Emergency Everywhere - Needham Standout
2021-03-13 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Needham Town Hall Green, GPA & HIghland Ave, Needham, MA, 02492, United States
Join community organizers from Needham and rebels from Extinction Rebellion Boston at the Needham town center on Saturday 3/13 at 1 pm to call on the town to declare a Climate and Ecological Emergency.

There will be banners, flags, signs, and climate cheer as we bring local attention to the Climate Emergency. We ask everyone to arrive masked and practice proper social distancing.

Extinction Rebellion is currently working on building a coalition to write and advocate for a Climate and Ecological Emergency resolution. If you’d like to get plugged into the emerging campaign, then email Becca Phillips at rebeccajemmaphillips@gmail.com

There is free street parking around the town center.
Accessibility
Public Sidewalks

A National Climate Action Plan
2021-03-15 19:30 - 21:00
With new national leadership we have a historic opportunity to tackle the climate crisis.
Green Needham is pleased to join Temple Beth Shalom’s Environmental Action Committee to host a Zoom meeting on March 15th at 7:30 pm with Derek Walter, the Environmental Defense Fund’s U.S. Climate Program Director. Derek will discuss the EDF’s bold and comprehensive Climate Action Plan.
Since its founding in 1967, the Environmental Defense Fund has grown to be one of the most effective and most respected environmental organizations in the United States. To accomplish its work, the EDF’s 750 scientists, economists and business experts deploy science and technological innovation; economics and market incentives; nonpartisan policy, law and advocacy; and private sector partnerships.
The EDF’s Climate Action Plan to stabilize the global climate focuses on the highest impact opportunities: the biggest emitting industrial sectors — energy, transportation and land use; and the highest emitting regions — the United States, European Union, India, China and Brazil.
Join us on March 15th at 7:30 pm by registering here.

Needham Town Forest clean up
2021-05-01 12:00 - 14:00 | Needham Town Forest, Entrance near corner Central Ave. and Marked Tree Road, Needham, MA
Join Needham High School Environmental Action Club and Green Needham as we remove trash from Needham Town Forest.
The Town of Needham is providing trash bags, and will carry away the filled bags to the RTS at the end of the event.

Please bring a friend, a mask, some water to keep hydrated, and gloves if you have them.

Meet at the quarry next to Claxton Field (where the Needham Booster’s annual Christmas Tree Sale is).

The Next Ten Years -- What Bold Climate Action Means for Us
2021-05-04 19:30 - 21:00
Heeding the dire warnings of climate scientists, the Massachusetts legislature recently set ambitious goals for a 50% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, on the way to reaching net zero emissions by 2050. Why are the next ten years so important? On Tuesday, May 4 at 7:30 pm. First Parish in Needham, with Green Needham as cosponsor, will host a Zoom presentation on The Next Ten Years: What Bold Climate Action Means for Us. As part of its Lane Lyceum Tuesday Night Speaker Series, First Parish has invited Larry Chretien, executive director of the Green Energy Consumers Alliance, and Kai Salem, the organization’s Policy Coordinator, to help us envision the changes necessary to meet the State’s emissions reduction targets. How will the new Massachusetts Climate Roadmap bill help make an environmentally just transition away from fossil fuels? What might this unprecedented pace of change mean for our everyday lives, and how can we help? Find the Zoom link here.

