Hello, Dedham.

Another week filled with more of that regularly scheduled summer goodness: farmers markets, concerts on the green, and on the horizon, a Summer Stroll.

In this week's Drop:

So glad you’re here!

— KB

Missed it? The Summer 2026 Guide is still your go-to for the whole season.

Quick ask: We’re looking to learn more about who's reading and what you care about. Takes 30 seconds, right here.

⚽ World Cup Quarterfinal — TODAY, Thursday, 7/9, 4PM at Gillette. Morocco vs. France closes out Boston's World Cup run — this is the last match at "Boston Stadium" this year. Which means…

🚌 Franklin Line disruption, again. As with the last home matchday, expect service impacts on the Franklin Line. Limited service around Dedham, so check mbta.com before you head out.

⚾ A Nobles grad in the Home Run Derby. Ben Rice, a Nobles grad, steps into the T-Mobile Home Run Derby on Monday, July 13. He’s been racking up the home runs all season for a certain team from the Bronx. Cheer him on, no pinstripes required.

🌱 A Dedham first: the Native Seed Library. Eagle Scout candidate Malachi Reed and fellow members of Troop 3 built and installed Dedham's first Native Seed Library along the Sawmill Lane Pollinator Pathway. The idea: "take a seed, leave a seed" — residents can grab native seeds to plant at home, no obligation to bring any back yet. The Conservation Commission will host a seed-saving workshop this fall for anyone who wants to give back to the library later. The project was funded through a Massachusetts Biodiversity Grant and the Department of Fish & Game.

🏫 New principals, familiar halls. Michael Maresca officially started as Oakdale Elementary's principal last week — Oakdale families, save the date for a PTO-hosted Popsicles with the Principal meet-and-greet, August 25 at 4PM. Meanwhile, Kim Hermesch, who led Oakdale for the past 7 years, is moving to Avery Elementary as its new principal this fall. Welcome, both!

💧 Riverside Drive water main project — public meeting. Dedham-Westwood Water District is hosting a virtual public meeting on the Riverside Drive Water Main Replacement Project Thursday, July 16 at 6:30PM on Zoom. Work limits cover Riverside Drive between Vine Rock Street and Bridge Street, and part of Bridge Street between VFW Parkway/Rt. 1 and Needham Street. More info at dwwd.org/riverside.

🌱 Lawn care survey closes Friday, 7/10. NepRWA is running two surveys on lawn care to help shape future conservation programs. Complete both (same email for each) and you're entered to win a $25 Visa gift card. Survey link.

🌳 Last call-ish: Open Space & Recreation Plan comments. Public comments on the draft 2026-2036 plan are open through July 20. If you've got a park or trail you care about, now's the time. beheard.dedham-ma.gov/osrc2026.

🦟 West Nile reminder. Risk remains low, but with mosquito activity up, DEET or picaridin repellent and dusk/dawn caution are still good calls.

📚 Free summer meals for kids continue through August 21 at Avery, Dedham Middle, Dedham High, and Paul Park — no registration required.

Have a local announcement or news item? Hit reply and let us know!

➡️ TODAY! Thursday, 7/9

⚽ World Cup Quarterfinal. Morocco vs. France. 4PM. Gillette Stadium, Foxborough. Boston's final World Cup match.

🥪 The Capital Grille — Al Fresco Tasting Experience. Complimentary outdoor tasting featuring signature menu items, plus raffles and dining offers. No reservation needed — just show up. 3–5PM. The Green (in front of J.Crew), Legacy Place.

Friday, 7/10

🍻 Roundhead Beer Garden / Tunes on Tap. Roundhead Brewing, Hyde Park.

Saturday, 7/11

🎨 Not Your Average Cardboard Recycling Day. Monthly flattened-cardboard drop-off for residents. 9AM–Noon.

🛒 Family food shopping at Dedham Food Pantry. 8AM.

Sunday, 7/12

🧢 Boston-Dedham Sports Card & Autograph Show. Cardboard Promotions hosts, 85+ vendors. 8:30AM–2PM. Holiday Inn, Dedham.

🧘 Free Yoga & Pilates on the Town Green. 8AM.

Tuesday, 7/14

🍼 Free Stroller Workout Class. Pure Barre hosts a free 50-minute stroller class every Tuesday in July. Spots limited — register ahead. 11AM. The Green, Legacy Place.

🎵 Concerts on the Green. Free live music presented by Dedham Square Circle. Bring dinner from the Square and a lawn chair. 6–8PM. Town Green.

