Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What prompted extra security at Needham’s menorah lighting this week?

And on the Needham Patch calendar - Sunday Maki Madness at Gari

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Hey hey Needham! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What prompted extra security at Needham’s menorah lighting this week?
  • How one “Needham Santa” helped reshape the town’s favorite traditions
  • Why Needham just walked away from a $320,000 street redesign grant

Also on today's calendar: Sunday Maki Madness at Gari and 6 more events.

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

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high of 44 and low of 38 degrees.
  • Friday: Rain becoming intermittent, temps: high: 59, low: 27.
  • Saturday: Much colder, with a high of 38 and low of 32 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Allegations of antisemitism reported to Needham police (nbcboston.com) — Needham police are investigating an alleged antisemitic incident caught on a resident’s doorbell camera, and officers plan to provide security at a public menorah lighting at Town Hall. Local Jewish leaders urge residents to keep participating in community events while staying vigilant against hate.
   

2. DeMaria shines as Needham's go-getter (needhamobserver.com) — Needham residents can still sign up for this year’s Needham Santa visits and support local families who need help with holiday gifts. The story spotlights longtime volunteer Gary DeMaria, whose decades of work with Needham CAN, youth gymnastics, and family events have shaped many of the town’s favorite community traditions.
   

3. Federal grant declined for Envision Needham Center project (needhamobserver.com) — Needham’s Select Board has turned down a $320,000 federal Safe Streets grant after new rules would only fund a pilot of a four‑lane downtown layout that closely matches current conditions. The town will keep exploring two‑ and three‑lane options for Great Plain Avenue, may seek state funding for future pilots, and is planning townwide feedback sessions in February amid debate over transparency on the process.
   

4. ‘It's a sin how ugly they are': Should utilities be fined for letting double poles languish? (nbcboston.com) — Needham streets are among those highlighted in a statewide investigation into “double” utility poles that often linger for years despite a 90-day legal deadline for removal. State officials now want to let cities and towns fine utilities that miss a proposed 180-day deadline, hoping to speed up pole removal and improve safety and accessibility in communities like Needham.
   

📸 Around Needham

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Needham

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Johnson Brunetti names Max Gordon as community liaison —Joseph D'Eramo Read on Patch
  • Social Security Announces Cost of Living Increase for 2026 —Delia De Mello Read on Patch
  • Report of police activity in Quincy, Massachusetts.
    3:19PM on Dec 16: Quincy Police respond to incident with multiple cruisers and an ambulance in front of Party City in Quincy Center. (Nextdoor )
  • Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. posted a job opening for Veterinary Hospital Receptionist in Needham. Apply here.
  • Benchmark Senior Living posted a job opening for Activities Assistant in Newton. 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 don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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