Lillian Premo, Needham resident and daughter of Alison Premo and Roger Premo, graduated from Cotting School in Lexington on June 6 as a member of the 132nd graduating class. Lilly received The Daniel Cuddy Award for Adaptability, which recognizes a graduate who has shown a willingness to try new things, no matter how challenging they may be.
Founded in 1893, Cotting School serves students ages 3-22 with a broad spectrum of learning and communication disabilities, physical challenges and complex medical conditions. Its mission is to empower students with disabilities to achieve their highest learning potential and level of independence.

Norfolk County

Boston Metropolitan Area

Needham

Massachusetts

Needham resident graduates from Cotting School

Lillian Premo, Needham resident and daughter of Alison Premo and Roger Premo, graduated from Cotting School in Lexington on June 6 as a member of...

If you are planning a new deck or rebuilding an old one in Needham this summer, one of the first steps is often the one homeowners think about least: the building permit. In Massachusetts, a deck is a structure that attaches to or stands near your home, and most deck projects require a permit from the local building department before any work begins.
Permits exist for good reasons. A deck carries real weight, and the connection to the house along with the support below the surface have to be built to code so the structure stays safe for years. The permit process is how a town confirms that the design and construction meet those standards.
The process usually starts with a set of plans showing the deck's size, layout, height, and how it attaches to the home. The building department reviews the plans, and once the permit is issued, inspections happen at key stages. Inspectors commonly look at the footings before they are covered, the framing and the ledger connection where the deck meets the house, and the finished deck, including railing height and stair construction. These are the same areas that cause the most problems when a deck is built without oversight.
Skipping the permit can create headaches later. Unpermitted work can surface during a home sale, complicate insurance, and in some cases has to be opened up or rebuilt to pass inspection after the fact. Building to code from the start is almost always simpler than correcting it later.
A few things help the process go smoothly. Know your property lines and any setback rules before finalizing the design, since a deck's footprint can be affected by how close it sits to a boundary. Keep your approved plans and permit paperwork on hand, and schedule inspections at the stages the town requires rather than after the work is closed up.
A permitted, inspected deck is one you can use with confidence, knowing it was built to the standards meant to keep your family safe.
I kept the body free of any business mention or call to action, since Patch's Neighbor Posts prohibit commercial or promotional content. It can be published under the Bevilacqua Deck Builders contributor profile, but the text itself stays purely informational, which is what keeps it safe from removal. Bevilacqua Deck Builders117 Kendrick St Suite 300, Needham, MA 02494508-254-8241<a href="https://bevilacquadecking.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">https://bevilacquadecking.com/</a>

What Needham Homeowners Should Know About Deck...

If you are planning a new deck or rebuilding an old one in Needham this summer, one of the first steps is often the one homeowners think about...

What Needham Homeowners Should Know About Deck Permits and Inspections

Wellesley

Middlesex County

Benjamin Pierce

Newton

Dedham

Boston

Suffolk County

West Roxbury

Westwood

William Hall

Natick

Dover-Sherborn

Brookline

Roslindale

Weston

Natick Common

Join Charles River Rotary Club as we celebrate our 13th Annual Scoopapalooza All You Can Eat Ice Cream Fundraiser on Natick Common Saturday June 27 from 11:30 am to 3pm, rain or shine. Tickets are $8. Enjoy many ice cream flavors provided by our major sponsor Hood Ice Cream. Scoopapalooza raises significant funds for Charles River Rotary’s programs including youth scholarships and many nonprofits. &nbsp;We expect to draw over 2,000 people for frozen treats, community connecting, music and fun for the whole family. &nbsp;

Local Event: Charles River Rotary Scoopapalooza 2026 Ice Cream Fundraiser June 27

Charles River Rotary Scoopapalooza 2026 Ice...

Join Charles River Rotary Club as we celebrate our 13th Annual Scoopapalooza All You Can Eat Ice Cream Fundraiser on Natick...

Charles River Rotary Scoopapalooza 2026 Ice Cream Fundraiser June 27

New England Sci-Tech, Inc.

