SEPTEMBER 2025

Here on the back page, we like to think of Westword as a place of refuge from some of the modern corporatespeak and humdrummy talking points which frequently bombard us all in our day-to-day lives. A port, if you will, to provide shelter from bullet-points and keywords while the tempest of your to-do list closes in. A text message from a friend, perhaps, written in just the tone and tenor with which they would have uttered it, instead of indecipherable internet shorthand. You get the picture.
 
So when we – and yes, I know that WE is just ME, but WE sounds more impressive – heard about the big hullaballoo this month with Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman and the “Next Chapter” theme, WE sprung into action.
 
(Fine. WE will go back to first-person singular now if you insist.)
 
At first, I thought it was a chip-shot-through-the-uprights easy topic to write about. I mean, it seems easy to talk about superstar pro athletes becoming broadcasters, or broadcasters becoming magazine moguls, or weekly Westwood wannabe writers becoming monthly Westwood wannabe writers.
 
Then I thought beneath the surface and discovered there is more. For example, Monday of last week featured me going to the office and returning to have dinner at home, followed by a little writing and then some TV time hanging with the Gem. But Tuesday was the NEXT chapter – you see, it featured me going to the office and returning to have dinner at home, followed by a little writing AND LAUNDRY and then some TV time hanging with the Gem.
 
See the difference? And if you don’t, do you at least see Phil Dunphy’s influence here?
 
Anyway, after your guffaws subside, let’s huddle up and get back to the game plan. Helmet, the upcoming portion of this column ought to be called the next “Next Chapter” chapter!
 
Back to the process. Because then my thoughts turned inward and the brow furrowed. I closed the laptop and pondered the chapters of my life. As a linear thinker and a numbers guy, questions arose – have I had five chapters? Fifty chapters? Six hundred and four? And who is to decide?
 
Maybe it’s not about evenly spaced-apart mileposts. No book has the same number of pages in each chapter.
 
Was it a next chapter when I started middle school? High school? College? Was it a next chapter when I met The Gem? Proposed, got married, bought a house, had two kids, just sent one off to that same college…all next chapters, right?
 
Or are those the major section headings and there are a bunch of other chapters and sub-chapters?
 
Things started coming to me almost chronologically: Christmases and Doug Flutie miracles; Wolverine days, my first car, Winnipesaukee summers; drives to Newport, date nights at Olivadi; Mattapoisett and vacations with the kids…and those vacations without the kids.
 
And of course, calling games from Flahive Field every fall (thirty-three chapters and counting!)
 
Each memory unlocked a series of tangential ones, and all of them brought to mind the FACES of the people who were there (and clearly a few footballs). The furrowed brow unfurrowed and a smile crept on to my lips, as I realized it would be impossible for me to truly follow the theme of this month’s issue.
 
For you see, every sunrise, every kiss, every family dinner, every phone call is the next chapter. Every business deal, every bingo game, every nonplussed reminder from a pedometer, every email from someone who thinks we really might drain Buckmaster, EVERYTHING! Next chapters are beginning all around us all the time, while at once previous chapters continue, and some come to their end.
 
Sometimes you see them coming a mile away. Some you don’t even realize until they’re behind you. Stop me if you’ve heard it before, but this is the secret sauce. Thanks for sharing it.
 
Now hold on to this issue, it is a special one! Maybe WE will re-read it a few chapters down the road from here, as the memories touch down permanently in our hearts.
 
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

Publisher’s Note – Jodiann Tenney is a Boston College graduate who recently published her first book, Carefully Vetted. Below is the book jacket summary:
 
Dr. Maddy Moore has enough on her plate: two kids, a never-ending line of four-legged patients, and exactly zero interest in dating. Her idea of romance? A glass of wine on the porch, a hot bath, and an emptied dishwasher.
 
So when an entitled out-of-towner, some TV hotshot, expects her to clean up after him in the local grocery store parking lot, she makes it clear that she’s not his personal fixer. That is, until he storms into her veterinary clinic – annoyingly good-looking and dragging in another mess of his own making. He might be escaping from the city and trying to avoid making headlines, but she has her own PR nightmare to tackle.
 
As sparks fly and headlines swirl in her sleepy Northwest Connecticut town, Maddy has to decide: is this just another role he’s playing – or the start of something real?
 
Chapter 6 Excerpt
 
Despite Charlene’s insistence that the Hollywood hottie had bewitched her boss and vice versa, Maddy was under no spells or illusions. Her days passed with no magical encounters. Not even a nighttime hoot of an owl. She popped her Tupperware in the microwave when Charlene dropped an envelope onto the counter. Maddy stroked the paper. Linen card stock. Probably an invitation to a local charity event. Or maybe a thank-you card from a client. Maddy flipped it over. There was no stamp or return address, just her name, Dr. Maddy Moore, which was handwritten. Her curiosity piqued. She tore the envelope open, leaving ragged edges.
 
Inside was a card with a sketch of a blue heron. Maybe an invitation from the local waterfowl conservancy? She opened the card and read: What kind of man forgets to ask a smart, beautiful woman for her cell number after she comes to his rescue? How about dinner on Friday at 6:00? My place? Alexander. Underneath he had written his cell number and address which was one town over from Marshfield. Friday? That was tomorrow.
 
She reread the note and ran her fingers over the thick, textured paper. She closed the card and examined the sketch with the artist’s signature underneath. She remembered the peacefulness of a recent evening walk with Oscar on the trail through the wetlands at the end of her street. A stoic blue heron had been perched on the round branch that had extended from the still water. Coincidence? Had she mentioned that to Alexander the other evening? She couldn’t recall. She could recall his deep voice as it drawled, I think I’ll hold you to that. She reached for her phone and typed.
 
Tomorrow at 6:00, not good. She waited until she saw the three dots that showed he was responding to her message then coyly added, How about 7:00? It’s Maddy BTW.
 
—
 
Carefully Vetted is available at Amazon.com.

For athletes, sports aren’t just games; they’re a way of life. Practices, games, team dinners, the constant push to get faster, stronger, better. Then, one day, it’s over. The season ends, the jersey goes in the closet, and you’re left wondering… now what?
 
I get it. I was a Division I tennis player at the University of Rhode Island. For years, my schedule revolved around matches, training, and teammates who felt like family. Then came “regular life,” and I quickly realized I needed a new way to channel that competitive energy and keep my sanity.
 
