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Hello friends and neighbors,
This past Monday evening, a special member of the Council family was honored for his dedication to the community, and I could not be more proud and grateful. Jeff Dinneen was selected as the recipient of the 2026 Patrick & Patricia Forde Good Person Memorial Award for his extraordinary leadership of Cans for Calcium, a volunteer-driven initiative that supports the food pantry by turning redeemable bottles and cans into funding fresh dairy products.
Since the launch, the Cans for Calcium program has grown into a tremendous grassroots movement, surpassing 4 million cans and bottles, equivalent to more than $200,000 worth of dairy products. Beyond the incredible impact on our bottom line, this initiative provides meaningful volunteer opportunities for people of all ages, strengthening our community connections. Jeff, thank you for your tireless service and all you do for our organization.
While Jeff’s work is helping us meet the pantry’s needs, there is still work to be done. With the Needham Community Council food pantry serving record numbers of residents, your support has never been more vital. To that end, I’m excited to announce that tickets for the Party for the Pantry go on sale today. Please join me for a high-energy, casual night out dedicated to raising critical funds for our food pantry.
Purchase tickets here
Reflecting on these momentous occasions, I am grateful for the community in which I work and live.
Warmly,
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Sandra Robinson
Executive Director
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Tickets on Sale Today!
Join us Saturday, March 28th, for a high-energy, casual night out dedicated to raising critical funds for our food pantry.
Early Bird tickets are on sale today. Don't wait! Grab your tickets early and help us stock the shelves!
The Details:
When: Saturday, March 28th, 2026 | 7:00 PM
The Vibe: Music, dancing, and a casual atmosphere.
The Goods: Open bar and incredible catering by Forklift.
Tickets:
- Early Bird: $100 (Available now!)
- Standard: $125 (Price increases Wednesday, March 11th at noon)
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February Community Highlights
We are grateful to the students, residents and local businesses for their many contributions to the Council! Here are a few highlights from January:
Dozy Oats, a Needham-based business, donated two cases of gluten-free overnight oats to our food pantry.
A resident hosting a birthday party asked for donations to the Council, resulting in 170 lbs. of food being collected.
A 4th grade class at Eliot School made bags
with coffee, tea and cookies as a special treat for our food pantry
customers.
After sending out a call for toothpaste donations, we received generous donations from Carrie Reddish, DMD, Gillis Dental, Dr. Paul Aswad and Chestnut Dental.
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January Food Pantry Update
During January, the pantry distributed a combined total of 24,040 pounds of food, reflecting a 32.0% increase over January 2025. The significant growth in donated food strengthened overall food availability and helped offset rising food costs.
The Breakdown:
Donated Food: 10,298 lbs (+56.6%)
Purchased Food: 13,743 lbs (+18.1%)
Total Impact: 24,040 lbs
Your financial and food donations enable us to pivot and meet the demand. Thank you for helping us strengthen food availability in our community. We couldn’t do this without you!
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Congrats to Jeff Dinneen!
This past Monday, Jeff Dinneen received the 2026 Patrick & Patricia Forde Good Person Memorial Award for his extraordinary leadership of Cans for Calcium, a volunteer-driven initiative that supports the food pantry. Thank you to the Forde Family and Needham Youth & Family Services for recognizing Jeff.
| | | Dementia Care Partners Support | | | Click on image to enlarge | |
Memory Cafe
ALL are welcome! Join us at the Needham Public Library for our sixth Memory Café! Enjoy friendly conversation, light refreshments, and a creative art activity as we paint and decorate flower pots with the Mug Hug Project.
When: Tuesday, Feb 24th, 10:30am -12:00pm
Where: Needham Public Library
Registration is requested but not required!
To register or learn more, please contact Program Manager
Stephanie Knoch.
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Informational Session
Attend this free, one-hour session via Zoom to learn more about dementia and how to better support those living with it. Open to the public.
When: Wednesday, Feb 18th, 2:00pm- 3:00pm
Where: Via Zoom. Please RSVP to Stephanie Knoch to receive the Zoom invitation.
