JULY 2024


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Shattering The Stigma

Mimi Baird’s Personal Story

Mimi Baird is full of energy and passionate about shattering the stigma surrounding mental health. Mimi’s story is so good, Brad Pitt and his team of writers and producers have agreed to take it from the pages to the screen! Mimi lived without her father for most of her life, because he was institutionalized in the 1940s due to a severe case of manic depression. A brilliant doctor, his mind worked too fast for his body and through a series of letters and memoirs, he left a trail for his daughter, Mimi, to write an insightful book about his experiences.

By Diana Bezdedeanu
Photo By: Rick Bern Photography

Mimi Baird’s residence at Fox Hill Village is more than a matter of convenience; it’s a deeply personal connection to her past. Not only was her mother, Gretta, one of the very first residents, whom she visited often during her tenure, but the land Fox Hill was built on is, quite literally, sacred to Mimi.

“My father had three horses he rode in fox hunts and horse shows on this very property,” she shared with a nostalgic smile as we chatted inside one of the sunlit, quaint common areas off the main entrance. “And here I am, at 86 years old, living on the once wide open meadows he rode across. I even saw a fox within a couple of weeks after moving here.”

Mimi was just six-years-old when her father, Dr. Perry Baird, a revered Massachusetts physician, suddenly disappeared from her life. She was told that he was “away.”

It wasn’t until nearly 50 years later that she finally uncovered the truth. While working as an office manager at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Dr. Radford Tanzer, a retired surgeon, recognized Mimi’s name and mentioned, in passing, that he was a former classmate of her father’s. Thus began nearly 20 years of research, writing and the eventual publication of her 2015 book, He Wanted The Moon, a culmination of her father’s manuscript and letters chronicling his manic depression and brutal institutionalization, which took place during the majority of Mimi’s childhood.

“One thing led to another and the next thing I knew, I was writing a book,” Mimi explained. “But, I truly believe the book wrote me.”

Throughout the book, Dr. Baird’s manuscripts and letters are shared, a first-hand harrowing view of how patients struggling with mental illness were treated during the World War II era. A genius in his field, Dr. Baird suffered from the effects of an overwhelming condition, his mind constantly racing beyond his body’s physical capacity to manage the flow of information in a controlled manner. In many ways, he displayed superpowers beyond the human norm, but his depressive episodes were intense and profuse, leading to chaotic and sometimes barbaric experiences beyond imagination.

Within the first few pages of Mimi’s book, her father expresses his awareness while summarizing a short list of his travails.

“I believe that the inadequate understanding of manic-depression as displayed by friends and relatives imposes unnecessary hardships on the manic-depressive. I have read widely about manic depression, I have lived through five prolonged suicidal depressions, four acute manic episodes, and many hypo-manic phrases. I have learned by experience how all the treatments feel: straight-jackets, wristlets, anklets, paraldehyde injections, hot and cold packs, continuous tub, close confinement to small spaces, and all the many inventions that man has created for the manic-psychosis. As a patient, I have studied many other patients at four psychopathic hospitals, including one city and one state hospital.”

Could you imagine such a reality?

Vibrant and energetic at age 86, Mimi remains a dedicated, active leader in the discourse on shattering any stigma surrounding mental illness. She shows no signs of slowing down as she consistently shares her father’s story with diverse audiences across the country.

“Whenever I go to give a book talk, whether it’s at Vanderbilt University or McLean Hospital or here in Westwood at Fox Hill, the first thing I say is, ‘Everything that we talk about today remains in this room,’” she said. “That has enabled people to suddenly feel comfortable in talking about something that might have been otherwise unpleasant in their family or their own lives.”

In 2014, a few months before He Wanted The Moon’s official release, the head of Creative Arts Agency (CAA) in Los Angeles, California stumbled across an advanced reader copy at his local Barnes and Noble. After devouring the book in a single sitting, he called up Academy Award-winning actor and producer Brad Pitt, excitedly imploring, ‘This is it. You’ve got to produce this story.’

Plan B Entertainment, Pitt’s production company, had never tackled a project on mental illness, so they hired the very best screenwriter they could think of, Tony Kushner, most known for his award-winning play, Angels in America. Tony read Mimi’s book, fell in love with it, and agreed to produce the project on one condition: he wanted to meet the author first.

