Category: Needham Observer

  • Counting cars

    One of the many uses of AI software is to examine traffic patterns to help plan construction projects. But how does the software work? 

    The environmental engineering firm Apex, which is consulting on the Envision Needham Center project, uses Vissim software. It conducted a traffic study on Sept. 9 to model future traffic flow along Great Plain Avenue to help guide consideration of the three proposed concepts for redesigning the downtown roadway. 

    “Vissim allows engineers to assess how proposed design changes, developments or policy scenarios will affect congestion, delay and safety performance,” said Amy Haelsen, Needham’s director of communications and community engagement, who noted the town itself is not using the software or another program, Placer ai.

    The software analyzes roadway geometry, signal timing and driver behavior parameters to calculate various traffic scenarios, according to Haelsen. While phone data isn’t being used by Vissim to conduct an analysis, Replica, a similar traffic analysis AI program, does. Apex uses the software in conjunction with Vissim.

    Replica receives data only from phones that have opted in through certain mobile apps that collect location information. These apps ask for permission to use cellphone users’ location for services such as weather and navigation. The only people included in the data are those who allow for these apps to have their location, according to information provided by Apex. The Replica software collects location pings that tell the company when a person is in a certain location, how long they’re there, and when they move. Personal content such as text messages, photos, contacts, or app usage is left out of the data collected, according to Apex.

    In order to refrain from being a part of the collective data, cellphone users must turn off location services on their phone or opt out of location permissions for any apps that request it. 

    “Every time you link to a cell tower they can track and see who’s linking where,” said Select Board member Kevin Keane. “Your phone is a tracker, and they can just follow you.”

    When asked how far the software can track you, Keane mentioned a case during COVID where the software tracked college students in Florida for spring break as they traveled back to their respective schools, mainly in the Midwest. The data was used to document a spike in COVID cases. 

     “It tracks every cell phone, and a lot of companies subscribe to it, and you can get a data dump. Pick a day and a location and they’ll go take a look,” said Keane. “It’s somewhat concerningly big brotherish, but the data and what you see and understand … is really amazing.”

  • Needham Open Studios celebrates 25 years

    Naomi Wilsey’s home studio (L) and Hilary Hanson Bruel’s home studio (R)/ Credit: Needham Observer

    The Needham Open Studios art exhibit celebrates its 25th anniversary May 3 and 4 across several locations in town, inviting the public to the vibrant arts community right in their own neighborhoods.

    Run entirely by volunteer artists, the non-juried exhibition connects more than 35 creators to the Needham community, providing an opportunity to see artists’ creative processes in intimate spaces. Visitors can explore 11 locations, including three group spaces, featuring works across various media including painting, ceramics and performing arts.

    Hilary Hanson Bruel, an NOS organizing committee member who creates abstract mixed media and encaustic paintings using heated wax, said she appreciates how the event connects the Needham community to local art.

    Hilary Hanson Bruel with her work Evening Sun Credit: Hilary Hanson Bruel

    “It’s a really nice opportunity to be out in the community with the work, as opposed to sitting alone in your studio,” Bruel said. “I really love it because all the people I see in my non-art life can come and see this art that I do, even though they know me in a different way.”

    Throughout the weekend, visitors can watch demonstrations and participate in hands-on activities, while connecting with the artists, learning about their techniques and taking home original art.

    Naomi Wilsey, a NOS board and organizing committee member who has worked as an artist for more than 30 years, will host hands-on art projects including making flower art on rice paper. Wilsey said it is important to make art accessible to the community. 

    “Of course, it’s not bread and butter. It’s not feeding people,” Wilsey said. “But it feeds your soul, you know? And I think for that reason, it’s important.”

    This year’s exhibit features new elements. Previously limited to artists who lived or worked in Needham or belonged to the Needham Art Association, NOS now welcomes artists from outside the community as long as they can find somewhere to exhibit, Wilsey said. 

    Naomi Wilsey and her watercolor Respite/ Credit: Naomi Wilsey

    Additionally, poetry stations will be at nine of the locations thanks to the Needham Poet Laureate Program, hosted by NOS President and Needham Poet Laureate Anne Nydam.

    The North Hill location will showcase an intergenerational exhibit featuring works from North Hill Retirement Community residents and Needham High School students. Cheryl Clinton, who is organizing the gallery spaces at North Hill, is excited about the generational inclusivity.

    “We have a very vibrant community, and I often think public perception of a 65-plus senior living community is not accurate,” Clinton said. “Many of our residents overall are extremely connected and active in the community, and the arts in particular, it’s a really strong focus. So it’s exciting to have that on view for the public.”

