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Dear Neighbors,
At a time when the federal outlook feels unsettling, we are deeply touched and humbled by the outpouring of support from our community through financial and food donations and countless thoughtful acts of kindness. We are especially grateful for our community partners, longtime supporters, and the 207 new donors who have recently said “yes” to community. Because of you, we can continue to adapt and serve our neighbors in need.
Here is what the Council is experiencing:
- In October, our food pantry expenses rose by 25%, driven by rising food costs and the current political climate affecting our partners and suppliers, despite our ongoing cost-saving efforts.
- During the first week of November, when SNAP benefits were temporarily suspended, we served 141 households compared to our usual weekly average of 91.
Once again, we are heartened by the many neighbors who continue to say “yes” to community. Your support of the Food Pantry helps Needham families avoid having to choose between putting nutritious food on the table or paying for medicine and rent. Building on the remarkable support we’ve already received, our fundraising effort is ongoing. Please help us continue caring for neighbors in need by using this link.
With gratitude,
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Community Support Shines Bright
The Council is deeply grateful for the incredible outpouring of support from the community. Over the past month, we’ve been truly moved by the generosity, creativity, and compassion of our neighbors through financial and food donations, and acts of kindness.
Here are just a few examples of how our community has come together to make a difference:
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28 groups and individuals have stepped forward to organize food drives for our Food Pantry.
- The Droney Family hosted their 2nd annual “Needham Chainsaw Massacre” Halloween event, raising an amazing $3,500 to benefit the food pantry.
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The Rotary Club of Needham donated copies of Alzheimer’s Caregiving with Love, Laughter, and a Plan to support participants in our new Dementia Care Partners Support Program and invited us to take part in their annual pancake breakfast to raise awareness about our organization.
- The Exchange Club of Needham generously contributed grocery gift cards to help local families in need.
These are just a few of the many ways our neighbors have shown up for one another this month. Each act of kindness—large or small—strengthens the fabric of our community and helps us continue to serve those who rely on us.
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Community Thanksgiving Meals
For the 6th year in a row, the Council wants to ensure that everyone in Needham has a freshly cooked Thanksgiving Dinner. With the help of the Needham Golf Club and Rotary Club, we will deliver over 300 home-cooked meals to Needham residents.
This program would not be possible without the support of our partners, volunteers and residents who support us. Thank you for being part of our family of neighbors helping neighbors.
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Thanksgiving for our Food Pantry Families
Thanksgiving preparations are underway for our food pantry families.
Families can choose between a fully-cooked Thanksgiving meal delivered to their home (2 meals/household) or picking up all the ingredients at the Council to make a Thanksgiving meal at home.
Help support this effort today by donating today.
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Dementia Friends Informational Sessions
Attend a free, one-hour session to learn more about dementia and how to better support those living with it. Sessions available via Zoom or in-person.
- Zoom session – Wednesday, November 19th. Open to the public. Please RSVP to Stephanie Knoch, sknoch@needhamcouncil.org, to receive the Zoom invitation.
- In-person session at the Council – Wednesday, December 3rd, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM. Please RSVP to Stephanie Knoch, sknoch@needhamcouncil.org.
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Council's Memory Cafe
Join us for our third Memory Café, featuring conversation, light refreshments, and poetry with Needham’s Poet Laureate, Anne E.G. Nydam.
Registration is requested but not required — all are welcome! To register or for more information please contact Stephanie Knoch, sknoch@needhamcouncil.org.
Tuesday, November 25th, 10:30 AM–12:00 PM, Needham Public Library
To learn more about the Council's Memory Cafes, click here.
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It's a Wrap for Fall Walk & Talks
With the weather turning colder, Walk & Talks will pause.
Thank you, Beth, Lisa and Mary Ann! Look for this trio to lead more walks in the spring.
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Native Chinese Speaking Conversation Group
Jasminka’s Tuesday conversation group with native Chinese speakers keeps growing. This hard-working group of women enjoy having the opportunity to practice their beginner speaking skills. Jasminka’s patience, encouragement, and knowledge of Mandarin are key to the success of this group.
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Another Successful Book Group
Thanks to Rick Perras for another successful online book group this fall! Rick’s group read and discussed The Lord of the Flies. If you are an advanced ELL and book lover, Rick will return in mid-January with a new book to explore.
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Keep the Office Visits Coming
Keep the office visits coming! I love when tutors and ELLs pop into my office and say hello! Getting to know you and hearing your ideas and recommendations for the ELL Program is extremely helpful.
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Our Mindful Community has indicated interest in events that help adults learning more about mindfulness and various techniques for your own self-care.
