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...
Massachusetts votes No on Question 5
By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
During this year’s Presidential Election, Massachusetts voters had the opportunity to decide on one high-profile ballot measure, which would raise the state’s minimum wage for tipped workers until it meets the state minimum wage in 2029 and still permit tipping in...
HTW’s holiday bucket list
By Julia Beauregard
Hometown Weekly Editor
As the holiday season unfolds, a sense of magic and joy permeates the air. December brings about feelings of merriment and delight, as well as a strong desire to revel in the spirit of the holidays. There is no better way...
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.
Volleyball’s successful playoff run
By Julia Beauregard
Hometown Weekly Editor
On Tuesday, November 12, the Needham girls’ varsity volleyball team put up a determined fight in a tough playoff match against Newton North. Despite their efforts and strong teamwork, Needham fell short, with a score of 0-3. Newton North took the...
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...
Girls’ soccer triumphs round two
By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Needham Rockets girls’ soccer took on the Winchester High School Red and Black in the second round of the Massachusetts Division 1 Playoffs. Winchester played hard and tried to stage a comeback but Needham came out on top, winning 2-0.
The...
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...
Rockets fight hard in first playoff game
By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Needham Rockets field hockey team took on the Wellesley Raiders in the first round of the State Championship playoffs. Needham fought hard but ultimately Wellesley came out on top 6-0, putting an end to the Rocket's playoff career.
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...
Rockets soar over Walpole
By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Walpole Timberwolves and the Needham Rockets finished off the varsity volleyball season at Needham on October 24. Each set was a chase for the lead, but Needham came out on top with a 3-0 win.
Walpole Senior...
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...
Locals enjoy NPD’s Open House
By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Needham Police Department (NPD) held their second annual Open House for all community members to come and enjoy. This event was from 10 am to 1 pm and located right at the police station.
As attendees entered...
Girls’ soccer soars against Westwood
By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Needham girl’s soccer team played away at Westwood High School this past Saturday, October 19th for an intense matchup that led to a 1-0 shutout by the Rockets.
Within the first half, the girls displayed excellent strength...
Girls’ Volleyball triumphs over Concord-Carlisle
By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Needham Rockets Girls’ Volleyball team hosted the Concord-Carlisle Patriots this past Thursday, October 10th. This high-intensity match up consisted of the Rockets taking the first two sets of the game and clinching their win in the final set.