The Thanksgiving Day high school football rivalries begin at 10 a.m. For the oldest rivalry in the country, Needham vs Wellesley, it will be a game of firsts and lasts. It will be the first time the Thanksgiving Day game is played on Needham's artificial turf. And it will be the last time senior Jean Baptiste, the Rockets phenom, graces the playing field for Needham High School. This year, in another first, Chris Forsberg and the assorted writing team of the Boston Globe High School Sports Blog are bringing you the latest football score updates via Twitter . Whether you're on the road to Grandma's, an alumnus living out of state, or a host/hostess finishing last minute preparations for holiday guests, you can still stay on top of the game! You can receive updates via RSS feeds. You can ... 11/26/2008

Family Connections..Marriage..and the Boston Bruins Posted on November 14, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Image via Wikipedia When you get married you immediately become part of something larger than yourself. You are part of a picture that includes extended family, history, and aspirations. So when I took my bride down the aisle over 30 years ago, I became part of a large, boisterous Needham family known for their good looks and good grades.*  (source: my wife..) Growing up in Wellesley as the son of two parents who were both only children, and having only one sibling myself, I knew that I’d hit the jackpot with my fun-loving new family members. But I also gained something else. I gained someone important to all families…an insurance agent! That’s right; following the example of my father-in... 11/14/2008

  Yesterday, I did a bit of research for a customer, which I thought worthy of sharing with the broader audience.  I went back into our mls (Mass MLSPin) and looked at historical sales figures on a price per square foot basis for the years 1995 through 2008 to date in Needham, MA which is a town about 13 miles west of Boston and is in an area where there is constant buyer demand.  Although I had done research on Needham recently - looking at days on market versus listing price compared to (believe it or not) assessed values, the one point that overlooked at first was what was the average cost per square foot for single family homes? The chart below shows that Needham's "bubble" burst much later than most of the metropolitan area, which saw home sales prices peak in 2003-2004. Since 2005... 11/10/2008

During the last 7 days there were 9 single family homes that went under agreement.  I believe that now the elections are over people can make decisions.  That is just me talking out loud, but I have seen more activity since November 4th.  There are lots of buyers out there and there are more properties coming on the market. I have also noticed there is more activity online as well previewing properties there first.   There just seems to  be an uptick in the activity.  Gerenerally if someone is looking at this time of year they would like to be in their new home before the holidays if possible.  First we Thanksgviing and then all the holidays are launched and people have other shopping on their minds besides shopping for homes. Interest rates are still great.  There was a time when they ... 11/10/2008

A picture is worth a thousand words. Needham is doing well to spite the country. Homes are selling and vales are steady. Needham is very desirable and always will be because of the schools and convenience to Boston, highways, commuter rail and buses. Needham is close to loads of shopping and more to come in that department in neighboring Dedham, MA We hear a lot the expression " Life is good." Well it Life is Actually Good here in Needham. We have a town that cares in so many ways. There are the best clubs and organizations to help where help is needed here and even around the country. Many of Needham's Citizens got together to raise money for the Katrina victims in Mississippi and some traveled there as well. In 2011 Needham will celebrate it's 300 anniversary and many events are plann... 11/09/2008

Posted on November 9, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Image via Wikipedia Walpole High School continued its nine game winning streak against its latest opponent, the Needham High School Rockets. Despite strong plays from Kerry Hecker, Jean Baptiste, Brady Dow, and Eric Bertino of Needham, the Walpole Rebels were first up on the scoreboard, and never looked back. Junior Ryan Izzo of Walpole, currently averaging 208 rushing yards per game, continued his finesse on the field, with Walpole easily capturing the win for a final score of: Walpole 35,  Needham 20 JOHN PRESCOTT -BostonKayakGuy     Top Real Estate Agent for more than 14 years, serving the real estate needs of  Wellesley, South Natick, Weston, Needham, Wayland, Newton, Framingham and other MetWest communities.  www.johnprescott.net JOHN P... 11/09/2008

       As of October 31, 2008, there were 102 single family listings in Needham on the Multiple Listing Service (MLSPin).  Sales of single family homes are down almost 32.5% for the year, with on-going price adjustments to existing inventory, which is aging and is priced higher than historical averages for this community.  During October, 18 additional single family listings were added to our MLSPin, (3 of which were back on market) with an average list price of $817,917.  Based on the number of active single family listings versus the number of sales during the month, there is a market absorption rate of 7.85 months.   That is to say, based on the volume of sales during the past month, it will take 235 days to sell all the single family homes currently sitting on the Needham market. Th... 11/08/2008

