Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will Needham’s $109 million school budget shape next year?

Make time for Gwendolyn's Nutty Nutcracker Children's Ballet on the Needham Patch calendar

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Saturday December 13th Patch AM
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Good morning Needham! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will Needham’s $109 million school budget shape next year?
  • Why Needham police say e-dirtbikes are as risky as firearms
  • Can Needham’s new-look Rockets turn last year’s lessons into a run?

Also on today's calendar: Gwendolyn's Nutty Nutcracker Children's Ballet and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Needhamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Needhamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 37 and low of 27 degrees.
  • Sunday: Snow and flurries, up to 1", temps: high: 32, low: 13. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Monday: Cold, with a high of 29 and low of 19 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. School budget process begins annual ‘endurance race' (needhamobserver.com) — Needham’s school superintendent has kicked off the FY27 budget process, seeking a 4% increase to maintain current services and fund modest program improvements. School Committee members are questioning why so little goes to new initiatives despite annual surpluses, and residents will have chances to weigh in at a January 13 public hearing and upcoming Finance Committee meetings.
   

2. E-dirtbikes growing in popularity and danger (needhamobserver.com) — Needham’s Community Outreach Officer is warning parents about powerful electric dirt bikes that can reach highway speeds and are often ridden illegally on local streets. She explains state laws, potential legal and financial consequences for parents, and how town cameras and resident tips help police identify young riders, urging families to think twice before buying these bikes this holiday season.
   

3. Needham Girls Basketball Ready for 2025-26 Season (needhamlocal.org) — Needham High’s girls basketball team has opened the 2025–26 season with a dominant 72–35 win over Weymouth and a new head coach, Lindsay Miller. Led by a seasoned senior class, the Rockets are aiming for a deeper playoff run, emphasizing positivity, teamwork, and toughness as they head to Brookline for their next game on December 16.
   

4. For the Love of Food: Flavor Scientist/Author Arielle Johnson to Speak at The Needham Public Library on January 11, 2026 (needhamobserver.com) — Needham residents can hear flavor scientist and author Arielle Johnson speak at the Needham Free Public Library on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 2–3:30 p.m. The free talk, hosted by the Friends of the Needham Public Library, explores the science of taste, includes a Q&A, and offers a chance to buy signed copies of her book, Flavorama.
   

📸 Around Needham

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Needham

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📣 Needham Shout Outs!

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • ART WANTED: Paintings, Prints and Drawings
    Thirty five years in business buying or selling on consignment interesting and unusual American and European works of art of all periods. Please... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Beth Israel Lahey Health posted a job opening for Building Service Aide/Housekeeping (40 hour evening) in Needham. Apply here.
  • Goldfish Swim School posted a job opening for Swim Instructor/Lifeguard - PAID TRAINING in Needham. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Needham here.

Ok Needham! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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