SEPTEMBER 2026

When you consider what I do now, it’s a little ironic I started my career working with the National Football League’s Publishing department. Those first four years out of college were some of the best of my life. I was part of a great team and enjoyed rubbing elbows with many big-time celebrities, creating stories that are told … well… almost 30 years later, as if they happened yesterday.
 
Our biggest project every year was the creation, promotion, sale and distribution of the Official Super Bowl Game Program. As it is now, the Super Bowl was the NFL’s marquee event, and our department would host up to 50 guests each year during Super Bowl week.
 
So let’s go back to 1998, the Broncos getting set to play the Packers in Super Bowl XXXII in San Diego. It was early in the week and not many clients were in town yet. A few work colleagues were looking for a place to go to dinner, and I recommended we hit the Kansas City Barbeque in the Marina District, most famous for being the site of the “Great Balls of Fire” scene from the movie “Top Gun,” featuring Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Meg Ryan and Anthony Edwards.
 
Four of us headed to the KC BBQ and grabbed a table. Sure enough, there was the piano against the wall. After we ordered, I asked our waitress, “Can you play the piano?”
 
She responded by saying, “I don’t know, can you play the piano?”
 
“Well, yes, I can play the piano,” I replied.
 
“Then you can play the piano,” she said while strolling toward the kitchen.
 
Wow… what an opportunity. Now, mind you, my three friends, Lisa, Matt and Paul, didn’t really know I could play piano, but quickly found out I knew a thing or two about entertaining a party. I pulled out all the classics, and of course played “Great Balls of Fire.” Little did I know my friend, Paul, was working the cell phone, telling all of our work friends to come to the Kansas City Barbeque because, “Tommy Lay-Down is tickling the ivories.”
 
Before I knew it, maybe five or six songs in, our group of four had become eight, then ten, then twenty, then nearly forty. The Kansas City Barbeque was the place to be for NFL employees, and the piano was the center of attention. I played almost every song I knew – people were singing along, others were making requests, and I certainly didn’t have to buy a beer. One problem….. I ran out of songs.
 
“Hey, Paul – I don’t know any more.”
 
“Play ’em again!” he screamed as he raised a single finger in the air. Always a man with solutions.
 
Now, I didn’t play all of the songs again, but I did reprise “Great Balls of Fire,” and “Piano Man,” before taking a final bow. It really was amazing to feel the energy in the bar and know I was playing the same piano that had been used in a famous movie.
 
Guess what…. it got better!
 
When we were done, I sat down next to my colleague, Pete, and with him was Mark Bavaro, one of my childhood icons. If you were a Giants fan, you absolutely loved Mark Bavaro. Even if you weren’t a Giants fan, you probably liked him, and at the very least respected him as one of the game’s toughest and most reliable tight ends. I had never met Mark before, and as he shook my hand, he said, “That was fantastic man. Great job!”
 
Really? Who would have thought that’s how I’d meet one of my favorite athletes of all time… that he’d say, “Great job,” to me. I told him there were plenty of times he’d done a “great job,” too, and we shared a couple of drinks together. Down-to-earth dude – from Danvers, no less. Sometimes your favorites don’t disappoint.
 
Yes, it gets a little better.
 
The next morning, I’m still on cloud nine and walking through my hotel lobby as I prepared for a busy day of work. Who’s walking right toward me but Mark Bavaro, and what does he say?
 
“Hey… you’re the dude who was playing the piano last night.”
 
Yes, Mark, that’s me, and that’s a story that keeps getting better – even three decades later. You know what’s funny? No camera phones. No visual proof. My, how times have changed.
 
Subcscribe to Behind The Scenes with Tom Leyden on Substack for more stories from a life in sports – @tomleydenjr

We’ve all done it.
 
Maybe it’s a little soreness in your knee when you walk up the stairs. A shoulder that suddenly feels tight when you reach overhead. A nagging ache in your back after sitting for too long. Or perhaps you notice that one side of your body just doesn’t feel quite as strong or flexible as the other.
 
You tell yourself it’s nothing, and sometimes, you’re right.
 
Our bodies get sore. Muscles get tired. If you try a new workout, spend a weekend doing yard work or suddenly increase your activity level, you’re probably going to feel it. Not every ache or pain requires treatment.
 
But sometimes those little things are your body’s way of telling you something.
 
One of the most important things we can learn is the difference between normal soreness and a problem that isn’t going away. Pain that continues to return in the same place, gets progressively worse or begins to change the way you move is worth paying attention to.
 
Why? Because our bodies are incredibly good at compensating.
 
If your right knee hurts, you may unconsciously put more weight on your left side. If your shoulder is bothering you, you might start moving your arm differently. If your hip is tight, your back may begin doing more of the work.
 
