Week in Review: Needham Runs the Boston Marathon, Filmmaker's Documentary Debuts

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. —More than 40 individuals represented Needham in the 2012 Boston Marathon on Monday, April 16, including Peter Hammer, who was the first Needham resident to cross the finish line at Copley Square, finishing in a time of 2 hours 45 minutes and 46 seconds.
2. —A new documentary film chronicling the Cambridge folk revival of the 1960s, co-produced and co-directed by Needham resident Rob Stegman, was featured at the 2012 Boston International Film Festival last week.
3. —The Needham Department of Public Works will be flushing water mains April 16 through May 18. Flushing will take place overnight, between 11 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., Monday through Friday of each week. The purpose of water main flushing is to eliminate rust and manganese sediment build-up in water mains.
4. —A Needham woman was arrested for assault and indecent exposure after she fought with a postal worker outside her home on Monday, April 16, allegedly pulling down her pants during the fight and coming at him with a baseball bat.
5. —A local landscaper contacted police on Monday, April 9 after a Dell Avenue resident allegedly struck him in the face with a rake during an argument over leaves being blown into the resident’s yard.
6. —Recently, homeowners in Needham helped make Green Needham one of the most successful participants in NSTAR's Community Energy Challenge—reaching 150 percent of its initial energy reduction target in less than four months, according to the Green Needham Collaborative blog, at greenneedham.org.
7. — Although many diseases are predetermined by genetics, the Needham Public Health Department reminds residents that many can be avoided by lifestyle choices made every day. In addition, these behaviors can reduce the risk of acquiring several genetic diseases.
8. —The Framingham Board of Selectmen agreed Thursday night to offer the job of town manager to . Former Longmeadow town manager Robin Crosbie and Naugatuck, CT, mayor Ronald San Angelo were the other two finalists for the position.
9. —Earth Day is on Sunday, April 22, and there are many ways to celebrate here in Needham, with upcoming events or activities you can do year-round.
10. —Elizabeth Warren, candidate for U.S. Senate, dropped by Needham on Friday, April 13 to meet with residents at on Chapel Street.

WHAT’S NEW ON PATCH

In a new feature on Needham Patch called , we snap a picture of a vacant storefront or open space around town and ask readers to weigh in on what should be done with the property. See a vacant spot around town you’d like to see featured? E-mail becca.manning@patch.com or text to 781-217-4233, and we’ll include it in an upcoming Visions For Vacancies.

THIS WEEK IN POLLS

Each week, Needham Patch asks readers to weigh in on a few topics through polls.

(7 votes)

• Yes, we’re finding local daytrips. … 43 percent
• No, can’t let it hold us back. … 57 percent

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