Category Archive for "Needham"

High Rock teacher arrested on child pornography charges

By Julia Beauregard Hometown Weekly Editor Needham Public Schools Superintendent Daniel E. Gutekanst informed families on Friday, March 7 that Michael Ciccolella, a 46 year old teacher at High Rock Middle School, has been charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. Ciccolella has been employed by Needham Public Schools since 2008, but has been immediately placed on...

Needham’s First Poet Laureate previews new book

By Audrey Anderson Hometown Weekly Reporter Needham’s first Poet Laureate, Anne E. G. Nydam, discussed the goals of her town position and previewed her new book, “Bitter-Sweetness and Light: A Collection of Stories, Poems, and Art,” at the Needham Free Public Library. Nydam was appointed in December 2024 as Poet Laureate of the Town of Needham, after submitting...

by Audrey Anderson Hometown Weekly Reporter The Needham Free Public Library and the Needham Public School Library hosted the 3rd Annual K-12 Needham Community Writing Contest reception and awards ceremony on Thursday, February 27, at NFPL. Student writers, their parents, and their siblings packed into the Community Room to celebrate the winners and recognize everyone who had...

By Audrey Anderson Hometown Weekly Reporter Since the movie “Bonnie and Clyde” was released in 1967 with Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty in the lead roles, the public has been fascinated by the story of the two young outlaws and their exploits. The movie painted a glamorized and simplified version of their story; however, their real lives...

By Audrey Anderson Hometown Weekly Reporter The first public reading of the play “If the Walls Could Talk” was presented in in an exciting joint venture of the Needham Community Theatre and the Needham Diversity Initiative to present a program combining local significance, the arts, and social justice. “If These Walls Could Talk,” written by Dawn Carroll and...

By Audrey Anderson Hometown Weekly Reporter A talented and friendly group of Needham High School students performed an intimate evening concert of eclectic music in the Needham Public Library’s Community Room. The enthusiasm of the musicians was infectious, as they set up decorations and a snack table in the room, warmed up their instruments, and introduced and...

By Julia Beauregard Hometown Weekly Editor The Needham Diversity Initiative in cooperation with Needham Human Rights Committee, Needham Interfaith Clergy Association, and The Needham Public Schools and it’s METCO Program sponsored the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at Needham High School on Monday, January 20. The event began as Odessa Jackson, the host of the event,...

Needham votes no on MBTA zoning plan

By Lenny Strauss Hometown Weekly Reporter On Tuesday, January 14th, Needham residents voted in a special election to decide whether to enact a zoning plan that if implemented, would see the town as “in compliance” with the MBTA Communities Act, a controversial bill that has become a major point of discussion across the state. This vote represents...

Pulitzer Prize-Winning author visits NFPL

By Audrey Anderson Hometown Weekly Reporter Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Sebastian Smee was warmly welcomed at the Needham Free Public Library (NFPL) by a large crowd in the Community Room. Registration for this event filled up quickly, as eager fans of art criticism and journalism looked forward to hearing from the celebrated Smee, who is known as a...

By Avital and Joel Skolnick Community Contributors The art show "Reflections" kicked off Needham’s 2025 cultural calendar with an opening reception on Sunday, January 5, at the historic Gorse Mill Gallery, located at 31 Thorpe St. The exhibit features a range of paintings, from beautiful local landscapes to abstract works, and will remain open for visitors through...

By Riley Fontana Hometown Weekly Reporter Needham embraces and celebrates all religions and traditions within its community. In honor of Hanukkah, the Chabad Jewish Center hosted a menorah lighting outside Needham Town Hall, inviting residents to come together in celebration. Rabbi Mendy Krinsky led the program, introducing speakers, including Needham resident Boaz Arbel. Arbel shared reflections on his...

By Madison Butkus Hometown Weekly Reporter Hometown Weekly Reporter Madison Butkus had the pleasure to talk with Denise Garlick, Massachusetts House of Representative 13th Norfolk District. Garlick, who is about to end her seventh term in office, detailed some of the highlights throughout her career as well as her great hopes for the future as she enters...

By Madison Butkus Hometown Weekly Reporter In honor of Representative Denise Garlick’s final days in office, a Celebration of Service was held at Powers Hall (Needham Town Hall) on Monday, December 9th. Those residents from Needham, Medfield and Dover were welcome to come and thank Garlick for all her hard work over the last 14 years and...

By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter

Needham Council on Aging (COA) members gathered at The Center at the Heights (CATH) to enjoy a pancake breakfast served by members of Avenue Church. This event is a part of an ongoing initiative that Avenue Church has started in which they serve members of...

by Audrey Anderson
Hometown Weekly Reporter

On Saturday evening, December 7, Christ Episcopal Church’s Jazz in the Sanctuary series continued to raise money for Haiti with a “A Charlie Brown Christmas” featuring the John Paul McGee trio, including McGee on piano, Max Ridley on bass, and Lumanyano Mzi on drums. The...

In a thrilling traditional Thanksgiving Day rivalry game, the Needham Rockets edged out the Wellesley Raiders, securing a 20-13 victory in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Strong defensive performances, explosive plays, and a fourth-quarter surge defined this classic matchup between two storied programs. This was the 137th time these two teams faced off...

Dr. Caplan discusses recent book at NFPL

By Madison Butkus

Hometown Weekly Reporter

With the fall season coming to an end, the Needham Free Public Library (NFPL), in sponsorship with the Library Foundation of Needham (LFN), hosted their final event that is part of the LFN Fall Author Series. For this discussion, Dr. Benjamin...

Needhamites gather for rededication ceremony

By Madison Butkus

Hometown Weekly Reporter

Located just outside the heart of downtown Needham, the town’s oldest public building, originally East Needham High School, has a storied history. Opened in 1864, the building has undergone several transformations, culminating in its rededication on Saturday, November 23.

Dr. Nugent discusses asteroids at NFPL

By Madison Butkus

Hometown Weekly Reporter

The Needham Free Public Library (NFPL) welcomed Dr. Carrie Nugent to discuss Near-Earth Asteroids. This program was a part of the 2024/25 McIver series that is named in honor of Vivian McIver, longtime director of the library.

According...

Needhamites enjoy annual pancake breakfast

By Madison Butkus

Hometown Weekly Reporter

Friends and families flocked to the Newman Elementary School as the Rotary Club held their annual pancake breakfast. Fluffy pancakes with savory sausages immersed in golden-delicious maple syrup were on the menu.

The parking lot was consistently full...

Category Archives: Needham

High Rock teacher arrested on child pornography charges

Needham’s First Poet Laureate previews new book

Celebrating writers at NFPL

The Real Bonnie and Clyde

Social justice reading at Powers Hall

NHS students present TRI-M Concert

Needhamites celebrate MLK Day

Needham votes no on MBTA zoning plan

Pulitzer Prize-Winning author visits NFPL

“Reflections” debuts at Gorse Mill

Needham celebrates Hanukkah

Rep. Garlick reflects on career

Residents celebrate Denise Garlick

COA gives thanks to Avenue Church

Paul McGee Trio play at Christ Church

Rockets Thanksgiving Triumph

Dr. Caplan discusses recent book at NFPL

Needhamites gather for rededication ceremony

Dr. Nugent discusses asteroids at NFPL

Needhamites enjoy annual pancake breakfast

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