Tom Leyden chats with September '23 cover subjects Liz Volpe and Drew Fortin from the Foundation for Westwood Education. 

Along with Nigel Smith, who wrote the September cover feature, Liz Volpe and Drew Fortin comprise the board of the Foundation for Westwood Education. Tom, Liz and Drew discuss the evolution of the 32-year-old foundation, what has been accomplished in the past and how this trio has redefined how the foundation can be most impactful moving forward.

Liz Volpe & Drew Fortin: The Foundation For Westwood Education

Tom Leyden connects with Dr. Peter Kevorkian from Westwood Family Chiropractic as we approach the first in-person session in the Lessons From Leaders Series, presented by Dedham Savings. 

Dr. Peter will kick off our series with an address to students before the cafeteria is opened for them to interact with professionals and ask questions in a one-on-one or small group setting. 

What's his message? What's his motivation? How will he connect with kids and what will be useful about his address? 

Learn more, register to attend and explore the Digital Directory at www.lfleaders.com

Dr. Peter Kevorkian - What To Expect at Opening Night of Lessons From Leaders

Tom Leyden and Roula Bakis chat over a delicious cup of Greek coffee. 

Roula Bakis is the owner of the Artemis Realty Group and Westwood Living's Expert Contributor in Realty and Design. Roula's unique approach to her business allows her to work with clients to envision a space as they'd like it to be throughout the transaction process. A design major at NC State, Roula has applied many of her skills to the field and spent some time in this pod explaining the new Stretch Energy Code, looking back on her 24 years as a Westwood resident and sharing her biggest "next wish" for the town is. 

Call Roula at 781-269-2230 and visit www.artemisrealtygrp.com

Roula Bakis: Artemis Realty & Design

Tom Leyden chats with Kelsey Lindsey in the kitchen of JK Catering and Events in Westwood. 

Kelsey is one half of the ownership team at JK Catering and Events, a specialty company focused on creating memorable events centered on food and drinks. In addition to preparing charcuterie boards and fulfilling custom food orders, Kelsey and her husband, Juan, also operate the Tapville Mobile Taproom, a 16-tap mobile bar that can be rented and customized for parties and special events.   Tom and Kelsey talk about the birth of the company, what's really taken off in the last year and what she is hoping for in the years to come - plus what you should know about making your holiday party plans. 

Call Juan and Kelsey at 508-523-5569 and visit www.jkcateringandevents.com

Kelsey Lindsey, JK Catering & Events

Tom Leyden catches up with Ian Brown at the site of his new project, an overhaul and redesign of the "Orchard Fire Circle" on the grounds of Hale Education. 

The new project beautifies and modernizes the area adjacent to the Andrew Cucchiara Learning Center. Ian and his team have repurposed granite and stone previously used in and around Boston to support bridges and trestles to create an multi-use amphitheater that will can be used for outdoor meetings and events upon its completion.

Ian Brown: Hale Education Amphitheater Project

Tom Leyden previews the upcoming production of Game of Tiaras with Mr. Jim Howard, who runs the Westwood Stage program, and seniors Ella Mansour and Nora Fortune. 

Performances of Game of Tiaras are scheduled for Thursday, November 2 at 7:30 and Saturday, November 4 at 2:00 and 7:30. 

When the aging king of a Magical Kingdom (England) decides to split his empire between his three daughters, Cinderella, Belle, and the Snow Queen (who in no way resembles a copyrighted character), terrible tragedy ensues. Terrible, hilarious tragedy. Combining the gut-wrenching plot twists of Game of Thrones and the soul-numbing despair of Shakespearean tragedy, this adaptation of King Lear will leave you dying with laughter as the body count mounts. When you play the Game of Tiaras, you win or you die.   

(Source: Playscripts.com)

From Mr. Howard:  

I've always been a fan of watching dark comedies.    The biting nature of them often finds characters saying what you wish they would in real life, but never do.  More importantly,  dark comedies have something to say about the world we live in and typically say them in a really powerful, and often unexpected way.   

I'm looking forward to exploring this work with the cast as we all discover what it is the play is telling us about the world we live in  today.

Learn more and get tickets at www.westwoodstage.com

Ella Mansour, Nora Fortune & Jim Howard - Westwood Stage

Tom Leyden connects with Laura Macs and Kara Kennedy at the Westwood branch of Dedham Savings. 

Laura and Kara are both longtime employees of Dedham Savings, the presenting sponsor of the Westwood Living Lessons From Leaders series. In this episiode, Tom, Laura and Kara talk about their experience with the Westwood High School students. They also discuss the various opportunities available at Dedham Savings and how Laura and Kara found a home at the bank that prioritizes being involved with the community on a daily basis.  