    The grassroots event relies entirely on participating artists taking roles in organizing the weekend, including posting signs on lawns and distributing map brochures.

    John Corliss, a Needham resident who has attended NOS the past six seasons, said he looks forward to the event every year.

    “It’s one of the first things we put in our calendar,” Corliss said. “Needham Open Studios is a great thing, and hopefully it continues, because Needham is such a great community. It’s wonderful that it’s around.”

    The free exhibit runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 3 and 4. The official brochure, including NOS artists and their locations, can be accessed here. 

    This story is part of a partnership between the Needham Observer and the Boston University Department of Journalism.

  • Needham residents brave the elements for Election Day

    Candidates and their supporters shrugged off fierce winds Tuesday to campaign on Election Day in Needham, political signs gripped in gloved hands as voters entered polling stations across town.

    In the early afternoon, school committee candidate Leanne Ratti and a few of her supporters stood at the corner of West Street and Hillside Avenue, next to the Center at the Heights polling location.

    As a special education, elementary and English as a Second Language teacher of 16 years for the Boston Public Schools, Ratti said she is passionate about equitable education for the Needham community.

    “I think this is a great opportunity to get to know everyone in the community,” Ratti said. “Hearing from parents and residents, talking about their concerns, answering questions, learning, listening, you really feel in touch with your community.”

    Melissa Rotman and Carolyn Kenline, two of Ratti’s supporters, said they helped her campaign because she’ll advocate for their children.

    “I’m really excited about the potential of having a teacher on the School Committee and a mom of three kids,” Kenline said.

    Across the street stood two supporters of Sri Baqri, another School Committee candidate. Her husband, Rehan Baqri, said Sri is passionate about the schools and wanted to get involved. They have two daughters in the system.

    He was flanked by Syed Rizvi, a supporter of Baqri who said proper representation on the School Committee is important, especially someone who has kids, knows the system and is invested in the schools. 

    Down the road, at the top of the driveway leading to the polling station at the Rosemary Recreation Complex, stood a group of campaigners with signs for a variety of candidates.. 

    Jeanne McKnight, a Town Meeting member running for reelection, held two signs: one for herself and the other for Select Board incumbent Heidi Frail. 

    McKnight, who has represented Precinct F as a Town Meeting Member for 22 years, said municipal work has been her life. She began as an urban planner in Framingham for six years, went to law school and worked as a municipal attorney for 25 years. McKnight stepped down from the Planning Board last year.

    McKnight described Frail as a hard-working member of the Select Board — one who is “very respectful of others on the committee.” “The hardest job in our town, as far as being a volunteer, is to be on the Select Board,” McKnight said. 

    Next to McKnight stood David Wertheim, who was running for Town Meeting in Precinct G. Wertheim grew up in Needham and moved back 13 years ago. A finance professional who served on the Finance Committee in Ashland, Wertheim said he was inspired to return to civic engagement after the divisive town vote in January that repealed the Town Meeting decision to comply with the MBTA Communities Law, which requires municipalities served by the MBTA to create a zoning district conducive to multifamily housing.

    “There seemed to be a lot of misinformation that was going around,” Wertheim said. “I’m hoping that with a financial background, I can bring some more to the table and hopefully some more honest conversation.”

    A few feet from Wertheim, Abigail “Abby” Carr, a public relations professional, was also running for Town Meeting in Precinct G. She said the “horrific nature” of politics in Washington inspired her to turn to local government. Carr has lived in Needham for 10 years, and her three children went through the Needham school system.

    “If you can’t win at the national level, then you can make soup and plant flowers and help housing and other issues in your local community,” Carr said.

    She described the divisiveness of the Needham housing issue as “disturbing.” “I think it’s really important that we have people on Town Meeting who respect facts and are willing to dive deep into the issues and not face decisions by whipping up other people’s fear,” Carr said.

    This story is part of a partnership between the Needham Observer and the Boston University Department of Journalism.

  • Needham residents brave the elements for Election Day

    Voters cast ballots Tuesday at the Needham Golf Club/ Credit: Needham Observer

    Candidates and their supporters shrugged off fierce winds Tuesday to campaign on Election Day in Needham, political signs gripped in gloved hands as voters entered polling stations across town.

    In the early afternoon, school committee candidate Leanne Ratti and a few of her supporters stood at the corner of West Street and Hillside Avenue, next to the Center at the Heights polling location.

    As a special education, elementary and English as a Second Language teacher of 16 years for the Boston Public Schools, Ratti said she is passionate about equitable education for the Needham community.

