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Category Archives: Needham

Crafting poems into printed art at NFPL

By Isabell Macrina Hometown Weekly Reporter

Needham Free Public Library (NFPL) welcomed back Needham Poet Laureate Anne E. G. Nydam to host a class introducing people to a unique art skill that she pairs with her poetry, block printing!

Block printing is typically done with linoleum or...

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Needham’s Jewish community gathers to honor Hanukkah

By Samantha Drumm Hometown Weekly Reporter

On Wednesday, December 17, an hour after the sun had set in the darkest part of the year, members of Needham’s community gathered at Town Hall for the lighting of a striking ice menorah. Constructed entirely from blocks of ice that same day, the menorah was...

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Uncovering a lost Harlem Renaissance voice at NFPL

By Isabell Macrina Hometown Weekly Reporter

Looking back on history is the key to understanding our world, remembering those who came before us. But some of these people end up getting lost to history, through accidents or acts of censorship. Needham Free Public Library (NFPL) hosted Wellesley College Professor Octavio Gonzalez to share his talk...

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Rockets enter season with new coach

By Meghan Foley Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter

On Tuesday, December 9th, girls’ varsity basketball took on the Norwood Mustangs in a scrimmage before their regular season began that Thursday.

Last year, the Rockets had a regular season record of 11–9 and qualified for the MIAA playoffs seeded...

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Learning how fiction can save the world at NFPL

By Isabell Macrina Hometown Weekly Reporter

Fantasy and science fiction are some of the most popular genres today, but they can still be looked down on by the public for their “unserious” nature. Needham Poet Laureate, fantasy author, and artist Anne E. G. Nydam hosted a program at Needham Free Public Library (NFPL) to share...

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Teens explore the tarot at NFPL

Photos by Isabell Macrina Howells shines in her element, despite the rainy day, excited to open some eyes     By Isabell Macrina Hometown Weekly Reporter   The typical belief of tarot card readings is that it tells the future. People will go to get their fortune told and expect answers. Jackie Howells, at Needham Free Public Library (NFPL), set out...
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Doug Most discusses latest novel at NFPL

By Isabell Macrina Hometown Weekly Reporter

Needham Free Public Library (NFPL) hosted local author Doug Most to discuss his latest novel “Launching Liberty: The Epic Race to Build the Ships That Took America to War.” This historical novel tells the story of President Franklin D. Roosevelt partnering with industrialist Henry Kaiser to create a fleet...

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NOS exhibits at the Community Gallery

Photos courtesy of Needham Open Studios

The active artists of Needham Open Studios are exhibiting for the first time at the Community Gallery at Christ Church, Needham. The public is invited to the Holiday Sale/Opening Art Reception on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 11 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Visitors can enjoy the art exhibit...

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Varsity football makes comeback

By Meghan Foley Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter

On Thursday night, varsity football (0–7) played the Framingham Flyers (4–2) on the Memorial Field turf for their last game before Thanksgiving. The Rockets have had a tough year, but the fans who braved the rain got to see them come back from an 8-point deficit and win...

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Girls’ Varsity Soccer maintains first place

By Meghan Foley Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter

On Thursday night, girls varsity soccer took on Braintree on the Memorial Field turf. The Rockets have had a very successful season this year, entering this game with a 12–2–1 record and first place in the Division 1 ranking. They...

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Orleans to perform at the Great Hall

By Lenny Strauss Hometown Weekly Reporter.

On November 1st, the timeless pop-rock band Orleans will be taking the stage at the Needham Town Hall. Formed in Woodstock NY in 1972 by musicians John Hall and Larry Hoppen, the band released timeless classic hits like Dance with Me and Still the One, which were both top...

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Gullette discusses Eldercide at NFPL

By Isabell Macrina Hometown Weekly Reporter

Needham Free Public Library (NFPL) welcomed author, scholar, and activist Margaret Morganroth Gullette for a lecture titled: “American Eldercide and Ageism Today.” In her recent book, “American Eldercide: How it Happened, How to Prevent it,” Gullette argues that during the COVID-19 pandemic cultural biases and government abandonment results in...

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Schlittler pitches record breaking postseason

It was a record breaking night at Yankee Stadium when Walpole native Cam Schlittler, made his play-off debut in the American League wildcard game against the Boston RedSox on October 2nd. The 6’ 6” Yankees right-hander starter of the decisive Game 3 pulled no punches as he took the mound against the team he once...
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Authors discuss latest novels at NFPL

By Isabell Macrina Hometown Weekly Reporter Authors Timothy Gager and Laurette Folk joined the folks at Needham Free Public Library (NFPL) on Tuesday night to share excerpts from their latest novels and discuss their stories, and the process of writing, with each other and the assembled crowd. After talking for a few minutes while waiting to start, Folk...
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Painting with Chelsea at the NFPL

Photo by Isabell Macrina  Everyone shows off their unique pieces to take home     By Isabell Macrina Hometown Weekly Reporter   The Needham Free Public Library’s community room became an artist studio through their program Painting with Chelsea. Chelsea Brown, who used to work at NFPL, led a teen program through a painting walkthrough to create a fun, nature inspired...
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Renovated tennis courts at Needham High 

Photo by Hometown Weekly Staff There is still much construction to be finished before school starts in the fall.     By Chloe Patel Hometown Weekly Correspondent   Needham High School is set to feature eight brand new courts ahead of the start of the 2025-2026 school year, much to the delight of the girls tennis program.  Already at NHS are four...
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ICON celebrates India Day

Photo by Audrey Anderson Group of children who portrayed historic Indian leaders     By Audrey Anderson Hometown Weekly Reporter   On Sunday, August 17, the Indian Community of Needham (ICON) organization presented a colorful and joyous musical, historical, and cultural celebration in honor of Indian Independence Day in Powers Hall. A large crowd of all ages attended to enjoy the...
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Celebrating the end of summer reading at NFPL

Photo by Isabell Macrina  It’s not just for kids! Teens and adults have a chance to win a free book from the wheel too   By Isabell Macrina  Hometown Weekly Reporter As the summer draws to a close, a lot of children dread going back to school. Some are apprehensive about reading, especially in the early years of...
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NFPL to renovate and expand teen room 

The Needham Free Public Library is pleased to announce an exciting renovation and expansion of its Teen Room, transforming the current 800-square-foot space into a vibrant 4,000-square-foot hub designed specifically for young adults. Construction is set to begin in September 2025, with completion expected by February 2026 and an anticipated opening in March 2026. A Modern...
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Nydam shares Prints and Poetry 

Photos by Isabell Macrina Nydam with her friends, father, and husband discussing her projects   By Isabell Macrina Hometown Weekly Reporter Gorse Mill Studios showcased the works of the inaugural Needham Poet Laureate Anne E.G. Nydam. Nydam paired her art block prints with poetry, a lot of her original work but included some classic pieces that she felt were inspirational. Read more