Winds of Change Celebration at Needham Town Common
2021-06-06 13:30 - 15:30 | Needham Town Common, 1471 Highland Ave., Needham, MA, 02492, United States
We can all feel it…. the wind is turning, change is on the way. Let us face towards it and fill our sails. Let us rise up on the winds of change. Let us reclaim our future and declare our will for a green and just world!
The COVID-19 pandemic has made us STOP, look & take stock.
It has shown us how unfair and unjust our world is and how much we rely on others, especially our mostly invisible citizens and other countries, for our everyday needs. But, all around us, we are witnessing people rising to the challenges and we are all re-discovering the most important things in life: our immediate surroundings, our health and the wellbeing of those who touch our lives, and the need to solve our challenges together.
We notice how quickly governments can act if there is the political will to do so. For a very short time, the highest greenhouse gas emitting countries demonstrated that it’s possible to create a society that doesn’t depend on dirty fossil fuel.
Before we are fully immersed in ‘business as usual’, now is the time to celebrate the sheer love, care, and inventiveness of humans and to inspire ourselves and others to affirm that a greener and more just world is possible.
Let us affix, tie, and secure our colours to the mast, let them fly and make sure our hearts are to fly on the winds of change. Let us bedeck our homes and gardens with messages and symbols of appreciation, hope, solidarity and just demands.
Join us at 1:30 pm on Sunday, June 6th in Needham at the Town Common for a collaborative event on behalf of Extinction Rebellion Boston, Green Needham, Mothers Out Front, and EJN for families. We will be envisioning the future we would like for our children and future generations and celebrating the start of summer with kite flying, windsocks, and art.
This is a family-friendly community event. All are welcome.
Participants are requested to wear masks and social distance.
This event is part of the Emergency Everywhere Needham Campaign, an effort to declare a climate and ecological emergency in the Town of Needham.
Please RSVP at the event website, below.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible

Needham Farmers Market
2021-06-27 12:00 - 16:00 | Needham Town Hall Green, GPA & HIghland Ave, Needham, MA, 02492, United States
We really hope you’re enjoying this first official week of summer! Hopefully, you’re getting out and enjoying some safe sunshine (remember sunscreen and hats!), maybe heading to the beach, or even just enjoying the view from your front door.
THIS WEEK AT THE MARKET – SUNDAY, June. 27th 12-4 pm Garrity Way at Needham Town Hall

This weekend, you’ll find more of your favorite vendors (don’t forget to pre-order!):

Who’s at the market?
Amir’s Natural Foods
Boston Sword & Tuna
Chestnut Farm
Fieldstone Kombucha
Flores De Cafe
Fundamentally Nuts
Hearth Artisan Bread
Le Petit Four
MacArthur Farm
The Neighborhood Farm
Zen Bear Foods
(Sunday, July 4th the market will be closed. Make sure you pre-order and plan ahead!)

A note about masks and social distancing:

For fully vaccinated shoppers, masks are welcome but not required.
For shoppers who are not fully vaccinated, we ask that you continue to wear masks.
We ask all shoppers to be respectful of other’s need for space. Please exercise patience when vendors are busy and respect distancing to maintain a safe and inclusive market for all.
Of course, if you are feeling unwell or are under quarantine, please stay at home.

Needham Farmers Market
2021-07-11 12:00 - 16:00 | Needham Town Hall Green, GPA & HIghland Ave, Needham, MA, 02492, United States
Did you miss us last week? Shop this Sunday 12-4pm on the Town Common!
THIS WEEK AT THE MARKET – SUNDAY, July 11th 12-4 pm Garrity Way at Needham Town Hall

This weekend, you’ll find more of your favorite vendors (don’t forget to pre-order!):

Who’s at the market?
Amir’s Natural Foods
Boston Sword & Tuna
Chestnut Farm
Fieldstone Kombucha
Flores De Cafe
Fundamentally Nuts
Hearth Artisan Bread
Le Petit Four
MacArthur Farm
The Neighborhood Farm
Zen Bear Foods
A note about masks and social distancing:

For fully vaccinated shoppers, masks are welcome but not required.
For shoppers who are not fully vaccinated, we ask that you continue to wear masks.
We ask all shoppers to be respectful of other’s need for space. Please exercise patience when vendors are busy and respect distancing to maintain a safe and inclusive market for all.
Of course, if you are feeling unwell or are under quarantine, please stay at home.

Needham Farmers Market
2021-08-01 12:00 - 16:00 | Needham Town Hall Green, GPA & HIghland Ave, Needham, MA, 02492, United States
Did you miss us last week? Shop this Sunday 12-4pm on the Town Common!
THIS WEEK AT THE MARKET – SUNDAY, Aug. 1st 12-4 pm Garrity Way at Needham Town Hall

This weekend, you’ll find more of your favorite vendors (don’t forget to pre-order!):

Who’s at the market?
Amir’s Natural Foods
Boston Sword & Tuna
Chestnut Farm
Fieldstone Kombucha
Hearth Artisan Bread
MacArthur Farm
Shazzy’s Sweets
The Neighborhood Farm
Valicenti Pasta Farm
A note about masks and social distancing:

For fully vaccinated shoppers, masks are welcome but not required.
For shoppers who are not fully vaccinated, we ask that you continue to wear masks.
We ask all shoppers to be respectful of other’s need for space. Please exercise patience when vendors are busy and respect distancing to maintain a safe and inclusive market for all.
Of course, if you are feeling unwell or are under quarantine, please stay at home.

