DECEMBER 2023

 
Can you believe that babies grow 52 teeth while in the womb? This amount corresponds to the number of teeth they’ll need throughout their lifetime, including baby teeth and their permanent ones.
 

It’s an unfortunate fact that these teeth can end up growing with abnormal spacing and other potential issues. Many people don’t realize how this can affect their dental health, which is why it’s so important to familiarize yourself with the connection.
 

Health Issues Associated With Dental Spacing
 

When it comes to the spacing between teeth, one of the most major issues involves keeping your teeth clean. Since there are extra spaces between each tooth, there’s also a higher chance of plaque build-up. If you can’t get rid of the plaque in time, then it’ll cause a chain reaction of tooth decay, gum disease, and more.
 

Left untreated, you may start to notice bleeding around your gums, receding of the gum line, one or more loose teeth, and unpleasant breath, among other symptoms. Another possible issue that could stem from severe spacing in your teeth involves chewing. If your bite is off, then that could cause jaw pain and accumulate into other serious issues, including bruxism.
 

While it’s possible to take extra care of your teeth if you have large spaces, a reputable dentist should assess your situation during a scheduled consultation and recommend a tailor-made course of action.
 

There’s a good chance you’ll need the help of braces. Over time, braces will realign your teeth and close the gaps. This is true no matter the tooth size.
 

What To Expect Before You Get Braces
 

Most people think braces are only for a certain age group, but you can get braces at almost any stage of your life. Simply put, braces are for anyone who has orthodontic issues that braces can fix, such as tooth spacing. The old saying “it’s better late than never” definitely applies to this dental solution.
 

Depending on where the gaps are located, you could need braces on your upper teeth, your lower ones, or both. While the circumstances are unique to each individual, most people wear braces for around two years. However, sometimes the procedure is quicker and other times it can take longer.
 

The good news is that you may not need traditional braces at all. Depending on the severity of your tooth spacing, you could be a candidate for Invisalign. This involves taking a mold of your teeth and wearing a removable mouthpiece that gets updated over time as your teeth shift into their proper places.
 

Instead of having to clean braces and deal with the other maintenance requirements, you can simply take out your Invisalign when you need to eat and clean them with ease whenever it’s time.
 

Teeth Gaps Can Reduce Confidence
 

Did you know that women smile around 62 times a day while men smile around 8 times a day on average?
 

It’s an unfortunate fact that we smile less and less as we get older. People don’t realize that smiling can affect your mood in a meaningful way. The more you smile throughout the day, the better off you can be.
 

A lack of confidence is yet another reason to opt for dental solutions to abnormal teeth spaces. This has nothing to do with being vain, for instance. The eyes may be the window to the soul but a smile can make the difference between a positive interaction with someone and a negative one.
 

Whether you plan on going on a date or giving an important business presentation, a confident smile is something you should feel free to do at all times.
 

Are You Ready To Fix Your Teeth Spacing?
 

Now that you’ve learned about when to consider orthodontic solutions for teeth spacing, you can have much more confidence in your smile. Best of all, you won’t have to concern yourself with the problems that come from spaced-out teeth.
 

Feel free to reach out to us to schedule an appointment that best fits your schedule.

 
Any anniversary of a loved one’s passing can be an emotionally charged and significant milestone in the grieving process. The passing of another calendar year provides a wonderful opportunity to remember and celebrate the life of the person who has left us. Thoughtfully commemorating the anniversary can provide solace and keeps their memory alive. So what are some things to consider
 

Create a Memorial Event
Gathering friends and family to commemorate your loved one’s memory can be a comforting and meaningful way to mark the one-year anniversary. Consider organizing a memorial event, such as a memorial service, candlelight vigil, or a simple family gathering. Share stories, memories, and anecdotes about your loved one’s life. It’s a chance to reflect on their impact and the joy they brought to others.
 

Visit the Gravesite
If your loved one is buried in a cemetery, visiting their gravesite can be a deeply personal way to commemorate their anniversary. Bring flowers, a heartfelt letter, or other meaningful mementos. Spend time in reflection, talk to your loved one, and find solace in the quiet surroundings.
 