    “I think this is a great opportunity to get to know everyone in the community,” Ratti said. “Hearing from parents and residents, talking about their concerns, answering questions, learning, listening, you really feel in touch with your community.”

    Melissa Rotman and Carolyn Kenline, two of Ratti’s supporters, said they helped her campaign because she’ll advocate for their children.

    “I’m really excited about the potential of having a teacher on the School Committee and a mom of three kids,” Kenline said.

    Across the street stood two supporters of Sri Baqri, another School Committee candidate. Her husband, Rehan Baqri, said Sri is passionate about the schools and wanted to get involved. They have two daughters in the system.

    He was flanked by Syed Rizvi, a supporter of Baqri who said proper representation on the School Committee is important, especially someone who has kids, knows the system and is invested in the schools. 

    Down the road, at the top of the driveway leading to the polling station at the Rosemary Recreation Complex, stood a group of campaigners with signs for a variety of candidates.. 

    Jeanne McKnight, a Town Meeting member running for reelection, held two signs: one for herself and the other for Select Board incumbent Heidi Frail. 

    McKnight, who has represented Precinct F as a Town Meeting Member for 22 years, said municipal work has been her life. She began as an urban planner in Framingham for six years, went to law school and worked as a municipal attorney for 25 years. McKnight stepped down from the Planning Board last year.

    McKnight described Frail as a hard-working member of the Select Board — one who is “very respectful of others on the committee.” “The hardest job in our town, as far as being a volunteer, is to be on the Select Board,” McKnight said. 

    Next to McKnight stood David Wertheim, who was running for Town Meeting in Precinct G. Wertheim grew up in Needham and moved back 13 years ago. A finance professional who served on the Finance Committee in Ashland, Wertheim said he was inspired to return to civic engagement after the divisive town vote in January that repealed the Town Meeting decision to comply with the MBTA Communities Law, which requires municipalities served by the MBTA to create a zoning district conducive to multifamily housing.

    “There seemed to be a lot of misinformation that was going around,” Wertheim said. “I’m hoping that with a financial background, I can bring some more to the table and hopefully some more honest conversation.”

    A few feet from Wertheim, Abigail “Abby” Carr, a public relations professional, was also running for Town Meeting in Precinct G. She said the “horrific nature” of politics in Washington inspired her to turn to local government. Carr has lived in Needham for 10 years, and her three children went through the Needham school system.

    “If you can’t win at the national level, then you can make soup and plant flowers and help housing and other issues in your local community,” Carr said.

    She described the divisiveness of the Needham housing issue as “disturbing.” “I think it’s really important that we have people on Town Meeting who respect facts and are willing to dive deep into the issues and not face decisions by whipping up other people’s fear,” Carr said.

    This story is part of a partnership between the Needham Observer and the Boston University Department of Journalism.

  • Amplifying access: Plugged In’s Dirty Water Music Festival returns

    The Dirty Water Music Festival is back for its second annual community building event on April 5 at Powers Hall. 

    The festival is hosted by Plugged In, the Needham-based music education nonprofit that teaches musicians of all abilities in Massachusetts and worldwide.

    Dan Croft, associate director of Plugged In, said he looks forward to a night of music and camaraderie. “This event is really just like a concert: a fun night for people to come out and just hear good music, dance and relax,” Croft said. Last year’s festival drew about 200 attendees. 

    This year’s lineup includes the return of rock-and-roll cover band Monkeys with Crayons and blues-rock band Mass Bluesbreakers from last year’s festival, in addition to the band Bored of Directors, composed of former Plugged In board members, and the quintet Off Label, which features four medical doctors. 

    Tony Callini, Plugged In board president and Off Label drummer, said he is eager to expand his band’s reach by playing the festival.

    “We’re excited … to do something that’s really mission oriented for us, especially with my bandmates in the medical industry, where their whole lives are mission driven,” Callini said. “It can connect what we’re doing as a band with a mission, and doing it for a really great purpose.”

    Jerry McIntyre, drummer with Monkeys with Crayons, said he looks forward to getting people up and dancing.

    “That’s the fun part about it for me is playing on the stage, getting people going,” McIntyre said. “It’s for a good cause. So we definitely enjoy it.” 

    The concert raises funds for Plugged In’s scholarship and inclusion fund, which last year provided more than $70,000 in scholarships — nearly half of which was raised at last year’s festival — and no student has been turned away because of an inability to pay in the organization’s 23-year history, Croft said. 

    “All of those funds make sure our students with disabilities have the equitable access and same opportunities to thrive and succeed at Plugged In,” he said.

    The fund also provides accommodations that ensure equal access for musicians with disabilities, who make up 53% of Plugged In’s spring session students, including hearing protection, light sensitivity sunglasses, Braille-stickered keyboards and color-coded guitar strings.

