AUGUST 2026

As an allergy practice, one of the most common reactions we see when discussing Alpha-Gal Syndrome with patients is disbelief. “I’ve eaten hamburgers my entire life. How can I suddenly become allergic now?” It’s a fair question, and one that many Massachusetts residents are beginning to ask as awareness of this unusual condition continues to grow.
 
Most of us are familiar with Lyme disease and other infections that can be transmitted by ticks. What surprises many people is that certain tick bites can also trigger a food allergy. Known as Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS), this condition can develop in adults who have never had food allergies before and may cause reactions after eating beef, pork, lamb, venison, or other mammalian products.
 
One of the things that makes Alpha-Gal Syndrome so difficult to recognize is that symptoms are often delayed. Unlike peanut or shellfish allergy, where symptoms usually occur within minutes, people with AGS may not develop hives, swelling, stomach pain, diarrhea, or even anaphylaxis until three to eight hours after eating. We have seen patients who wake up in the middle of the night covered in hives and have no idea that the steak they ate for dinner could be the culprit.
 
The discovery of Alpha-Gal Syndrome is one of the most fascinating stories in modern allergy medicine. In the early 2000s, Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills and his colleagues at the University of Virginia were investigating why some patients experienced severe allergic reactions to a cancer medication called cetuximab. Their research led them to a sugar molecule called alpha-gal and eventually to an unexpected connection: many of the affected patients had a history of tick bites and delayed reactions after eating red meat. Their work revealed an entirely new type of food allergy and changed the way allergists think about allergy development.
 
Most cases in the United States have been linked to bites from the Lone Star tick. While these ticks were once considered primarily a southern species, they have become increasingly common in parts of Massachusetts, including Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. As tick populations expand, more cases of Alpha-Gal Syndrome are being recognized throughout New England.
 
Many people are surprised to learn that Alpha-Gal Syndrome can involve more than food. Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule found in mammals, and some medications, vaccines, and medical products contain mammalian-derived ingredients. Most patients with AGS tolerate medications without difficulty, but certain individuals may require special consideration before receiving specific treatments or undergoing medical procedures. This is one reason why evaluation by an allergy specialist can be helpful.
 
Diagnosis typically involves a careful review of symptoms, a history of tick exposure, and a blood test that measures antibodies to alpha-gal. It’s important to understand that a positive blood test does not automatically mean someone has Alpha-Gal Syndrome. Like many allergy tests, results must be interpreted in the context of a patient’s symptoms and medical history.
 
The good news is that there are practical steps people can take to reduce their risk. When spending time outdoors, use tick repellents, stay on cleared trails when possible, wear protective clothing, and perform thorough tick checks after being outside. Pets can also bring ticks into the home, so they should be checked regularly as well. If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it promptly with tweezers and clean the area with soap and water. Unlike Lyme disease, we do not yet know how long a tick must be attached to trigger Alpha-Gal Syndrome, so early removal is always recommended.
 
For most people, a tick bite is nothing more than an unpleasant nuisance. But if you’ve experienced unexplained allergic reactions, especially several hours after eating red meat, it may be worth discussing Alpha-Gal Syndrome with your healthcare provider. As awareness grows in Massachusetts, recognizing the signs of this unusual allergy may help patients find answers that have been hiding in plain sight.

When most people hear the word “boxing,” they immediately picture punches, heavy bags, and intense workouts. Those are certainly part of what we do at TITLE Boxing Club, but they’re far from the whole story.
 
Every day, we see people walk through our doors looking for something different. Some want to get in better shape, while others are searching for a healthier outlet for stress. Young athletes often arrive hoping to gain a competitive edge in their sport. What they discover is that boxing develops much more than physical fitness. It also builds habits and characteristics that carry over into every part of life.
 
That was on full display recently when we welcomed Westwood High School students during their annual J-Term program. The week gives students an opportunity to step outside the traditional classroom and experience new interests, careers, and personal growth opportunities before the school year comes to a close. Our goal wasn’t simply to teach students how to throw a jab or move around a heavy bag. We wanted them to experience what boxing teaches beneath the surface.
 
Every drill challenged them to react, think, communicate, and adapt. Students quickly realized that boxing requires concentration, self-control, and confidence just as much as strength and speed. They encouraged one another, pushed through challenges, and discovered they were capable of more than they expected.
 
Those same principles are the foundation of an exciting new initiative at TITLE Boxing Club focused on Boxing Sports Performance. The mission is simple: help athletes become more complete competitors by developing skills that traditional training often overlooks.
 
Regardless of whether an athlete plays baseball, hockey, football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, or nearly any other sport, success often comes down to the same qualities. Can you react to an unpredictable opponent? Can you process information quickly? Can you stay balanced while moving explosively? Can you maintain focus when the pressure rises? Boxing naturally develops those abilities.
 
Through specialized drills, athletes improve reaction time, hand-eye coordination, leverage, balance, body control, quickness, spatial awareness, and explosive movement. They learn to make split-second decisions while remaining composed. They develop footwork that translates to virtually every athletic arena, and they begin understanding how efficient movement often beats raw power.
 
Perhaps even more important are the mental benefits.
 
Confidence isn’t something that appears overnight. It’s earned through repetition, preparation, and overcoming difficult challenges. Boxing teaches resilience by showing athletes that setbacks are simply opportunities to adjust, improve, and come back stronger. It reinforces discipline because progress only happens through consistency. It sharpens focus because losing concentration, even for a moment, carries immediate consequences.
 
Students become more confident in the classroom. Athletes compete with greater composure. Adults handle workplace challenges with a clearer mind and healthier perspective. Parents discover an outlet that relieves stress while improving both physical and mental well-being. That’s why we believe boxing belongs to everyone, not just fighters.
 
At TITLE Boxing Club, we’re proud to help people throw better punches. More importantly, we’re proud to help them build stronger character, greater confidence, and habits that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

You might know what assets you intend to give your kids…but have you thought about how that inheritance should actually be passed down?
 
The structure you choose has a significant impact on your children’s futures. Inheritance is not simply a hand-off of assets. It’s a design choice. Here are three ways parents can leave money to their children through an estate plan.
 
Outright Distribution: Unintended Consequences
 
With this approach, your child receives their inheritance directly, with no restrictions. The primary advantage is simplicity. There are no ongoing legal structures, no trustee oversight, and no limitations on how assets are used. For some, this simplicity can be appealing.
 
However, simplicity comes with tradeoffs. Once assets are distributed, they lose any protection. The inheritance becomes exposed to creditors, lawsuits, financial mismanagement, and future divorcing spouses. That can feel like a leap of faith, especially when the future is impossible to predict.
 
Further, an outright distribution should never be made directly to a minor child. Because minors cannot legally manage assets, the court will appoint a conservator to oversee the funds until the child reaches adulthood. This process creates unnecessary costs, delays, and court supervision.
 
In other words, it’s simple – but simplicity comes at a cost.
 
Age-Based Distribution: Protection with a Deadline
 
This offers more structure: holding assets in trust until your child reaches a designated age. During that time, the trustee can make distributions for education, healthcare, housing, and other expenses. Once your child reaches the designated age, whatever remains in the trust is distributed outright.
 
This presents a middle ground. It allows for supervision while your child gains life experience, but eventually gives your child complete freedom at a certain age. That said, maturity does not always arrive according to a calendar. Some people are financially responsible at 25, while others may still struggle with money management at 35.
 
Also, once the trust terminates and the assets are distributed outright, the protections disappear. The inheritance becomes vulnerable to the same risks associated with an outright distribution.
 
Lifetime Trust Share: Long-Term Security
 
This is often the most strategic option. The inheritance remains in trust throughout your child’s lifetime, and the trustee uses the assets for your child’s benefit. With this, your child enjoys the highest level of asset protection, helping shield trust assets from the easy reach of creditors, lawsuits, and divorcing spouses. A lifetime trust provides a structure that adapts to evolving futures – like new careers, marriages, and unexpected financial challenges – while protecting what you’ve built.
 
The primary drawback is administrative complexity like separate tax filings. For many families, that extra administration is a small tradeoff for long-term protection.
 
Understanding the different ways assets can be passed to your children empowers you to make informed decisions and provides the confidence that your estate plan is designed exactly as you want.
 
At the end of the day, estate planning isn’t just about passing down assets. It’s about passing them down wisely, setting your children up for lasting success.
 
Leah Kofos is an attorney with the Dedham estate planning firm Samuel, Sayward & Baler LLC. This article is not intended to provide legal advice or create or imply an attorney-client relationship. No information contained herein is a substitute for a consultation with an attorney. For more information visit ssbllc.com or call 781-461-1020.