“I was living in Woodstock, Vermont at the time when Tony Kushner called me on the phone, and we hit it off immediately,” reflected Mimi. “I don’t know how that happened but after we chatted, I Googled Tony Kushner and thought, ‘We’ve got the best we can!’ This has been an amazing experience because I tell the story, and then Tony writes it. We’ve been working on this project for eight years now and I hope I keep in good health to see it through.”

Initially optioned as a movie, Moon will be a six to eight episode mini-series, set to debut on HBO Max, with no release date solidified. In the meantime, Mimi is in the midst of writing another manuscript, currently titled Moon Becomes A Film (though the title is subject to change with the switch to streaming). While many details surrounding the show are being kept under wraps, one thing Mimi can confirm is that Brad Pitt will indeed be playing the role of her father.

Mimi’s dedication and focus is a testament to the power of perseverance, empathy, and the pursuit of truth. Her father’s story is a legacy that continues to educate the next generation and slowly break down the stigma surrounding mental illness.

“My father wrote his manuscript during World War II to help defray the stigma against mental illness, because the more you know about something, the more likely you are to understand it,” she said. “You can’t change the world in just a few years. I wish you could, but it’s like learning something new. You don’t suddenly do it. You have to learn how to write or play a sport. So I think down the years, we’ll see continued growth in the fight to end the stigma. For now, it’s just a matter of putting it out there into the world.”

Dr. Baird’s harsh account of his hospitalization, as well as the highs and lows of manic depression, will keep readers glued to the pages, unable to put the book down. His pain is palpable, as he details on page 124.

“Oh, dear God, I say to anyone who cares to listen: Westborough State Hospital and other places like it have nothing to offer; nothing but a jail-like incarceration, brutality and ugliness. The patients who come here recover not because of the treatment they receive, but in spite of it. Some are submerged by it, die of it.”

Through her father’s suffering and her own enlightenment, Mimi, one of Westwood’s finest elders, leaves, within the pages of He Wanted The Moon, an indelible keepsake to memorialize the struggle, illuminate awareness and advance the agenda of those in the fight to treat and cure mental illness.

MIMI BAIRD: PHOTOS BY RICK BERN PHOTOGRAPHY

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Barrows Featured Artist of July: Portrait In Jazz


By Diana Bezdedeanu


Since its inception in 1993, Portrait In Jazz has grown from a modest trio consisting of guitar, bass, and trumpet to a full-fledged sextet, showcasing a blend of original jazz compositions and standards. Brad Ellenberg, a Westwood resident, guitarist and the band’s founder, reflected on their journey over the past three decades.

While receiving his Masters of Music degree in Jazz Composition at New England Conservatory, Brad’s original vision was to create a niche for jazz music across intimate settings such as restaurants and private events.

“Thankfully, once we started getting work, the demand for a bigger sound grew, leading us to expand the band,” he shared.

Portrait In Jazz boasts a lineup of accomplished musicians:

  • Brad Ellenberg: guitar, composer
  • Gary Bohan: trumpet, flugelhorn, composer
  • Chris Hildebrand: tenor sax, woodwinds
  • Bob Abruzese: bass
  • Grant Smith: drums
  • Deirdre Pederson: vocals
  • Cara Campanelli: vocals
  • Ashley Kamal:vocals

“We’ve been really fortunate to maintain longevity with such a talented group of musicians. Though we are a local band, collectively, the members of this group have performed widely throughout the US and internationally including Europe, Russia and Australia.”

Their talent has graced stages such as Carnegie Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, Jordan Hall, The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, The Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Symphony Hall, among others.

Gary, Grant and Bob have been involved for more than ten years, followed by Chris at eight years. The addition of a regular vocalist was a significant milestone for the band, allowing for greater diversity in performances. Brad, a music teacher at Waltham High School, heard Ashley Kamal, one of his students, singing jazz with the phrasing, maturity and style he had been seeking. She accepted his offer to come rehearse with the band and ended up becoming a regular vocalist with PIJ for five years. Although Ashley has recently stepped back, the band now features two other very creative and accomplished vocalists, Deirdre Pederson and Cara Campanelli.

The collaborative spirit of Portrait In Jazz is one of its defining features.

“We have a democratic approach. Everyone has a voice to chime in, offer opinions and make suggestions,” Brad explained.