    But true inclusion goes beyond just access, said Croft.

    “When we say inclusive, we mean that there is no specific band or specific workshop that is only for students with disabilities,” he said. “They are included in all of our bands, performances and workshops and everything that we do, and in a completely equal way with all of our neurotypical or non-disabled students.”

    Femi Wasserman, a board member and parent of two Plugged In musicians, said her sons flourished through the program. One found his passion as a drummer and now plays in his school’s jazz band, while the other gained such confidence as a vocalist that he is auditioning for school plays.

    “I love how welcoming they are — they meet you where you are,” Wasserman said of Plugged In’s approach. “Everyone in the entire community is very invested in the success and the culture of the program, and so I think that welcoming aspect means that nobody ever feels out of place, and I personally think that everybody feels valued.”

    Currently serving about 140 students on-site and another 180 through Peace Tracks — an international virtual exchange program for high school students — Plugged In creates an environment where students develop not just musical skills but also compassion, confidence and social awareness, said Sandra Rizkallah, the nonprofit’s executive director and co-founder.

    “When you give them the opportunity in an environment where that’s celebrated and supported, they access that part of themselves,” Rizkallah said. “It just becomes a little part of their DNA, and as they go out into the world, they have that little connection to that part inside of them.”Fundraising for the Dirty Water festival comes primarily through corporate-sponsored bands that pay a fee to perform, with the proceeds supporting Plugged In’s scholarship and inclusion fund. Bands created through the Plugged In program perform at every end-of-session concert as well as local community performances, Croft said.
    The festival runs from 6-10 p.m. in Powers Hall and is for those 21 and over. Tickets are $10, available online. Admission is free for those who need it.

  • Pure Prairie League is ‘Back on Track’ and headed to Needham

    Country-rock band Pure Prairie League is headed to Needham this weekend, marking the first headlining act of 2025 of the Needham Bank Great Hall Concert Series.

    The band, best known for their 1975 hit “Amie,” will take the James Hugh Powers Hall stage Saturday for the second stop of their tour. Their new album, “Back on Track,” is the band’s first in almost two decades.

    Michael Greis, co-president of the Great Hall Performance Foundation, said he is thrilled PPL will visit Needham this weekend. 

    “They are such an iconic band,” Greis said. “Performers who have a passion for music and have kept at it for as long as bands like Pure Prairie League really care about what they do, and connect with the audience in a way that’s so important for us. That’s one of the things we find most compelling and enjoyable.”

    The band features pedal steel guitarist and founding member John David Call, drummer/vocalist Scott Thompson, keyboardist/vocalist Randy Harper, guitarist/vocalist Jeffrey Zona, and bassist/vocalist Jared Camic.

    Veteran bassist and bandleader Michael Reilly, who transitioned from a full-time touring band member to manager and producer after COVID, describes the new album as the band’s best work since their 1975 record, “Two Lane Highway.”

    “This record is like we’re paying respect and tribute to the earlier albums, but it’s definitely taking several steps forward,” Reilly said. “The musicianship is just killer, you know? I mean, we’ve got killer guys in the band, and they just knocked it out of the park.”

    A blend of country, rock and blues influences, “Back on Track” pays homage to the band’s 50-plus-year history while exploring new territories. The album includes five songs written by Zona, three by Camic and four from former longtime bandmate Gary Burr, plus covers of Little Feat’s “Six Feet of Snow” and Leslie Duncan’s “Love Song,” which was recorded by Elton John in 1971.

    Reilly attributes the fun, easygoing recording process to the positive dynamic among the bandmates. “This band has always been a band of brothers,” Reilly said. “We’ve never thrown a punch in this band in 55 years. We have discussions, but we don’t have fights.” 

    Though Reilly won’t be in attendance Saturday, he’s thrilled the bandmates get to return to the Boston area.

    “After all these years, it’s a thrill for us to come back to some of these places that we’ve played before,” Reilly said. “Because we’re playing these theaters and smaller places like Needham Town Hall, it’s like playing in somebody’s living room. Because we’re right there in their laps, we can see the reactions to these songs. And they’re singing along. They know all the words.”

    Reilly said the band will come out for autographs and pictures after the show. 

    Greis said he is looking forward to another season of music, including the Orion Ensemble on May 3. 

    The Pure Prairie League concert starts at 8 p.m. Saturday in Powers Hall, on the second floor of the Needham Town Hall. Tickets are $63, available online or at 781-355-6076. 

    This story is part of a partnership between the Needham Observer and the Boston University Department of Journalism.