Over the past several months, we’ve explored two of the most beloved materials in home design: marble and granite. Marble brings timeless elegance and luxury. Granite offers remarkable durability and one-of-a-kind natural beauty.
 
This month, we focus on another material that has become increasingly popular with homeowners, designers, and builders: quartz.
 
I’ve been helping families bring their dream kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces to life for more than two decades, and experience has taught me that selecting the right surface is rarely about choosing the “best” material. I urge my clients to consider choosing the material that’s best for your lifestyle.
 
For that reason alone, quartz has become such a popular choice.
 
Unlike marble and granite, which are natural stones cut directly from the earth, quartz surfaces are engineered using natural quartz combined with resins and pigments. This process creates a material that offers both beauty and consistency while providing several practical advantages many homeowners appreciate.
 
One of the biggest benefits of quartz is its low maintenance. Because it is non-porous, quartz does not require sealing and is highly resistant to staining. For busy families juggling work, school, sports, and everything else life throws at them, that peace of mind can be incredibly valuable.
 
Quartz is also remarkably versatile from a design perspective. Over the years, I’ve worked with homeowners whose tastes range from classic and traditional to sleek and contemporary. Quartz manufacturers now offer an incredible variety of colors, patterns, and finishes, including options closely resembling marble while requiring less maintenance.
 
Many homeowners come into our showroom with a specific look in mind but are unsure which material will best fit their needs. That’s where experience becomes important.
 
One lesson I’ve learned over the years is that people often fall in love with a material based on appearance alone, and while aesthetics are certainly important, I always encourage clients to think beyond the sample they’re holding in their hand. How do they use their kitchen? Do they entertain frequently? Are there young children in the home? How much maintenance are they comfortable with over the years?
 
The answers to those questions often help guide the decision far more effectively than color alone.
 
Another thing I’ve learned is that trends come and go, but functionality never goes out of style. The homeowners who are happiest years later are often the ones who chose a material that supported the way they actually live, not just what was popular at the moment.
 
At GC Marble & Granite, we believe we are helping clients build dreams in stone. Those dreams look different for every family. For some, it’s a stunning marble island that becomes the centerpiece of the home. For others, it’s the rugged beauty of granite. For many, it’s the practicality and versatility of quartz.
 
The good news? There isn’t a wrong choice when you have the right guidance.
 
Our job is to listen, educate, and help homeowners find the material that brings their vision to life while serving them well for years to come, because the best surface isn’t simply the one that looks beautiful on installation day. It’s the one that continues to make you smile every time you walk into the room.

The beginning of a new school year always feels like a fresh start with new teachers, new classes, new teammates and new coworkers returning from summer vacations. Whether you’re walking into a classroom, stepping onto a college campus, or heading back into the office after a few months of a more relaxed schedule, first impressions matter.
 
One of the easiest ways to make a positive impression is also one of the most overlooked: showing up with a crisp, clean look.
 
At 18|8 Fine Men’s Salon, we see it every August and September. Parents bring in their sons before the first day of school. College students stop by before heading back to campus. Professionals schedule appointments before business travel ramps up again. Everyone is looking for the same thing – to feel confident walking into whatever comes next.
 
A great haircut doesn’t change who you are, it simply helps present the best version of you.
 
For students, confidence can make all the difference. Walking into a new classroom can be intimidating, whether you’re entering middle school, high school, or college. Looking polished doesn’t guarantee better grades or instant friendships, but it can eliminate one thing to worry about. When you feel put together, you’re more likely to raise your hand, introduce yourself to someone new, or step into leadership opportunities with confidence.
 
Parents often overlook themselves during back-to-school season. Between shopping for supplies, organizing schedules, attending orientations, and preparing for sports and extracurricular activities, personal grooming usually falls to the bottom of the priority list. It shouldn’t.
 
Parents are making first impressions, too. They’re meeting teachers, coaches, other families, and becoming part of new communities. Taking an hour to freshen up your haircut or beard isn’t about vanity. It’s about showing up feeling confident and prepared during one of the busiest times of the year.
 
The same holds true for professionals.
 
Summer often comes with more casual schedules, flexible hours, and a little extra relaxation. As fall arrives, meetings return, conferences fill the calendar, and hiring often increases. Whether you’re interviewing for a new position, welcoming new clients, or simply returning to a more structured routine, appearance plays a role in how you’re perceived before you ever speak.
 
Life gets incredibly busy once September arrives. The calendar fills up almost overnight. Carving out an hour for yourself before everything shifts into high gear becomes more valuable than many people realize. It gives you an opportunity to slow down, recharge, and begin the season feeling refreshed instead of rushed.
 
The start of a school year isn’t just for students. It’s a reset for all of us. Whether you’re heading into kindergarten, college, a boardroom, or another season of parenting, a fresh haircut won’t solve every challenge ahead. But it will help you walk through the door with confidence, and sometimes that’s exactly the fresh start we all need.

For decades, cosmetic medicine focused on the surface: lifting that which appeared fallen; removing moles and blemishes; filling what had thinned. A newer approach treats the person as a
 
How Cosmetic Surgery Got Here
 
Cosmetic Surgery 1.0 was structural. A surgeon cut, lifted, implanted, and closed, and the result was whatever sat on the table at the end. It treated the body as tissue to be rearranged, with little thought for how that tissue would age afterward.
 
Cosmetic Surgery 2.0 began in 1987, when Dr. Jeffrey Klein’s tumescent technique made procedures far safer and gentler. Surgery moved into the office, downtime shrank, and recoveries improved, but the goal was still to change the shape.
 
Cosmetic Surgery 2.5 (in Dr. Welter’s terms) added the regenerative and medical-spa tools many people now know: radiofrequency, lasers, microneedling, and platelet-rich plasma, used to refine the skin’s quality. Combination treatments became the norm.
 
Cosmetic Surgery 3.0™ is a true change of direction. Not just a better tool for the surface, it is a different starting point: treat the body as a living system and prepare its cells first, so that whatever procedure follows heals better and lasts longer.
 
Why the Cells Come First
 
Aging is, at its root, a cellular process. Skin loosens and thins partly because the cells that build collagen slow down. Some become the worn-out, or “senescent,” cells that linger and break down healthy tissue. Cosmetic Surgery 3.0™ works with the body’s own biology, drawing on a patient’s own fat (rich in stem cells), platelet-rich plasma, peptides, and growth factors to refresh tissue from the inside. The tissue is prepared beforehand, supported during a procedure, and tended afterward, so the result settles in and keeps improving rather than fading.
 
Two people who share a birthday can age very differently. At fifty-five, one may look and heal like someone a decade younger, while the other shows the years more plainly. Much of that gap comes down to how efficiently each body clears its worn-out cells, and a thoughtful plan can begin to address that before any cosmetic step is taken.
 
The reward for treating the body as a whole is durability: results that look refreshed today and age gracefully over the decade that follows, judged by what holds up over time rather than what photographs well on the first afternoon.
 
Ready to See What’s Possible?
 
A regenerative plan begins with a careful look at a person’s goals, skin, and overall health. Call Regeneris Medical in Westwood today at (781) 375-2246, or visit regenerisboston.com to schedule a consultation. Mention WESTWOOD LIVING for an exclusive offer.

Child support is a complex and frequently contested issue in Probate and Family Court, despite guidelines to assist in determining the appropriate level of support. To follow up on our last installment, featured in the May issue of Westwood Living, below are additional questions relating to the calculation of child support orders.
 
Does child support end at age 18?
 
Child support may continue until the child is considered emancipated under Massachusetts law. By statute, the Court has discretion either to order or to decline to order child support for children age 18 or older. Turning 18 does not mean a child is emancipated. For children ages 18 -21, if the child is domiciled with and principally dependent on a parent, child support may continue even if the child is not enrolled in an education program. Child support may continue to age 23 if the child is principally dependent on a parent due to enrollment in an educational program. This does not apply to programs beyond an undergraduate degree. However, it should be noted that pursuant to the child support guidelines, there is a reduction for children over 18. This reduction is not automatic to current orders – it requires filing a modification with the court and will be dependent on the incomes of the payor and recipient at that time. The Court may also look at a parent’s (or both parents’) contribution to college-related expenses.
 
Does child support automatically end?
 
That depends on the language in your order or judgment regarding the emancipation of your child(ren); before terminating any support orders, it is prudent to discuss the issue with counsel to ensure you are not in contempt of court. A contempt finding will likely award the recipient child support owed plus interest, may lead to the payment of the other party’s attorney’s fees, or in some circumstances even jail.
 
Can a child support order be changed?
 
