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🌱 Patch AM: How did a quiet Needham office park host a huge cocaine bust?

Be sure to catch Children's House Open House at Riverbend on the Needham Patch calendar

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Coffee in hand, Needham? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How did a quiet Needham office park host a huge cocaine bust?
  • What should Needham homeowners do when a bobcat visits the backyard?
  • How did Needham schools keep the state's top K–12 ranking?

Also on today's calendar: Children's House Open House at Riverbend and 11 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Very warm with periods of sun, with a high of 78 and low of 63 degrees.
  • Friday: A passing afternoon shower, temps: high: 82, low: 53.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and not as warm, with a high of 71 and low of 46 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Needham is scene of major cocaine bust (needhamobserver.com) — A major federal cocaine bust unfolded on Third Street in Needham near the Coca-Cola plant, where agents arrested an alleged dealer picking up more than 5 kilos from a cooperating trucker. Authorities say the site had been used for earlier deliveries, though Needham Police weren't involved and Coca-Cola emphasizes the activity occurred on a public street with no employee connection.
   

2. Bobcats bring the wild side to Needham (needhamobserver.com) — Bobcats are increasingly turning up in Needham yards, including a recent sighting on South Street, as their populations rebound and local development reduces wooded habitat. Wildlife experts and Needham's animal control officer explain why residents are seeing more wild animals, how bird feeders attract them, and what steps to take to protect small pets while safely enjoying these rare visitors.
   

3. Needham remains top K–12 district in state (needhamobserver.com) — Needham's public schools have again been rated the top K–12 district in Massachusetts, with strong MCAS results and notable gains among historically marginalized students, despite a small score drop. District leaders are digging into subgroup data, rolling out a new literacy curriculum, and will present a deeper analysis to the School Committee on Oct. 20, while parents can review individual student reports online and by mail soon.
   

4. Why is it so hard to find a therapist? (newsbreak.com) — Needham resident Kate Martin shares how rising costs and insurance hurdles pushed her out of therapy, illustrating why so many people struggle to find mental health care. The story explores long wait times, limited insurance acceptance, and therapist burnout, while offering practical advice on starting the search before a crisis and supporting friends who may need help navigating the process.
   

📸 Around Needham

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I am searching for a roofing company to replace my roof.
    There seems to be a lot of complaints on line in reviews about many of the companies I see. Does anyone have a roofing company they have used that… (Nextdoor Broadmeadow & Birds Hill-Thornton)
  • Playa Bowls posted a job opening for Assistant Manager, Non Exempt in Wellesley. Apply here.
  • The Lodge at Historic Lewes posted a job opening for Activity Assistant Traditions of Dedham in Dedham. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Needham here.

Ok Needham! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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