News from the Town of Needham

COVID-19 Updates

State Launches Digital Vaccine Cards

This week, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health launched MA SMART Health Card QR codes, which can be downloaded as a digital vaccine card on your phone, as well as printed out. Using a new tool called My Vax Records, people who received their vaccination in Massachusetts can now access their own vaccination history and generate a COVID-19 digital vaccine card, which would contain similar vaccination information to a paper CDC card.

The state is not requiring residents to show proof of vaccination to enter any venue, but this tool will help residents who would like to access and produce a digital copy of their record.

Housing Plan Working Group Seeking Public Input on Needham’s Next Housing Plan

The Needham Housing Plan Working Group, created late last year by the Planning Board, will host a Public Education and Listening Forum Thursday, January 27th to share information and solicit input from the community as the Working Group develops Needham’s next Housing Plan.

The forum will be held at 7 pm via Zoom and will begin with a brief overview of the basics of affordable housing as well as the history of zoning in Needham. Members of the public will be given an opportunity to share their views on the most pressing housing needs in Needham and ideas about how to best address those needs.

Want to offer your input but can’t make the meeting? Email your thoughts to planning@needhamma.gov using the subject line “Housing Plan Working Group.”

Dog licenses for 2022 are now available through the Town Clerk’s Office. All dogs who are six months of age or older must be licensed annually under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140 and Article 4 of the Town of Needham’s General By-Laws. An updated proof of rabies vaccination is required prior to licensing as well as proof of spaying and neutering. Incomplete applications will be returned to the sender.

You can register your dog using the following options:

1. Online: you can register and pay online

2. In Person: you can register your dog in person at the Town Clerk’s Office, 1471 Highland Ave. You can pay by cash, check, or credit card.

3. By Mail: You can license your dog by mail (application included in Annual Town Census mailing). Please complete the dog application and include your check made payable to the Town of Needham, current proof of rabies vaccination, spay/neuter certificate or Veterinarian notation on rabies certificate along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail the documents to Town Clerk’s Office, 1471 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 or drop it off in the red box outside Town Hall on Garrity’s Way.

Visit the Town Clerk’s website for more information and fee schedule. For questions call the Town Clerk’s Office at (781) 455-7500 x 216, 218, 219, 252.

Check your mailbox this month for the 2022 Annual Census mailed to residents by the Town Clerk. The census package also includes a dog license application for those dog owners who need to license their pet.

The Board of Registrars is required by State Statute to verify and update the name, address, age and occupation of all residents 3 years of age and up in preparation for the Annual Street List which includes all residents 17 and over. The Board is also required under State Statute to prepare a listing of dogs owned by each resident. Census data helps protect voting rights, veterans’ bonuses, housing for the elderly and related benefits as well as providing information for the selection of jurors. The census form does not register you to vote. If you are a registered voter, failure to answer this annual census may result in the voter’s name being removed from the voting list.

While the Street List is primarily used to update the voting list, Census data allows the School Committee to better project future enrollment and space needs. In addition, Needham police, fire and EMTs use the Street list as an aid in the daily performance of their duties.

Your Census form should be filled out and returned within 10 days. Please help the community by returning your 2022 Census form as soon as possible. Thank you!

If you have questions about the Census form or would like a mail-in voter registration application, please call the Town Clerk’s Office for assistance at (781) 455-7500 x 216, 218, 219, 252. Forms may be returned by mail, hand delivered to the Town Clerk’s Office at 1471 Highland Avenue or dropped in the red drop box outside of Town Hall.

Needham Park and Recreation is encouraging residents to sign up for the department’s Ice Status notifications before skating on the Town’s ice skating locations this winter.

You can view a list of skating locations and safety tips on Park and Recreation’s website.

Join Community Members for “Leaning into Challenging Conversations: How to Listen, What to Say, How to Say It.”

What do we achieve through dialog? What does it mean to listen first to understand? Join At My Neighbor’s Table Sunday, January 23, 2022 5:00-6:30 pm and gain experience Leaning into Challenging Conversations: How to Listen, What to Say, How to Say It. The interactive event will engage participants in conversation and active listening. Guest presenter is Liora Norwich, PhD, MBA, Executive Director at Network for Social Justice. Dr. Norwich has worked in Israel and Palestine to advance social justice and civic engagement through integrated community development initiatives with local partners and international organizations. She has 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and a deep passion for advancing equity, inclusion, and diversity. Admission is free, registration required.