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...
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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...
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“Reflections” debuts at Gorse Mill
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...
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Needham celebrates Hanukkah
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...
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Rep. Garlick reflects on career
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...
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Residents celebrate Denise Garlick
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...
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COA gives thanks to Avenue Church
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...
Paul McGee Trio play at Christ Church
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...
Rockets Thanksgiving Triumph
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...
41st annual Craft Fair and Bake sale
By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Needham High School PTC recently hosted their 41st annual Artisan Craft Fair and Bake sale. This event, which lasted from 9 am to 3 pm, was held in the Needham High School (NHS) gyms A & B.
Over 100 local vendors...
Westwood resident discusses book at NFPL
By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Westwood resident and author Mimi Baird was welcomed to the Needham Free Public Library (NFPL) this past Sunday, October 3rd to discuss her first book “He Wanted the Moon: The Madness and Medical Genius of Dr. Perry Baird.” This program was sponsored by the Friends...
Peterson discusses changing of bird species
By Audrey Anderson
Hometown Weekly Report
Wayne R. Peterson, the former Director of the Massachusetts Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program at Mass Audubon, spoke at the Needham Free Public Library about how the bird species resident in Massachusetts have changed over time. The changes he described were...
A celebration of diversity at the Multicultural Festival
By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Needham held its second annual Multicultural Festival where countless people packed the Needham High School cafeteria to experience all the cultures within Needham and learn about their customs and traditions.
14 different countries were in attendance sharing their...
Successful sensory friendly trunk or treat
By Julia Beauregard
Hometown Weekly Editor
Bierman Autism Center of Needham hosted their annual sensory friendly trunk or treat this past Saturday, October 26 in the Bierman parking lot. This event is a celebration for the amazing special needs community, carefully crafted to accommodate everyone in attendance.
Crafting Indian dishes at NFPL
By Audrey Anderson
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Indian cook Sandhya demonstrated how to make both channa masala and sandesh at the Needham Free Public Library (NFPL). With detailed explanations of the steps and descriptions of the ingredients, Sandhya, of Cooking with Sandhya, brought attendees along to her homeland...
Locals enjoy take-home library craft
By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Needham Free Public Library loves to fill the afternoons of half-days with fun crafts and activities for children of all ages. Unfortunately with fall being cold and flu season, sometimes they have to adapt at the last minute. The most...