For me, the magic moment came when I found Orangetheory Fitness. The mix of strength training and cardio gave me the challenge I missed, plus the accountability of a team environment. Benchmarks like the 2000m row, 1-mile run, or 500m row scratch that itch for progress. There is something so satisfying about seeing your numbers improve and knowing the work you put in is paying off.
 
For any former athlete, strength training is key. It maintains muscle, supports bone health, boosts metabolism, and keeps the body ready for whatever is next, whether that is a marathon, triathlon, or a local adult league game. It is not just about lifting weights; it is about keeping that athlete’s edge sharp for life.
 
The discipline you built as an athlete never goes away. Find new outlets, set new benchmarks, and keep pushing because the athlete in you isn’t done competing.

Growing up, I was a quiet kid. I was shy, kept to myself, very much the “pleasure to have in class” type in school. The one place where I felt truly myself was in front of an audience. For someone who was so shy, the concept of stage fright never phased me.
 
The first time I stepped on stage was in the fifth grade. I was Young Fiona in “Shrek the Musical,” at Sheehan Elementary School. I did not tell anyone before the show that I got to sing. I really did not think much of it. My mom was helping with costumes backstage when a few of the other moms approached her and said, “Do you hear that? That is your daughter up there!”
 
To which my mom replied, “No, she would never! She is too shy.”
 
From there, I began voice lessons. I started singing in front of audiences at the Hard Rock Cafe, in the middle of the Chestnut Hill mall during the holiday season, elderly homes, and more. I did chorus all through middle school as well but was still pretty shy — unless it was time to sing. I was a freshman in high school when the world shut down due to COVID, but right before that happened, I decided to sign up for one of the monthly chorus open-mics. I remember being so nervous waiting for my turn but once I got in front of the mic, the nerves melted away.
 
I really began gaining confidence and broke out of my shell during my junior year of high school. I was still in chorus and had just joined the audition-only a cappella group, Passing Notes. I started trying out for solos and, somehow, actually getting them. It felt odd to be recognized and noticed, I was not used to the attention.
 
Senior year came around and I was not the same girl I was when I entered high school. I was now heavily involved with chorus and Passing Notes, and then got my first lead role in a show — Feste in “Twelfth Night: The Musical”, spring 2023.
 
To anyone who knows me today, I am certainly no longer labeled as quiet. If anything, I come off as a total extrovert now and I let my personality shine.
 
Post-graduation I have continued to involve myself in the performing arts. In the spring of 2024, I was Emberly in “Firebringer: The Musical” and in the fall of 2024 I was the Nurse in “Romeo & Juliet”; both with the UMass Theatre Guild.
 
This summer, I played the part of Urleen in a production of “Footloose” at the Hopkinton Center for The Arts.
 
Thinking back to the little girl I used to be, I sure have grown! I do not remember the last time I hid myself. Thanks to music and theater, I found myself. I figured out where I fit in. I found a place where I could be myself and not feel the need to change for others.
 
It is a privilege to be able to study the subjects that make my life feel a little more full. In college, journalism has become another safe hub. Going to weekly paper meetings for the Massachusetts Daily Collegian, being able to write about the arts, meeting people who also geek about the same things as I do, and using my knack of observation to let others in on how I view the world. Growing up shy, I loved just watching those around me. Now I am able to both observe as well as get in on the action.
 
I am only 20-years-old and I have a future of changes to go through. However, the past five years have been a period of extreme growth, and I am excited to see where I am headed.
 
If you are anything like me, I hope that someday you find the thing or the place that finally sets you free. And, if you already found that, all the power to you.
 
Victoria Tibets recently completed her summer student internship with Westwood Living. We thank Victoria for her dedication and contributions, and something tells us we haven’t heard the last from her. Be on the lookout for more (from Italy) throughout the fall.

Ara and Evan Yarian are proud products of their parents, Jennifer and Manok, who spent years in the restaurant industry, learning everything about the business and how to treat customers. Manok passed away in 2017 leaving a great legacy, and Jennifer is still heavily engaged in the next generation of serving guests as a fixture at Beacons Restaurant on Providence Highway in East Walpole.
 
“Every day she’s here, taking care of things, and then when we open, she’s typically here for every single dinner service,” said Ara as we chatted while sitting at Beacons monstrous and magnetic bar. “That’s such a beautiful thing. Somebody that’s been in the restaurant business for 30+ years is here, having an impact on every single guest interaction. That’s something we’re very lucky to have.”
 
The commitment to excellence and customer service is evident when you’re with Ara and Evan, Westwood High School graduates who now own and operate Beacons, along with the Eagle Brook Saloon in Norfolk.
 
Evan said, “We’re born and raised in Westwood. We lived over by the Sheehan School, and we were really lucky to grow up in Westwood. Looking back, we think about all of the people we’ve met over the years. The school system was extremely effective to prepare us for the real world. Not only were we prepared in real-world situations, but we also had a strong network of very successful people, and we’re still connected. A lot of people we grew up with still live within a ten-mile radius, so we all keep in touch, and a lot of folks come into the restaurants to support us, which is certainly appreciated.”
 
Years ago, Manok and Jennifer opened The Beacon at the same site, but the concept was different – a white-glove, high end dining experience. Times have changed, and the Yarians have evolved with the cultural and generational shifts in mindset.
 
“In 1985, my father purchased this building and The Beacon had a tremendous following from many different towns,” said Ara. “People came from far away to dine here – fantastic buzz. The bar was in the corner of the building, and it was kinda like a “Cheers” vibe. We had a very diverse group of characters, different backgrounds, and we made some great memories.
 
“When we re-opened Beacons a few years ago, we knew we still wanted to go with higher-end food and top-of-the-line service, but the world has changed. People’s mentalities have changed. We don’t typically dress for dinner anymore, so we didn’t want it to feel stuffy. We wanted it to have a more casual feel, but we knew we wanted to still deliver a high-end experience with the food and the service.
 
While the Yarians have nailed it with Beacons by staying true to that vision, they’ve also enjoyed success in Norfolk at the Eagle Brook Saloon, now famous for its bar pizza that was recently reviewed in a video by Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports.
 
“It started with a tweet,” said Evan. “The Kendrick Lamar concert was at Gillette on a Monday night, and Dave tweeted out asking ‘What’s great pizza around Gillette that I haven’t gone to?’ And a lot of the comments were saying Eagle Brook. So, we had a gut feeling he was going to show. We weren’t positive, but we definitely wanted to prepare. We put our best foot forward.”
 