Either the recipient or the payor may file a modification to change a child support if there is a material change in circumstance. Some examples may be an increase or decrease in the income of either party, a change to the parenting schedule, a change in health insurance coverage or cost, or when a child matriculates to college.
 
Can I waive child support?
 
Child support is a right of the child and it is against public policy to waive support absent an approval by the Judge. Each parent has an obligation to financially support their child. However, in some cases where the parties share custody, the guidelines may calculate a negligible amount. In others, if the parties can explain specific reasons for a deviation from the guidelines and why the application of the guidelines is unjust, the court may approve a deviation/waiver of support.
 
What is included as income?
 
The gross incomes of each party are used for the purposes of calculating child support. Income is broadly defined within the child support guidelines and includes gross income from whatever source except for public assistance. The determination of income can be complicated, especially in cases where an individual is self-employed or has a complex compensation plan.

For many homeowners, one of the biggest decisions isn’t whether to buy or sell a home. It’s whether the home they love can continue to support the life they want to live.
 
Should you renovate to age in place? Would a first-floor primary suite, an accessible bathroom, or a thoughtfully designed addition allow you to stay for years to come? Or would selling and moving to a home better suited for your future be the wiser financial and lifestyle decision?
 
These are questions we hear every day from homeowners throughout Westwood and the surrounding communities. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
 
That’s why Artemis Realty + Design created Max or Move™, a planning process that helps homeowners evaluate every option before making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.
 
Looking Beyond Real Estate
 
Too often, homeowners hear only one perspective. A Realtor® may recommend selling, a contractor may suggest renovating, an architect may focus on what’s possible, and a financial advisor may concentrate on the numbers. Each perspective has value, but none tells the whole story.
 
At Artemis Realty + Design, we’ve built a collaborative approach that brings those viewpoints together. Our team includes experts in real estate, residential design, renovation planning, construction consulting, and an Aging-in-Place Specialist who helps homeowners prepare not only for today’s needs, but for the years ahead.
 
Our goal isn’t to persuade you to stay or convince you to move. It’s to help you understand your options so you can make the decision that’s right for you.
 
What Aging in Place Really Means
 
Aging in place is about far more than grab bars or wheelchair ramps. It’s about creating a home that allows you to live safely, comfortably, and independently without sacrificing beautiful design.
 
That could mean adding a first-floor primary suite, creating a curbless shower, widening doorways, improving lighting, incorporating smart-home technology, or simply rethinking how your home’s spaces function. Many of the most effective accessibility features are virtually invisible because they’re integrated into the design from the beginning.
 
Planning ahead gives homeowners more flexibility and often allows improvements to be completed on their own timeline rather than in response to an unexpected life event.
 
Why We Added an Aging-in-Place Specialist
 
As more homeowners choose to remain in their homes longer, we recognized that traditional real estate advice wasn’t enough.
 
That’s why Artemis Realty + Design includes an Aging-in-Place Specialist who works alongside our DesignerAgents™, design professionals, and construction consultants to evaluate both your current lifestyle and your future needs. Together, we help determine whether your existing home can evolve with you or whether a move may better support your next chapter.
 
Introducing Max or Move™
 
We created Max or Move™ because homeowners often struggle with one simple question: Should I invest in my current home or start fresh somewhere else?
 
Our process evaluates your home’s market value, renovation costs, accessibility opportunities, resale potential, maintenance expenses, and long-term financial picture. Most importantly, we consider how you want to live in the years ahead.
 
Sometimes a thoughtful renovation allows homeowners to remain in the neighborhood they love for decades. Other times, selling and purchasing a home that’s already designed for the next stage of life creates greater flexibility and peace of mind.
 
Make Your Next Move an Educated One
 
Some families renovate. Others downsize. Some build additions for multigenerational living, while others decide they’d rather spend less time maintaining a home and more time traveling, enjoying grandchildren, or embracing new opportunities.
 
Whether you’re approaching retirement, helping aging parents, considering a renovation, or simply wondering whether your home still fits your future, Artemis Realty + Design is here to guide the conversation.
 
We don’t begin by asking whether you want to sell. We begin by asking how you want to live.
 
From there, we help you explore every option so your next move is based not on pressure or guesswork, but on thoughtful planning and confidence.
 
The best move isn’t always selling, and it isn’t always renovating. It’s making the decision that’s right for your future.

For many young athletes, August is one of the most exciting months of the year. It marks the return of preseason practices, team meetings, conditioning sessions, and tryouts. There is genuine optimism in the air as athletes prepare for a new season filled with opportunity.
 
Unfortunately, the fall is also one of the busiest times of the year for orthopedic injuries.
 
Every fall, we see athletes who were eager to get back on the field but underestimate how much preparation their bodies need before competition began. After a summer of vacations, changing routines, and sometimes less consistent training, it’s easy to assume your body can simply pick up where it left off.
 
More often than not, it doesn’t work that way.
 
One of the biggest mistakes athletes make is trying to make up for lost time during the first week of practice. Suddenly they’re running harder, jumping higher, lifting heavier, and practicing longer than they have in weeks or even months. That rapid increase in workload places tremendous stress on muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints that simply have not had time to adapt.
 
The result can be anything from muscle strains and tendonitis to ankle/knee sprains, non-contact injuries, stress fractures, or overuse conditions that linger throughout the season. The good news is that many of these injuries are preventable.
 
Preparation should begin well before the first official practice. Athletes don’t need to spend hours in the gym every day, but they should gradually rebuild their conditioning, strength, flexibility, and endurance several weeks before tryouts begin. A progressive approach allows the body to adapt safely while reducing the likelihood of injury once practices become more demanding.
 
Just as important, is recovery.
 
Sleep remains one of the most powerful performance enhancers available, yet it’s often overlooked. Growing athletes need adequate sleep not only to recover physically but also to improve reaction time, concentration, learning, and decision-making. Proper hydration and balanced nutrition are equally important, particularly during the hot days of late summer when dehydration can quickly affect both performance and injury risk.
 
Parents – you also play an important role during this time of year.
 
Many young athletes are highly motivated and naturally want to impress coaches. Sometimes that determination causes them to ignore soreness or play through pain they should not be playing through. While it’s normal to experience muscle fatigue during preseason conditioning, persistent pain, swelling, instability, or limited range of motion should never be dismissed as “just part of sports.”
 
Listening to your body is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it’s often one of the smartest decisions an athlete can make.
 
Finally, remember why you’re playing.
 
Sports provide so much more than wins and losses. They teach resilience, accountability, teamwork, discipline, and leadership. Taking care of your body allows you to enjoy those experiences to the fullest while giving yourself the best opportunity to perform at the highest level.
 
As another school year begins, I encourage every athlete to prepare with purpose, recover with intention, and compete with confidence. The healthiest athletes are often the ones who understand that success isn’t built during the first game of the season, but the weeks leading up to it.

How many times have you heard someone say, “We’ll have to get together soon?”
 
We all say it with the best intentions. Life gets busy, schedules fill up, kids have activities, work demands our attention, and before we know it, months have passed since we’ve seen friends, family members, or neighbors we genuinely enjoy spending time with.
 
One of the things I’ve learned through years in the restaurant business is that people often wait for a special occasion to gather. They wait for a birthday, an anniversary, a promotion, a graduation, or a holiday before making plans to sit down together.
 
I’m here to ask, why wait? Getting together IS the occasion.
 
Every day at Neroli, we have the privilege of watching life’s milestones unfold around our tables. Some are major celebrations years in the making, while others are much simpler. This time of year we see many families enjoying dinner before a child leaves for college. Friends often reconnect after going through a busy season of life. Snowbird grandparents enjoy some quality time with their grandkids. Neighbors catch up over a glass of wine, or a tired couple spends a special evening together after a long week.
 
None of those moments may seem extraordinary at the time, but they often become the memories we cherish most – remember that night at Neroli?
 
As summer begins to wind down and August is here, it reminds us just how quickly time moves. The warm evenings that seemed endless in June suddenly feel numbered. The school buses are warming up, fall sports practices are underway and our calendars are about to get crowded once again.
 
Don’t postpone the moments that matter.
 
Too often, we convince ourselves there will be another opportunity, another weekend, another month, another season. Sometimes there is, and sometimes there isn’t. That’s why creating opportunities to connect with the people we care about is so important.
 
Food has always been one of the great reasons people come together. It creates a natural pause in our day. We put our phones down and share stories over laughs as we celebrate accomplishments. It’s also a chance to offer support during difficult times by reconnecting and listening.
 
Simple interactions strengthen relationships in ways difficult to replicate anywhere else.
 
