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Dear Neighbors,
We are excited to share some wonderful news! The Council is hosting a virtual Silent Auction to benefit the Food Pantry, running from today, May 1st through Monday, May 5th.
We were deeply moved by the incredible generosity shown at the Party for the Pantry—and the support hasn’t stopped! Thanks to the many wonderful items and experiences donated after the event, we’re excited to host a Post-Party for the Pantry auction.
Bidding opens TODAY at 4:30 PM and will close at 9:00 PM on May 5th. Every dollar raised will directly support our Food Pantry.
Join us, place your bids, and make a difference! If the silent auction is not for you, please consider making a gift to help a Needham neighbor by using this link! Every contribution, big or small, helps!
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Yesterday, we came together to celebrate our volunteers as we simply could not do the work we do without their dedication, passion, and heart.
At the event, we awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award to 3 Lifetime Achievement winners, Bob Moss, Cathy Byrd and Lori Rosenblum.
The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. Led by AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows certifying organizations, like the Council, to recognize our most exceptional volunteers.
Bob, Cathy, and Lori have volunteered over 4,000 hours serving in many capacities over the years. We are grateful they chose to share their gifts and talents with the Council.
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Thank you to our students who have also been awarded recognition by the President's Service award:
💙 Adam Lewis
🩵 Addie English
💙 Ayla-Ryan Thompson
🩵 Ciara Canty
💙 Desdin King
🩵 Diya Sagar
💙 Elliot Glasser
🩵 Evan Meloni
💙 Isabel Adler
🩵 Lilly Meyi
💙 Lily Plotner
🩵 Max Shoemaker
💙 Serafima Vlasova
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Community Partnerships
The Council has been incredibly fortunate to receive an amazing outpouring of support through several generous food drives. They come at a time of year when food drives often slow down, even though the need for food is constant. Thanks to our caring neighbors, our Food Pantry’s shelves are full—and so are our hearts.
A huge THANK YOU to:
✨ Mitchell Elementary School 2nd Graders for organizing a fantastic cereal food drive.
✨ The NHS National Honor Society for collecting and donating 409 lbs. of pantry items.
✨ The Boy Scouts who collected an amazing 1,347 lbs. of food via a food drive coordinated by Ishan Kelkar.
✨ Newman Elementary School for your thoughtful contributions.
✨ Eliot Elementary School for your generosity - 342 lbs. of food!
✨ Pollard Student Council for organizing a food drive which collected 222 lbs. of food!
✨ St. Joseph’s School for collecting and donating 413 lbs. of food.
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ELL Tutors - This month we welcomed 6 new tutors and welcomed back 3 returning tutors to the Program. The group had varied professional backgrounds including engineering, finance, and refugee resettlement. All participants share a commitment to helping Needham residents/workers who want to improve their English. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer ELL tutor should sign up for fall training by emailing Sheila Roberts at sroberts@needhamcouncil.org.
ELL Learners - For over 25 years, the ELL Program at the Needham Community Council has been helping Needham residents and workers who want to improve their English. The program is free. To be matched with a tutor, participate in a conversation group, or find out about fall beginner classes, please email Sheila Roberts at sroberts@needhamcouncil.org.
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That's a Wrap at Linden & Chambers
Many thanks to Kimberly McCollum and Harding Ounanian for leading the groups through 11 weeks of English instruction. The ELLs at Linden & Chambers came from Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Russia, Syria, Tibet, and Ukraine. A special shout out to tutors Michele Coviello and Isabelle Dussault for substitute teaching when needed!
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Young Parents ELL Conversation Groups
You’re never too young to learn English! Our Tuesday morning young parents ELL conversation group has some pretty cute little participants. Led by Sarah Dunnagan and her two-year-old son, this group of toddlers, infants and mothers & grandmothers is practicing English while sitting on a colorful rug covered with toys. Contact Sheila Roberts sroberts@needhamcouncil.org to join this group.
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Walk & Talks
Walk & Talks continue to be a favorite activity for ELLs. The next Walk & Talk is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6th at 10:30am. Walkers meet outside the Council building. All English levels are welcome!
Mark your calendars for the remaining Walk & Talk dates: May 6, 13, 20, 27
and June 3.