Public hours: Sat June 27, noon to 5 pm 
Family Friendly Event for 3rd grade and up! Amateur Radio educational demonstrations and STEM activities! Hosted by members of Sci-Tech&nbsp;Amateur Radio Society (STARS). &nbsp;
In the United States there are approximately 750,000 FCC-licensed amateurs. There is no age limit,&nbsp;so even youngsters enjoy learning to merge amateur radio with their interests in computers, Bluetooth&nbsp;devices, Arduinos, model rocketry, and robotics.
STARS radio club meets at New England Sci-Tech, a non-profit, family oriented STEM education center and maker space, 16 Tech Circle, Natick. New England SciTech also provides amateur radio license courses, FCC license testing, and&nbsp;training sessions for severe weather spotters. 
The Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society (STARS) is made up of students, parents, teachers, and&nbsp;supportive amateur radio operators from around greater Boston, the metro-west suburbs, and New&nbsp;England. STARS was founded with a mission to spark youth interest in electronics, physics,&nbsp;rocketry, astronomy, and other sciences through club activities and the use of the Amateur Radio&nbsp;Service.

Local Event: Amateur Radio Field Day

Amateur Radio Field Day

Public hours: Sat June 27, noon to 5 pm 
Family Friendly Event for 3rd grade and up! Amateur Radio educational demonstrations...

First Parish UU in Needham, 23 Dedham Ave., Needham, MA 02492

Sing Out for Democracy Sunday June 28, 2026 at First Parish UU in Needham, 23 Dedham Ave., 02492. The event starts at 3:00 PM with a community sing-along at the front of the church followed by the program in the sanctuary at 4 PM featuring the What the World Needs Now Interfaith Coalition Singers <a href="https://www.whattheworldneedsnowsingers.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.whattheworldneedsnowsingers.com/</a>Co-sponsors: Green Needham and Green Newton. A free will offering will support Democracy Forward. Live stream the event at <a href="https://uuneedham.org/singoutfordemocracy" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">uuneedham.org/singoutfordemocracy.</a>

Local Event: Sing Out for Democracy

Sing Out for Democracy

Sing Out for Democracy Sunday June 28, 2026 at First Parish UU in Needham, 23 Dedham Ave., 02492.  The event starts at 3:00 PM...

Thistle & Leek

We're holding a fundraiser at Thistle &amp; Leek in Newton! Help power a grassroots campaign that takes no corporate PAC money. Join us for food, drinks, and conversation about the issues that matter to you. RSVP at poulos.house/events.

Local Event: Jason Poulos

Jason Poulos

We're holding a fundraiser at Thistle & Leek in Newton! Help power a grassroots campaign that takes no corporate PAC money....

Join poet Wendy Drexler and Dr. Rashmi Kaura of Hebrew SeniorLife’s Wolk Center for Memory Health for a virtual poetry reading and conversation about Drexler’s fourth collection, Harvest of What Remains. Through poetry and personal reflection, Harvest of What Remains shares Drexler’s experience caring for her husband as Alzheimer’s disease gradually changed their lives and relationship.
The program will explore how writing became a powerful tool for processing grief, stress, anger, fear, and moments of uncertainty throughout her caregiving journey. Together, Drexler and Dr. Kaura will discuss how poetry and reflective writing can offer comfort, insight, and emotional support to caregivers throughout the different stages of the caregiving journey.
Wendy Drexler is a recipient of a 2022 artist fellowship from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Her fourth collection, Harvest of What Remains, received honorable mention for the Paul Nemser Prize and was published in February 2026 by Lily Poetry Review Books. Her work has appeared in The Hudson Review, The Sun, and The Threepenny Review, among others. She was awarded the 2025 E.E. Cummings Prize from the New England Poetry Club, where she currently serves on the advisory board.
Rashmi Kaura, MD is a palliative care and geriatric specialist at the Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health. She is board certified in hospice and palliative care, geriatric medicine, and internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She completed her Bachelor of Science in pharmacology and basic medical sciences from King’s College in London, England. She received her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from King’s College School of Medicine and Dentistry. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Overlook Medical Center and her fellowship in geriatrics and palliative care at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Local Event: Processing Alzheimer's Caregiving through Poetry: Author Wendy Drexler with Dr. Rashmi Kaura

Processing Alzheimer's Caregiving through...

Join poet Wendy Drexler and Dr. Rashmi Kaura of Hebrew SeniorLife’s Wolk Center for Memory Health for a virtual poetry reading...