Growing up in an Italian family, meals were never just about eating. The table was where conversations happened, lessons were learned, stories were told and retold, and relationships grew stronger. That philosophy continues to influence everything we do today at Neroli.
 
Whether you’re celebrating a major milestone or simply looking for an excuse to spend time with people you care about, don’t underestimate the value of gathering together. The occasion doesn’t need to be grand. You don’t need to send a formal invitation. Just show up.
 
We are in summer’s final chapter, so reach out to that friend you’ve been meaning to call, that family member you’ve been meaning to see, or those neighbors you’ve been meaning to get together with.
 
Every opportunity to gather is worth celebrating.

When parents begin exploring orthodontic treatment for their child, they are often focused on the obvious questions. Does my child need braces? Is Invisalign an option? How long will treatment take? What will it cost?
 
Those are all important considerations, but after nearly three decades in orthodontics, I’ve found the most important factor in a successful treatment experience is something much simpler: trust.
 
Choosing an orthodontist is not like buying a product off a shelf. You’re entering into a relationship that may last two or three years, sometimes longer. During that time, you’ll rely on your orthodontic team for guidance, expertise, communication, and reassurance as your child’s smile transforms. That’s why parents deserve more than a treatment plan. They deserve someone they trust.
 
As a parent myself, I understand how difficult it can be to make decisions involving your children. You want to know you’re putting them in the right hands. You want confidence that the recommendations being made are based on experience, education, and a genuine commitment to what’s best for your child, not simply what’s easiest or fastest.
 
Every patient has a unique set of circumstances involving growth, jaw development, bite function, facial balance, and long-term oral health. While technology has advanced dramatically over the years, there is still no substitute for the knowledge and judgment that comes from years of specialized training and experience.
 
One of the things I enjoy most about practicing in Westwood is the opportunity to build relationships with families over time. I see parents at youth sporting events, community gatherings, school functions, and around town. These aren’t just patients walking through our doors. They’re neighbors, friends, and fellow members of the community my family proudly calls home.
 
That connection creates accountability. When I recommend treatment, parents know that recommendation comes from someone who genuinely cares about their child’s future and reputation within the community we share.
 
What’s interesting is that trust often grows beyond the original reason a family visits our office. Many parents bring in a child for an orthodontic consultation and, after learning more about the process, begin asking questions about their own smiles. Perhaps they’ve lived with crowding, spacing, or bite concerns for years and simply never explored their options. Once they feel comfortable and informed, it’s not uncommon for them to begin treatment themselves.
 
At the end of the day, orthodontics is about confidence. A healthy, beautiful smile can positively impact everything from first impressions to self-esteem and overall quality of life. But confidence starts long before the braces come off or the final aligner is removed. It begins with knowing you’ve made the right decision and trusting the person guiding you through the journey.
 
That’s a responsibility I never take for granted.

The passing of a loved one changes us forever. While time has a way of helping us move forward, grief doesn’t follow a schedule. Certain dates have a way of bringing memories rushing back, and perhaps none is more significant than the anniversary of a loved one’s passing. It can be an emotional day filled with reflection, gratitude, sadness, and remembrance all at once.
 
Over the generations, we’ve had the privilege of serving families throughout Westwood and the surrounding communities, and one thing we’ve learned is there is no right or wrong way to honor someone you love. What matters most is finding a meaningful way to acknowledge the life they lived and the impact they continue to have on those they left behind.
 
For some families, the anniversary of a passing is a quiet and personal occasion. They may choose to visit a gravesite, bring flowers, say a prayer, or simply spend a few moments reflecting on cherished memories. These small acts often provide comfort and help maintain a lasting connection to the person they miss.
 
Others prefer to gather family and friends together. Sharing stories around a dinner table can be one of the most powerful ways to celebrate a loved one’s legacy. The memories that make us laugh, the lessons they taught us, the traditions they started, and even the quirks that made them unique all deserve to be remembered and shared with future generations.
 
Many families have found creative ways to commemorate an anniversary as well. Some prepare a favorite family recipe their loved one was known for. Others make a donation to a charity that was important to them or volunteer their time in service to a cause they supported. Planting a tree, creating a memory book, assembling a collection of photographs, or taking a walk in a place that held special meaning can also become treasured traditions.
 
One idea that has become increasingly popular is writing a letter to the loved one being remembered. While it may never be mailed, putting thoughts and emotions into words can be incredibly therapeutic. It offers an opportunity to express gratitude, share updates about life, and acknowledge the ongoing influence that person continues to have.
 
For families with children, anniversaries can also be valuable opportunities to tell stories and preserve family history. Young people who may not have fully known a grandparent or relative can learn about the values, accomplishments, and character traits that helped shape the family they belong to today.
 
Most importantly, remember that there is no expectation for how you should feel on these anniversaries. Some years may bring tears. Others may bring smiles. Many bring both. Every emotion is valid, and every remembrance is personal.
 
A life well lived deserves to be remembered, not only at the time of passing, but throughout the years that follow. Anniversaries provide an opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the enduring legacy of those who continue to live on in our hearts. Death may mark the end of a life, but it never marks the end of love.

August is one of the best months of the year. The days are longer, the grills are fired up, and family gatherings, vacations, and outdoor activities fill our calendars. While summer offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy great food, it can also be easy to let healthy habits take a back seat.
 
The good news is that eating well during the summer doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by taking advantage of the season’s fresh produce. Watermelon, berries, peaches, corn, cucumbers, and tomatoes are packed with nutrients, flavor, and hydration. Building meals around these fresh ingredients can make healthy eating both enjoyable and satisfying.
 
Hydration is another key component of summer wellness. Between the heat, outdoor sports, and busy schedules, many people underestimate how much water they need. Keep a reusable water bottle nearby and make hydration a priority throughout the day.
 
Summer cookouts can also be a great opportunity to make balanced choices. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, add a lean protein such as grilled chicken, fish, or turkey burgers, and enjoy your favorite summer treats in moderation. Healthy eating isn’t about restriction. It’s about creating balance.
 
Most importantly, remember that nutrition should support your life, not control it. Enjoy the ice cream, celebrate special occasions, and make memories with family and friends. Consistency over time matters far more than perfection on any single day.
 
Have a happy, healthy, and active summer. Eat right and keep moving!

Oh sushi, how do I love thee?
 
And sashimi. Nigiri. Tartare. Oysters. Basically anything with that warning label about consuming raw or undercooked meats and shellfish. “Medium-rare” is well done.
 
I’d ask myself how this happened…but the answers are simple enough. There was kibbee nayyeh; a slippery little littleneck; and a foodie named Erin.
 
What?
 
Don’t worry. I’ll explain.
 
It began in childhood with kibbeh nayyeh (say KIB’-beh NIGH’-yeah,) prepared by my grandmothers and other Lebanese relatives. We knew it was raw lamb, but did not care. It was yummy. Yummy trumps yucky when you’re little.
 
You grow up, you learn a little more about meat…some don’t like what they learn. Me, I’ll watch those Discovery Channel shows where the lion feasts on the zebra (black and white and red all over!) with barely a wince. By contrast, I am closely related to someone who once got sick all over the floor of a grocery store meat room during employee training. She never again left her cashier stand…and never again tasted red meat.
 
Over time, most of those recipes from the cedar-studded motherland passed with the cooks. Kibbeh nayyeh practically disappeared from my life, and so did raw food – in fact, I gravitated to the other end of the spectrum. Meat was great, but I preferred it overcooked, pinning a doofus’s badge of honor upon blackening everything, or instructing a server to “burn it.”
 
The unspoken disappointment of those chefs still haunts me.
 
I sought out those little quiche thingies at weddings, ignored the raw bar, scoffed at sushi, and possessed an arsenal of raw fish jokes, some of them clean. Which leads to an anecdote I am obligated to share, lest my South Coast Gem consider this essay incomplete:
 
Newport. A fine late-summer afternoon, just weeks from our September wedding. We stopped for lunch at The Mooring during an otherwise busy day of tasks, preparing for our big day.
 
Appetizers? She suggested littlenecks. Not knowing what they were (but picturing something akin to Clams Casino) I readily agreed. As the first and only littleneck slid into my throat, the texture and temperature aroused that part of my brain normally activated when a toothbrush goes too far back. You call it a “gag reflex.” I am super-tough, however, and did not gag. Much. The clam went down. And as I swallowed repeatedly to keep it moving in the right direction, I uttered/sputtered, “is this thing cooked?!”
 
Friends…there is a sort of sad, pitying look on The Gem’s face, one I have seen on numerous occasions. I’m pretty sure this was the first such occasion.
 
Aside from the successfully suppressed retch response, there was another thought of “that actually tasted good,” though I completely ignored it and went back to my old ways. Temporarily.
 