You may not even realize it’s happening.
 
Over time, those compensations can create an entirely new set of problems. The place where you feel pain isn’t always the place where the problem began.
 
That’s one of the reasons we take a whole-body approach at APR Physical Therapy. Rather than simply asking, “Where does it hurt?” we want to understand how you’re moving, what has changed and what may be contributing to the problem.
 
September is a great time to think about this because so many of us are transitioning back into routines. Young athletes are practicing and competing again. Adults are getting back to the gym, running, playing pickleball or squeezing exercise into increasingly busy schedules.
 
Your body notices those changes, so pay attention when it talks to you.
 
Maybe you’re losing some range of motion. Maybe something feels weaker than it used to. Maybe that soreness that once disappeared overnight is still there three days later. Maybe you’re starting to avoid certain movements because you know they’re going to hurt.
 
Those are the little things.
 
Addressing them early doesn’t necessarily mean you’re headed for weeks of physical therapy. In fact, sometimes identifying a movement issue early can help prevent a relatively minor problem from becoming a much bigger one.
 
I often tell people that pain doesn’t have to be debilitating before it deserves your attention. Your body is pretty good at sending signals when something isn’t quite right. The key is learning to listen before it has to start shouting.

Lipotropic injections have gained significant attention in recent years, especially among those looking to enhance their weight loss journey. These injections, packed with vitamins and nutrients, are believed to help support fat loss when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise. But what exactly are lipotropic injections, and how can they work for you? Let’s break it down.
 
What Are Lipotropic Injections?
 
Lipotropic injections are supplements designed to aid in weight loss. They’re a perfect addition to the healthy habits you’re already practicing. Most lipotropic injections contain vitamin B12, known for boosting energy levels and supporting fat metabolism. This extra burst of energy helps kickstart your routine, speeds up muscle recovery, and allows you to work out more efficiently and effectively.
 
Key Ingredients in Lipotropic Injections
 
While the ingredients in lipotropic injections can vary, some of the most common ones include:
 
–Vitamin B12: Plays a crucial role in energy production and fat metabolism.
 
–Vitamin B Complex: Converts the food you eat into energy, helping to fuel your body.
 
–Vitamin B6: Vital for red blood cell production and food-to-energy conversion.
 
–L-Carnitine: Assists in transporting fatty acids into cells, where they can be burned for energy.
 
–Methionine: Aids in breaking down sugars and carbohydrates, converting them into usable energy.
 
–Inositol: Another crucial ingredient that assists in turning food into energy.
 
–Choline: Reduces muscle recovery time and helps in transforming fat into energy.
 
How Do Lipotropic Injections Support Weight Loss?
 
The primary function of lipotropic injections is to help your body burn fat more efficiently. When combined with a healthy diet and consistent exercise, they can help increase your energy levels and improve your body’s ability to metabolize fat. This can make it easier to stick to your fitness routine and achieve your weight loss goals.
 
However, it’s important to remember that these injections are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan. They’re not a quick fix but rather a supportive tool that can enhance your overall efforts.
 
Safety Tips for Lipotropic Injections
 
Safety should always be a top priority when considering lipotropic injections. These injections are often available at medical spas and weight loss clinics, so it’s essential to choose a reputable provider with the proper credentials. Before starting any new treatment, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it’s a safe and suitable option for you.
 
Are Lipotropic Injections Right for You?
 
Lipotropic injections can be a valuable addition to your weight loss toolkit, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle. They offer promising benefits, but it’s crucial to approach them with the right expectations and ensure you’re using them safely. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help you determine whether lipotropic injections are a good fit for your weight loss plan. Remember, the foundation of any successful weight loss journey is a commitment to healthy habits and a balanced lifestyle.

I usually share tips here about websites, SEO & AI Search, Google, and ways to improve your online presence. But there’s another part of managing your business online that’s just as important: knowing how to recognize suspicious emails and scams.
 
Phishing and impersonation emails have become increasingly convincing.
 
Scammers may reference your actual website, domain name, employees, or even companies you work with to make a message appear legitimate.
 
One important distinction is worth understanding:
 
An impersonation email does not necessarily mean the company being impersonated has been hacked.
 
Scammers don’t need access to a company’s website, email, or systems to pretend to be that company. They can gather publicly available information and use misleading sender names, lookalike email addresses, and other techniques to make a message seem authentic.
 
For more information, I’ve put together a resource at kmawebdesign.com covering:
 
-The difference between phishing, impersonation, and an actual account compromise
 
-Why scammers may know real information about your business
 
-Common domain, hosting, Google, invoice, and website scams
 
-Warning signs to look for before clicking a link
 
-What to do if you’ve already clicked or provided information
 
-Simple steps that can help protect your business accounts
 
One of the simplest habits you can adopt is:
 
Stop. Check. Verify.
 