Create a Memorial Tribute
Consider creating a lasting tribute to your loved one’s memory. This could be a memorial website, a scrapbook, a photo album, or a dedicated social media page where friends and family can share memories, photos, and stories. These digital memorials can serve as a lasting tribute that can be revisited and cherished over time.
 

Acts of Kindness and Charity
Performing acts of kindness and charity in your loved one’s name is a beautiful way to honor their memory. You can donate to a cause they were passionate about, volunteer at a local charity, or engage in random acts of kindness in their memory.
 

Light a Memorial Candle
Lighting a memorial candle at home on the one-year anniversary can be a simple yet powerful way to remember your loved one. You can do this alone or with close family and friends. The act of lighting the candle can symbolize the enduring presence of their spirit in your life.
 

Reflect and Meditate
Take some time on the anniversary to reflect and meditate on your loved one’s life and your journey through grief. Consider writing in a journal, meditating, or practicing mindfulness. Remember, your loved one wants you to live a happy, fulfilling life and these moments of reflection are opportunities to acknowledge your emotions, find inner peace, and release any lingering pain or guilt.
 

Seek Support
Grief is a complex and individual journey, and the anniversary may bring up a range of emotions. Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a therapist if you need someone to talk to. Sharing your feelings can be therapeutic and help you navigate the emotional challenges of this day. The Folsom family has been working with families as they navigate the end of life, on earth, for more than a century. We consider it our honor to serve you during a difficult time and take the opportunity very seriously. Grief is unpredictable and it’s always helpful to surround yourself with those who can provide useful pointers during a tough stretch.

 
Cook Ahead of Time
Being prepared is the most important thing you can do for a smooth party. The best way to do this is to prepare as many foods in advance as possible. From freezable soups, marinating or preparing main dishes the night before, or having ready-to-bake desserts, hors d’oeuvres or Quiches, you’ll be glad you did the prep-work beforehand. This allows you to spend time with your guests and enjoy your own party.
 

Stock-Up
Stock up on foods to which your guests can easily help themselves. From cookies, crackers and nuts, to dry good for breakfasts and easy late-night snacks. A few good options are gourmet granola, nut butters, local jams and bakery fresh bread. For an additional touch, make a basket with bowls, utensils and napkins so guests have access to everything needed. You can even stock a section of your fridge with individual yogurts, different milk options and fresh fruits.
 

Keep Drinks on Hand
Same goes for beverages. Keep your fridge stocked with bottled water, sodas, juice and mixers. Make a full pot of coffee in the morning so guests can help themselves, as well as have a basket of cocoa and assorted teas readily available. Additionally, keep your bar stocked with common liquors such as vodka, rum, whiskey, gin and a few wine choices. For bonus points, have a few garnish options like a jar of dried citrus slices, olives, and Maraschino Cherries, along with grenadine, simple syrup and lime juice.
 

Create a Timeline for the Day
This goes for any type of gathering you may host. Whether you’re hosting the whole family for the holidays, or having a large cocktail party among friends, plan the schedule of events a few days in advance. This should include every detail from when to chill the wine to when to put dishes into the oven. This will also help with making sure you have all necessary items to make your day enjoyable, allowing time for shopping trips if need be.
 

Make Clean-Up Easy
Hiring professional help is not in everyone’s budget. But cleaning gradually throughout the evening is key to making sure you don’t have a huge mess to tackle at the end of the night. There’s no shame in enlisting a partner or a few family members to help. Be sure to keep garbage cans nearby so guests can toss empty drinks and trash easily. If using regular dishes, try to use dishwasher-safe ones, or choose disposable ones, even just for appetizers and desserts.
 

Learn more about JK Catering & Events by listening to Tom Leyden’s conversation with Kelsey Lindsey on the Westwood Living Podcast Network, available on SoundCloud, Spotify, Amazon, Buzzsprout and YouTube.

