May News & Updates

Walk and Talks for English Language Learners
All Levels! Free
Meet fellow English language learners and practice English while getting exercise and fresh air. All levels welcome! This activity is for adults, but you are welcome to bring children along. We will walk for 40-60 minutes and return to our starting point. 
 
RSVP appreciated, but not required. Questions? Email jtovar@needhamcouncil.org. or call 781-444-2415. 
 
Conozca a otros y practique inglés al aire libre. ¡Todos los niveles son bienvenidos! Esta actividad es para adultos, pero puede traer niños. Caminaremos por 40-60 minutos.  
 
结识其他人并练习英语,同时获得锻炼和新鲜空气。欢迎所有级别!此活动适用于成人,但欢迎您带孩子一起去。我们将步行40-60分钟 
 
Познакомьтесь с другими и практикуйте английский язык, получая физические упражнения и свежий воздух. Все уровни приветствуются! Это мероприятие предназначено для взрослых, но вы можете взять с собой детей. Мы будем идти пешком 40-60 минут 

New Spring Dates
Thursday, May 5th
Thursday, May 19th
Thursday, June 2nd
10 am at Needham Reservoir Trail
484 Dedham Ave, Needham
(DPW Building)
Accepting new students now!
Learn more about the ELL program and more events below:
Not Just Food - Healthy Food!

Next time you visit the food pantry, give Katerina and all her volunteers a big THANK YOU! We've made a shift towards always choosing "Fresh First" and it shows. Just look at the produce boxes that went out to our customers in April. We hope you enjoy them!
Mobile Market Coming Soon


Look for the Needham Community Farm and our volunteers at the housing locations starting in June!

Tuesdays 5pm - 5:30pm
Capt Robert Cook Drive

Tuesday 5:30pm - 6pm
Seabeds

Friday 3 pm - 3:30 pm
Linden & Chambers
Updating Our Records

Over the next month we will be updating our records. At your next visit we will ask you to review your family information.

If you have your food delivered, please complete the form that came in your box and mail it back in the envelope provided.

This data will be used for record keeping ONLY and your information will be kept private.

We thank you for your cooperation!
Tablets & Tutors

Zoom into Spring with your Tablet! In May, Tablets and Tutors will be coming to the Housing Community Rooms to demonstrate how to use the Zoom App. We will cover how to start a Zoom meeting, join a meeting and control your meetings with your Fire tablet (or other devices). Please see the schedule below to see when we are in your neighborhood:

Linden/Chambers community room on Tuesday, May 17 at 11 am
Seabeds Way community room on Thursday, May 19 at 11 am

If you would like to obtain a customized Fire Tablet or schedule one on one training with one of our Tutors, please contact Stacey Fallon at sfallon@needhamcouncil.org or 781-444-2415, ext. 2120.
Scholarships Available
Eligible for Nursing, medical or clinical programs
Are you looking to advance their career in nursing, medicine or one of the allied health professions? If so, you may be eligible for a scholarship from the Metrowest Health Foundation. Applications for scholarships for the spring academic term are available now and due Tuesday, May 31st.
May Thrift Store Sales
Spring Sale
Spring has Sprung! The curated collection of our best of spring and summer are on sale under the Council Tent!

April 29th - May 2nd
Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
Monday 10 am - 4 pm
Lucky Duck Savings Day
Kick off summer and see how far your luck can go! Receive your Lucky Duck savings card at time of purchase and scratch off to reveal your discount of 10-50% off!

May 23rd - May 27th
Mon & Fri 10 am - 4 pm
Tues & Thurs 10 am - 6 pm
Sat 10 am - 2 pm

Thrift Store will be closed
Saturday, May 28th - Monday, May 30th for Memorial Day Weekend
We still have Covid-19 Tests Available
Thank you for Reading!
Last month only 35 of our customers entered to win! We continue to have 10 lucky individuals who have won a gift card to a local business like CVS or Stop & Shop. Be sure to

Winners will be notified via email around the 10th of the month.

Park & Rec Pool Passes and
Discounted Classes
Available NOW
Spring-Summer recreation is just around the corner. Our Food Pantry customers may qualify for discount summer programs, including the Pool Passes through Needham Parks & Recreation.

Steps to getting a pool pass and discounted classes:


  • At the same time you need to set up an account with the Parks & Rec at www.needhamprograms.com (please only include family members who are members of our food pantry)

  • Browse the class options and pool details

  • Submit a request for a class and/or pool pass along with your referral form to the email below or go in-person to the Rosemary Pool complex to sign up. parkandrecreation@needhamma.gov

Memberships are all digital that can be stored on an electronic device.

Plan Your Next Food Pantry Visit
Schedule your May Food Pantry Visits NOW
The Council & the Food Pantry will be closed:
Monday, May 30th for Memorial Day
Get Cooking!
Chicken & Vegetable Rice Pilaf

1 tablespoon oil
1 pound chicken pieces
1 1/2 cups rice, uncooked
5 medium carrots, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup white mushrooms, chopped
1 medium red pepper, chopped
2 cups chicken broth, divided
2 cups water

Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat until hot.

Add chicken and cook until browned on first side, about 3-5 minutes. Flip and brown other side, another 3-5 minutes. Remove from pan.

Over medium heat, add the rice, carrots, onion, mushrooms, and red pepper to the skillet. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until rice is browned.

Stir in broth and water, place chicken over rice mixture and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender.

Fluff up the rice with a fork and serve.
Carrot Spice Muffins

2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 12 muffin cups with vegetable cooking spray.

In a large bowl, mix eggs, applesauce, oil, sugar, and vanilla until completely combined. Stir in carrots.

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture and stir until all of the flour is wet.

Portion the mixture evenly into the muffin cups. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You can check if they're done by inserting a toothpick or knife into the middle of one - if it comes out clean (very little crumbs), they're ready.

Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then remove muffins from tin and cool on a wire rack or plate.

Hours
Council Thrift & Donation Hours

Monday & Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Tuesday & Thursday 10 am - 6 pm
Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
Office Hours

Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 4 pm
Closed Monday, May 30th for Memorial Day
Stay Connected

Needham Community Council
570 Hillside Avenue
Needham, MA 02494
781-444-2415