Life gets busy, and Patch certainly understands that. So with that in mind, here are a few stories you might have missed on Needham Patch this week:

1. Needham's Aly Raisman is Olympics Bound—Needham gymnast Aly Raisman is heading to London. The 18-year-old athlete and recent Needham High School graduate earned a spot on the USA Women's Gymnastics Team over the weekend during the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials. Raisman was third in the overall standings at the Trials, with a final score of 120.950.Needham Olympian Aly Raisman Shares Workout Tips in Web Video SeriesHomecoming For Aly Raisman at Needham Fireworks [VIDEO]
2. PHOTO GALLERY: Needham Fireworks Kick Off 4th of Juy Festivities—Memorial Field was packed Tuesday, July 3 for the Needham Exchange Club's annual Fireworks Spectacular.
3. PHOTO GALLERY: A Parade for Independence Day—While it looked like the Needham Exchange Club's 2012 4th of July Parade might be rained out, the event went ahead as scheduled, kicking off just after 9 a.m. on Great Plain Avenue. Soon after parade participants stepped off, it was time to put away the umbrellas, as the skies cleared and warm sun shone down on the rest of the event.
4. Adirondack Chair Project Hits the Streets—All over town, brightly painted Adirondack chairs are making their debut in front of Needham businesses. Each uniquely designed by a local artist, the chairs are part of the Needham Merchants Association’s efforts to bring more shoppers downtown.
5. Needham Arts in the Park Opens July 12—Needham's Arts in the Parks concert series is back for the summer, with a full schedule of performances set to begin on Thursday, July 12 at Memorial Park. The Tom Nutile Big Band will open the series on July 12—continuing a family tradition that has been going on for more than 35 years.

Did we miss something? Send news tips, comments and suggestions to Becca.Manning@patch.com.