“We had to make sure to make the staff understood what this was, who he was, what kind of an impact a review from Dave can have, and we wanted to make sure as soon as he came, whatever the review was, we were ready because even a bad review would have brought a lot of people through our door,” said Ara.
 
“That was part of the scramble – I gotta make sure I have pizza boxes. We make our own dough. We make our own sauce. We blend our own cheese. It’s not just picking up the phone and calling for the product. We have to make it all, so we wanted to be ready, and he doesn’t give you a heads up on when he’s coming, so we had to be ready every day just in case.
 
“Then when he did come, within twenty minutes of him posting the review, our takeout online sales went bananas. Just crazy, so thank God we were prepared!”
 
If you know the world of Barstool pizza reviews, a 7.9 is excellent, so business has been booming with customers and repeat customers and new customers alike.
 
While enjoying success as restauranteurs, the Yarians have also stayed true to some emotional Westwood roots, regularly honoring their friend, Todd Schultz, who passed away in 2002, by creating a special drink in his honor every summer. The “Todd Schultz” is a simple combo of lemonade and blueberry vodka from Nantucket, and the profits from any they sell each summer benefits the Schwartz family as they continue to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
 
“Todd had such a far reach within the community,” said Evan. “Everybody loved to be around him. He was just one of those guys that there’s nothing you can not like about him. Even visiting him at UMass, a clean slate in college, he had such a far reach. Everyone around him loved him. That was just Todd.
 
“For the family – a fantastic family – Mr. and Mrs. Schwartz were very heavily involved in the school system. I can’t say enough about the family, so we’re trying our best to support the cause and provide some financial backing to their cause because they have raised so much money, and they haven’t taken the foot off the gas. It’s been 23 years.”
 
Whether you head to Beacons to enjoy a “Todd Schwartz” with dinner or grab a legendary bar pizza at Eagle Brook Saloon, you’ll be in good hands with the Yarians running the show.
 

Westwood Living Podcast

As we sit around a fantastic kitchen island where Matthew LaSpisa shoots his popular YouTube videos, he and I chat about what got him started in the world of nutrition and why he’s so dedicated to helping other people live healthier lives.
 
“The specific knowledge I have is something I think a lot of people need to have,” Matt said. “It’s not like learning German. It’s very easy when you get to it, and it’s something you can hold on to forever.”
 
Matt puts his knowledge to work in a number of ways, most notably working with clients as a nutrition coach, helping them plan and shop more effectively and efficiently for foods that fuel the body in a positive way. He also works with clients to prep meals for the week, assuring the right decisions are easy to make when things are busy and life is buzzing all around you.
 
Finally, he puts his talents to work as a personal chef for private events. Imagine a small group gathered around your table, and all you need to do is sit back and relax, because Matt’s in the kitchen preparing and serving a menu you’ve discussed and planned beforehand. It’s a perfect touch for a special night with friends – cooked to perfection.
 
“I have a phone call with you and I jot down everything I need to know as far as likes, dislikes, allergies, things of that nature,” he said. “I build a menu for the party. I send it to you. You okay it, or we keep tweaking it back and forth. I’ll be there a couple of hours before your guests arrive, and you don’t worry about a thing. I set everything up. I cook everything, and we talk about plate ware and all of that stuff when I get there.”
 
While that sounds decadent and delightful, where Matt can truly make a difference is by sharing what he’s learned over a lifetime of making healthy choices. In most cases, those habits trickle down from generation to generation.
 
“I think the best gift you can give your children is being as healthy as possible and giving them the habits that you have,” he said. “I strive in my life, in general, besides my business, to show my kids that dad works out, dad eats as healthy as he can, and dad tries to make us do both things. Obviously, there are other things in life, but that’s what I can contribute right now for my children. That’s what I want them to see. Good choices trickle down.”
 
Matt’s father grew up in Brooklyn, and when Matt would visit his grandparents, amidst the concrete jungle of the city was a 20×20 foot patch of land in their backyard dedicated to growing vegetables. His early memories of the garden – how it smelled, how delicious the produce was – influenced his path, which led him to a vocational high school and culinary school after graduation. He’s worked at high-end restaurants and has also worked closely with bodybuilders, a skill that sets him apart as an expert in his field.
 
“After I went to vocational school, my brother started competing as a bodybuilder, and I cooked for him a little bit,” said Matt. “I learned a little bit about nutrition and the whole way the body works. If anyone tells you they’re a health coach and they’ve worked with bodybuilders, in my opinion, those are the best kind of health coaches because they understand the body – specifically how to break down fats, how to put on muscle, how to bulk, how to lean. All the science of your body is working through bodybuilding. I think that’s what made me who I am with nutrition and being a personal chef in general.”
 
In the end, the message is simple but important.
 
“It’s important to be as healthy as you can, to be as smart about nutrition as you can be,” he said. “People are forgetting that right now, especially in this area. People love to make money and forget about their own health.”
 

Westwood Living Podcast

“As times change, some places are simply too extraordinary to let their story fade. North Adams is one of them. Just three hours from Westwood, tucked into the northwest corner of the Commonwealth, the Spire City was once defined by bustling factories. Now, it’s traded the hum of machinery for the buzz of creativity, as dozens of historic buildings step out of retirement into bold new roles for their next chapter.”
 
To See
 
In the many-steepled historic district, a former church now houses the Berkshire Art Museum, where stained-glass windows glow over geometric forms and organic sculptures tracing the arc of Eric Rudd’s lifework. Nearby, some Northern Berkshire Art Outside installations (Bus Stand, That’s Gneiss, and Big Bling) add surprise bursts of creativity, with many more hidden in plain sight.
 
Former textile-printing factory MASS MoCA is now one of the nation’s largest contemporary art museums, spanning 26 interconnected buildings and 250,000 square feet. Standouts include Vincent Valdez’s Just A Dream (a searing, eerily prophetic commentary on American politics), James Turrell’s Into the Light (a 10-minute full-spectrum color immersion), and Gelare Khoshgozaran’s U.S Customs Demands to Know (a vast dark gallery lit by glowing postal packages). For more, see the extended article at mymoderneyes.com/articles.
 
To Do
 
Main Street thrives with unique stops like The Plant Connector (a plant and lifestyle shop) and Bear and Bee Bookshop (well-curated new and used reads). In a former men’s clothing store, Berkshire Emporium & Antiques brims with 20+ vendor rooms of treasures and oddities, a bakery, and a gift shop. Steps away, former mansion turned North Adams Public Library pairs chandelier-lit reading with art exhibits and a community garden.
 