The Traveling VietNam Veterans Memorialhttp://www.vvmf.org/Memorial Park, Needham, MAOctober 30 - November 2, 2008Open to the Public 24 hours a dayFree of ChargeSponsored by:Town of Needham Board of Selectmen & Memorial Park TrusteesLt. Manson  H. Carter VFW Post 2498Schedule of Events                 Opening Ceremony        Thursday October 30, 2008Master of Cermonies, John Logan, Veterans AgentPosting of Colors - Needham Police Department Honor Guard                                    Needham Fire Department Honor GuardNational Anthem and Other Patriotic Selection-  Pollard Middle School Treble Choir, Under the Direction of Cassandra PetersonPledge of Allegiance, Needham Girl Scouts & Needham Boy ScoutsWelcome & Introduction   James G. Healy, Chair Board of Selectmen, Charles Mangine,... 10/29/2008

The Needham Market now versus last October. The market in Needham is ok despite what is going on in other areas.  There is some change in the market this October over last October in days on market and list price but considering what is going in all the markets it is really pretty good. I personally do not think anyone can go wrong purchasing a home in Needham.  In years past the Needham Cooperative Bank, now known as the Needham Bank was always happy to lend for a purchase of a home in Needham.  They never felt that it was a risk.  I will be adding a report on sold properties now versus same time last year tomorrow. The rates are still good despite the market volatility. Report Run: 10/22/2008 11:39:21 AM Property Type(s): SF Snapshot Date: 10/22/2007 Towns: Needham    10/22/2007    10... 10/22/2008

Wellesley..A Radical History Worth Preserving..John Prescott’s The MetWest Scene Posted on October 6, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Wellesley’s Historical Past… will soon no longer be on display at the site where a section of the town of Needham decided in 1880 to pull away and create the new town of Wellesley. History buffs take notice!  The original town hall of Wellesley was the site of the Wellesley Country Club building across from Babson College. Sections of the Wellesley Country Club’s old clubhouse date to the 1740s, but what interests many history buffs is the second-floor ballroom, where a 1880 vote formed Wellesley as a town. *Photo Mark Wilson/Boston Globe While Babson students know the location as “Thunder Road,” history students know the second floor ballroom to be the site of y... 10/06/2008

  Monthly market performance: As of September 30, 2008, there were 109 single family listings in Needham on the Multiple Listing Service (MLSPin).  Inventory is growing again in Needham, as more high-end properties come on the market, although what we see moving are older homes priced in the $500,000 to $700,000 price range.  During September, 35 new single family listings were added to our MLSPin, with an average list price of $1,011,140. The average list price is $1,023,077.  The lowest price is $350,000 and the highest price is $3,500,000, with the largest concentration of homes (40.4%%) priced in the $500,000 to $799,999 price range.  Of note, the average list price for a single family home in September 2007 was $1,006,273. The median price is $799,900 and the average days on market... 10/05/2008

Needham Harvest Days yesterday October 4, 2008  AMAZING.  For kids super amazing. FUN Filled - Great to see friends and enjoy the activities.  The pony rides were great for the kids sponsored by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. The Needham Bank had radio Disney and that was hopping with kids dancing.  What a great time the kids were having. It was so hard to pick a soup that was the best because they were all good.  Where was the Phantom Gourmet?  There had to be the best soups under the soup tent ever. There was so much just for kids.  If I were a kid I would have been even more exited about this great Needham Event. So my advice is set aside your calendar for next October and mark the first Saturday for Harvest Fair.  It never disappoints. Pat Baker, Real Estate Expert Coldwell... 10/05/2008

October 4, 2008 - On the Needham, MA Town Common from 10:00 am to 3:00 pmThis is the best event sponsored by the Needham Business Association.  Every year is a pleaser.  There is so much to do and see.  The Needham Town Common is literally transformed into a beautiful fall affair.  There is entertainment and a wide variety of tables richly displayed with a showcase of products and services.  There are hayrides, childrens' activities, pony rides and just a whole lot of fun.You can join in the fun of tasting the assortment of 14 different soups prepared by the local purveyors.  For a "spoon fee" you can make the difficult choice of which one to vote for.  This is an event that will warm you up in lots of ways besides the soup.  It is a perfect weekend for having fun and let the fun begin ... 09/30/2008

