Concern for others and interest in his community undoubtedly started with his family. Their values and their involvement with community influenced their son. In him, those qualities developed and flourished...

This popular, highly respected, self-effacing man walks quietly in the shadows of his accomplishments...

President of the Needham Heights Association for five years. Service on the Needham Community Council, Needham Civic Rights Commission, the Needham Education Association, the School Safety Committee. He has been a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. For the past eight years he has been a volunteer at the Brighton Evangelical Congregational Church, preparing and helping to serve a supper each week. At his Temple, for many years, he has prepared and helped to serve breakfast to The Brotherhood....

On many Sunday afternoons he continues to visit Veterans' Hospitals, serving coffee and cake, or helping run entertainment for those confined.

Whether helping build a playground, or working with the civic club to which he has belonged for 34 to 35 years (The Exchange Club) - Arthur continues to live a life where he contributes without being asked....

.... She was a born volunteer. In her earliest years, she became active in her church, the Salvation Army, and the Needham Red Feather where she ultimately became chairman of the Annual Needham Campaign. She was a volunteer at the Needham Community Council, embracing the motto "People helping People."....

In 1963 she was asked to work full time for the Council. In 1966 the Board appointed her Director. It was a natural bonding. The Council needed a dynamic, committed leader; Stephanie was ready for the structured challenge now available to her. When she started, she was the single employee. Her desk was second hand. She had limited resources, and a handful of volunteers. When she retired in 1996, the Council had six full time employees, 154 volunteers, and a building that it purchased. Second hand desks may still be seen.

Her accomplishments extend well beyond "doing a job." They are almost too numerous to list. She inaugurated a food pantry, a used clothing exchange, a furniture exchange, home visits, and food baskets....

Amazingly enough, despite those activities that occupied her fully throughout a long day, she continued to volunteer her services to her church, the American Cancer Society, and the March of Dimes....

She was always modest, and felt undeserving of the attention bestowed upon her. Many others in the community knew differently. The love she gave to others was reciprocated by the many whom she touched in a variety of ways....

James Hugh Powers has been recognized as the senior member of the Town Meeting - first elected in 1951.The list of Town Committees on which he has willingly served are impressive, not only for their importance but for the length of assignment. For example, Home Rule Charter Committee, 1968-71. Most recently he has served as Chair of the important Special Committee on School Finance. His contributions are many - valued and recognized. Without seeking the recognition, he has been acknowledged as an authority on many aspects of local and state government.

A prodigious writer, thoughtful analyst, and articulate presenter, he enjoys the respect of all - regardless of the forum. But a characteristic that emerges, vital in a free democratic society, is the civility that characterizes his energetic interaction in all debate or discussion. Recognizing and respectful of difference of opinion, he never personalizes the issue. The principles enunciated in our Bill of Rights are frequently demonstrated in his public and private life.

Like others being honored, James Hugh Powers is not one to sit back and wait for something to happen. When he senses and sees a need in our community, he finds a way to quietly provide the solution or bring about the collective action needed.

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