The West End’s former textile manufacturer, Norad Mill, hosts dozens of businesses, including Norad Toy & Candy Company, with its massive wall of candy jars, and Belltower Records, a vinyl lover’s paradise.
 
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Cascade Falls Trail (stunning waterfalls), Natural Bridge State Park (200-foot marble arch), and Windsor Lake (swimming and camping), where nature’s palette is on display year-round.
 
To Eat
 
Fuel up at Eagle Street Café for a great breakfast and caffeinated creations (like bourbon-barrel maple latte) or Trail House Kitchen and Bar for hearty, allergy-friendly fare. Public Eat + Drink‘s serves inventive plates like slow-braised pork shoulder tacos (yum!).
 
At Greylock WORKS, a former mill turned creative hub, browse the maker shops (and peek into the massive event space), before indulging in multi-faceted Vietnamese-Californian fare at State Food + Drink. As the sun sets, relax at The Distillery where house-made gin infused with locally-foraged botanicals elevates each cocktail. We curled into armchairs as a black-and-white Fellini film flickered on the old mill wall, savoring the Dolce Vita moment.
 
Last Look
 
In North Adams, the bricks are steeped in history, and the doorways open to possibility. While the spaces are captivating, it’s the visionaries, makers, and risk-takers who will inspire you to want to consider your own next chapter.

The Ryder Cup is a biennial team competition between the top professionals from the United States and Europe. It has become one of golf’s most exciting and anticipated events. The venue switches between courses in the United States and Europe.
 
British businessman Samuel Ryder first conceived the idea in 1920, and the initial matches took place in 1927 at Worcester Country Club in Worcester, MA. Initially, this match-play tournament featured twelve Americans versus twelve opponents from Great Britain.
 
Since the beginning, the format has changed, but since 1979, 28 18-hole matches have been played over a three-day weekend. The winner of each match earns one point for their team, with half a point awarded for matches tied after 18 holes.
 
On Friday and Saturday, there are four four-ball matches and four foursome matches, totaling 16 points available over the first two days. The team captain selects eight of his twelve players for each session. On Sunday, all team members must play, as there are twelve points at stake in the singles matches. A team needs 14.5 points to win the Cup outright. If the matches end in a tie, the current holders keep the trophy.
 
A fourball match features two teams of two players each. All four golfers play their own ball for the entire round, and only the lower score of the two counts toward the team’s score on each hole. The other player’s score is disregarded.
 
A foursomes match also involves two 2-man teams. On each hole, teammates alternate shots, playing the same ball. The team captain decides which player tees off on odd-numbered holes and which on even-numbered holes. Each hole is won, lost, or tied. A singles match is a standard match-play competition between two golfers.
 
The Ryder Cup was originally contested between the United States and Great Britain. In 1953, the Republic of Ireland was added to the British team. From the resumption of the competition in 1947 through 1977, after World War II, GB&I had only secured one win and one draw.
 
This American dominance was meant to test the event’s enthusiasm so much that, after the 1977 match at Royal Lytham and St. Annes, the top player at the time, Jack Nicklaus, wrote to the British PGA President, the 18th Earl of Derby, urging GB&I to include players from Europe starting in 1979. Wisdom prevailed and helped secure the future success of the matches.
 
Today, players from fifty countries can represent Europe in the Ryder Cup. The current popularity of the matches and the worldwide media attention are believed to result from that one change. The USA has an overall record of 27-15-2; however, Europe has won 10 of the last 14.
 
Because the golfing community greatly admired the Ryder Cup, a few spin-offs have been created: the Solheim Cup, a women’s equivalent contested between the United States and Europe; and the President’s Cup, its alternate-year counterpart, pitting the USA against an International Team, representing all countries except Europe.
 
Although these contests are celebrated and profitable, they are still rare in today’s professional sports scene. The participants do not receive prize money. Profits are reinvested into promoting the game and supporting various charities and organizations. What a great game!
 
Tidbits
 
The PGA of Great Britain and Ireland owns the original Ryder Cup trophy. It is not awarded to the winning team and is kept at their headquarters at the Belfry in England. An identical replica is used for promotional events.
 
Before the final day’s singles matches, each captain must submit the name of one player who would pull out if an injury or illness causes a withdrawal from the opposing team. In this case, both players would be awarded a half point.
 
Members of the winning team each get a miniature replica of the Cup as a keepsake.
 
Today, the Ryder Cup is estimated to be worth $600,000 in US dollars. It is made of gold and measures just 43 cm (17 inches) tall by 23 cm (9 inches) wide, weighing 1.8 kg (4 pounds).
 
The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held from September 23-28 at Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, NY. 1,200 volunteers will be needed to help with hospitality, transportation, accreditation, and ticketing.

As September rolls in and the school buses start rolling through Westwood again, it’s a great time to reset. Summer is a wonderful season full of cookouts, cocktails, ice cream runs, and beach snacks, and I’m not here to make you feel bad about enjoying it. You should enjoy it! But now that the routine is returning, so can your healthy habits.
 
Fall is the perfect time to reestablish structure. Start simple. Prep a few meals ahead of time on Sunday, keep healthy snacks like apples, almonds, and hummus handy, and lean into seasonal ingredients. Early fall is loaded with local produce: apples, squash, beets, kale, and the always-polarizing Brussels sprouts.
 
Don’t forget hydration. Cooler weather doesn’t mean you can skip the water. And try to avoid the “back to school = back to stress eating” trap. Plan ahead, keep it balanced, and be kind to yourself if you slip up.
 
Whether you’re cheering on the Wolverines or settling into your fall routine, fuel your body with intention.
 
You don’t need to be perfect, just consistent.
 
Let’s make this season one of real progress. Eat right and keep moving!

Shortly after I featured Brady Dumais and Sean Blomquist as our Dental Arts of Westwood Athletes of the Month, I asked Brady, during a graduation party, if they had earned the most varsity letters of those in the Class of 2025. Brady told me to hang on as he walked around and did a little research. Less than five minutes later, he returned with the person who had those bragging rights.
 
Harper Morrison earned 12 varsity letters during her time at Westwood High School. That’s one varsity letter in each season – freshman through senior year. Tough to beat it, unless you play two sports in one season.
 