Enter Erin.
 
Erin was general manager of a prestigious Kenmore Square seafood spot. (A close friend of The Gem, she later moved to Pennsylvania, bought an inn and restaurant, and won James Beard awards with her chef husband!) And in those halcyon, childless years when we both worked in the city, we visited Erin many, many times. We were practically her test kitchen.
 
She and Chef Lee would sneak sushi, raw fish tacos, and other uncooked treats into many a plate or amuse-bouche. You know when the guy finds out the coffee he’s been enjoying is actually Sanka? It was like that the first few times. Once I got over being tricked, though, I fell deeply in love with these new exotic tastes.
 
The rest is history. I have since visited sushi spots both local and afar, even becoming the more adventurous one – adding octopus, sea urchin, mackerel and more to the usual tuna and salmon.
 
And, although my grandmothers are long gone, there is one cousin who learned to prepare kibbeh nayyeh, and one local restaurant (Byblos!) that serves it like we remember it. Some think I’m crazy, and they may be right. Yummy still trumps yucky!
 
I’m not sure how one goes from loving raw food to hating it, then to loving it again; but helmet, last month I told you I hated fireworks, then loved them, then vacillated all over again. Strange Jay, indeed.
 
Summer is approaching its end, folks, but great food options are not. In these pages you’ll find some great local restaurants, with or without the raw options. And maybe you have some family recipes and still cook some dishes from your background. Either way, as they say, food is love.
 
Oh, and hopefully when you take that next bite you won’t need to ask “is this thing cooked?!”
 
Westwood Living? No…thank YOU for living in Westwood. See you next month (hello football!) and I look forward to hearing from you any time at jayresha@comcast.net

With summer fully in season, members of Westwood’s Class of 2026 are quickly moving onto the next chapters of their lives. However, with excitement and hope for a new chapter also comes nerves, and possible anxiety. It’s true that many members of the Class of 2026 may want a little guidance before jumping into their future beyond high school, so who better to give a helping hand than Westwood’s own community leaders? After reaching out to various members of the Westwood community, all with different backgrounds, lives and careers, each person responded to the question: “What advice do you have for the Class of 2026 before they move onto the next stage of their life?” Each answer was filled with thoughtful advice, and some shared similarities.
 
The first big theme that Westwood High School Athletic Director, Richkaard Verrier, and Downey Elementary School Principal, Deb Gallagher, shared is to grow through new experiences. More specifically, Verrier tells the class to “willingly put yourself in uncomfortable situations, because that discomfort is where true growth happens,” while Gallagher urges them to “put your phones down, embrace new opportunities, make meaningful connections, have the courage to try new things and be your authentic self.”
 
Both Verrier and Gallagher’s advice encourages the graduated seniors to put themselves outside of their comfort zone completely unabashed and without the fear of not fitting in or failing.
 
Next, Head of Westwood Youth and Family Services, Katy Colthart, emphasizes the importance of taking care of yourself. Whether the future means going to a new school, place, job, or anything else, Colthart reminds the graduates to “focus less on having everything figured out and more on who you are becoming… prioritize your mental health and don’t be afraid to ask for help” because “success means so much more when you can enjoy the journey.”
 
Given her work supporting the mental health and well-being of Westwood students both inside and outside the classroom, Colthart brings an important mental health perspective to the advice shared with the class. This guidance carries particular significance as major life transitions can be an exciting milestone, yet a catalyst of uncertainty which can lead to individuals forgetting to cherish each moment while also taking care of themselves.
 
Finally, Westwood Town Clerk, Dottie Powers, urges everyone to follow your own path. As graduates begin charting their futures, Powers encourages them to resist outside pressure by “following your passions wholeheartedly,” since “your path is uniquely yours” and most importantly, “every great achievement starts with that initial spark of passion and the courage to pursue it.”
 
This reminds each member of the Class of 2026 to acknowledge the amazingly unique, authentic person they are, and to look forward to the ambitious, bold person they will be. Each person will go on to accomplish different incredible things, so always remember: chase your dreams fiercely because success has no limits or rules, and its meaning is yours to define.
 
While each community member offered unique advice, their messages all pointed toward a similar concept: growth doesn’t come from having life perfectly planned. Instead, it comes from embracing new experiences, staying true to yourself, taking care of your well-being, and trusting that your path will unfold over time. As you begin your next chapter, these reminders may be just as valuable as any lesson learned in the classroom.

There were many reasons not to visit Boston for July Fourth weekend, but we ignored them all and dove into one of our craziest trips yet: celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday in the Cradle of Liberty amid record-breaking heat and historic crowds. Armed with a hometown-tourist outlook, some insider knowledge, and a little luck, we set our sights on Boston.
 
To See
 
Anyone living south of the city knows to expect heavy traffic, long lines, and packed parking lots, so we prepared for the worst. Instead, we breezed into Boston in less than half an hour and had our pick of spaces. Tempted as we were to join the July Fourth parade in Copley Square, we made a beeline for downtown to secure a front-row spot for one of the day’s most treasured traditions: the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence.
 
Accompanied by fifes and drums, the Captain Commanding of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company stepped onto the Old State House balcony, where the Declaration was first read in 1776 and has been repeated every July Fourth since. After patriotic songs and a welcome from Mayor Michelle Wu, a hush fell over the crowd that stretched nearly to Faneuil Hall. Yet as the bold (and surprisingly relevant) words rang out, reverence gave way to cheers and applause. The familiar ideals resonated with renewed force on this historic anniversary, ringing out above streets once walked by the revolutionaries who fought to make them possible.
 
That evening brought the weekend’s most ambitious undertaking: joining the enormous crowd along the Charles River for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. We chose the Cambridge side for a different perspective and a little breathing room away from the Esplanade crowds. Arriving after a flash monsoon, we found an excellent spot along Memorial Drive and settled in for the show.
 
The wait was soon rewarded as 1,300 drones began illuminating the sky in a dance choreographed to the 1812 Overture. In Boston’s first Revolutionary War–themed drone show, glowing formations traced Massachusetts’ role in the Revolution as cannons fired in time with the music. Steps from MIT and Harvard, the combination of technology and tradition felt especially fitting.
 
Then came the fireworks. Bursts of color reflected across the river and the glass towers of Back Bay as the Boston Pops supplied a sweeping soundtrack. The power of the pyrotechnics dazzled our eyes and swelled our hearts, creating a finale equal to the occasion.
 
To Do
 
Between major events, we returned to the Freedom Trail, whose brick path makes Boston’s revolutionary landmarks easy to explore without a map. Feeling a bit like Dorothy, we followed the iconic red-brick path led us to the North End, where the spire of Old North Church beckoned. Best known for the lantern signals that launched the storied midnight ride, the church offers a glimpse into centuries past through its tall white box pews, elegant Georgian interior, and colorful tales of former parishioners.
 
Given the scorching temperatures, we were more than happy to cool off during the church’s Crypt Tour. It was a striking change of pace, walking among the cool subterranean brick corridors where more than 1,100 souls are laid to rest. Mysterious stories, unusual epitaphs, and a supposedly cursed brick added intrigue to a tour that felt reverent, surprising, and far removed from the lively streets above.
 
Back outside, we wandered the North End’s narrow lanes and discovered another way to step back in time at Retrospective, a fun vintage shop filled with carefully curated clothing and accessories.
 
Nearby, the Greenway Artisan Market displayed jewelry, ceramics, artwork, and handmade goods from more than 50 makers. Standouts included It’s Sew You’s colorful quilt-inspired banners and Eve & Nico’s vibrant baskets, handwoven in South Africa from recycled telephone wire. Strolling beneath the trees, meeting the makers, and shopping small provided a welcome change of pace from the weekend’s massive events.
 
To Savor
 
Lunch at Joe’s Waterfront served up classic Boston fare and a front-row view of Christopher Columbus Park, the marina, and Boston’s ever-changing waterfront. With boats drifting past and families relaxing on the lawn, it was an ideal place to cool down, refuel, and watch the city celebrate.
 
Dinner brought us back to the North End and the newly opened Libertine, where Portuguese-Italian flavors put a fresh, delicious spin on the neighborhood’s culinary traditions. In an area famous for pasta and pastries, its plentiful gluten-free options make it a welcome addition. It was also the perfect place to wait out the rain before heading to the fireworks.
 
The next morning, brunch at Bostonia Public House near Long Wharf delivered an energetic atmosphere and hearty comfort food to help us (and our feet) recover from the previous day of exploring.
 