Processing Alzheimer's Caregiving through Poetry: Author Wendy Drexler with Dr. Rashmi Kaura

RARE Restoration

RARE Restoration (now in Newton) is a full-scale repair and restoration service specializing primarily in furniture and lighting, though we’re happy to restore treasures of any kind - valuable or sentimental. From seat weaving to refinishing, from carving to rewiring, our team of experts will help bring your belongings back into tip-top shape.”

RARE Restoration (now in Newton) is a full-scale repair and restoration service specializing primarily in furniture and lighting, though we’re...

Where Sushi, Cocktails & Asian Fusion Come Together

Feng Shui Restaurant & Bar

Feng Shui Restaurant &amp; Bar is a stylish Asian fusion restaurant in Braintree offering fresh sushi, authentic Chinese dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and a vibrant lounge atmosphere perfect for dining, takeout, and special occasions.

Braintree

Feng Shui Restaurant & Bar is a stylish Asian fusion restaurant in Braintree offering fresh sushi, authentic Chinese dishes, handcrafted cocktails,...

Insurcomm Restoration

After everything goes wrong, you deserve the confidence and comfort of everything going right. Insurcomm Restoration is your trusted local partner for full-service property damage restoration — from emergency response and mitigation through complete reconstruction, all under one roof. For over 30 years, we've helped homeowners, businesses, municipalities, and insurance carriers recover from water damage, fire and smoke, mold, biohazard incidents, and catastrophic events. Our Services: • Water Damage Cleanup &amp; Mitigation • Fire &amp; Smoke Damage Restoration • Mold Remediation • Biohazard &amp; Environmental Cleanup • Contents Cleaning &amp; Restoration • Full Reconstruction &amp; Rebuild • 24/7 Catastrophe Response Why Insurcomm: • 24/7 Emergency Help Line — fast response when minutes matter • IICRC-Certified Professionals delivering precision craftsmanship • Dedicated project management with a single point of contact • Clear, transparent communication from first notice of loss to final walkthrough • Trusted by national and regional insurers for day-to-day claims and complex losses Insurcomm is a Fortify Company, a national property protection platform with 100+ markets nationwide. Locally rooted, nationally backed. Call our 24-hour response line: (844) 424-9283

Foxborough

After everything goes wrong, you deserve the confidence and comfort of everything going right. Insurcomm Restoration is your trusted local partner...

Boston Construct, LLC

Project Planner and Home Renovator MA CSL #75620 / HIC Reg. #217093 Home Additions, Whole House Renovations, Home Building, ADU's Expanding the kitchen? No problem.

Project Planner and Home Renovator MA CSL #75620 / HIC Reg. #217093 Home Additions, Whole House Renovations, Home Building, ADU's Expanding the...

Evan Walsh | The Walsh Team at William Raveis Real Estate 

The Walsh Team – William Raveis Real Estate is a top-producing real estate team based in Wellesley, with offices in Natick and Needham, serving Dover, Sherborn, and the greater MetroWest area. Led by Evan Walsh, the team specializes in residential sales, luxury properties, land, and complex transactions where pricing strategy, timing, and execution matter. Evan Walsh is a graduate of Dover-Sherborn High School and a former Dover resident of more than twenty years, with deep roots in the local community. Earlier in his career, he served as Head Lifeguard at Farm Pond in Sherborn, an experience that reflects long-standing ties to the area well beyond real estate. With nearly two decades of real estate experience specifically in Dover and Sherborn, The Walsh Team takes a data-driven, market-savvy approach that goes far beyond simply listing a home. Every transaction begins with a clear analysis of local supply and demand, buyer behavior, pricing psychology, and current market conditions—so homeowners can make informed decisions with confidence. Evan is also the author of REAL[i]TY Check, a locally focused blog series that cuts through headlines and hype to explain what’s actually happening in the Dover-Sherborn housing market. The series is written for homeowners who want clarity and context—grounded in real data and real experience, not sales pitches. The Walsh Team pairs deep local knowledge with modern marketing, including professional photography, video, drone footage, and targeted digital exposure. Just as important, the team is known for straightforward guidance—even when that means advising a client to wait or rethink timing. Proudly serving MetroWest with professionalism and transparency.

Evan Walsh | The Walsh Team at William Raveis...