“It was so much fun, especially as a freshman,” said Harper, as we chatted outside the Westwood Public Library on a beautiful sunny day, “Playing sports with such amazing and talented athletes, I learned so much, and then being able to carry that into my junior and senior years and share the wisdom that I learned from everyone else along the way was really special.”
 
After graduating in June, Harper set sights on her next chapter as a member of the Longwood University soccer team. A center back, Harper shared some memories from her recruiting process, which wrapped up after her junior season as a Wolverine.
 
“So my recruiting process probably started around my sophomore year, and it was most intense my junior year. The hardest thing is the fact there’s a lot of waiting. You don’t really know. Coaches would say, ‘You’re good, but we’re not really sure yet,’ and I got a lot of that from so many schools. That was really hard to hear for a long time. Eventually, I had a few options and I was weighing them out, and I honestly just wasn’t happy with any of them. So I went back through all my emails, found a few schools down south because that was always my dream. I visited them, and that’s when I found Longwood.”
 
Based in Farmville, Virginia, Longwood checked many of the boxes Harper prioritized.
 
“It was very rural, and that was something I’ve always wanted. The culture there was just super cool. Another thing that really stood out to me was the coach. He was very welcoming and I also got to talk with a few of the girls before I committed, and they were all super nice. So that was really good to experience before I made my decision, and that was what led me there. I committed a bit after the 4th of July, I think.
 
With her college choice made, Harper was able to focus on her senior seasons in Westwood – starting with a stellar soccer campaign that was highlighted by a monumental win over Hopkinton. She also finished a four-year career as a diver and wrapped up her high school eligibility by sprinting for the track and field team.
 
“Diving is just very different,” she said. “I used to be a gymnast, so I got to use my gymnastics a lot more. I learned a lot from some great divers – Allie McCabe and Ava Preskenis – and the great thing about diving is you can always learn a harder dive. It’s kind of up to you – it’s very mental. And with track – I didn’t think I’d enjoy it as much as I did. Every single year, there was always a group of girls that were so, so good. Getting to learn from them, even though I was older than most of them, that was a really cool experience. Some of my best friends are on the track team.”
 
The 2025 season has already started at Longwood, and when Harper and I caught up, she was trying to mentally prepare herself for the next phase of her life and how she can contribute right away.
 
“I’m definitely a bit nervous for preseason, but I’ve met all the girls in my class, and they’re very nice,” she said. “I think something that sets me apart is my presence and calmness on the field. It’s something I’ve always been pretty good at. In big situations, just being calm, focusing on the next thing, keeping everyone settled down in really intense games.
 
“I definitely learned a lot in Westwood about leadership and how to lead both on and off the field in any sport I’ve played – just being a good role model.”
 
The 2024 Hopkinton upset stands out as a great memory, but it didn’t top Harper’s list when I asked her to spill the goods on what she’ll always cherish.
 
“It was my freshman year when we beat Oliver Ames in the playoffs,” she said, without hesitation. “As a freshman, to experience something so big. I remember being told by some upperclassmen that the girl I was marking was really good. ‘No pressure, no pressure – but this game might come down to you,’ but I’m someone who loves pressure, so I took that in stride and I ran with it in that game.”
 
Pretty clear why Harper earned 12 varsity letters – embracing the pressure and setting the standard. We’ll be keeping tabs on your next adventures in Virginia.
 

Westwood Living Podcast

If you have attended any Westwood High School theatrical productions, then you may have had the privilege of meeting Jim Howard and Robert Goldman. If you are a current or former Westwood High student, especially if you were involved with the performing arts, you know these two well.
 
Howard has been teaching an array of subjects at Westwood High since his start here in the fall of 2002.
 
“I teach technical theater, sometimes drama, sometimes communications, sometimes speaking, and I direct the fall play and the spring musical,” said Howard.
 
In Goldman’s words, “I am a music teacher, music director, and musician.” He has been a part of our school system for the past 15 years.
 
The power duo first met in 1993, when Goldman was the music director of a show at Emerson College, which Howard performed in. At this time, Howard was an Emerson student, while Goldman was a Berklee student.
 
“After that show Jim hired me and I directed with him, “ Goldman added.
 
This project was for a class Howard was taking at the time – directing the musical play. By the time Goldman got to Westwood High School, the pair knew one another quite well so the transition was easy. They already knew how to work together.
 
Although they have always had a great rhythm, the two are consistently striving to be better each and every year.
 
“I don’t know that we directly push one another to improve,” said Howard. “For me, I see how hard Rob pushes himself, and that motivates me to work hard as well.”
 
He also explained it’s a full team effort, with the duo benefitting from the excellent work of Heather Walsh, who choreographs the spring musicals and teaches drama at Thurston Middle School, and Regina, who handles costuming.
 
Westwood High arts is such a wonderful and safe environment for its students – I know from personal experience. The chorus room and auditorium are physical examples of safe domains.
 
Howard and Goldman elaborated on how at first it was more about putting up a good show, but once they had that down, they were really able to hone in on focusing on the student experience. They began cast traditions such as the pre-show warm ups which are led by the seniors, and senior speeches and flowers. In addition to that, they fostered such a great environment that students started creating their own traditions such as the sitzprobe color wars which, as Howard put it, just showed up years ago.
 
As performing arts educators, the two are passionate about the importance of this type of education within our schools.
 
“Arts education is essential,” said Howard, “It is about building self esteem. It is about community. It is about work ethic. It is about emotional and social learning. It is everything that, as educators, we’re trying to do, and it is absolutely an essential part of our students’ education.”
 
“Our administration, led by Amy Davenport, is phenomenal. We always want to make sure the town advocates for the arts. We have great parents in the drama program. It’s so important, especially now what’s going on in the political climate, that we get advocates for the art and we don’t get cuts,” Goldman explained, “We’ve been so fortunate since I’ve been in Westwood, and since Jim’s been in Westwood, and we’ve got to keep going. We can’t ever cut these programs. That’s so important to both him and I.”
 
Jim Howard and Robert Goldman deserve a lot of praise for what they have done for their students and the Westwood community. They have shared their passion for theater and music and have built such a beautiful company from it. No one does it like them. We are privileged to have such talented individuals within our school system.
 
Congratulations, Jim and Robert, for being our September Featured Artists and thank you for what you have done and continue to do for our arts community! 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.

On Episode 39 of The Wolverine Report, Evan Cardimino and I caught up with Westwood High School alum Jay Resha, who just started his 33rd year behind the mic as the Wolverines Football PA Announcer. Resha talks about his playing days at Westwood, his time as PA Announcer at Westwood High School, and stories from his time growing up in town.
 