The band’s repertoire includes roughly 60 original compositions as well as hundreds of jazz standards. In 2009, they recorded their first CD, Rendezvous, followed by Return Engagement in 2013 and Metamorphosis in 2017. All recordings took place at PBS Studios – Peter Kontrimas’ home recording studio in Westwood.

The band’s name holds a special significance. If you Google “Portrait In Jazz,” an album composed by Bill Evans, a famed jazz pianist, will come up. The album, a classic in the jazz genre, not only influenced the band’s name but also encapsulates the essence of what Brad wanted to achieve — a harmonious dynamic in which individual talents are seamlessly blended into one cohesive sound.

Portrait In Jazz performs across New England, participating in public concerts, festivals and at clubs including multiple performances at The Fallout Shelter in Norwood and The Sanctuary in Maynard with private events including weddings, corporate functions, and retirement communities. Upcoming public performances include The Norwood Summer Concert Series on August 4 from 6:30 – 8:30 PM, Hale Education Steam Kettle Festival on September 28 at 12:00 PM, The Fallout Shelter in Norwood on October 10 at 7:00 PM, and The Sanctuary in Maynard on October 24 from 7:30 – 9:30 PM.

While they often perform as a full sextet, it’s not uncommon to hear them as a trio or quartet as well. Brad, approaching retirement from his teaching career, envisions expanding the band’s reach.

“My goal is to get us into more festivals and possibly do a little touring over the next couple of years,” he revealed. “We are in the process of recording our fourth CD as we have at least 20 originals that have yet to be released.”

To find out more information on Portrait In Jazz or to inquire about booking, please visit their website at www.portrait-in-jazz.com

In essence, Portrait In Jazz is a hometown band that has evolved over three decades through dedication, collaboration, and a deep love for music. If you haven’t yet heard them play, you’re seriously missing out.

Congratulations Portrait In Jazz for being our July Featured Artist! If you’d like to nominate an artist of any sort to be featured – music, acting, painting, drawing, sculpture, etc. – please email dbezdedeanu@bestversionmedia.com

Dental Arts of Westwood Athlete of The Month



Dental Arts of Westwood Athlete of The Month: Hillary Noble


By Tom Leyden


Hillary Noble graduated from Westwood High School in June, wrapping a stellar lacrosse career by being named First-Team All-Tri Valley League as the Wolverines advanced to the Elite Eight in the MIAA Division 2 Tournament. Hillary will attend Skidmore in the fall, where she will play lacrosse for the Thoroughbreds. As summer began, Hillary shared some thoughts about her time in Westwood.
 

When did you know that lacrosse was going to be your #1 sport?
I had a feeling very early on that lacrosse was going to be my number one sport. I played both lacrosse and basketball growing up, but because I played Mass Elite, which is my club team, I played lacrosse year round and grew to love the sport.
 

Do you have a memory of watching Westwood High School lacrosse when you were growing up?
Yes! My sister played on the varsity team from 2017-2020 and I would go to every one of her games. I remember one game when they played Notre Dame Academy, her junior year, and beat them in OT. Both Westwood and NDA were such strong teams when she played and they still are today. I remember that game being so intense, I don’t think my eyes ever left the field.
 

What has the experience of playing Westwood lacrosse meant to you?
Westwood lacrosse has meant so much to me. It truly is a community and I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. Westwood lacrosse helps you become not just a better player but a better teammate and person. We also love to support the boys team and having them support us at our games is awesome.
 

What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve taken from your time in Westwood?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken away from my time at Westwood is not taking anything for granted. I’ve learned to appreciate the present and what is in front of you because it is not going to be there forever. Also, through Westwood sports, I have learned how to be a good teammate, leader, and friend. I think it is so important to lean on teammates when you need help and vice versa and that is something I think will translate into real world experiences as well.
 

What were some of your favorite memories of growing up in Westwood?
One of my favorite memories growing up in Westwood is field day at the elementary school, where you’d spend the entire day outside playing games with your friends and classmates. I would look forward to field day every year. Another one of my favorite Westwood memories is winning the state championship in 2022. We had an undefeated season and to cap it off with a state championship is something that I will never forget.
 

Who’s the funniest person on the lacrosse team?
Although I think all my teammates are funny, I think the funniest is Cece Thurmond. She can get the whole team laughing within seconds and knows how to make a joke 10 times funnier.
 

