Dear Readers,
Happy New Year!
We’re glad to be back with quite a few stories to catch up on what’s been happening, along with what’s ahead as we transition into 2024.
The Observer team
Challenging times for Needham’s Muslim community
By Frederica Saylor Lalonde
In September, Dr. Huma Farid joined the Needham Interfaith Clergy Association, filling the nearly five-year gap in Muslim representation left by Dr. Abdul Cadar Asmal. Shortly after, the need for […]
Nelson won’t seek second Select Board term
By Frederica Saylor Lalonde
In April 2021, Marcus Nelson made history as the first black candidate to be elected to the Needham Select Board. A native of Rome, N.Y., Nelson moved to Massachusetts in […]
Eversource oil leak has impact on river, traffic
By Peter O’Neil
The leak of transmission fluid from an Eversource high voltage line into the Charles River at the Needham-Dover line apparently will have a more negative near-term impact on local traffic […]
Larsen, town cartoonist of record, dies at 95
By Bob Baker
Prolific Needham artist Robert Larsen, who portrayed small-town life in his adopted hometown for decades, died Dec. 27. He was 95. From 1990-2011, Larsen drew more than 500 editorial cartoons […]
Credit card theft devices found at Sudbury Farms
By Bob Clark
Needham police are working with units in a handful of nearby communities as they investigate the recent discoveries of skimming devices attached to credit card readers at Sudbury Farms in […]
Up for reelection, Auchincloss looks back, looks ahead
By Jeanne Hopkins
Entering his fourth year representing the 4th District (including Needham) in the U.S. House of Representatives, Jake Auchincloss has been making himself available to discuss the past year and share […]
Local influencer connects new and old media
By Jeanne Hopkins
When the new TV program “Meet Boston with Billy and Jenny” debuts Saturday morning on NESN, Needham resident Alyssa Pannozzi will be making her television debut along with it. A […]
A running start to the new year
By Molly Krupat
Some 500 runners, one as old as 91, kicked off 2024 by participating in the 16th annual Needham New Year’s Day 5K road race. “We started this as a small […]
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