Morgan: We’re excited to hear some stories.
 
Jay: Having hit a big birthday, I won’t tell you which one.
 
Morgan: 29
 
Jay: Something like that, or 25, or two of those. I have a lot of stories of growing up in Westwood. There are a lot of people I’ve met along the way, and so many stories. A lot of them revolve around sports at Westwood High, and now we’re going into the second generation with my own kids there. It’s rewarding, it’s fun, it’s exciting so I’m happy to share some of those stories with you – so you lead the way.
 
Evan: You grew up in a great time for Westwood sports, and you were part of an exceptional time for Westwood sports when you were there. Tell us about some of your favorite memories of being a Westwood athlete during that time?
 
Jay: Now “Westwood athlete” and being a part of a great era may be two different things. I was a varsity tennis player and four years of football. I know that I had zero Tri-Valley League All-Star selections for myself, so it wasn’t so much about me, but I’ll tell you what, I really did grow up in a great time. As a little kid I was inspired. We were winning everything. The girls basketball team had so many years in a row of winning the Tri-Valley League. The football team had Super Bowls in ’84 and ’88 – guys that inspired me to play football, frankly.
 
There were six “Dalton” Awards, you remember that award from The Boston Globe? No town had as many as we had. Now we haven’t had any in the last couple of decades, so I hope we get back to it. I just learned we finished second in the Dalton Award the year-before-last, so we’re right on the cusp of getting back up there, which is pretty cool. There were some great names. There were some great teams and then in high school it continued with us.
 
Evan: You did a lot in high school and I think for a lot of these students it’s important to try new things and get out and do a lot. You’re a parent now. How much did doing all of this in high school help you in your professional life, and are those lessons that you’re trying to impart on your kids now and encourage them to do more?
 
Jay: Agree 100% on that. Aside from being comfortable with a microphone in front of my face and being able to talk to a crowd – shout-out to Stephanie Kelsch
 
Morgan: Oh my gosh, I had her as well
 
Jay: She taught Oral English. I think they’ve changed the name, happily, since then, but what a great class it was to learn how to speak in public. I probably would not have had the microphone in my hand to do those morning announcements my senior year had it not been for that class. Yes, those skills stay with you. You have to be able to talk to people, whoever you’re talking to.
 
Evan: Talk us through a little bit about your start as a PA announcer. After leaving Westwood High School you went to college. You come back, how did you start doing PA – what was the impetus?
 
Jay: It’s a great story and I’ve told it many times. I try not to let the story change over the years and get any bigger or bolder, like the fish that you caught, but the truth is I had a parent who was ill, so I went off to college, but I was coming home on the weekends. By doing that, I was able to go to games. The very first home game, there I am with my old friends and I’m going to watch the game, but they needed a chain crew. I went down and did the chain crew. The next game, a week or two later, Joe Gearon himself is doing the PA because the fella, Roger, who did it for a number of years, he was no longer doing it.
 
So Joe was doing it and I thought that he wasn’t very good at it, and I also thought that now since I was in college, I can tell him that, and not get in trouble because I’m no longer a student at Westwood High.
 
Halftime comes, Joe comes walking down the stairs right by me. He says, ‘Hey, Resha, how you doing.’ I said, ‘Oh Dr. Gearon, nice to see you. You’re not very good at that.’ He grabbed my shirt, like in the movies, and yanked me up as though I was still a freshman and he said, ‘Oh Resha, you think you’re so good? You get up there and do it. You come with me right now.’ He marched me up the stairs, into the booth, and he sat me in the chair and said, ‘You do it.’
 
I did the second half, figured it out on the fly because I’d been listening to so many games, and 33 years later here we are. We are still here and I’m still doing them.
 
Morgan: We’re thankful for it. I’ve mentioned to you numerous times, I’m thankful for you because for two years I didn’t have a home football field. We played a home game against Medfield AT Medfield one time. We played in Norwood against Bellingham. That was our home field for a game, and thankfully because of Xaverian we had some consistency with a field. We had to play some games on Thursday at 4 o’clock or Saturday at 10am before they would play at 1. There was no consistency with that, but the guiding light through all of that is we had a home voice. We could have played the game on Mars, we could have played the game at any time of day, but when you have Jay Resha on the mic saying, ‘Touchdown, Wolverines!’ that would fire us up. It was so beneficial for us because it felt like home. There were some important games. We won back-to-back Super Bowls
 
Jay: Thank you. I’m flattered by that. I know you had a group of guys and a group of coaches who made it happen. I’ve always said I’m a tiny little cog in a very large wheel and those years on the road were very interesting without having a home field.
 
Morgan: You started with football. At what point did you expand to the other sports – like basketball?
 
Jay: About five-six years ago, I approached Matt Gillis about doing some more basketball games, and I do more basketball games now than anything else because there are more on the schedule, but I also love it. I wouldn’t say I love it more than football, but basketball is very unique, it’s very exciting. I love being a part of the game in a way that you’re not in football because you really get to scream it out and say, “Three-Pointer” and all of that and that’s a lot of fun.
 
Evan: We saw you at a couple of volleyball games this year on the mic. Is it hard to separate the PA announcing from “dad mode” when your daughter, Maddy, is on the team?
 
Jay: That part was pretty easy – the separation. It’s very rewarding, to be involved, and to have something else we’re doing, as a family. Even though it’s a community event and it’s at the school, but it’s another thing that we’re doing together. My wife’s in the stands, my son’s in the stands. Everybody is there. What a great season it was for her. In fact, the longest notes I wrote before this were about last fall and how amazing it was to see her work so hard and work her way into the starting lineup and then, for them to go on that run to make it to the Final Four, which no Westwood team had ever made it that far… that was extremely emotional, in a good way. They lost to a juggernaut of a team in Westborough. That was a highlight that compares with me remembering when we won the Super Bowl in 1992, for sure.
 

Westwood Living Podcast

While most college students fill their summers with beach days and part-time jobs, Kiernan Wang, a rising sophomore at Purdue University, is spending his time clearing out basements and attics. But this is no ordinary summer gig.
 
The Westwood native has poured his heart into launching Cleanouts for Cancer, a junk removal service born from a deeply personal mission: to honor his mother’s incredible courage and join the fight against a disease that has shadowed his family.
 