Hosted by SEPAC, Marlene Schlesinger, M.S., CCC-SLP will be leading a workshop and discussion on parental self-care and self-regulation, with a focus on stress management and finding ways to reset in difficult moments.
When: Thursday, November 13th from 7:00–8:30pm
Where: Broadmeadow Performance Center
Please complete this registration form. It would be helpful but not required to attend.
See flyer here.
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Tablet Sessions with Sarah
The Tech & Tutor program offers hands-on sessions focused on Fire Tablets and iPads. Whether you’re just getting started or want to strengthen your skills, these classes are designed for learners who want to master the basics of using their tablet. Both courses run for 8 weeks on Tuesdays, from October 14 to December 9, 2025 (no class on Veteran’s Day). You may register for the full series or choose individual sessions.
To sign up - call the CATH - 781-455-7555 or sign up on MyActiveCenter.com.
To see the class schedule, click here.
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Tech Teens
Come for the Talk & Stay for Support
This fall we are combining the Tech Talks and Support Sessions and offering them two days every other week. Bring your questions along with your phone, laptop and/or tablet, and the Tech Teens will help you.
November Tech Talks:
Blocking Ads on the Internet and other Tech Tid-bits
A discussion of how to block ads on the internet and other Tech tid-bits followed by a support session.
Location: at the CATH, 300 Hillside Avenue, Room 207 3:15pm-4:15pm.
When: Wednesday, November 19, 2025, and Friday, November 21, 2025
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Tech Assistance Available
CATH
Tuesdays, 2-3pm (Bruce) and Thursdays, 1-3pm (Stefano)
Thursdays, 10-11am (Sarah) – Tablet support
NHA: Linden/Chambers
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 2-3pm (Neal)
Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, 2-3pm (Neal)
NHA: Seabed’s Way
Wednesday, November 26, 2025, 2-3pm (Neal)
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025, 2-3pm (Neal)
If you need assistance with your phone, email, iPad, tablet, or computer and can’t attend a session at the CATH or Needham Housing Authority, please contact Karen Zarrow, Tablets & Tutors Program Manager, to schedule a 20-minute one-on-one help session at the Council at 781-444-2415 x2020 or kzarrow@needhamcouncil.org.
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Annual Holiday Sale
Dec. 4th, 5th, & 6th
Our own “Sindi Claus” has done it again! All year our volunteers have collected holiday items that Sindi has carefully preserved and priced. Now she has begun to build our second floor into a Winter Wonderland of savings just for you! Whether you need something special for the holidays or you just want to get into the giving spirit of the season, our annual Sale should be your first stop.
Shop, Save and Support your neighbors at the Council’s Annual Holiday Sale!
Sale Hours:
Thursday, December 4: 10am – 6pm
Friday, December 5: 10am – 4pm
Saturday, December 6: 10am – 2pm
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Happy Thriftgiving
November 21st & 22nd
The Council Thrift is closed the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday), so we are having a ThriftGiving Sale on the Friday before Thanksgiving to give you a chance to shop and save before the holidays!
Whether you need to pick up a hostess gift for Thanksgiving or get a jump on your holiday shopping, shop at the Council Thrift on Friday, 11/21 and Saturday, 11/22, and we will take 20% off your total purchase.
As an added bonus, check out the Council Thrift Instagram page each day 11/17-11/21 for Auction items that you can bid on! Make sure you follow our Council Thrift Instagram page today!
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Monthly Volunteer Spotlight
Kathy Hennessey
Kathy Hennessey has been volunteering with the Community Council since 2009 for a total of over 3100 hours! You can find Kathy greeting and ringing up our Thrift Store customers on Mondays and Thursdays. She is like the postman – she is there for us, through rain, sleet and snow – even pandemic! Thank you, Kathy, for all you do!!
| | Important Dates and Hours | | |
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Please Plan Accordingly for Holiday Schedule in November & December
NOVEMBER
Food Pantry
Thanksgiving distribution for Food Pantry families will be on on Monday, November 24th & Tuesday, November 25th.
Community Prepared Meals will be delivered on Wednesday, November 26th.
Council Thrift
The Council Thrift will be open on Monday, November 24th & Tuesday, November 25th.
The Council Thrift will be closed from Wednesday, November 26th through Saturday, November 29th.
Needham Community Council Offices
The office will be closed at noon, Wednesday, November 26th and all day on Thursday, November 27th.
The office will re-open on Friday, November 28th.
DECEMBER
Food Pantry & Council Thift
The Food Pantry & Council Thrift will be closed at noon on Wednesday, Dec 24th and will re-open on Monday, Jan 5th.
Needham Community Council Offices
The office will be closed at noon on Wednesday, Dec 24th and will re-open on Friday, Jan 2nd.
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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. | | | | |