Needham Farmers Market
2021-08-08 12:00 - 16:00 | Needham Town Hall Green, GPA & HIghland Ave, Needham, MA, 02492, United States
Did you miss us last week? Shop this Sunday 12-4pm on the Town Common!
THIS WEEK AT THE MARKET – SUNDAY, Aug. 8st 12-4 pm Garrity Way at Needham Town Hall

This weekend, you’ll find more of your favorite vendors (don’t forget to pre-order!):

Who’s at the market?
Amir’s Natural Foods
Boston Sword & Tuna
Chestnut Farm
Fieldstone Kombucha
Flores De Cafe
Fundamentally Nuts
Hearth Artisan Bread
MacArthur Farm
Shazzy’s Sweets
The Neighborhood Farm
A note about masks and social distancing:

For fully vaccinated shoppers, masks are welcome but not required.
For shoppers who are not fully vaccinated, we ask that you continue to wear masks.
We ask all shoppers to be respectful of other’s need for space. Please exercise patience when vendors are busy and respect distancing to maintain a safe and inclusive market for all.
Of course, if you are feeling unwell or are under quarantine, please stay at home.neeh

Green Energy Consumers' Electric Car Happy Hour (Session 3 Of 3)
2021-09-17 17:00 - 18:00
Join Green Energy Consumer Alliance’s call to talk about EVs

Friday, September 17 2021, 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Online – Zoom

EV owners and enthusiasts alike are eager to chat about the benefits of driving electric. Electric Vehicle Chats are a chance for folks to come together to talk about EVs and for beginners to have their questions answered by experienced EV owners. These sessions are both informal and informative.
Register to join the conversation today. Then, drop in anytime during the hour to chat with others, ask questions, and share experiences.

Congregational Church of Needham Hosts Annual Yard Sale to benefit Guatemala Village
2021-09-18 09:00 - 14:00 | Congregational Church of Needham, 1154 Great Plain Ave, Needham
On Saturday, September 18th, from 9 am to 2 pm the Congregational Church of Needham will host the 30th Annual Yard Sale fundraiser of the Guatemala Partnership, an outreach initiative of the Church since 1987. The sale will be held on the Church’s front lawn at 1154 Great Plain Avenue, Needham.
One of the town’s largest yard sales each year, this event offers a huge selection of items, including household goods, small appliances, electronics, vintage items, collectibles, dolls, musical instruments, framed art/prints, jewelry, children’s equipment, toys and games, furniture, sports equipment, bicycles, tools, books, and records/DVD’s (no clothing).
Proceeds will benefit education and health in the church’s sister village of Santa María Tzejá.
For more information contact Brenda Metzler at (781) 449-5696 or go to: www.guatemalapartners.org

Green Energy Consumers' Webinar: Electric Vehicles 101
2021-09-27 19:00 - 20:00
Join Green Energy Consumer Alliance’s National Drive Electric Week (NDEW) webinar to learn about Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Monday, September 27 2021, 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Online – Zoom

Curious about getting an electric vehicle (EV), but not sure where to start? Join us for our popular Electric Vehicles 101 webinar to learn the basics! We’ll cover environmental and consumer benefits, information about batteries and charging, state and federal incentives, and have plenty of time to answer all of your questions. Make sure you don’t miss out on the first webinar of our National Drive Electric Week Series!

Register to participate.