Bzzzt, Bzzzt! My alarm sounds every school day, but now at 7:30am to get ready for school at 8:15am. We are now three full months into the school year. I have started formulating my thoughts. Was this school start time change beneficial? Does it make life more complicated? What do I think about it?

Previously, the high school day started at 7:25am and ended at 2:05pm. This year, the high school starts at 8:15am and ends at 2:55pm, a 50-minute push back from last school year.

Like any other high school student, my life is busy. Between juggling school work, my job at extended day, and living a normal high school life, it’s hard to do everything I want to. To put you in my shoes, here’s what an average day looks like for me.

In the mornings, I wake up at 7:30am, feeling more prepared for school, and I notice myself not dragging myself out of bed and into the classroom. Back when school started at 7:25am, I moved extremely slowly, not having the motivation to get myself ready for school because I was so tired from lack of sufficient sleep. I had a problem with showing up late to school, resulting in last-minute late notes from my mom to the school, and eventually detentions because I used up all of the late notes. In talking to my fellow classmates, it becomes evident that it is an almost universal opinion that the later start makes mornings feel more manageable. The mornings don’t feel like a drag, we feel ready for school and most importantly we feel ready to tackle our day.

Afternoons feel like another story though. In the afternoons my day becomes crazy! I leave school at 2:55pm on an average day, then go straight to work at extended day which lasts until 5:45-6pm. The later ending time is a departure from the previous school year where I had a good 45 minutes to relax at home, or get some quick appointments out of the way before leaving for work. In theory, if I wanted to hang out with friends or go to a high school sports game to cheer on my friends, I would be out until 7:00-8:00pm. After that, I have homework to do, which extends my day to at least 9:00-9:30pm, and then bed time. As you can imagine, there is zero downtime for me and no time when I can just relax, which is vital for me to feel rejuvenated the next day.

In all, was this change beneficial? Short answer, yes. Longer answer, definitely. It used to be that the mornings were the hardest part of my day for the first three years of high school. Having to wake up at 6:30am after only falling asleep at 11:00-11:30pm impacted my performance in my first block class. Often I found myself not focusing on what was happening in class but rather focusing on not falling asleep. This year I feel like a new student, a more focused student. The first block is just like any other block during the school day when it comes to engagement. Even if the afternoon provides me with some struggles trying to fit everything I need into my schedule, the benefits of the mornings outway any negatives the afternoon may bring.

In the vibrant halls of Westwood High School, the Cheerleading team stands out not only for their energetic performances on the mat, but also for the close bonds that they share off of it.
 

Comprising of five seniors, three juniors, five sophomores, and seven freshmen, the team has become a tight-knit family in just a few short months.
 

Reflecting on the team’s evolution, one senior cheerleader remarked, “One of the best parts about our team is how diverse it is. When I was a freshman, there were only a handful of people of color. And over the years, it’s grown so much.”
 

The cheerleaders showcased their skills this season at the Think Pink Invitational at Billerica High School on October 21st and at the TVL Championships at Bellingham High School on October 28th.
 

Despite missing the mark for Regionals by 0.5 points at TVLs this season, their bond extends far beyond the competitive arena. Captain’s practices are often followed by fun team outings such as dinner, ice cream or shopping. Pasta Dinners and Spirit Days (Pink Out is the clear favorite amongst the team) are pre-Friday Night Lights traditions.
 

Cheerleading, demanding as it is, serves as both hard work and a therapeutic release for the team. As one member expressed, “Every single time at the end of the day, I just think, ‘Oh my gosh, I have so much work to do. And then I say to myself, Wait, I have a break. I have Cheer!’” The cheerleaders help each other get through their collective challenges, whether it be studying or learning new cheers and counts for their routine.
 

Another member highlighted how cheerleading fosters a close-knit community, stating, “Cheerleading is such a unique sport. There are not many other sports where you’re working so closely and consistently with the same teammates over and over. It’s one of those things where everyone needs to be putting in their best effort to get things to work. You have to be able to trust and work together because you are quite literally supporting each other.”
 