More information can be found here.
| | Click on image to enlarge | |
Care Partner Consultation
Care Partner Consultations provide individualized support, guidance, and education for individuals caring for a loved one with memory loss or dementia. Stephanie Knoch, MSW, LCSW, CDCP, offers Care Partner Consultations in person, virtually, or by phone, Monday through Friday, with in-person appointments available every Thursday from 1:00–4:00 PM at the Needham Senior Center.
To schedule a time, please call Stephanie at (781) 444-2415 and request a Care Partner Consultation.
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Ell Tutoring is in Full Swing
Refresher Night: Ten tutors ventured out in the cold and snow to participate in the ELL Tutor Refresher Night on Wednesday Jan 28th. ELL Instructor Beth Butterfoss fielded questions and led a lively conversation about tutoring English with adult learners. The tutors also shared ideas and resources with each other based on their experiences in the Council’s ELL Program.
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New ELL Tutor Training: New Training is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25th,
April 8th and April 15th from 6:30-8:00pm. Email ELL Program Manager Sheila Roberts to register.
Are you tutoring an ELL that would benefit from practicing speaking English? The ELL Conversation Groups are a great way for learners to try out their speaking skills. Contact Program Manager Sheila Roberts to identify a conversation group that would be a good match for your learner!
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An Evening with Jessica Lahey
Join us on Wednesday, March 18th (6:30-8:00 pm), for a conversation with Jessica Lahey, the acclaimed educator and author of the Gift of Failure & Addiction Inoculation, Recovery & Prevention Coach. Jess will be discussing her latest work, The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence.
This Mindful Community event is funded by the Becca Schmill Foundation, Needham Community Council, Needham’s Youth & Family Services, and Needham Public Health’s SPAN (Substance Prevention Alliance of Needham). Location and more specifics will be posted on our website shortly.
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Tech & Tutors is Powered Up:
Tech Teens: Come for the Talk and Stay for the Support! The next Tech Talks and Support Sessions are Wednesday, February 25th and Friday, February 27th at the CATH at 3:15 where the teens will cover the following on both days:
Useful Apps – How to Find, Download, and Use:
- Magnifying glass and flashlight - for Android and Apple
- Music - Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio
- Library apps - Audible, Libby, Minuteman Library app
Bring your questions, phone, computer, and/or tablet, and the Tech Teens will help you.
| | | Technical assistance: Tutoring is available at the CATH and NHA. Click on the images for more details. | | |
There’s so Much to Discover at Council Thrift!
The thrift store is flourishing with new arrivals and exciting events. Join us tomorrow for our Wheel of Hearts Sale. Once you’ve found your treasures, you’ll get to spin the wheel at the register for a special discount on your total. Plus, get ready for the big one: Our Annual Antiques & Collectibles Sale arrives at the end of February!
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Your Treasure Hunt Awaits
The Antiques & Collectibles Sale will return February 26th - 28th. Staff and volunteers have curated the best pieces from the past year. When you shop with us, you aren't just getting a deal, you're supporting our programs! Hours below:
- Thurs., Feb 26th 10am-6pm
- Fri., Feb 27th, 10am-4pm
- Sat., Feb 28th, 10am-2pm
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Volunteer of the Month
Jazminka Friedman
We are proud to recognize Jazminka as our Volunteer of the Month! A retired teacher who joined us in the spring of 2024, Jazminka has already contributed over 70 hours as an ELL Tutor. Whether she is leading conversation groups or providing one-on-one support, her dedication is unmatched. Originally from Croatia, Jazminka also speaks Mandarin, a unique skill set that has been an incredible gift to our English language learners. Thank you, Jazminka, for your expertise and your heart!
| | | Important Dates and Hours | | | |
Presidents' Day
The Council offices, Council Thrift and Food Pantry will be closed Saturday, February 14th and Monday, Feb. 16th. We are open the remainder of the week (2/17-2/21).
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Council Thrift & Donation Hours
Monday 10 am - 4 pm
Tuesday & Thursday 10 am - 6 pm
Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
Closed Wednesday & Sunday
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Office
Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 4 pm
Closed Saturday & Sunday
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Needham Community Council
570 Hillside Avenue
Needham, MA 02494
781-444-2415
office@needhamcouncil.org
Connect with us:
| | The Needham Community Council is a private 501(C)3 non-profit organization which supports people in Needham who have under-met health, educational or social needs, and promotes volunteerism, community and a sense of shared responsibility. | | | | |