What’s your favorite memory from being on the lacrosse team?
My favorite memory is beating Longmeadow last year in the playoffs in OT, after losing to them in OT in the regular season.
 

You made your college decision pretty early. What was the process like determining where you were going to attend college and play lacrosse?
Going through the recruitment process is very hard and stressful since it starts at such a young age. However, I had my sister (who also went through the recruiting process), parents, and coaches to help guide me through it. I started doing camps around freshman year and narrowed it down to a couple of schools. I choose Skidmore because of its balance between academics and athletics, its location, and the people!
 

Defenders don’t score a lot, so in place of goals, what gives you the greatest joy on the field?
When the defense gets a caused turnover or when Katherine makes a save it really pumps the defense up. One of the best feelings is when the defense gets the ball back, transitions it down the field and ends with the offense scoring a goal. In those moments it is awesome to know that those great plays on offense started on the other side of the field with the defense getting the ball. Also, when I do occasionally score my teammates click my stick and cheer for me which makes it so much better.
 

What are you looking to accomplish during your college career?
I want to find a good balance between athletics and academics while also meeting new people, making new memories, and capitalizing on any opportunities that come my way.
 

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Hopefully living in MA or NY, working a job that I enjoy, and surrounding myself with my friends and family.
 

Who are the people most influential to your success so far and what would you like people to know about them?
The most influential person in my life is my sister Margaret. She taught me how to not only play lacrosse, but to love it as well. She motivates me not only when it comes to lacrosse but also in school. I want people to know how hardworking she is! I looked up to her so much as a kid and I still do to this day. My parents are also very influential in my life. I don’t think my dad has ever missed one of my games and has taught me how to go 110% all the time. I want people to know how caring they are. Growing up they would take me all over the place for various camps, tournaments, and games which could not have been fun for them, but they did it because they knew how much I loved it.
 

Congratulations, Hillary! 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

COMMUNITY EVENT



SOCIAL SCENE: Second Annual Westwood Pride Celebration


By Asanka Moehring


The Second Annual Westwood Pride celebration, organized by the interfaith clergy and members of Inclusive Westwood, was a lively and joyous event.
 
“Westwood Pride is a day where we can come together as a community to celebrate and love our LGBTQIA+ neighbors, friends, and family,” said Inclusive Westwood’s Stephani Bhatti. “We see messages of fear and exclusion everyday, whether it be national headlines or our local Facebook pages, and it’s important that as individuals, and as a community, we LOVE louder. It’s a beautiful day of community, love, and celebration, where all are welcome”
 

Attendees were treated to several sessions of electrifying music by Ellen Rollings, an inspiring poetry reading by Westwood’s first Youth Poet Laureate Lucie Sechler, and two hilarious improv shows led by Patrick French. The public contributions at the end of the poetry readings brought a diverse range of voices, significantly increasing the enjoyment for all. The kids who attended the festival on Sunday were not spoiled for choice, starting with the delightful story walk, a massive banner for coloring, rocks to paint and take home, face painting and an impromptu game with a giant soccer ball.
 

Representatives from local organizations like OUT MetroWest, Westwood Youth and Family Services, the Rainbow Peace Flag Project, and the Westwood Library also attended Sunday’s event to share all about the different resources and programming they provide to the LGBTQIA+ community. Any that couldn’t attend in person, sent materials to be shared at the event.
 

Who can forget the beautifully “spun to order ” cotton candy enjoyed by all. The Boston Media Systems proprietor, Richard Chaloff, worked at the cotton candy station while his wife, Pauline, served the popcorn.
 

“Preparing for the Westwood Pride celebration was a great opening for us to have a conversation about the diversity of families in town” said Pauline Chaloff who is also an Inclusive Westwood Event organizing committee member.
 
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect for the Chaloff’s; their son Chase, a third grader at the Sheehan school just happened to be working on an acrostic poem about allyship for a school assignment at the same time as Pauline and Richard were volunteering to organize the festival.
 
“Our family helping with the festival is us being allies to our LGBTQ+ neighbors & friends; It’s a concrete example he could easily understand,” Pauline said. “We want to show our LGBTQ+ neighbors & friends how loved they are, appreciated and valued.”