To learn more about the Lessons From Leaders series and Dedham Savings involvement, visit http://www.lfleaders.com

Laura Macs & Kara Kennedy, Dedham Savings

Tom Leyden and Christopher Bean catch up from the warmth of the shed at The Bean Family Farm. 

It's time to buy your holiday decorations!  Christmas tree sales start Friday, November 24. 

Chris Bean, who was featured along with his grandmother, Elena, on the cover of the August issue of Westwood Living, is the owner and operator of The Bean Family Farm. He has taken the bull by the horns and picked up where his grandfather, Charlie, left off many years ago, operating the family-owned farm on Clapboardtree Street in Westwood. 

Tom and Chris discuss the launch of the Christmas tree season, how he's working with Iron Hog BBQ to provide food for customers, some upgrades to the topograhy, including a new crushed stone driveway, and the addition of cattle to the fields to naturally develop the land between seasons. 

For more information, visit http://www.beanfarmfresh.com

Christopher Bean - The Bean Family Farm

We're thrilled to unveil a new monthly feature - The Barrows Featured Artist.  Carol Ahearn is a longtime Westwood native and member of the Westwood Artists group. We spent some time at the Westwood Public Library talking about her passion for art and the success she's had following that passion. Truly, a lovely person and a perfect choice as our first featured artists.  Thanks to Barrows Custom Window Treatments for their support and sponsorship of this feature!

Carol Ahearn: December's Featured Artist

Tom Leyden and Dr. Alana Bednarz from Dental Arts of Westwood connect to chat about a great holiday promotion and a special party being hosted at Dental Arts on December 14. 

One lucky patient will receive a free treatment (braces or Invisalign), if they visit the office for a complimentary consultation, commit to treatment and leave a deposit.  The first 20 patients who sign up between now and December 27 will be eligible and one of those patients will receive the treatment for free. 

Also, Santa Claus will be visiting Dental Arts of Westwood on Thursday, December 14 from 3-5pm.  For more information on this fun party and to learn more about Dental Arts, visit the official website at http://www.dentalartsorwestwood.com or call the office at 781-733-9378.

Dr. Alana Bednarz - Dental Arts of Westwood

Tom Leyden and Nathalie Homsy chat about Nathalie's new venture, a chocolate delicacy company named Omniya. 

Nathalie Homsy is a native of Lebanon and has lived in Westwood for many years. This winter, she is embarking on a new challenge, launching a luxury chocolate company named "Omniya," which translates to "A Wish" in Lebanese. 

The unique, high-end, classy chocolate is aimed to bring a touch of Nathalie's Lebanese culture to the region. The Belgian chocolates feature a Lebanese twist and are presented in decadent packaging. 

Learn more about Omniya by visiting the official website at http://www.omniyas.com

Nathalie Homsy, Omniya

Tom Leyden and Dr. Ryan Welter connect for a conversation in the offices of Regeneris MedSpa and Cosmetic Surgery. 

Dr. Ryan Welter is driven, most notably, by his commitment to family. His life choices and career path were influenced most significantly by his dedication to being present for his wife and children and living a life in medicine that provided balance.  In this episode, the first of three with Dr. Welter, Tom learns about his background and how he ultimately opened Regeneris MedSpa & Cosmetic Surgery in Westwood, truly putting to use the incredible knowledge he'd accumulated through years of study and practice.

Part Two will focus on the regenerative medicine services Regeneris offers and why Dr. Welter believes in a holistic approach to wellness. 

Part Three will focus on the topic of hair loss and hair restoration in men and women, and how and why Dr. Welter has become a pre-eminent expert in the field, lecturing internationally. 

To learn more about Regeneris MedSpa & Cosmetic Surgery, visit www.regenerisboston.com

Dr. Ryan Welter, Regeneris MedSpa - Part One

Tom Leyden and Dr. Ryan Welter discuss the topic of hair restoration and the many options that are available to both men and women. 

Dr. Ryan Welter is the founder and owner of Regeneris MedSpa & Cosmetic Surgery and a major part of his practice at NE Hair focuses on hair restoration and surgery. This conversation addresses how hair loss affects men and women very differently and the steps both should consider when thinking about medical intervention. 

The insight Dr. Welter provides is a worthwhile gateway into what has become a highly effective area of cosmetic enhancement. Tom and Dr. Welter discuss how the stigma related to undergoing hair replacement surgery has almost disappeared, which has opened the door for younger patients to benefit from his expertise.  He also details the reasons women experience hair loss and why reaching out to a hair restoration specialist early is really the best first step. 