🐾 Ice Cream Social with Polkadog. Bring your pup for complimentary frozen yogurt treats made just for dogs. Moves indoors to Polkadog if it rains. 6–8PM. The Green, Legacy Place.

Wednesday, 7/15

🎖️ Veterans Brunch — Hosted by the Dedham Youth Commission. A free brunch for all Dedham Veterans, with food, games, and prizes. 10:30AM–1PM. American Legion Post #18, 155 Eastern Ave.

🌽 Dedham Summer Farmers Market. Local produce, specialty foods, makers, and live music on the First Church lawn. 2–5PM. 670 High St.

🎬 Legacy Littles: Private Movie Screening. Weekly kids' activity series — tickets required via the Legacy Place Insider app. Showcase Cinema de Lux, Legacy Place.

🎶 Arts at Endicott: Summer Concert Series 6:30PM opening act, 7PM main performance. Endicott Estate lawn.

Thursday, 7/16

🎉 Summer Stroll. Dedham Square Circle's annual street festival — the Square closes to traffic and opens up for live bands, art, food, shopping, and 50+ street vendors. 3:30–10PM. Dedham Square / Town Green.

💧 Riverside Drive Water Main Replacement — Public Hearing. Virtual, on Zoom. 6:30PM.

As always, so many great events at the libraries. Check the calendar here.

🍻 Tunes on Tap Fri 7/10. Roundhead Brewing, Hyde Park.

🎵 Concerts on the Green — Dedham. Tue 7/14, 6–8PM. Town Green. Free.

🎶 Arts at Endicott. Wed 7/15, 7PM. Endicott Estate lawn. Free.

📖 Summer Reading Program — Dedham Public Library. "Unearth a Story" runs through August 22. All ages. Register here.

🥕 Farmers Market POP Club. Free Power of Produce program for kids 4-10 — $5 weekly tokens for produce, plus crafts. Runs through July 29, capped at 30 kids/week.

⚽ Dedham Youth Soccer Summer Camp. Two week-long sessions at Memorial Park in August (Aug 10–14 or Aug 17–21), 5:30–7:45PM. Ages 7–18. Register online.

🌱 Endicott Community Greenhouse — Volunteers Welcome. Stop by anytime or call 781-329-9356.

🌳 Open Space & Recreation Plan — Comments Close July 20. This is your chance to weigh in on how Dedham protects and invests in its parks and open spaces for the next decade. Comment online at beheard.dedham-ma.gov/osrc2026. Printed forms available on request.

UPCOMING MEETINGS:

🌊 Stormwater Public Hearing — Thu, July 9, 3PM.

🌿 Conservation Commission — Thu, July 9, 7PM.

🌳 Open Space & Recreation Subcommittee — Mon, July 13, 6PM.

🅿️ Parking Public Hearing – Appeals — Wed, July 15, 9AM.

🏛️ Zoning Board of Appeals — Wed, July 15, 7PM.

💧 Riverside Drive Water Main Replacement — Public Hearing — Thu, July 16, 6:30PM, virtual.

📺 Missed a meeting or event? Catch replays at DedhamTV.com.

🥾 Westwood Community Trails Monthly Hike — hosted by Hale Education. Free, guided 2-hour hike, no RSVP needed. Sat, July 11, 10AM. Noanet Woodlands, 92 Powisset St., Dover.

🎻 Beech Tree Park Concert. Free outdoor concert, part of Sharon Recreation's summer series. Sun, July 12, 3–4:30PM. Beech Tree Park, Sharon.

🥕 Canton Farmers' Market. Local produce and goods on the front lawn of the Rodman Center/Canton High School. Sun, July 12, 10AM–2PM. 960 Washington St., Canton.

🎶 WYWC Summer Concert Series. Free family concert — bring a blanket, cash for pizza and ice cream. Mon, July 13. Westwood Senior Center lawn.

🎵 Lakeside Concert Series. Free live music at the beach, hosted by Sharon Recreation. Wed, July 15, 6:30–8PM. Veterans' Memorial Park Beach, Sharon.

🌽 Westwood Farmers Market & Local Artists. Weekly market, free to attend. Wed, July 15, 2–6PM. St. Margaret Mary Church parking lot, 845 High St., Westwood.

🍅 Norwood Farmers Market. Local farm stands, bakeries, artisans, plus games and music for kids. Tue, July 14, 2–6PM. Norwood Town Common.

🥕 Milton Farmers Market. Weekly market with live local music. Thu, July 9, 1–6PM. Wharf Park, Milton Village.

As always, double-check links before heading out — times and details can change. If you see an error or have something to add, hit reply.

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