The team’s commendable retention rate speaks to the welcoming environment that they’ve fostered. Many cheerleaders choose to stay on for multiple years, dispelling the notion that one needs prior cheer, dance, or gymnastics experience. Everyone can contribute and bring to the team a variety of skills, regardless of their background.
 

Beyond practices and games, the cheerleaders actively cultivate team spirit. Various fundraisers have helped them with choreography and clinic fees, as well as also having a goal to purchase new mats and equipment in the future. The team sees these efforts not just as financial investments but as opportunities to build connections. As one cheerleader explained, “Cheer gives you the opportunity to reach out and meet different people, create new friendships beyond those in your grade.”
 

Indeed, cheerleading at Westwood High School is more than just a sport. It’s where collaboration, trust, and unwavering support are the foundations that make them not just a team but a family, cheering each other on through every routine.
 

Thanks to our partners at Islington Pizza for presenting the Westwood Cheerleaders with a gift card to celebrate their accomplishments.

If you want to nominate someone to be a future Dental Arts of Westwood Athlete of the Month, email Diana Bezdedeanu at dbezdedeanu@bestversionmedia.com

 
As the new year approaches, the desire to look and feel our best becomes especially important. Botox and fillers have long been heralded as transformative tools for achieving a more youthful appearance, but when paired with the rejuvenating potential of regenerative medicine, these treatments offer a unique combination to turn back the clock and give anyone a better reason to spread good will and cheer during the festive season.
 

Botox and Fillers: A Time-Tested Elixir for Youthful Radiance Just in Time for your Holiday Get Together
 

Botox and fillers have become synonymous with achieving a refreshed and youthful look. Botox works by safely temporarily paralyzing muscle activity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Fillers, on the other hand, are injectables, usually in the form of a naturally occurring long sugar chains known as hyaluronic acid, that add volume and hydration to areas of the face, smoothing out wrinkles and restoring youthful contours.
 

The benefits of these treatments extend beyond mere aesthetics. Botox and fillers offer a non-invasive and relatively quick solution for those seeking a subtle yet impactful enhancement. Commonly used to address crow’s feet, forehead lines, and nasolabial folds, these treatments provide a rejuvenated look without the need for surgery or downtime, making it a perfect way to prepare for your holiday festivities.
 

Regenerative Medicine: The Fountain of Youth from Within
 

While Botox and fillers target the visible signs of aging, regenerative medicine takes a more holistic approach by harnessing the body’s innate healing capabilities. Cellular therapy has shown immense promise in promoting tissue repair and regeneration.
 

The synergy between Botox, fillers, and regenerative medicine is remarkable. While Botox and fillers address specific areas of concern on the face, regenerative medicine can contribute to overall skin health. Growth factors from stem cells, with their ability to stimulate various cell types, enhance collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and contribute to a radiant complexion.
 

Preparation for the Holidays
 

As the holiday season approaches, the desire to radiate positivity and exude a youthful glow becomes more pronounced. Botox and fillers offer a quick and effective solution to achieve a refreshed appearance, perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations. These treatments can be strategically timed to ensure optimal results just in time for the festivities.
 

Moreover, the inclusion of regenerative medicine complements these treatments by promoting long-term skin health and radiance. Cellular therapy contributes to a natural and youthful complexion, ensuring that the benefits of the holiday glow extend well beyond the season.
 

Boosting Good Will and Cheer
 

Beyond the physical transformations, the combination of Botox, fillers, and regenerative medicine can have a profound impact on one’s emotional well-being. Looking and feeling our best instills a sense of confidence and positivity, creating a ripple effect that enhances the holiday spirit. Confidence and positivity radiate, creating an environment where everyone feels the joy of the season.
 

Regenerative medicine pairs with so many more common aesthetic treatments with quick results and little downtime. These treatments offer a harmonious blend of instant rejuvenation and long-term skin health allowing one to confidently step into the holiday festivities with a youthful glow and a collective sense of good will and cheer – making the holiday season truly magical and beautiful.