Green Energy Consumers' Webinar: Everything You Need To Know About EV Charging
2021-09-29 19:00 - 20:00
Join Green Energy Consumer Alliance’s National Drive Electric Week (NDEW) EV (electric vehicle) webinar

Wednesday, September 29 2021, 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Online – Zoom

National Drive Electric Week is in full swing! Making the switch to an electric car can be intimidating if you’re used to refueling with gasoline. Where will you charge? How much will it cost? How can you make sure you’re always charged up? The good news is that charging an electric vehicle (EV) is easier than you might think once you know the basics. Join this hour-long webinar presented by Drive Green to learn everything you need to know about EV charging so that you feel ready and confident to make your next car electric. There will be plenty of time to ask questions.

Register to participate.

Equal Justice in Needham sponsors Candidates' Forum
2021-11-02 19:00 - 20:00
On Tuesday, November 2, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. will take place on Zoom, sponsored by Equal Justice in Needham, as well as Progressive Needham, AAPI Alliance Needham, Chinese Friends of Needham, and Indian Community of Needham. The Zoom link is HERE.
You can submit questions HERE. You will also have a chance to pose questions in the “chat” during the forum.
The hosting organizations will be asking candidates to submit written answers to a subset of questions shared with them in advance. Those answers will be shared with forum attendees right after the event.

League of Women Voters/Needham Candidates Night" forum
2021-11-17 19:00 - 20:30
On Wednesday, November 17 at 7 p.m., the League of Women Voters of Needham will host “Candidates Night,” a forum with a League moderator posing questions to the two candidates on a variety of issues.
Members of the public are invited to join the November 17 live Zoom event; click here to register. All registered attendees will receive initial and reminder emails with instructions on joining the Zoom event.
Registered attendees may ask written questions during the forum. Questions may also be emailed in advance to lwvneedham@gmail.com. Questions should be relevant to both candidates for the office and to current issues. Submit questions by November 16.
The forum will be live streamed at The Needham Channel. It will also be recorded and available for later viewing on the Needham Channel and LWV websites.
A Special Election page on the League’s website includes information and links on voting, the Voter Guide, registration for Candidates Night, and a recording of Candidates Night as they become available.

Green Energy Consumers Alliance (GECA) Fall Meeting
2021-12-07 12:30 - 13:30
Join GECA for their annual solution-packed Fall Meeting! Their focus will be on Massachusetts climate action, with four breakout groups. Choose which one you’d like to attend when you register.
Beyond Offsets: Decarbonizing Flights
Air travel is highly carbon-intensive. Talk with our partners at Jet-Set Offset to hear about technological advancements that could help.
Phasing Out Gasoline
California has a plan. New York has a new law. How fast can we phase-out gasoline in Massachusetts?
Green Municipal Aggregation: What’s New?
As more communities offer cleaner electricity to residents through our “Green Municipal Aggregation” model, here’s why the state government could be doing a lot more to support it.
Baker’s Turn: The Climate Roadmap
The legislature passed the Climate Roadmap. Here’s what needs to be done by the executive branch to implement the new law, and new bills to ensure it’s success.
Click here to register for this Zoom event.

High Performance Building Design: Do It Smart: Do It Right
2022-01-31 17:30 - 19:30
Green Needham Collaborative is excited to be hosting an early evening event for builders, lenders and real estate brokers as well as Town of Needham officials on building “green” net-zero energy homes and buildings. Our presenters will be sharing simple ways to increase the energy efficiency of a building, both for new construction and renovations, to reduce/eliminate greenhouse gas emissions—without significantly changing the way you do your work. We will also be learning about evaluating properties that have been designed with high efficiency in mind.
Please join us…
Monday, January 31st
Time: 5:30pm—7:30pm
Location: Zoom Webinar
RSVP:
As a thank you for attending, Green Needham will be awarding five $100 gift cards for Needham restaurants at the end of the session.
Please register by clicking HERE or by emailing Donna Vello at donna.vello@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you!
Presenters:
Craig Foley, LAER Realty Partners
Stephanie Horowitz, ZeroEnergy Design
Jonathan Kantar, Sage Builders LLC
Joel Boucher, Boucher Energy Systems, Inc.
Ed Quinlan, Green Needham Collaborative
Presentations will be followed by a Q&A session.