The Walsh Team – William Raveis Real Estate is a top-producing real estate team based in Wellesley, with offices in Natick and Needham, serving...

Saltbox

Saltbox Catering is a full-service catering company dedicated to crafting exceptional culinary experiences for every occasion. Rooted in a passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques, we bring restaurant-quality cuisine directly to your event, whether it's an intimate gathering, a corporate luncheon, a wedding reception, or a large-scale celebration. Our team of experienced chefs and hospitality professionals works closely with each client to design customized menus that reflect their vision, dietary needs, and personal style. From elegant passed hors d'oeuvres and beautifully plated dinners to casual buffets and artisan stations, we take pride in sourcing locally whenever possible. We build relationships with regional farmers, fishermen, and purveyors to ensure the highest quality ingredients on your table. Every dish is prepared with care, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to flavor. Beyond the food, Saltbox Catering offers seamless event coordination, professional staffing, and attentive day-of service. Whether you're planning an event for ten or five hundred, Saltbox Catering brings the same dedication, warmth, and culinary excellence to every table we serve.

Saltbox Catering is a full-service catering company dedicated to crafting exceptional culinary experiences for every occasion. Rooted in a passion...

8 New Luxury Residences in Coolidge Corner/Brookline

80onVernon | 8 Luxury Residences | New Construction

Welcome to 80onVernon, the new standard of excellence for Coolidge Corner in Brookline, exclusively marketed by Todd Glaskin, Tina Sachs and Gregg Leppo of Coldwell Banker Realty. All of 80onVernon's eight luxury residences offer thoughtful layouts with accompanying amenities, ensuring that there is something to suit even the most discerning buyer. The exterior boasts an elegant brick and modern paneling finish, accentuated by dozens of oversized windows producing a modern profile that floods each residence with light. Building offers dedicated garage parking and elevator. Construction is nearing completion 2026. Contact Todd Glaskin, Tina Sachs or Gregg Leppo today to schedule a showing. Email: Team@80onVernon.com

80onVernon | 8 Luxury Residences | New...

Welcome to 80onVernon, the new standard of excellence for Coolidge Corner in Brookline, exclusively marketed by Todd Glaskin, Tina Sachs and Gregg...

🌱 Patch AM: When Needham Open Studios quietly...

Also check out Charles River Rotary Scoopapalooza 2026 Ice Cream Fundraiser June 27 on the Needham Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: When Needham Open Studios quietly showcased a Jane Yolen poem

Community Corner

Across Massachusetts

Horses, Mules, Donkeys, Geese, Cockatoo Rescued...

Some of the animal were standing in more than a foot of manure, the MSPCA said.

Horses, Mules, Donkeys, Geese, Cockatoo Rescued From Squalor In MA: MSPCA

Pets

Massachusetts Pauses Tax Breaks For Data...

A newly released CBS News poll found that more Americans are skeptical about having a data center in their area.

Massachusetts Pauses Tax Breaks For Data Centers And Addresses Energy, Water And Noise Concerns

Politics & Government

Supreme Court Ruling Could Impact 45,000...

The program launched in 1990 under then-President George H.W. Bush and has been the law for 36 years.

Supreme Court Ruling Could Impact 45,000 Haitians In Massachusetts: "Families Divided And Ripped Apart"

Major Restaurant Chain Abruptly Closes All...

A prominent chain that's faced rocky times in recent years has closed all its remaining restaurants in the state, according to reports.

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Needham, MA|Featured Classified|Announcement|2d

Needham resident graduates from Cotting School

Needham, MA|Local Classified|Gigs & Services|Jun 17

What Needham Homeowners Should Know About Deck Permits and Inspections

Charles River Rotary Scoopapalooza 2026 Ice Cream Fundraiser June 27

Amateur Radio Field Day

Sing Out for Democracy

Jason Poulos

Processing Alzheimer's Caregiving through Poetry: Author Wendy Drexler with Dr. Rashmi Kaura

Needham resident graduates from Cotting School

RARE Restoration

Feng Shui Restaurant & Bar

Insurcomm Restoration

Boston Construct, LLC

Evan Walsh | The Walsh Team at William Raveis Real Estate

Saltbox

80onVernon | 8 Luxury Residences | New Construction