The inspiration behind the company is as powerful as it is poignant. Last fall, Wang’s mother was diagnosed with cancer for the third time. Witnessing her unwavering strength in the face of such adversity ignited a fire within him.
 
“I wanted to do something cool to basically support her,” Wang explained, his voice filled with admiration. “She’s shown so much strength”
 
He felt a profound need to channel his love and helplessness into tangible action.
 
An idea began to form, drawing from his past experience working for a friend’s junk removal company. The business model was familiar, but it needed a soul. He found it when he learned of the Falmouth Road Race, an eight-mile run that partners with charities. In a moment of perfect clarity, the pieces clicked into place.
 
He would build a business that did more than haul away unwanted belongings; it would generate hope. A third of all proceeds would be donated to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the very institution he would represent in the race. The business became a vehicle for his love, turning a summer job into a powerful statement of solidarity.
 
“The cleanup for cancer will help me raise the entry fee to run in the race,” he clarified.
 
With this heartfelt mission as his guide, Wang dove headfirst into the daunting world of entrepreneurship. Though he had a couple of mentors offering wisdom, he shouldered the immense task of building the business himself.
 
“I kind of was just thrown in the deep end, had to kind of figure it out all on my own,” he recalled. “I don’t really have any partner in this. It was just something I wanted to do by myself.”
 
He built a website, planted lawn signs across town, and let the news of his venture ripple through social media and word-of-mouth. Soon, the phone began to ring. Wang now orchestrates the daily ballet of logistics and scheduling, while his loyal friends provide the muscle, transforming into a lean, compassionate team. Together, they descend into cluttered spaces, clearing out years of accumulated memories and forgotten treasures for grateful residents.
 
The process is a thoughtful alchemy of renewal. Wang carefully sorts through each haul, separating dusty scrap wood and metal destined for the Wellesley transfer station from furniture still humming with life. Tables, couches, and chairs in good condition are given a second chance at Savers.
 
“They get a ton of really good stuff from us,” he noted with a smile, already dreaming of expanding his impact by partnering with Habitat for Humanity.
 
Even as his business blossoms, Wang remains dedicated to his demanding studies in Industrial Engineering at Purdue. He sees a beautiful synergy between his academic passion for efficiency and his entrepreneurial venture. He’s already mapping out a future where he can balance professional co-ops with summers dedicated to Cleanouts for Cancer, the peak season for his mission-driven business.
 
When asked for advice for other aspiring entrepreneurs, his words resonate with hard-won wisdom.
 
“I think the number one thing is just believing in yourself,” he stated earnestly.
 
“If you have a good idea… the number one thing is really just taking that risk, taking that step forward and bringing it to life.”
 
He launched his dream on a shoestring budget of less than a thousand dollars, proving that the biggest investment is courage. For him, taking that leap of faith was a “life-changing sort of decision” he will forever cherish.
 
The journey has been illuminated by the warmth of his hometown.
 
“The Westwood community has been really supportive,” he shared, his gratitude palpable. “They’ve all been super kind and helped me spread the word.”
 
It’s a beautiful, reciprocal bond: as Kiernan helps his neighbors unburden their homes, they, in turn, become the lifeblood of his cause, helping him transform clutter into a cure, one cleanout at a time.
 
Congratulations to Kiernan for being this month’s Standout Student! Nominate a future Tinsley Team Standout Student of the Month by emailing Diana Bezdedeanu at dbezdedeanu@bestversionmedia.com and if you’d like to give back to your community and sponsor a regular feature in Westwood Living, contact Tom Leyden at tleyden@bestversionmedia.com

One of the enjoyable parts of being a reporter following the New England Patriots is the opportunity to connect with players and share their stories.
 
Here’s one about Julian Edelman few might remember: It was 2009 and he was new to the team, a seventh-round draft pick out of Kent State selected with the 232nd overall pick. He faced longer odds to earn a roster spot, especially considering the Patriots were transitioning him from college quarterback to NFL wide receiver and punt returner.
 
It’s hard enough to play in the NFL. Then try doing it at a position you’ve never played.
 
So here’s Edelman on the practice fields at training camp behind Gillette Stadium attempting to catch punts and struggling mightily. He muffed one. Dropped another. It made one wonder if he had just cost himself a chance to play in the NFL.
 
As if Edelman didn’t feel bad enough about it, the thousands of fans that sat in the metal bleachers and packed the hillside let him know what they thought of it.
 
“Booooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!”
 
That was the modest NFL beginning for a player who will be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in September.
 
Many might also forget that it wasn’t until his fifth season – after visiting the New York Giants as a free agent who generated little interest across the NFL before re-signing with the Patriots on a modest contract — that he truly broke through.
 
Edelman’s response to adversity, and his persistence, was admirable.
 
Rob Gronkowski’s introduction to the NFL, in 2010, was quite different.
 
He was a highly-touted second-round pick out of the University of Arizona, the 42nd overall player selected. And unlike Edelman, who initially preferred to fly under the radar and not draw attention to himself, Gronkowski’s boisterous enthusiasm was on display from the start.
 
Who could forget how he put on a Patriots helmet the night the team drafted him and bounced up and down in celebration with his family in an impromptu huddle?
 
Of all the stories to share about Gronkowski, this is a favorite place to start. He was a fierce force on the field who will soon follow Edelman into the Patriots Hall of Fame, but behind the scenes, he was one of the most fun-loving and kind-hearted people to be around.
 
Make a walk over to his corner locker near the team’s equipment window and prepare to laugh. A lot.
 
How he kept such a positive approach despite sustaining heartbreaking knee and back injuries was impressive, and a lesson that any young student and/or athlete might attempt to emulate: Always find joy in the journey.
 
As for Edelman, one of his most joyful moments is another favorite story to relay.
 
It came after the Patriots defeated the Rams 13-3 in Super Bowl LIII on Feb. 3, 2019. Edelman was named the Most Valuable Player after totaling 10 catches for 141 yards.
 
The Patriots partied all night after the game, and then the following morning at 8:30, a sleepy-eyed Edelman and coach Bill Belichick joined commissioner Roger Goodell for the traditional MVP news conference. When it was over, Edelman retreated to the men’s room, where a short, spectacle-wearing Patriots reporter from Westwood was preparing to exit.
 
Edelman said hello and then added, “How about that? First ever Jewish MVP.”
 