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Wheelchair Ramps
The Council is pleased to share that we now have 2 portable wheelchair ramps available for loan via our Medical Equipment Loan Program. We are grateful to the Needham Commission on Disabilities who provided us with a grant to purchase these ramps.
Unlike other equipment loans, there is a 7-day limit for borrowing the ramps, since we only have 2 available. Each ramp weighs 25 lbs. and has a carrying handle and a weight capacity of 700 lbs.
Please see our office manager when arriving to borrow a ramp as they are stored separately from the other medical equipment.
We've noticed that the 8ft wheelchair ramp is currently missing. If you borrowed it and forgot to sign it out, please return it as soon as possible. The ramp is essential for accessibility, and we need it back to ensure accessibility. No questions asked--we just appreciate your help in getting it returned promptly. Thank you for your cooperation.
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Needham Tech Teens:
Come learn about technology and be awed by the adults of the future!
May Tech Talks:
Facebook: Tips, Tricks, and Features (Wednesday, May 7th)
Learn about using and navigating Facebook. Please bring any questions you have on Facebook.
Open Support Session on Technology
(Wednesday, May 21st)
Bring your phone – computer – tablet and questions and the Tech Teens will help you.
All Tech Talks take place at the CATH, 300 Hillside Avenue, Room 207 from 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm.
May Support Session:
The next session is on Saturday, May 17th, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Needham Public Library, Study Room 1.
Starting in June, the Tech Teens will take a break for the last month of school and the summer. Don’t worry – they will be back with Talks and Support in September.
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Technical Assistance:
Did you know that Tech help is at the Center at the Heights (CATH) and Needham Housing Authority (NHA)?
Here is the Schedule:
CATH
Tuesdays: 2:00 - 3:00 pm (Bruce)
Thursdays: 1:00 - 3:00 pm (Stefano)
NHA – Linden/Chambers Wednesday, May 21st, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
NHA – Seabed’s Way
Wednesday, May 28th, 2:00 -3:00 pm
If you can’t attend a session at the CATH or NHA, but need assistance with your phone, email, iPad, tablet, or computer, please contact Karen Zarrow, Tablets & Tutors Program Manager at
781-444-2415 x2020 or
email kzarrow@needhamcouncil.org.
Karen is happy to schedule a 20-minute one-on-one help session at the Council.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental health is essential for overall well-being at every stage of life, regardless of age, background or experience. Prioritizing mental health strengthens individuals, families and communities.
| | Did you know that Mindful Community has a contact list for mental health resources that serve the Needham Community? View HERE. | |
Pathways to Philanthropy
The Needham Community Council is excited to introduce Pathways to Philanthropy, a new program designed for NHS students interested in the world of philanthropy and nonprofit work.
This program offers students the opportunity to explore causes they care about, learn from experienced nonprofit leaders, and gain the skills to get involved—or even start their own organization. Through guest speakers, discussions, and hands-on learning, students will develop a deeper understanding of how to turn their passions into meaningful action.
This spring, Pathways to Philanthropy will meet every other week for 1.5 hours, earning students 15 community service hours. Meeting dates will be announced soon. Additionally, students interested in continuing their work over the summer will have further opportunities to stay involved.
For more information, please fill out the interest form or contact srobinson@needhamcouncil.org or jmb982@mail.harvard.edu.
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Special Sale
Cinco de Mayo, Cinco de Buy-O!
Come to the Council Thrift on Monday, May 5th, and kick your Monday blues with some Cinco De Mayo buy-oes! Pull a coin out of the sombrero and see how much dinero you can save: 15 - 50% off!
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Special Facebook Auctions
Mother's Week
A week of Special Auctions for a memorable Mother’s Day! Starts Monday, May 5th in our Facebook Group. Place your bids in the comments and be the high bidder on some of our most special donations that come through the door. Jewelry, handbags and more!
| | Important Dates and Hours | | | |
In observance of Memorial Day, the Office and all Office Programs, Food Pantry, and Council Thrift will be closed on Monday, May 26th.
The Council Thrift will be closed on Saturday, May 24th.
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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
| | 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. | | | | |
