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News from the Town of Needham

Good morning, Needham!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

There’s a lot happening as we head towards spring and the weather turns warmer. We’re working to bring back the outdoor dining tent, which will move to Greene’s Field this season as the Town Common undergoes renovation. You can learn more about the renovation project here. Picnic tables will be available once again on the Needham Heights Common and Eaton Square Plaza this spring. Stay tuned for updates.

Looking for spring activities? Needham Park and Recreation’s Spring Programming is now open for registration. Check out programs for residents of all ages, including options like Girls on the Run, music, cooking and theater classes, adult sports leagues, and more.

The arrival of spring also means that the Annual Town Election is coming up. To vote in the April 12th election, you must be registered to vote in Needham. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, March 23rd. The Town Clerk’s Office will be open 9 am to 8 pm that day for those who need to register. You may also register in person before that date.

Thinking ahead to summer? We’ll have information about the Pools at the Rosemary Recreation Complex in the coming weeks.

COVID-19 Update

Mask Update
The Needham Board of Health last week rescinded its mask requirement for municipal buildings, coinciding with the change in requirements in the Needham Public Schools. The Board still strongly encourages the use of masks in indoor settings by people who are in high-risk groups or who have not been fully vaccinated or boosted. The Board continues to strongly recommend that all Needham residents be up to date with their vaccinations, which includes getting a booster at the scheduled time after your primary vaccination series. COVID booster shots are available at locations across the Commonwealth. Find one by visiting the state’s vaccine website.

Updated Death Data
The state Department of Public Health last week revised the data for COVID deaths to create a more standardized approach that aligns with the CDC. For more information about the change visit mass.gov. As a result, Needham saw a decrease in death counts. You can see the data on Needham’s COVID-19 dashboard on the Health Division’s Website

Volunteer Needed to Serve on the Needham Park and Recreation Commission

Needham Community Farm Hosts Upcoming Events

With Spring approaching, the Needham Community Farm (NCF) has planned a robust year of educational programming, offering a wide variety of informational workshops, volunteer opportunities, movie screenings, and hands-on experiences. All events are free and open to the public. Registration is now open for March programming.

Garden Planning 101, Wed. March 23rd at 6 PM on Zoom - Presented by NCF’s Program Manager, Ceilidh Peden-Spear (they/them). Join to learn how to plan your own garden so you can harvest your favorite veggies all season.

Online Viewing of Uprooting Racism, Seeding Sovereignty, Wed. March 30th at 7 PM on Zoom - This film, produced by Soul Fire Farm, is presented in collaboration with the Needham Diversity Initiative. Learn about an Afro-Indigenous centered community farm committed to uprooting racism and seeding sovereignty in the food system. After the screening, join for a panel discussion with local farm and food workers.

Please register for these free Zoom events. Email Ceilidh at with any questions.

Needham Community Education Launches Summer Explorations Program

Needham Community Education (NCE) has launched the Summer Explorations program, offering students in rising grades 1–9 weeklong, half-day morning and full-day enrichment classes in July.

Classes are offered in science, games and challenges, robotics, fine art, videography, crafts, imaginative play, technology, fitness, engineering and more. Browse the catalog and find a class that fits your child's interests. Online registration is now open.

Join the Discussion: On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous

• MARCH 20TH: The Trustees of the Needham Free Public Library host MIT Professor Noelle Eckley Selin, PhD. for “The Story of Mercury, the Element” this Sunday, March 20th at 2 pm via Zoom. Selin is an atmospheric chemist and author who studies mercury and other hazardous substances and applies her research to help inform global efforts to regulate toxic chemicals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to protect humans and our environment.This virtual event is held in memory of former director Vivian D. McIver. It is free and open to the public. Please register through the library website to receive the Zoom link.
  

• MARCH 24TH: The Housing Plan Working Group will host a community workshop Thursday, March 24th at 7 pm via Zoom. This workshop is part of the Housing Plan Working Group’s continued conversation with the community about the future of housing in Needham, which began with an initial public forum in January to hear local perspectives on housing needs and priorities. Registration is required for purposes of breakout sessions and follow-up.
  

• MARCH 24TH: The League of Women Voters of Needham, Meatless Monday Needham, and the Needham Public Schools Nutrition Services host “Feeding Our Students - A Look at Nutrition Services in the Needham Public Schools.” The virtual event will be held Thursday, March 24th at 7 pm. Participants will learn about how school lunches have changed, how meals are funded and provided, how food waste and recycled and more. Register for the event.
  

• THROUGH MARCH 26TH: Visit Gorse Mills Studios now through March 26th to view “When We Are Silent,” a collection of new works created over a year of speaking up and another year of keeping silent. Ruth K Henry's work is both moving and educational. On view at Gorse Mill Gallery through March 26.
  

• MARCH 28TH: The League of Women Voters of Needham hosts a Candidates’ Night for candidates running in the Town’s April 12th Town Election Monday, March 28th. The event will be carried live at 7 pm on the Needham Channel and can be viewed via Zoom by registering in advance.
  

• MARCH 28TH: Needham Youth and Family Services, with support from the Needham Council for Arts & Culture hosts “Creating Space for Self Care: A Workshop for Parents” Monday, March 28th from 5:30 to 7 pm at the Gorse Mill Gallery. This therapeutic art workshop invites you to take a little time to relax and recharge by making art as you explore the themes of self-care and resilience. All materials provided. No experience necessary. Register by Thursday, March 24th.
  

CALENDAR OF PUBLIC MEETINGS & EVENTS

***Meetings are linked to the relevant agenda***

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Needham Zoning Board of Appeals, 7:30 pm via Zoom
Needham Human Rights Committee, 7:30 pm via Zoom
Needham Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing, 8 pm via Zoom
Needham Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing, 8:15 pm via Zoom


Friday, March 18, 2022

Broadmeadow School Council, 7:30 am via Zoom

Monday, March 21, 2022

Commissioners of Trust Funds, 4:30 pm, Great Plain Room, Town Hall
Climate Action Plan Committee, 6 pm, Public Services Administration Building and Zoom
Historical Commission, 7 pm via Zoom

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Select Board Meeting, 6 pm, Town Hall and Zoom (agenda to be posted Friday)

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

8 pm: Registration Deadline to Vote in the April 12th Town Election, Town Clerk’s Office

Subcommittee of the School Committee for Negotiations, 3:30 pm, School Administration Building, Second Floor Conference Room

Events shown as listed on the Town calendar as of 3/17/22. Don't forget to check out the Needham Meeting and Events calendar for updated information.

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Town of Needham
1471 Highland Ave.
Needham, MA 02492
781-455-7500
www.needhamma.gov