Up to that point, Edelman hadn’t been as comfortable sharing that part of his life, how his father was Jewish. But it was something he was growing prouder to identify with, and sensing that, a request was made: Would you mind saying it again, but this time in a video so it could be sent back to Temple Beth David in Westwood?
 
He obliged. Still have that one saved in the phone.
 
As for Gronkowski, another thing that stands out is how perception isn’t reality. Yes, he likes to have a good time. But unlike other players who lived in the city to cater to that lifestyle, he preferred a quieter life with a home in Foxboro near the stadium.
 
He’s also one of the smartest businesspeople to have ever played for the Patriots, perhaps the only person who hasn’t spent any of the money earned from his contract. All the money spent came from endorsements and marketing deals, many of which he brilliantly created with his father and four brothers.
 
There’s another side to Gronkowski many might not be aware of. When he moved on to play for the Buccaneers in 2020, following Tom Brady, one of the nice parts was that it drew him closer to his mother, Diane Walters, because she was living in a suburb of Fort Myers.
 
So the day after Buccaneers road games, he would drive to her house, stay overnight, and they would enjoy the standard players’ day off by riding bikes, taking walks, and having dinner together. This was 1-on-1 time that they had never had before. A high-ranking source (wink, wink) relayed that Mama Gronk’s chicken soufflé is legendary and that Rob’s favorite side dishes are roasted vegetables and potatoes.
 
These are fun stories to share, a small peek behind the curtain of the people under the helmets who came through in the highest-stakes moments to deliver championship memories to New England that will never be forgotten.
 
Rob, the big tight end (6-foot-7, 265 pounds!) with the big heart, one of the kindest most joyful people to ever play for the Patriots.
 
Julian, the ultimate underdog with the big heart who overcame more early-career adversity than most to will himself into stardom.
 
A true pleasure to report on them – both as players and beyond.
 
Much respect.
 
Mike Reiss has reported on the Patriots since 1997. He moved to Westwood with his wife, Sigalle, in 2005. Their daughter, Talia, is a junior at Westwood High School and a contributor to Westwood Living. Their son, Nathan, is an eighth-grader at Thurston Middle School.

If Super Bowl champion and current Patriots defensive end Milton Williams could emerge from Crowley, a suburban family-town in Texas, future champions could be hidden anywhere. There are stars of all kinds, from all places, so could any of them be from Westwood? A few students at Westwood High School have already begun to make names for themselves in certain fields during their teenage years, which can only grow as they become adults.
 
A pageant queen and a football powerhouse, could they be the next big stars?
 
Alexis Cao, WHS class of 2027, competed in her first Miss Massachusetts Teen USA pageant in June. After being crowned ‘Miss Westwood,’ she advanced to the state-level competition, where she competed for the big title of Miss Massachusetts Teen USA. During the competition, Cao walked with confidence and poise, representing Westwood with passion and enthusiasm. She excelled all the way to the semi-finals, Top 16, therefore becoming a Miss Massachusetts Teen USA Semi-Finalist. Her success in the pageant world is not Cao’s only impressive accomplishment. She also excels in academics and leadership. Alexis participates in several academic events, mainly focusing on debate, business and public speaking, which aligns with her future field of interest – law. Cao is brings her passions to Westwood High as she begins by helping to form clubs focusing on mock debates and business-related activities.
 
After being recommended to pursue the Miss Massachusetts Teen USA title in the spring, Cao decided to start training for the competition. Her prior experience participating in public speaking and debate events gave her an upper hand as she already felt comfortable on a big stage.
 
While reflecting, Cao said, “It was an amazing experience and definitely helped my confidence and self image.”
 

Alexis isn’t the only pageant competitor to descend from our hometown. Kiersten Khoury, a Westwood graduate who was featured on the cover of Westwood Living last December, was crowned Miss Massachusetts in 2024. Khoury advanced to the national stage, competing for the Miss America title and becoming an idol for young children in Massachusetts. Could Alexis be on the same track?
 
As Cao excels in state pageants, there are more potential stars arising in town. Varsity defensive lineman and tight end Keilen McDonald dominates on the football field. As a current junior in the Westwood Class of 2027, he is a starter for the football team and an essential member of the team. McDonald began his football journey at 7-years-old. He finished his sophomore year with impressive stats – 57 tackles, 6 sacks and 13 tackles for a loss. McDonald helped lead the Wolverines to their second consecutive TVL Large championship, the first time Westwood has won back-to-back browns since 2004.
 
“Football has been with me my whole life and I’m happy I can perform for the town with my skills,” he said.
 
Not only is Keilan on varsity football, he is also a member of the Westwood Varsity Track and Field team, participating in the high jump. As McDonald continues to rack up all of these athletic achievements, he stands out to local newspapers and podcasts, being featured in several post-game interviews and stat recaps. Current NFL player Jalen Reagor, a wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers, followed a path very similar to McDonald when he was in high school. Reagor also participated in the high jump, but chose to focus on football. As he dialed in on his football career, Reagor eventually reached the NFL level. Is Keilen on the same track?
 
These two Westwood students are standouts excelling in their areas of interest – pageants and football. Passionate and driven, these two could be the next stars to represent our community. Keep your eye out for Alexis and Keilen – you never know if they could be the next big things!

As we shift from summer to fall this month, the energy continues—students, families, and neighbors are still exploring the outdoors through hiking, mountain biking, teambuilding programs, and the fall semester at Intrepid Academy at Hale. Fall also brings a vibrant backdrop for weddings and private events.
 
Coming up this season:
 
September 25: Observe the change of seasons at our Fall Equinox Celebration, where we’ll reflect on a wonderful summer, toast our annual award winners, and look ahead to cooler weather.
 
October 19: Learn new skills at one of our fall Mountain Biking Clinics and put them to the test during the Great Pumpkin Smash MTB Race.
 
October 25: Hale-o-ween returns with festive crafts, hiking, and a haunted cabin that’s just spooky enough for ages 4–10. New this year: an even spookier experience for older kids later in the day. Costumes are welcome and encouraged!
 
If you’re already missing Hale’s warm weather vibes, 2026 summer program registration opens this fall, so keep an eye on our website for next year’s information and early bird discounts.
 
Find more events and details at hale.education/events.
 
Hale Education offers 20+ miles of trails, four ponds, forests, meadows, and more, all right at your doorstep. Through September 30, it’s open to the public from 8 AM–7 PM daily. A $10 daily parking fee (payable upon arrival) provides use of lots accessible via its Main Entrance at 80 Carby Street.