To learn more about Regeneris MedSpa & Cosmetic Surgery, visit www.regenerisboston.com

Dr. Ryan Welter, Regeneris MedSpa - Part Three

Tom Leyden connects with Rick Bern and Mike DiSarro moments after Rick shot Mike's brand new headshots. 

Rick Bern has been an incredibly instrumental driving force behind what makes Westwood Living successful. Every month, Rick shoots the cover and feature photos that make our publication what it is.  

Mike DiSarro is the owner of Neroli Mercato & Ristorante. He and his team are getting set to celebrate the first anniversary of Neroli Ristorante's opening.  

Tom, Rick and Mike talk about partnership, investing in yourself, working toward creating a high end product and marketing your business to the right audience that will appreciate the value you deliver.

Rick Bern and Mike DiSarro

Tom Leyden connects with the owners of Dream Spa Medical, Diana Brouillard and Leah Mofford. 

Diana and Leah share the fascinating story of how they met, how Diana eventually brought on Leah as an ownership partner and how the two of them have led Dream Spa Medical to success with three locations now open. 

What started in Canton, has expanded to Brookline and Foxboro, where the latest location was officially opened in the late summer of 2023. 

Diana, who was on the cover of Westwood Living in May of 2023 with her family, shared stories about the reaction she received around town, and in a really impressive example of their smarts, we learn how this dream team set themselves up for success during the pandemic of 2020. 

Learn more about Dream Spa Medical by visiting www.dreamspamedical.com

Diana Brouillard & Leah Mofford - Dream Spa Medical

Tom Leyden connects with Jen Palmer, the founder and owner of Universal Power Yoga. 

Universal Power Yoga has three locations, Westwood, Norwood and Wrentham, each started by Jen Palmer after she spent 10 years in the corporate world.  The conversation provides some insight on how Yoga has affected Jen's life, how thrilled she is to have a studio open in Westwood and what she suggests for people of all ages, body types and athletic abilities. 

UPY is located on Hartford Street, right behind Comella's, and includes a number of different classes each week - each with its own level of difficulty to appeal to a wide range of people.  To learn more about Universal Power Yoga, your Neighborhood Yoga Studio, visit www.universalpoweryoga.com

Jen Palmer - Universal Power Yoga

Tom Leyden connects with Mike Xidea, the Dealer Principal of Cadillac of Norwood. 

Mike Xidea has spent 25 years in the car industry, most of that time working at the Cadillac of Norwood dealership on Providence Highway.  Tom and Mike discuss the recent history of the auto industry, how selling a car has changed over the years, the importance of service, how the advent of electric vehicles has affected the game and what Mike views as the biggest point of differentiation for his team. 

Learn more about Cadillac of Norwood by visiting www.cadillacnorwood.com

Mike Xidea - Cadillac of Norwood

Tom Leyden and Jessica Thomson connect to discuss the annual Eddie's Food Drive to benefit the Westwood Food Pantry. 

Jessica Thomson is a Westwood resident and mother of Eddie and Fiona Thomson. In November of 2017, Eddie was tragically lost when he was struck by a car on Pond Street.  Jessica and Fiona have rallied together to honor Eddie's memory every year by orchestrating and executing "Eddie's Food Drive," which runs through April 13. 

Tom and Jessica discuss how the drive originally started, who benefits, how Fiona's Girl Scouts Troop has become so instrumental to its success and ultimately, how the Westwood community has helped the Thomsons recover from such a tragic loss.  

To learn more about the Eddie's Food Drive, visit www.eddiesfooddrive.com

Jessica Thomson, Eddie's Food Drive

Tom Leyden connects with Maureen Roycroft from the Westwood Community In Action organization to talk about the Westwood Promenade, Grad Walk and All Night Grad Party. 

Maureen was among the leaders who helped launch the Westwood Promenade concept, at the suggestion of Westwood High School principal Amy Davenport. In 2022, Westwood began this fantastic tradition of showcasing Westwood's students and their dates who are attending the prom.  

This year, the Westwood Promenade, sponsored by Sassy Boutique, will be held on Friday, May 10 at 4:15pm at Flahive Field. The event is open to the public and provides a great opportunity to see the kids dressed up and ready to go moments before they board the buses to the Royal Sonesta in Cambridge. 

Tom and Maureen also chat about the All Night Grad Party and how that wonderful event provides a unique opportunity for parents of younger students to "pay it forward" and support the graduating class of 2024. 

For more information, email westwoodangp@gmail.com and visit wwwwestwoodangp.com

Maureen Roycroft, Westwood Promenade

Tom Leyden interviews local business owners and residents to learn more about their journeys and missions. Join the Westwood Living Business Network and start connecting in a meaningful way with others in Westwood and beyond.

New tracks tagged #Westwood MA