Needham Adult Education: Intro to Sustainable Vegetable Gardening
2022-02-01 18:30 - 20:00
In collaboration with the Needham Community Farm
Virtual
Joe Leghorn
Home-grown produce is far superior to what you can buy at the market because it is fresher. However, the thought of starting your
own vegetable garden can be daunting. This class will provide you with an overview of everything you need to know–from figuring out where to put your garden, how to start your own seedlings, and how to care for and maintain common vegetables. The class will also cover common pests and how they can be controlled by companion planting with annual flowers. After the sessions, you will be ready to grow your own garden vegetables this year! Limited to 20.
Dates: 4 Tuesdays, February 1-March 1 (no class 2/22) Time: 6:30-8:00 PM
Fee: $155

Free "Meatless Monday Needham" Cooking Class
2022-02-10 18:00 - 19:30
Cook along with Meatless Monday Needham at a Zoom class on Thursday, Feb. 10, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Vegetarian cooking instructor Jessica Weiss will demonstrate how to cook a meatless dish featuring tofu, mushrooms, aromatics and Indian spices. Register for this free class and you will receive a list of ingredients and a Zoom link. You may cook along or just watch the preparation of this delicious meal. And if you haven’t already signed the Meatless Monday Needham pledge, we hope you will be inspired to do so!

LWV Sponsors Film Screening: "We Did it For You! Women's Journey Through History"
2022-02-22 18:30 - 20:00
Join Suffrage 100MA on Tuesday, February 22, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. for a free film screening of the musical theater production We Did It For You! Women’s Journey Through History, followed by a Q&A session with playwright Thea Iberall.
Sponsored by the League of Women Voters/Needham. Register here.

Green Energy Consumers Alliance hosts "Electric Vehicles (EVs) 101" Zoom Call
2022-02-24 10:00 - 11:00
Electric Vehicles (EVs) 101
Thursday, February 24th @ 10AM
Join Green Energy Consumers Alliance’s “Electric Vehicles (EVs) 101” zoom call. They’ll cover environmental and consumer benefits, information about batteries and charging, state and federal incentives to purchase or lease, and more. Plus, we’ll have plenty of time to answer all of your questions.
Click here to register.

Temple Beth Shalom Hosts EDF for Update on its National Climate Action Planning
2022-03-09 19:30
Join Temple Beth Shalom on March 9th at 7:30 PM, when it hosts the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) for an update about its National Climate Action Planning. Derek Walker will be the speaker.
Click here to register for the Zoom call.

Green Energy Consumers Alliance hosts "Electric Vehicles (EVs) Chat: Fun Cars" Zoom Call
2022-03-10 16:00 - 17:00
Electric Vehicles (EVs) Chat: Fun Cars
Thursday, March 10th @ 4PM
Join Green Energy Consumers Alliance’s “Electric Vehicles (EVs) Chat: Fun Cars” zoom call. We’re branching out from the Bolt and the LEAF! Both are fantastic cars, but it’s time to hear from excellent EV owners who have different models – like the Kia Soul EV, pictured below. Stop in to chat with people who drive electric.
Click here to register.

First Parish in Needham Event to Remind Everyone of Climate Change Emergency
2022-03-11 11:00 - 12:00 | First Parish in Needham, 23 Dedham Ave., Needham, MA, 02492, United States
At 11 a.m. on the 11th day of March (Friday), First Parish in Needham and the Congregational Church of Needham will join other Massachusetts houses of worship in ringing their bells to remind people that it is the “eleventh hour” in the battle against climate change. As the bells ring, congregants and others concerned about climate change will stand outside with signs highlighting the need for bold action to address the climate crisis.
The organizers are inviting anyone concerned about climate change to join them or to participate at their own house of worship. The event will be repeated on Monday, April 11 and possibly beyond. First Parish in Needham is located at 23 Dedham Ave. and the Congregational Church in Needham is located at 1154 Great Plain Ave. Contact Eleanor Rosellini efrosell@aol.com for more information.
Ideas for actions that individuals can take to address the climate crisis will appear on the GreenNeedham home page.