The powerhouse Needham High School football team continues its domination on the field... Needham 12, Newton North 6 Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, at Bentley College, Waltham Needham 12 0 0 0 — 12 Newton North 6 0 0 0 — 6 NE — Jean Baptiste 14 run (kick failed) NE — Jean Baptiste 11 run (pass failed) NN — Ben Kiley 63 pass from EC Turner (kick failed) JOHN PRESCOTT -BostonKayakGuy     Top Real Estate Agent for more than 14 years, serving the real estate needs of  Wellesley, South Natick, Weston, Needham, Wayland, Newton, Framingham and other MetWest communities.  www.johnprescott.net JOHN PRESCOTT Vice President Century 21 Commonwealth 508-523-9252   BostonKayakGuy…The MetWest Scene * Game information courtesy Boston.com 09/28/2008

Don’t miss this look at Jean Baptiste, Needham Rockets captain ! A powerhouse player, Baptiste credits 2 families with his drive, his ambition, and for making sure he gets his homework done! Needham High senior captain Jean Baptiste, at 5-foot-7 and 160 pounds, can beat defenders with speed and power. *Photo courtesy of Aram Boghosian/Globe Correspondent Boston Globe’s Brendan Hall   JOHN PRESCOTT -BostonKayakGuy       Top Real Estate Agent for more than 14 years, serving the real estate needs of  Wellesley, South Natick, Weston, Needham, Wayland, Newton, Framingham and other MetWest communities.  www.johnprescott.net JOHN PRESCOTT Vice President Century 21 Commonwealth 508-523-9252 “Boston Kayak Guy. . . The MetWest  Scene” 09/20/2008

BostonKayakGuy…John Prescott’s The MetWest Scene…   Metrowest High School Football 2008: 09/19/08   Dover-Sherborn      27             Weston 15 Lincoln-Sudbury     20             Hingham  3 Natick   34                                    Brookline 7 Needham   27                                  Milton 12     JOHN PRESCOTT -BostonKayakGuy       Top Real Estate Agent for more than 14 years, serving the real estate needs of  Wellesley, South Natick, Weston, Needham, Wayland, Newton, Framingham and other MetWest communities.  www.johnprescott.net JOHN PRESCOTT Vice President Century 21 Commonwealth 508-523-9252 “Boston Kayak Guy. . . The MetWest  Scene” 09/20/2008

This is absolutely the best time to make a purchase of real estate.  There is not a better investment that you can make than real estate.  The smart folks will buy now not to speculate but to become a homeowner while interest rates historically low and the homes are more affordable than they have been in many years. It is the best time for first-time buyers with all the perks.  Not all banks are unstable.  There are not going to give mortgages to people who have pulse any more but they are to going to give them to qualified buyers.  I truly cannot think of a better time buy and that is not because I have been a licensed real estate broker/agent for 29 years.  I believe it with all my being.  Who knows if the rates will go up and that is more reason to purchase a home. Pat Baker, License... 09/18/2008

Needham 14, Braintree 0 Friday, Sept. 12, 2008, at Needham The Needham Rockets exploded at Friday night’s game against Braintree. The Boston Herald reports that “Jean Baptiste rushed for 118 yards and a pair of touchdowns.” Final: Needham (2-0) blanked Braintree, 14-0. * Information courtesy of Boston Herald 09/13/2008

The Needham High School Rockets took to the field at Dedham on Saturday, September 6th, leaving the Dedham High School Marauders with an indelible impression. The Rockets kicked off the fall 2008 season with an explosive win over the Marauders: Needham 28, Dedham 0.   More: Boston Globe Next Game: Friday, Sept. 12 Braintree Game Schedule: JOHN PRESCOTT -BostonKayakGuy       Top Real Estate Agent for more than 14 years, serving the real estate needs of  Wellesley, South Natick, Weston, Needham, Wayland, Newton, Framingham and other MetWest communities.  www.johnprescott.net   JOHN PRESCOTT Vice President Century 21 Commonwealth 508-523-9252 “Boston Kayak Guy. . . The MetWest  Scene” Person JOHN PRESCOTT Right click for SmartMenu shortcuts 09/07/2008

Posted on September 3, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  A recent study commissioned by Needham School officials has resulted in findings sure to stir controversy.   CONFUCIUS SAYS:TOO MANY SECRETARIES!! Sent from BlueOrganizer   According to Superintendent Dan Gutekanst in a recent report in WickedLocal.com,  the study conducted by Evergreen Solutions evaluated the school system’s resources including finances and the management of support and clerical staff. Evergreen's professional consultants were charged with enhancing the effectiveness of Needham Public Schools staffing operations. The results being released at this time indicate that Needham Schools may  be “overstaffed” when compared to other metrowest school systems.  Some Needham school officials disagree. Needham Public Schools are also... 09/03/2008