For more than five decades, Ken Foscaldo has been an integral part of the Westwood community.

Ken’s journey with Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Basketball began 55 years ago when he was approached by neighborhood kids in West Roxbury (his hometown) to coach their team. Upon moving to Westwood with his wife Lois a few years later, Ken discovered the absence of a CYO Basketball program in town. He quickly assumed the role of Norfolk County Athletic Coordinator, and later became the Athletic Director for the Westwood Catholic Collaborative, consisting of St. Margaret Mary and St. Denis Parishes.

In those days, Westwood lacked a youth basketball program, prompting Ken to become one of the founders of the Westwood Basketball Association (WBA) as well.

Today, Westwood CYO Basketball boasts a roster of about 150 kids, spanning grades 5-12, both boys and girls. Ken emphasizes financial accessibility, ensuring that no child is excluded due to financial constraints. With minimal fees and scholarships available, the goal is to make basketball an inclusive sport for everyone who wants to play.

All coaches involved in the program are volunteers, and Ken is continuously on the lookout for additional mentors. His belief in developing kids beyond the game itself is evident: “We want kids to learn the skills and rules of the game, but most importantly, have fun.”

Despite the program’s growth, Ken remains committed to maintaining a sense of community and a personal touch. This season’s practices kicked off in November, with games starting in December and stretching through the end of February. The season culminates in the New England CYO Basketball Tournament held in Manchester, NH in March for qualifying teams.

Ken’s dedication to CYO Basketball goes beyond the court. His leadership has not only established a thriving youth basketball community in Westwood but has also instilled values of discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship in generations of young athletes. And he couldn’t have done it without the support of his wife of nearly six decades, Lois.

Congratulations Ken, for being this month’s Senior Spotlight! If you would like to nominate a Westwood Senior Citizen to be featured in a future Senior Spotlight, please contact Westwood Living Content Coordinator, Diana Bezdedeanu, at dbezdedeanu@bestversionmedia.com

 
Dr. Cory Lavallee is the owner of Westwood Eye Care & Optical, located in the heart of Westwood at 738 High Street. Below is a portion of the conversation we had about his life, his practice and his advice to you.
 

Tom: Your reputation is fantastic and I’m thrilled to have you on board as the Expert Contributor in Eye Care for Westwood Living. I hope you’ve gotten some good feedback about your participation with the publication.
 

Dr. Lavallee: Oh, absolutely. We appreciate all the hard work that you put into this to help make it successful for all of us, as well.
 

Tom: I want to learn a bit more about the practice, because I know in the past 12 months you’ve grown a little bit, but let’s take a few steps back and learn about how you pursued this career. What made you want to be an eye doctor?
 

Dr. Lavallee: I’ve always had an interest in math and science, and medicine was always something that was on my radar. When I was younger, I actually got hit in the eye with a tennis ball, which caused some injuries inside of my eye and now I’m at an increased risk of developing a disease called glaucoma. So every year, I have to go in and do a glaucoma evaluation, now on myself, but previously as I was growing up, I went into an eye doctor’s office every single year. One time I left and thought, ‘You know what? I could do that.’ So from that point, it was the goal. I knew I wanted to pursue being an eye doctor to do the testing on myself and help others in my situation.
 

Tom: So what was the process? How long does it take?
 

Dr. Lavallee: It’s a little bit of a long haul. I started with an undergraduate degree in biology from Boston College with a pre-med track. After that I went to the New England College of Optometry for four additional years. After the four years, there’s an optional one-year residency for optometry, I decided to jump right into practice. Dr. Temple, the other doctor here, she did pursue that residency and did the extra year. That’s generally the track.
 

Tom: You just mentioned Dr. Michaela Temple, who was brought on board within the last 12 months. What was that process like to find the right partner you could bring in?
 