As the weekend drew to a close, we recognized one truth we hold to be self-evident: no Boston weekend feels complete without a visit to Kane’s Donuts. With its impressive selection of unique creations and allergy-friendly options, it was the sweet ending the weekend deserved.
 
Last Look
 
We expected crowds, heat, and complicated logistics to define the weekend. Instead, Boston’s past and present converged at every turn: from revolutionary landmarks and hidden crypts to local artisans, drones, and fireworks.
 
It was exhausting, exhilarating, and occasionally overwhelming, but history rarely unfolds under perfectly comfortable conditions. Boston reminded us where we came from while showing us how spectacularly the story continues.

When thinking of who to feature this time around for the Artist of The Month, I realized: why have I not interviewed one of my favorite artists?
 
Keira Dent, also a 2023 graduate of Westwood High School, who was featured as a Tinsley Team Standout Student of the Month almost three years ago, is one of my closest and dearest friends. We met at the end of our sophomore year during rehearsals for WHS’ Urinetown — and the rest is history.
 
It’s time for an update, because Keira has been incredibly busy since we last shared her story.
 
The 21-year-old is a rising junior at the Manhattan School of Music (MSM) in New York City studying Musical Theater. She began her studies at the Boston Conservatory but transferred to MSM after her freshman year.
 
Keira started her performing arts journey at just three years old when she was put into dance classes. She then joined the world of theater in the 6th grade, making her Thurston Middle School debut in Under The Big Top.
 
All arts-related fields can be tough to navigate and stick with, especially Musical Theater. What keeps her going in this business, in her own words, is that “we need more art, especially right now, and especially in a time period where art is leaving a lot of schools.”
 
MSM is a highly prestigious conservatory. What I was wondering was, what really goes on at a conservatory?
 
“As far as the theater program part of MSM goes, it mostly is just really honing in on your craft,” explained Keira, “I have different classes that pertain to different parts of the career.”
 
She takes a myriad of classes to improve upon her art form: voice lessons, dance classes, acting classes, music theory, and more.
 
When Keira and her classmates are not in classes they are performing in shows at MSM, working backstage, filming self-tape auditions, going to in-person auditions, and, if their incredibly busy schedule allows, enjoying everything that NYC has to offer; such snagging rush tickets to Broadway shows.
 
Within the theater world “summer stock” is a big deal. She explained to me that, “they call it summer stock because it’s a stock of a season of shows.”
 
Every winter, typically mid-January, auditions for thousands of summer-stock-focused regional theaters around the country begin.
 
This season, Keira is booked and busy at the North County Center for the Arts in Lincoln, New Hampshire. She is Brenda and Ensemble in Hairspray as well as Ensemble and Ariel (Understudy) in Footloose.
 
Keira said, “These first two weeks have been learning [the shows] simultaneously every single day for about 10 hours…both shows start in July and end in August. So, once Hairspray starts we have a couple weeks before Footloose starts. Then once they both start we’ll be running those every single week.”
 
She went on to explain how unique of an experience this is for her, performing two full musicals at the same time.
 
I am writing in early July, but this article will be printed in the magazine and shared online to readers in August. So, Keira, if you are reading this (you better be!): I am so proud of you, and break a leg!
 
To those interested in diving deeper into what she is up to, follow @keira_dent_official and @kkeiradent on Instagram.

When Westwood Living first introduced readers to Domenic Esposito on the cover of our September 2022 issue, his life had already been transformed by an unwavering commitment to fighting the opioid epidemic.
 
Nearly four years later, that mission has only grown.
 
Esposito’s Opioid Spoon Project has become one of the country’s most recognizable examples of how art can spark conversation, challenge perceptions, and inspire change. What began as a deeply personal response has evolved into a movement that continues to reach audiences around the world.
 
“It’s been an incredible journey,” Esposito said during a recent appearance on The Westwood Living Podcast. “We’ve mostly been focused on making sure what we’ve done is documented so the story inspires people to take action.”
 
That documentation has taken an exciting turn. Esposito has been working with a Hollywood screenwriter to develop a screenplay chronicling the evolution of The Opioid Spoon Project, based on the past several years of his life. While discussions with producers continue, the project represents another opportunity to bring awareness to an epidemic that continues to impact families everywhere.
 
Looking back, Esposito says the greatest lesson hasn’t been the media attention or the large-scale installations.
 
“I would define it as a journey,” he reflected. “What one person can accomplish working with the community. What I really wanted wasn’t the fanfare. It was simply to help people, a little bit at a time.”
 
That same philosophy is now carrying his artwork onto one of the world’s biggest stages.
 
This December, Esposito will exhibit his work at Art Miami, one of the premier contemporary art fairs in the world. His collection continues to explore themes of loneliness, mental health, and human connection, subjects that have become central to both his artistic vision and his advocacy.
 
While his artistic career continues to expand, another passion has quietly flourished alongside it.
 
Together with his wife, Monica, Esposito owns Villa Monarca Tuscany, a beautifully restored eight-bedroom estate nestled among vineyards and olive groves in the hills of Tuscany. What began as a dream rooted in his Italian heritage has become a destination where visitors immerse themselves in authentic Italian life.
 
Guests can harvest olives, participate in wine tours, hunt for truffles, relax beside the infinity pool overlooking the countryside, or simply enjoy the peaceful rhythm of rural Tuscany.
 
“It really gives guests an opportunity to be part of the community,” Esposito said. “People don’t just rent a house. They experience Tuscany.”
 
That connection has become even deeper after Esposito recently earned his professional farming license in Italy, allowing him to cultivate vineyards, expand agricultural operations, and export products internationally.
 
One of those products has already become a success story. Villa Monarca’s first shipment of extra virgin olive oil arrived in the United States this year after navigating the extensive FDA approval process. Nearly the entire first production run sold out within just a few months.
 
If you know Domenic, you know success has never been measured by artwork sold, villas rented, or bottles of olive oil exported. Whether he’s standing beside one of his towering spoon sculptures, welcoming guests to Tuscany, or preparing for an international art exhibition, his purpose remains remarkably consistent: bringing people together through experiences that matter.
 
Domenic’s motivation is rooted in compassion and driven by a belief that meaningful change can often begin when one person makes the commitment to take the first step.

In the quiet, humming spaces where big ideas are born, a revolution was quietly engineered this past year. At the center of it stood Julian Saroufim. The Westwood High School junior was not just building a high-tech machine, he was building a sanctuary.
 
For Julian, launching a robotics team was not merely about technical accolades, it was the culmination of a lifelong dream to lead, create, and inspire. Where others saw a highly competitive, often exclusive high-stakes discipline, Julian saw an opportunity for radical kindness and community.
 
When he founded the Sea Raiders, a community-based robotics team, he established a single, unshakeable rule: passion, not privilege, is the only prerequisite for entry. What defines Julian as a leader is not just his sharp technical acumen, but a rare, luminous empathy that ensures no one is ever left on the sidelines.
 
From the team’s very inception, Julian made it his mission to build a family where every single kid belonged, actively reaching out to peers who are traditionally excluded from STEM spaces, including autistic students who often find mainstream extracurriculars daunting.
 
“We try to include everyone in our community,” Julian explains.
 
“We try to reach out to tons of different people who maybe don’t have a robotics team or feel like they were excluded. It’s very, very tough for different people on the spectrum to get into STEM, but that’s the goal of our team,” he continued.
 
Turning this vision into a launchpad for big dreams required an immense mountain of grit. Operating entirely outside the traditional safety net of local school funding, the team had to navigate the grueling landscape of independent fundraising.
 
Starting from scratch, they faced the daunting task of raising twenty thousand dollars in just eight months, all while hunting down a physical workshop and gathering members.
 
“Almost every single person I knew, except for like two people, including mom, were telling me that I wouldn’t be able to do it, and that I didn’t have the passion or the work ethic to get it done,” Julian recalls.
“But in the end, I just kind of trusted in myself and my team that we would eventually get the work done.
If you have a passion for something, then just go for it. Don’t listen to what other people have to say about you.”
 
That determination paid off in spectacular fashion. During the intense build season, the team bonded over late nights and tight deadlines, working tirelessly to construct a robot capable of playing a basketball-like game.
 
Julian lived in the workspace, pouring his heart into the project. When the rookie team finally rolled their robot onto the competitive field, they took the arena by storm.
 
At their very first event at the University of Rhode Island, the Sea Raiders won the prestigious Rookie All-Star Award, recognizing their extraordinary community impact.
 
By their second event, they ranked fourth overall, captaining the third-seed alliance in the playoffs. Ultimately, they finished their rookie year ranked sixty-second out of two hundred established teams across New England, earning a coveted spot at the district championships.
 
