Families, a nationally recognized provider of children’s mental health and special education services across Massachusetts hosted its 20th Annual Golf Tournament at the Walpole Country Club. While the event had its fair share of friendly competition, its fundraising effort was...

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John P. Mustonen

John Peter Mustonen Jr. Age 81, of Walpole, died June 24, 2026. Born in Milford in 1945, he spent nearly his entire life on Willett Pond in Walpole, where he and his wife of 57 years, Janet Frances (Baril) Mustonen, built their home on the same...

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Peak House continues Historical Summer Series

Who called the historic Peak House home, and what unique stories did they leave behind? Local history enthusiasts can find out again this weekend.

The Peak House Heritage Center launched  a new interactive summer series in  June. The program runs on the second Saturday of each month through September. Visitors of all...

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Bellforge Summer Concert Series begins

By Isabell Macrina Hometown Weekly Staff

Bellforge’s Summer Sounds concert series kicked off last week under the sun and thankfully shade of the trees with three special performances. Families were invited to bring chairs, picnic blankets, and dinner to have a night outside and enjoy the music.

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DHTF hosts second community forum

The Dover Housing Task Force (DHTF), together with consultants from Barrett Planning Group and Dodson & Flinker, hosted the second of three community forums for the town's Housing Roadmap project on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Held at the Caryl Community Center, the forum drew approximately 35 residents for an interactive discussion about Dover's future...

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Jury awards former police chief $1.2 million

A Middlesex Superior Court jury has awarded former Sherborn Police Chief Richard Thompson $1.2 million after determining that former Town Administrator David Williams intentionally and maliciously interfered with Thompson's employment contract, leading to his termination. Thompson served as Sherborn's police chief from 2009 until his termination in 2020.

The verdict stems from Thompson's 2020...

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Xaverian teacher named “20 to Watch”

Xaverian Brothers High School is proud to announce that Ms. Catherine Sciortino (Newton), science teacher and AI Coordinator, has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 ISTE+ASCD 20 to Watch Award.

This award recognizes 20 innovative early-career educators who are making an impact through transformative teaching and meaningful technology integration. Selected from a...

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Bruins players help kick-off summer reading

The Westwood Public Library welcomed young readers and hockey fans on June 29 for the Boston Bruins Summer Reading Kickoff, a statewide initiative that encourages children and teens to keep reading throughout the summer.

Held in partnership with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Massachusetts...

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Judy Brown retires after 58 years

By Julie Marrinucci Hometown Weekly Correspondent

After nearly six decades behind the wheel, on June 18th, school bus driver Judy Brown drove her “kids” to and from school for the very last time. Following 58 years of service to Westwood, she’s ready to do more of what she truly loves - sewing, reading, and activities...

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Liyann Alrayashi selected as Youth Poet Laureate

In partnership with the Westwood Public Library’s 21st Century Fund and the Westwood Cultural Council, the Town of Westwood is pleased to announce that Liyann Alrayashi has been selected as the 2026-2027 Youth Poet Laureate.

This September, Liyann will be entering her sophomore year at Westwood High School. She...

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Needham veteran receives diploma following 100th birthday

By Meghan Foley Hometown Weekly Staff

On June 29th, Needham High School recognized alumnus John Hasenfus, who had celebrated his 100th birthday a week earlier. Mr. Hasenfus was unable to attend his original high school graduation back in 1944 because he enlisted to fight in World War...

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Needham Celebrates the Fourth of July

By Isabell Macrina Hometown Weekly Staff

In celebration of America’s 250th Birthday, the Needham Exchange Club held their annual 4th of July celebration at Memorial Field the night before. People flocked there early with blankets and chairs to claim spots for the best view of the fireworks, but there were many other things to keep...

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NGC awards Scholarship to Katie Burns

The Needham Garden Club (NGC) has awarded its 2026 scholarship to Katie Burns, recognizing her academic achievement, commitment to environmental stewardship and enthusiasm for learning.

According to the Garden Club, Burns stood out among a strong field of applicants for her genuine passion for education. In her scholarship application, she explained that throughout high...

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Dover resident graduates from Cotting School

Claudia Rose Newman, Dover resident and daughter of Trudy Newman and Paul Newman, graduated from Cotting School in Lexington on June 6 as a member of the 132nd graduating class. Claudia received The Mary M. Perry Citizenship Award, which recognizes a graduate who has shown outstanding service and dedication to the Cotting School...

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Summer Concert with Group Therapy

By Isabell Macrina Hometown Weekly Staff

The Sherborn Library brought back their annual summer concert series, turning the lawn behind the library into a venue of music and splendor on Wednesday evenings. To kick it off, the library welcomed a band with fans throughout the Metrowest area and is celebrated for their big sound and...

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