High School junior Elijah Chen dies suddenly

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Needham High junior Elijah Chen dies suddenly

Superintendent Dan Gutekanst told families on Sept. 15 that Needham High School junior Elijah Chen died suddenly Monday; a cause of death was not immediately disclosed. Gutekanst said Elijah had many friends on the football and track teams and two younger siblings at High Rock School and Pollard Middle School. High school administrators and staff supported students in his classes, Needham Police brought emotional support dogs Rocket and Ghost to visit with students during the day, and guidance and counseling services will continue to be offered as needed.

NBC Boston

Terrific Toddlers storytime at Needham Library today

Ms. Sarah leads songs, rhymes and movement for 2- and 3-year-olds with a caregiver from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 16 in the library's Community Room; no registration required.

Needham Free Public Library

Library's Chill Zone offers crafts for 5th, 6th graders today

Fifth- and sixth-graders join crafts and games during today's early-release afternoon, noon to 1:30 p.m., in the Needham Library Community Room.

Needham Free Public Library

Kids read to police dog Officer Rocket at library today

Children in kindergarten through sixth grade read aloud to Officer Rocket at the Needham Library from 4 to 4:15 p.m. Sept. 16; the session is full with no additional registration spaces.

Needham Free Public Library

Sweet Basil hosts Catena wine pairing dinner tonight

Sweet Basil at 942 Great Plain Avenue hosts a four-course dinner paired with Catena Zapata wines from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 16; tickets are $95 per person.

Sweet Basil

IFNET Grandparents Club meets at library today

The IFNET Grandparents Club meets Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Needham Free Public Library Community Room.

Needham Free Public Library

Adult basketball runs tonight at Needham High

The town's recreation program hosts adult basketball from 8 to 10 p.m. Sept. 16 at Needham High School's A Gym.

Town of Needham

Needham youth theater troupe starts fall rehearsals Friday

Rehearsal for Life's Needham Troupe begins weekly rehearsals Friday, Sept. 18, from 3:30 to 5:45 p.m. at the Congregational Church of Needham for ages 8 to 12.

Freelance Players

Duo Chinoiserie brings guitar program to library Sunday

Duo Chinoiserie performs a cross-cultural guitar program Sunday, Sept. 20, from 2 to 3:15 p.m. at the Needham Free Public Library, part of the Boston Classical Guitar Society Community Series.

Needham Free Public Library

Broadmeadow Elementary holds early-release day today

Broadmeadow Elementary School dismisses students at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, for early release.

Broadmeadow Elementary School

Saint Joseph School's speech and debate program begins today

Saint Joseph School's speech and debate program starts Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the school on Pickering Street; no start time is listed.

Saint Joseph School

Great Plain Squares opens season with dance tonight

Great Plain Squares opens its season Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 7 to 10 p.m. at 800 Highland Avenue with food, square and round dancing, and a welcome-back celebration.

Great Plain Squares

Acoustic duo performs at Theater on the Roof tonight

Natalia Balint and Evgeny Alekseev perform live at Theater on the Roof, 50 Kearney Road, Wednesday, Sept. 16, starting at 7:30 p.m.

Gundersheim Group

Select Board, Trust Funds set joint meeting for Sept. 22

The Needham Select Board and Commissioners of Trust Funds hold a joint meeting Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 6 p.m. in Select Board Chambers, with Zoom access, to vote on filling a vacancy on the Commissioners of Trust Funds.

Town of Needham