Behind every great leader is a strong support system. Julian’s mother, Sarah Saroufim, stepped up to help manage the fundraising and logistical challenges, leading by example.
 
Her dedication was so profound that Julian and the team nominated her for the Woody Flowers Award, which honors mentors who exemplify outstanding leadership, foster a family-oriented team environment, and help students overcome significant technical and financial hurdles.
 
“I’m very, very proud of Julian and this whole team,” Sarah says softly. “They did fantastic this whole season. I can’t thank everyone enough. It was really special.”
 
When he is not programming robots, Julian is a true Renaissance student, playing guitar and bass in the school jazz band, earning his varsity letter in swimming, co-leading the computer science club, and serving as president of the board games club. Looking ahead, he hopes to major in robotics engineering at top-tier institutions like MIT, WPI, Wentworth, or URI.
 
Julian Saroufim stands as a triumphant reminder of what happens when youth brilliance is paired with profound kindness. He proved that you do not need an elite school laboratory to change lives. With a few tools, a lot of faith, and an unbreakable commitment to the people around you, a leader can build a vessel strong enough to carry an entire community straight to the stars.

Christopher’s Haven was founded in 2001 with a mission to operate a supportive community consisting of temporary apartments and community recreation activities for families of children being treated for cancer in nearby Boston hospitals. Located in the West End neighborhood of Boston, we are 50 steps from MGH and Mass General Brigham for Children. Christopher’s Haven families come from all over Massachusetts, and we have some children relocating to Boston from other states and countries for life saving surgeries and treatments that require a longer stay.
 
Our Vision:
 
Families battling pediatric cancer receive support in a positive environment – without having to be burdened with the stress of finding and financing temporary housing or travelling two and from Boston for daily radiation treatment. Embracing the entire family, for several weeks or months, by providing resources and therapeutic activities that contribute to their collective joy and healing. We understand that medicine heals the patient, Christopher’s Haven helps to heal the child.
 
Christopher’s Haven leases beautiful, spacious, fully furnished and equipped apartments from our philanthropic partner, Equity/Avalon Bay. We are successful in fulfilling our mission thanks to the support of corporate partners, sponsors and family foundations who sponsor apartments. More than 80% of revenue to support our organization comes from individual supporters and companies who step up to cover a family’s stay with us. We are active in the community, hosting many events, and partner with Tap Cancer Out, the Tommy Strong Foundation, The Felt Family Foundation, Grand Circle Travel Foundation and the Weezie Foundation.
 
Over 500 families have stayed at Christopher’s Haven while children and young adults receive cancer treatment at Boston hospitals. We offer recreational programs and activities every day for families including salsa dancing, game nights, cooking and baking classes, music, magic, tutoring, arts and crafts and yoga. We welcome extended family and siblings for any length of stay, from anywhere – other housing providers do not. Over 100 families from other countries have stayed at Christopher’s Haven.
 
We also provide opportunities for corporate volunteers, students and partner organizations to interact with families, and provide laundry services, a gym, weekly meals and a 24-hour concierge.
 
Publisher’s Note – Susan Kagan is a Westwood resident and the Executive Director of Christopher’s Haven.
 

Westwood Living Podcast

As we bask in the glow of summer, it’s time to reflect one last time and pay tribute to the student-athletes who created so many incredible memories during the 2025-26 school year. Our season finale of the Westwood Living Sports Show, presented by Nightingale Wealth Solutions, honored Westwood’s finest, delivering awards in 19 different categories. Below are the winners:
 
Best Finish – The Girls Field Hockey team defeated Masconomet 1-0 on an overtime goal by Ellie Harrington to advance to the MIAA Division 2 State Quarterfinals.
 
Best Game Environment – Determined by fan vote. From the outset the stage was set for a special night in Bourne as the Boys Hockey team prepared to face Falmouth, in Bourne, in the MIAA State Quarterfinals with a berth in the Final Four on the line. The crowd was fired up and loud throughout the game.
 
Top Newcomer – Charlotte Leonard made an immediate impact in the pool during her first year at Westwood High School, finishing in the top five in four different events at the TVL Showcase.
 
Unsung Hero – Susannah Rockers was able to fill whatever role was asked of her across three running seasons – Cross Country, Indoor Track & Field and Outdoor Track & Field. She won races, set records and set the tone for the program – whatever it takes.
 
Best Team Social Media Account – Determined by a fan vote – The Girls Soccer team kept us entertained and informed throughout the season and always included kids from the Westwood Youth Soccer program. It was no surprise the team rallied to vote in this category!
 
Best Postseason Performance – Sean Joyce turned away shot after shot under extreme pressure as the Boys Hockey team beat Falmouth and advanced to the MIAA Division 2 Final Four.
 
Best Defensive Player – Ethan Buttner was a brick wall on the back end of Westwood’s Boys Soccer team, loaded with accomplished seniors who played with each other for years. His work turning away offensive attacks earned him the honor.
 
Top Individual Performance – What we saw last fall against Norwood will likely never be replicated. It the first 15 minutes of the 50-7 win, Charlie Jessup recovered two kickoffs, caught two touchdown passes and returned an interception for six, as well. A magical night as the Class of 1975 celebrated its 50th reunion.
 
Most Supportive Teammate – Throughout her career, Anna Beaumont was always one of the loudest and energetic players on the Girls Volleyball team. When her number was called, she performed, and when she was on the bench, she was leading cheers and encouraging her teammates.
 
Game of The Year – The Football team delivered a third straight Thanksgiving Day win over Holliston in dramatic fashion, as Ty Pindel connected with Keilan MacDonald for the decisive touchdown in the final seconds to secure a 22-19 win.
 
Assistant Coach of The Year – Doug Burbo made a significant impact, coaching the throwers to an outstanding season. Arianna Aiello, Catherine McMurray and Morghan Cox all put together career years thanks to his guidance, setting records and helping the squad score in meets.
 
Coach of The Year – Matt Sebet, the Boys Hockey coach, took a team filled with uncertainty and led it to the MIAA Division 2 Final Four, clinching his 100th career victory in the Elite Eight win over Falmouth.
 
Best Male Leader – Jonathan Bertone wrapped up an incredible baseball career with another standout season. His Hall-of-Fame candidacy is secure and he leaves a legacy of impact after four seasons behind the plate.
 
Best Female Leader – Olivia Shea took home this honor as the only person who captained three separate teams. Olivia was a captain of the field hockey team, the basketball team and the girls lacrosse team, and was also honored with the George Bader Award during Senior Day festivities.
 
Best Multi-Sport Athlete – There were many candidates in this category, but ultimately, Bridget Hughes set herself apart as the best player on the field in both sports she plays. Hughes was dominant in field hockey and her lacrosse season was highlighted by a seven-goal effort in the opening round of the playoffs against Oliver Ames.
 
Female Athlete of The Year – We have one more season to enjoy Jennifer Lin between the pipes for the Girls Hockey team. Jennifer had 12 shutouts during her junior year and led the Wolverines to another TVL Championship, providing her team with the ultimate security blanket in the crease.
 
Male Athlete of The Year – Jayden Pillard set himself apart as a total stud for the Boys Cross Country team and the Boys Track & Field teams (indoor and outdoor). He set records and set the tone throughout the season – and was also the very first live guest on the Westwood Living Sports Show.
 
Team of The Year – As mentioned in the Coach of the Year category, the Boys Hockey team entered the season with uncertainty and finished with yet another trip to the postseason and a Final Four appearance. No other varsity team advanced as far in 2025-26.
 
Congratulations to all of our winners for being our Dental Arts of Westwood Athletes of the Year. To nominate someone to be showcased, please send an email to dbezdedeanu@bestversionmedia.com.

For nearly four decades, Joe Bethoney has built a reputation as one of the area’s most respected real estate professionals, helping countless buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants navigate one of life’s biggest decisions. The family business, Discover Properties, was founded in the 80s by Joe’s parents, and now a third generation of Bethoneys are part of the firm.
 
Joe’s daughter, Jackie, completed the JB Team three years ago and their combination of savvy experience, negotiating, modern marketing expertise and unmatched energy continues to set them apart.
 
“The truth of the matter is I didn’t bring Jackie into the business,” Joe said, as we chatted during an episode of the Westwood Living Podcast. “Jackie wanted to be in the business.”
 
“I can’t sit at a desk all day,” piped Jackie. “I’ve always loved real estate. I grew up watching my dad work extremely hard and seeing how happy his clients were after everything he did for them. I’ve always looked up to that and wanted to be able to do the same thing for other people. Now that my dad and I are doing it together, I wouldn’t change it for the world. We’ve been so busy. It’s been nonstop.”
 
