News from the Town of Needham

This is the banner image of Town Hall in the spring

Good morning, Needham!

The summer wind down has begun. As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, the pools at Rosemary will close this Sunday. This upcoming week is also the last week of Summer Hours for municipal buildings. Regular hours will resume Tuesday, September 6th.

This weekend kicks off Early Voting at Town Hall for the State Primary Election. Early voting will be available at Town Hall Saturday, August 27th and Sunday, August 28th from noon to 5 pm and Monday, August 29th through Friday, September 2nd from 9 am to 5 pm. Primary Election Day voting will take place Tuesday, September 6th from 7 am to 8 pm at the designated local polling locations.

You may also apply for an Absentee or Early Vote ballot to be mailed. The last day to apply for an Absentee or Early Vote ballot for the State Primary by mail is Monday, August 29th by 5 pm. The last day to apply in person for an Absentee ballot is Friday, September 2nd by noon.

For any other election-related questions, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office.

With school resuming in Needham next Thursday, September 1st, drivers should pay extra attention as they drive around Town. Good luck to all the Needham students, teachers, staff and parents as you embark on the new school year!

Town Seeking Applicants for Numerous Open Positions

Are you or someone you know looking for a new job? The Town of Needham is looking to fill dozens of open positions across Town government. Positions are open in Public Works, Public Facilities, Public Safety, Health and Human Services, Information Technology, and Finance. The Town offers competitive pay and benefits, professional development opportunities, and more.

Search Open Jobs

Needham Public Health Offering Flu Clinic September 24th

As we transition to fall, it’s time to consider flu season. Needham Public Health will host its first flu clinic of the season, Saturday September 24th from 9 am to 1 pm at the Center at the Heights.

When registering, please select flu clinic. Public Health is not offering the COVID-19 vaccine at this time. COVID clinics will be held later this fall.

Needham Public Health is offering both ‘high dose’ for those 65+ and ‘regular’ dose vaccines.

Needham Honor Guard Selected for Patriots Preseason Game Ceremonies

The Needham Fire Honor Guard brought some good luck to the New England Patriots in their 2nd pre-season game last Friday evening. The members presented the colors before the game against the Carolina Panthers. Pictured left to right are: Neal Sullivan, Brendan Sullivan, Ryan LeBlanc, Cody Whalen, and Jon Yule.

Needham Police and Fire Conduct Active Shooter Training in Advance of New School Year

Ahead of the start of the new school year, Needham Police and Needham Fire last week participated in a days-long Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response (ASHER) Training to help prepare first responders in the event of an active shooter incident in a school. The training included real-world scenarios, whereby police and paramedics would respond to an active shooter threat, triage, and treat the injured and further protect the lives and safety of students, staff, and each other. The training was conducted at the Sunita Williams School and is part of both Chiefs’ efforts to provide regular and frequent training opportunities for all members of the departments.

Town Fund Supports Students and Families in Crisis

Ahead of the school year, Needham Youth and Family Services is calling attention to its Crisis Support Donation Fund, created as a way to assist individuals and families in Needham who are in crisis. Funding allows the Town and community partners to provide a range of supports including mental health services, camp enrollment, YMCA memberships and other specific needs. In the past, funds have been used to purchase bikes to help children get to activities or appointments, a new stove to replace a broken one so a family can cook, to fix a broken fence to contain a yard for children or supplies for college students who many not be able to afford it.

For questions about this donation fund please contact Sara Shine, Director of Youth & Family Services at 781-898-5132 or sshine@needhamma.gov.

Donate to the Crisis Support Fund

Saturday, August 27th: Special Voter Registration Session. This is the last day to register to vote in the State Primary or change your party enrollment. The Town Clerk’s Office will be open 9 am to 5 pm for those who need to register or change enrollment.

Wednesday, August 31st: The Town in, partnership with the Becca Schmill Foundation, will host a vigil marking International Overdose Awareness Day from 6:30pm - 7:10pm at the gazebo at Memorial Park. International Overdose Awareness Day is an opportunity to remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. Needham’s observance will include speakers, a memorial flag display, and the distribution of informational materials to support community members facing substance use challenges. The event is free and open to the public. All are welcome.

CALENDAR OF PUBLIC MEETINGS

Meetings are linked to the relevant agenda

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Needham Community Revitalization Trust Fund, 5 pm via Zoom
Conservation Commission , 7 pm via Zoom

Events shown as listed on the Town calendar as of 8/25/22. Don't forget to check out the Needham Meeting and Events calendar for updated information. You can also sign up to receive meeting notices and agendas on the Town’s “Notify Me” page.

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We want to hear from you! Send questions or comments to Public Information Officer Cyndi Roy Gonzalez at croygonzalez@needhamma.gov or fill out this 1-question survey. If you’re inclined, forward this on and urge others to subscribe. Happy reading!

Town of Needham
1471 Highland Ave.
Needham, MA 02492
781-455-7500
www.needhamma.gov