Dr. Lavallee: I was speaking with other doctors that I knew in the area, seeing if anyone knew of someone looking for a new position, and one of them happened to have a daughter who graduated with Dr. Temple. We were connected and just hit it off from the get-go. It’s been a great seamless transition. She’s a fantastic addition to our team.
 

Tom: What’s the biggest benefit of having an extra person in the practice?
 

Dr. Lavallee: Honestly, to me, the biggest benefit is now I don’t have to do everything. Now I have an admin day each week when I don’t see patients, but I can get all of my other stuff done. We’ve certainly increased the number of patients that we see and can see. Personally, it’s nice to be able to have a time where I can dedicate to just focusing on the business aspect of things and take a step back from patient care for a day.
 

Tom: Let’s step aside from the science for a second because I think so much of what makes an eye doctor, or any doctor, successful is the personal touch, the way you interact with patients. As a patient who sat in that seat, and as somebody who has watched his kids sit in that seat, I find you to be very soothing. When I sit down and I’m getting an examination, you’re in charge and at the same time, you’re explaining everything as you’re going along.
 

Dr. Lavallee: That’s one of the things I certainly try to make a point of doing for every exam because I know people are uneasy. They don’t know everything that I know. They don’t know what’s coming next over the course of the exam. Everyone’s always on edge about the dreaded “puff test,” which we do not do, by the way. There is no specific training. That’s just who I am. That’s just my personality coming through, throughout the exam. It helps me along the way and I can get to know the patient better. The better I know the patient, what they’re doing, what they use their eyes for, the better I can tailor that exam, tailor those prescriptions to give you the best outcome possible.
 

Tom: You are also a young father. You have a family that continues to grow. Tell me a little bit about Dr. Cory, the person.
 

Dr. Lavallee: My family is definitely what keeps me going. I have a six-year-old daughter, Madison. I have a three-and-a-half-year-old son, Tyler. And we actually have another one on the way – another daughter coming in April. So we’re excited. And yes, everything’s growing.
 

Tom: Well good luck! I’ll ask you one more, just a general eye-health question. What advice you would give to a person in terms of what they should be cognizant of every day as it relates to their eyes?
 

Dr. Lavallee: A healthy diet is huge for the eyes, for the whole body in general, keeping up with good cardiovascular health. For the eyes specifically, one of the best things to do is taking frequent breaks from the devices, whether it’s the computer, the cell phone, the tablet. Everyone is locked in, staring at things that are up close. It’s not only potentially straining the eyes, but it dries the eyes out. So take breaks. We call it the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes or so, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. That will help to relax the eyes, you’ll blink a little bit more naturally, and so it’ll help to lubricate the eyes.
 

Listen to my full conversation with Dr. Cory Lavallee on the Westwood Living Podcast Network,

WESTWOOD – Thankfully, young children cannot comprehend the fleeting nature of childhood. Oh, the concept of time is grasped, but its full gravity is not. No specter looms, warning that they and their friends will soon play their last kickball game, or move far away – or worse, grow up. One can only learn about the passage of time…with the passage of time.
 

Days of Bicycles in Fairway Acres
 

A bicycle wasn’t just a toy. It was a key that unlocked the streets and the paths away from home. Baseball and tetherball on the playground; racing on Downey, then up Fearing and down Magaletta. In autumn, after the leaves had fallen, you could venture to the edge at the corner of Hawktree, and peer out at the buildings and industry below – another world, when compared to our neighborhood of houses. Down Putting Drive, the little creek on the right was a source of great fun (and on at least one occasion, a very welcome fire suppressant!)
 

Smith Drive was a boundary. Busy East Street was forbidden – that is, until the day I was finally allowed to tag along with my sister and the older kids. Turning left, we didn’t go far with our new freedom. At the Route One overpass – do not call it Providence Highway, that is a whole other column! – we leaned our bikes against the metal railing, clambered down the hill on the dirt path, and went into Lambert’s for bubblegum and Pepsi and candy. I drive by that spot nearly every day. There are houses there now. I wonder if the dirt path is gone.
 

It must be gone.
 