Joe couldn’t be prouder, and it was hard to contain his excitement as we talked about the impact Jackie has had on the business since she joined the team.
 
“I’ve trained many real estate agents over the last 40 years,” he said. “Jackie is one of the best agents I’ve ever trained. Her enthusiasm, her knowledge, her understanding and her care are second to none. She works harder than anybody I’ve ever seen come into this industry.”
 
“Oh my God,” Jackie laughed. “I couldn’t do anything without him.”
 
“I’m a dinosaur in the business,” Joe joked. “Jackie’s brought new life to the company. Facebook, Instagram, all of those things come naturally to her. It’s been a boon for us over the last couple of years.”
 
Their partnership, as you’d expect, extends well beyond the office. Whether they’re on vacation, out to dinner with family, or simply spending time together, real estate is never far away.
 
“We’ll look at each other, both taking calls, get up from the table together, and everybody just expects it now,” Jackie says. “We’re always working together, but we’re so grateful because we get so much more done with the two of us.”
 
As we chatted, I asked Joe the number one piece of advice he passes on to any new associate. He didn’t hesitate with an answer.
 
“The most important thing is listening to your clients,” he explains. “If you understand what they need, you can do a better job for them. Our job is managing the transaction. It’s not just showing property. You become emotionally connected with your clients. Many of mine have become lifelong friends.”
 
That relationship-first philosophy has become the foundation of Discover Properties, and Jackie sees it every day.
 
“When my dad walks through a property, he sees everything,” she says. “He knows what work needs to be done, what can be changed, and all of the legal and negotiating aspects that most people never think about. That’s what you’re hiring someone for. You’re hiring someone to protect you.”
 
The commitment to service, and relationships, has produced more than transactional relationships. The Bethoneys are dear friends with many people who trusted them to guide the process. If you search online, you’ll see Discover Properties proudly boasts more than 140 five-star Google reviews.
 
“I put my heart and soul into everything,” Jackie says. “Whether it’s helping someone rent an apartment or buy their forever home, I want them to be extremely happy.”
 
For Joe, every client deserves the same level of care.
 
“When we work with someone looking for a one-bedroom apartment, we treat them the same as someone buying a $3 million home,” he says. “That first transaction is the beginning of a relationship that might last decades. Our reputation is everything. We’re not going anywhere.”
 
In the weeks ahead, Joe, Jackie and Discover Properties have a number of new properties coming on the market – options for people who want to rent and people who want to own. The Block on Everett Street has been incredibly popular, as Phase 1 is completely rented and Phase 2, with sixty more one, two and three-bedroom units will be available soon, a wonderful condo conversion in the heart of Dedham Center at 441 Washington Street is currently available offering one & two bedroom units. A new luxury development of single-family homes on Route 109 in Westwood is on the horizon and two new-construction, incredible 2600+ square-foot townhomes in Norwood will be available this fall.
 
Joe and Jackie will be busy and ready to work with clients who, hopefully, will become friends over time.
 

Westwood Living Podcast

Whether you’re training for a race, lifting weights, walking for fitness, or simply trying to stay active, it’s easy to fall into the same routine. The same route, the same pace, the same workout, the same time of day, or the same exercise class. While consistency is important, too much predictability can lead to plateaus, overuse injuries, and mental burnout.
 
Summer is the perfect time to experiment—and to make your workouts fit your lifestyle. Vacation, kids’ schedules, heat, and longer days may mean swapping an evening workout for sunrise, trading pavement for trails, or shortening a run and adding a few hill repeats or a strength session instead.
 
Try an activity you’ve never done before. Join a group if you usually exercise alone—or enjoy some solo time if you’re always with others. Every change asks your body and mind to adapt. That’s where growth happens.
 
The strongest athletes aren’t the ones who only thrive under predictable conditions. They’re the ones who adjust when life, weather, travel, or a busy schedule gets in the way.
 
This summer, don’t just train your fitness—train your adaptability.

Mary Lou Cocivera, who recently graduated from Westwood High School, earned a $2,000 academic grant as a recipient of a 2026 Women’s Empowerment Scholarship, awarded during Senior Day festivities. The grant was made possible through the generosity of The Rotary Club of Westwood, which provides funds to our scholarship foundation with the intention of recognizing and supporting a young woman from Westwood who plans to pursue a career in a field typically dominated by males.
 
Mary Lou will attend The University of Michigan next year and pursue a career in medicine. Her focus on nursing, outstanding achievement in the classroom, robust resume of extra-curricular activities and track record of volunteering set Mary Lou apart from a very competitive field.
 
In her application essay, Mary Lou wrote, “I attended Harvard Medical School’s MEDscience Program, an intense, fast-paced immersion in human anatomy and clinical practice. In simulation labs, I learned to maintain composure while treating patients with life-threatening injuries. I practiced skills like suturing and inserting IVs, and I found that I thrive in these high-pressure environments. The precision required to save lives energizes me. Beyond the lab, I have empowered myself through volunteerism at a local nursing home. By spending hours listening to residents share their life stories, I learned that healing a patient’s soul is just as vital as healing their body. These experiences provided me with the emotional and technical foundation to succeed in a demanding university healthcare program.
 
“My participation in a service trip to the Dominican Republic to volunteer at the Mariposa Center for Girls also profoundly shaped my understanding of how to empower others. The Mariposa Center is dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty by providing girls with a safe space to grow and learn. While teaching math and reading, I was struck by the girls’ unrestrained joy and resilience despite significant hardships. They taught me that true leadership involves maintaining optimism in the face of setbacks. This is a quality I intend to carry into my nursing career.”
 

“I envision empowering future generations of women by being a leader in the healthcare space who advocates for both patient education and professional mentorship. Through my upcoming studies at The University of Michigan, I plan to master the complex science of nursing while advocating for women’s health and wellness. By utilizing the resilience I learned at Mariposa and the academic foundation I will build at Michigan, I aim to help other women rise above their own obstacles. Whether they are navigating health crises or pursuing their own paths in science and medicine, I am committed to being a healthcare provider who inspires the next generation of women to meet challenges with strength.”
 
Congratulations Mary Lou, and thank you to The Rotary Club of Westwood. Good luck at Michigan. We’ll be following your journey.
 

If you’d like to learn more and support our mission, please visit womensempowermentscholarship.org

Now is the time to step up and recognize a hero in your life by displaying an American flag in their honor at the Westwood Council On Aging. The Rotary Club of Westwood’s annual Flags For Heroes campaign aims to set a record this year for number of flags on display. The red, white and blue will be proudly flying for two weeks in September, culminating in a special ceremony on Westwood Day, Saturday, September 19.
 
To reserve a flag and dedicate it to someone who has made a difference in your life, visit westwoodflags.com and take less than two minutes to fill out our registration form. You can pay by check or Venmo and all of the instructions are included on the site. The cost for each flag dedication is $50 and supports the work The Rotary Club of Westwood does in our community.
 

If you’d like to submit your dedication in person, you can visit Westwood Town Hall, the Council on Aging or the Dedham Savings branch on High Street. Forms are available and staff is on hand to collect your payment.
 
We’d love to welcome you to a Rotary Club of Westwood meeting. We gather twice each month – once by zoom and once in person for dinner at Neroli Ristorante. Our fellowship and friendship is focused on community service and supporting worthwhile initiatives in Westwood. Feel free to email me at abuczek20@gmail.com for more information.

Everyone loves to travel in the summer, heading off to Maine, the Cape, New Hampshire, Martha’s Vineyard, but how about heaven? This summer, heaven is short ride away (well, depending on the traffic into the city). A new, temporary public art installation by artist Heather Kapplow called Better Angels is on view in Boston through October. To say it’s on view is probably not the best description since this immersive artwork invites its visitors to do more than just view it. When you arrive at the huge inflatable golden gates of heaven, and before you enter into an immersive sea of clouds, you are encouraged to ponder some bigger concepts as facilitated by artist performers on the site.
 

While this piece is visually playful, and at times may truly make you feel like a child at the playground, Kapplow is aiming to make visitors consider deeper themes of democracy, political polarization and its impact, and how we can all do a little better regardless of our perspectives. The title, Better Angels, refers to a speech by Abraham Lincoln on the night of the Civil War where he was aiming to unite everyone and encourage reconciliation among the states. While Lincoln’s speech was not successful, at this moment with our nation’s Semiquincentennial, Kapplow is challenging us to revisit his message and, through a powerful and joy-filled art experience, consider how we can work together a little better and make the world a better place.
 

Better Angels is presented by the Boston Public Art Triennial and is on view through October. Visit thetriennial.org/heather-kapplow> for more information.