Needham Adult Education: Pruning Shrubs and Small Trees
2022-03-12 10:00 - 12:00
In-person
Peter Hauschka
Ornamental trees and landscape plantings can rapidly outgrow their allotted spaces leading to crowding, shading, and loss of vigor. Pruning will reshape and reinvigorate their growth. This hands-on course will cover: 1) visual planning of which cuts to make and why; 2) safe use of hand tools to remove dead wood and excessive growth. Limited to 12.
Date: Saturday, March 12 (rain date Sunday 3/13) Time: 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM
Location: Instructor’s Needham garden Fee: $39

2022 McIver Series Program: The Story of Mercury, the Element
2022-03-20 14:00 - 15:15
Do you know the surprising properties and history of the chemical element mercury (Hg)? Alongside its beneficial uses to humankind historically are mercury’s toxic properties. What is the story of mercury pollution – its sources, its continuing environmental impact, who is most greatly affected, and the global environmental justice questions it raises? What is the history and current status of mercury regulation, both in the United States and globally, in efforts to protect people and the environment from its damaging effects? Our speaker will address these questions.
Presented by MIT Professor Noelle Eckley Selin, PhD, an atmospheric chemist who studies mercury and other hazardous substances, and applies her research to help inform global efforts to regulate toxic chemicals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to protect humans and our environment.
Her 2020 book Mercury Stories: Understanding Sustainability through a Volatile Element, co-authored with Henrik Selin and published by MIT Press in 2020, analyzes human interactions with mercury and sheds light on efforts to promote and achieve sustainability. The authors examine five mercury systems that illustrate important issues in mercury science and governance. Then, looking across the five mercury systems, they distill insights for sustainability analysis more broadly, and draw lessons for researchers, decision-makers, and concerned citizens.
This virtual event is sponsored by the Trustees of the Needham Free Public Library in memory of former director Vivian D. McIver. It is free and open to the public on ZOOM technology. Please register through the library website NeedhamLibrary.org/events to receive the Webinar/Zoom link to attend.

LWV & Meatless Monday sponsor Forum: Feeding Our Students—A Look at Nutrition Services in the Needham Public Schools
2022-03-24 19:00 - 20:00
The League of Women Voters of Needham and Meatless Monday Needham are collaborating on the forum Feeding Our Students—A Look at Nutrition Services in the Needham Public Schools. Our speakers will be:

Colin Boisvert, Director of Nutrition Services, Needham Public Schools
Jennifer Tuttelman, Assistant Director of Nutrition Services, Needham Public Schools

The forum will be held on Thursday, March 24, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Zoom. Register here to get the meeting link.

Needham Adult Education: Low-Maintenance Gardening: Spring Workshop
2022-03-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Needham High School – Room 409, 1330 Highland Ave, Needham, MA
Were you disappointed with last year’s garden? Do you need to update your overgrown landscape? Most importantly, do you feel you are spending too much time and money on landscape maintenance? If you answered yes to any of these questions, join us for this two-session class to learn how to cultivate a beautiful but low maintenance garden. We will focus on techniques for designing, planting, and maintaining an inexpensive and environmentally responsible garden. In addition, you will be introduced to some new plants to enhance your garden this spring, including lesser-known,bulbs, perennials, and ground covers for sun or shade, wet or dry sites. This course includes a photo-presentation of plants, useful handouts to take home, and time for specific questions. Limited to 20.
Date: 2 Wednesdays, March 30-April 6 Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
Location: Needham High School, Room 409 Fee: $76

Needham Adult Education: Garden Bed Design and Construction
2022-04-09 10:00 - 12:00
In-person
Peter Hauschka
Spring is a great time to build new gardens or to improve and redesign existing ones. This hands-on class at the instructor’s one-acre garden will cover garden bed layout, rain garden design, sod removal, digging, edging, soil sifting and amendment, mulching, and the planting of perennials, shrubs and trees. Limited to 12.
Date: Saturday, April 9 (rain date Sunday 4/10) Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Instructor’s Needham garden Fee: $39

Climate Emergency Vigil
2022-04-11 11:00 - 11:15
On Monday, April 11 at 11 a.m., church bells will ring for 11 minutes at First Parish in Needham, 23 Dedham Ave. and the Congregational Church of Needham, 1154 Great Plain Ave., as a reminder that we are in the 11th hour of the Climate Emergency. As the bells ring, all are welcome to join the vigil on the lawn of either church. Bring your own sign or use one of the signs provided.
