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The Council is staying strong and moving forward, even as uncertainty surrounds federal hunger relief programs.
Our mission remains the same—to support our neighbors in Needham. Right now, our food pantry is busier than ever, serving over 375 households with this past February visits increasing by 8.7% compared to February 2024.
I hope you can join me for a fun and meaningful night at our 3rd annual Party for the Pantry on Saturday, March 29th.
Let’s come together to celebrate, connect, and raise critical funds to support the food pantry. As a fellow food bank advocate recently said, hunger is a unifying issue—and together, we can make a real difference.
Please visit Party for the Pantry to purchase tickets or make a donation.
With gratitude,
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Party for the Pantry
Tickets are still available for Party for the Pantry, but selling fast. The event will be held on Saturday, March 29th from 7:00 to 11:00 pm at Powers Hall (at Needham Town Hall). Included will be good food catered by Forklift Catering, free libations, a live auction, and live music from local band, The Tear Downs. Purchase tickets here.
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Let’s come together to celebrate, connect, and raise critical funds to support the food pantry. Food insecurity is a unifying issue—and together, we can make a real difference.
Tickets can be purchased here. Please reach out to the Development office, dev@needhamcouncil.org, with any questions.
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Welcome Sue!
The Council is pleased to welcome Sue Gilbert to our office support team. She and Mary Ellen will be a dynamic duo with Mary Ellen working Monday - Wednesday and Sue taking the reigns Thursday - Friday. Sue's positivity, warmth and organization skills will be invaluable in supporting our mission!
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Community Partnerships
The Council continues to be gratified by the outpouring of support from the Needham Community. As we are now preparing for our Party for the Pantry we are incredibly grateful to our sponsors and to those who have purchased tickets.
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We send a huge shout out to Needham Bank who is generously serving as our Champion Sponsor this year.
We are also grateful to our other sponsors, including Direct Federal Credit Union, Copley Motorcars, Carrie B. Reddish DMD, Louise Condon Realty, Needham Golf Club Charities, Volante Farms, Middlesex Savings Bank, Equity Industrial Partners, The Bulfinch Charitable Foundation, and the Anderson Family.
Thank you for your support, which will allow us to keep up with the increased demand on the food pantry. Tickets to the party are still available. Interested? purchase tickets here.
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English Language Learning | | |
ELL Happenings
New Friday Morning Conversation Group Underway
Welcome back, Beverly! After a few-month break, Beverly has returned and is leading a new group of intermediate learners on Fridays from 10:30-11:30am. The group welcomes new members. To sign up, please email ELL Program Manager, Sheila Roberts at sroberts@needhamcouncil.org.
Volunteer ELL Tutors Step Up
Thank you, tutors, for caring so deeply about the neighbors we serve and giving so generously of your time! When the list of ELLs waiting for tutors ballooned at the beginning of February, a request was emailed to existing tutors to see if anyone might be willing to take on a second learner. Within 24 hours every learner on the ELL waitlist was matched!
New Tutor Training Starts in April
Interested in becoming an ELL tutor? Upcoming tutor training is April 2, 9, 16 6:30-8:00 pm. Please email ELL Program Manager, Sheila Roberts at sroberts@needhamcouncil.org for more information.
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TODAY, Wednesday March 5
Emotions 101: Helping your child name and navigate emotions with Deborah Farmer Kris, Child Development Expert & Author
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Michelle Icard, is coming to Needham!
March 20th – Book club for Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen: The Essential Conversations You Need to Have with Your Kids Before They Start High School, a book by Michelle Icard. For parents and caregivers of 3rd-9th graders, this book club meeting is brought to the community in preparation for Michelle Icard’s presentation on April 2. The registration link can be found here.
April 2nd – Essential Parenting Conversations and How to Have Them with Michelle Icard. For parents and caregivers of 3rd-9th graders. The registration link can be found here.
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Michelle Icard is a nationally recognized author specializing in tweens development, who has been featured in CNN, Today Show, The Washington Post, Time, People.com (just to name a few). | |
It Takes a Neighborhood
The Needham Council on Aging, in partnership with the Council, has received a grant from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, to distribute a limited number of iPads to Needham residents over the age of 60 at no cost to the resident.
As of December 2024, 48 iPads were distributed. The Council is proud to provide introductory instruction and training for these residents. Thank you to Jessica Moss, Assistant Director of Aging Services, Counseling and Volunteers, for involving us in this wonderful program.
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Tech & Tutors & Tech Teens Provide Tech Assistance
From support sessions at the Center at the Heights and Needham Housing Authority to Needham teens from Needham High School technology clubs offering Tech Talks and support sessions, Tech & Tutors provide a plethora of support. More information can be found on our website.
Next Tech Talk topics include: Streaming Media Services, Avoiding Internet Scams and iPad and iPhone Tips and Tricks. More information can be found on our website.
If you have any questions, please contact Karen Zarrow, Tech & Tutors Program Manager at 781-444-2415 x2020 or email kzarrow@needhamcouncil.org.
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Antiques & Collectibles Sale March 6th - 8th
Come and capture the laughter, the smiles, the memories at the annual Antiques & Collectibles Sale from March 6-8th.
Staff and volunteers have curated the best, most unusual, and favorite pieces from all our donations. Come and see a smile and a treasure that was left behind at the Council Thrift during our March pop-up shop upstairs.
Sale Hours:
Thursday, March 6: 10 am – 6 pm
Friday, March 7: 10 am – 4 pm
Saturday, March 8: 10 am – 2 pm
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Pot ‘o Gold Sale
March 17th - 22nd
At the end of the rainbow, you will find
A pot 'o gold for you to mine,
With savings that feel like a lucky 'o gift,
Come win a discount at
The Council Thrift!
You may even dance a jig when you come away with extra change in your pocket thanks to our deep discounts. Shop, Save, Support!
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Monthly Volunteer Spotlight
We are truly grateful for the kind, thoughtful, and professional efforts of our volunteer community—without them, the work we do wouldn’t be possible. We value and appreciate the contributions of every volunteer who gives their time and energy to serve the community.
This month we highlight Connie Barr. A huge supporter of the Council, Connie has spearheaded the Antiques & Collectibles Sale for over 20 years.
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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
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Office Hours
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
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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. | | | | |