Nights of Christmas Lights in Fairway Acres
 

Every year we would drive through the neighborhood thoroughly at least once, admiring the beautiful lights on so many of the homes. On Strasser, on Phillips Brooks, on Donner and Blitzen! A grandmother in the back seat with a kid on each arm. Her fur coat a blanket, keeping them warm while cruising those icy roads, just weeks removed from all those sneakers and bikes. We compared the displays. We didn’t question the houses that didn’t have any. And we always ended up back in our driveway, safe and sound, to listen for carolers and await the arrival of Santa Claus.
 

Leaving Fairway Acres
 

The Fishers moved away. Then the Logues. The older kids who had babysat us went off to college or jobs and often didn’t come back. At some point, no one biked around the neighborhood anymore anyway — friends wanted to meet at the mall or the movies and speculate about who liked whom, and whether she liked him back. Then my family moved across town, and that was all for Fairway Acres.
 

Almost.
 

Once I got my license, you see, I detoured and drove through every few years, taking note of new houses and recalling the old. I went in December a couple of times to see the Christmas lights again, and brought The Gem after she entered the picture. Later, we drove it with our kids, a new beginning of an old tradition. Not every year, just a few times.
 

This year I’ll have my daughter drive it. Ten minutes out of the way? Ten of the best minutes of the year, kid.
 

Forever Fairway Acres
 

Christmas lights are more than just lights, after all. A bicycle is more than just a bicycle. And the only thing better than being a child at Christmas, is sharing Christmas with a child.
 

From my family to yours, I wish you a Merry Christmas (or Happy Hanukkah, or solstice, or anything you celebrate!) and I hope the Season finds you well. May your heart be happy and free like the boy on that bike; and as warm and cozy as he was in the car, surrounded by family and all of those Fairway Acres lights.
 

Westwood Living? No…thank YOU for living in Westwood.
 

See you next month, and I look forward to hearing from you any time at jayresha@comcast.net

Westwood inaugural Poet Laureate Lynne Viti and Lucie Sechler, Westwood Youth Poet Laureate 2023-2024, will present a Children’s Poetry Festival at the Westwood Public Library during public school vacation week, February 20-22. Intended for students grades two through five, the festival will feature poetry mini-workshops, writing poems for music, arts and crafts.

On Thursday February 22, children and their parents/caregivers will enjoy a unique in-person opportunity, hearing acclaimed poet Richard Blanco read his children’s poetry book, One Today, illustrated by Dav Pilkey, and a selection of other poems, read in English and Spanish. Blanco’s presentation will also include stories of his Miami childhood and a Q & A session. Books will be available for purchase and author signing, with staff of Dedham’s Blue Bunny Books & Toys on hand.

All events are free and open to the public. Registration for separate events in the Children’s Poetry Festival will be available online beginning January 24, at the library events page, https://westwoodlibrary.libcal.com/calendar and by phone, (781) 326-7562.

Raised in Miami by Cuban immigrant parents, Richard Blanco is the youngest poet to have read at a U.S. presidential inauguration in January 2013, at the invitation of President Barack Obama. An associate professor of English at Florida International University, he is familiar to Boston area radio listeners as a regular contributor to WGBH FM’s “Boston Public Radio” with Jim Braude and Margery Eagan. Blanco is the Education Ambassador for The Academy of American Poets, an active member of The Center for Humanities in an Urban Environment and a Woodrow Wilson Fellow. Blanco’s poetry collections include: City of a Hundred Fires; Directions to The Beach of the Dead; Boundaries; Looking for The Gulf Motel;How to Love a Country; and the recently released Homeland of My Body: New and Selected Poems. He has also authored two memoirs, For All of Us, One Today and The Prince of Los Cocuyos: A Miami Childhood.

Events on February 20 and 21 will be led by Viti, Sechler, poet and children’s book author Nancy Ling and Westwood High senior, musician Samantha “Sam” Schmitz. The Festival is funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and a contribution from the Westwood Public Library.

For further information about these events, contact Lynne Viti at lviti@wellesley.edu.