If an email is unexpected, unusually urgent, or asks you to click a link, provide login information, or make a payment, take a moment to verify it independently.

In his novel, My Friends, Fredrik Bakman writes, “Little children think teenagers are the best humans, and teenagers think teenagers are the best humans, the only people who don’t think that teenagers are the best humans are adults. Which is obviously because adults are the worst kind of humans.”
 
Given that I spend my entire life as an adult working and living with teenagers, this line resonated. Also, I happen to love working with teenagers. They are honest yet mysterious, feisty yet calm, impulsive yet calculating, intelligent yet totally goofy. They make me laugh every single day, and every now and then, they make me cry. I’m guessing most teachers and parents of teenagers would agree.
 
Recently I read a non-fiction book that taught me so much about teenagers: 10 to 25, The Science of Motivating Young People. In this book, David Yeager summarizes fascinating research related to the brains of humans aged 10-25. Of all that I learned, one thing resonated most: the different mindsets that we can have when working with younger people.
 
Yeager explained four different mindsets adults can hold in relation to our standards for and our support of young people. Our standards are the academic, professional, and personal expectations that we hold for our students, colleagues, kids, etc. The support is what we do to help young people as they try to meet those standards.
 
1. The Apathetic Mindset is for those who have LOW standards for young people and provide them LOW support. This mindset explains itself, and it’s not good, so I’m moving on.
 
2. The Enforcer Mindset exists when we have HIGH standards and yet provide LOW support. I’m sure you can think of these people: they set the bar high, but you never really felt like they were there to help you reach it.
 
3. The Protector Mindset sounds better than the previous two, but really, it isn’t. This is the mindset of someone who has LOW standards and HIGH support. Young people may think they like this, but really, they don’t. These are the teachers that hand out the easy A, the coaches that make practice “fun,” but don’t care if you win or lose, and the parents who let their kids make the rules.
 
4. Finally, there’s the Mentor Mindset. This is when we have HIGH standards and HIGH support. These tend to be the people who help us the most in life: the teachers who make you earn the grade and teach you a ton along the way, the coaches who make you sweat from the start of practice until the end, the parents who say, “You are going to go even though you don’t want to.” These “mentors” (as Yeager refers to them) support young people as they reach for big goals. They stay after school, they check in after practice, they have the conversation as they drive their kid to the appointment that the kid tried their best to avoid. They believe in us, and then they show up to show it.
 
It’s not an easy world to navigate right now, and certainly, there are some people suffering much more than others. Teenagers may look okay, but many of them are not. We may want to be tough on them, or we may want to protect them from pain. Thanks to David Yeager’s book, I’m reminded that the best thing we can do for young people is hold high standards for them and provide high support as they set out to reach those standards. This is true for educators, parents, bosses, and anyone else that believes that all of our futures will be brighter when young people feel that they can contribute to the awesome effort of making it so.
 
Coming soon: A new private school with the Mentor Mindset at its core. Stay tuned!

If you looked at your home or auto insurance a few years ago and decided it wasn’t worth the headache of shopping around, it may be time to take another look.
 
For much of the past six years, homeowners had very little leverage. Insurance companies tightened underwriting, premiums climbed, and shopping your insurance often meant finding the same price or no other reasonable options. Today, that’s beginning to change.
 
While rates aren’t suddenly dropping across the board, more insurance companies are actively competing for homeowners again here in Massachusetts. If your insurance hasn’t been reviewed in a few years, today’s market may look very different from the one you encountered the last time you shopped.
 
For many Westwood families, that’s worth a closer look.
 
One of the biggest misconceptions carried over from the past several years is that if shopping your insurance didn’t produce a better result once, it probably won’t today. That may have been true during the toughest years of the market. It isn’t necessarily true anymore.
 
Insurance companies continually adjust their pricing, underwriting guidelines, and the types of homes they want to insure. Few homeowners realize how much those priorities can change over time. A company that wasn’t competitive three or four years ago may now be among the most competitive, while another carrier that once offered excellent pricing may no longer be the best fit.
 
Of course, the market isn’t the only thing that’s changed.
 
Take a typical Westwood household. Perhaps you’ve added a teenage driver, purchased an electric vehicle, renovated your home, or bundled your home and auto insurance years ago without revisiting your coverage since. Any one of those changes can affect both your premium and which insurance company offers the strongest overall value.
 
Good student discounts, vehicle assignments, deductible strategies, treatment of students away at college, and the way insurance companies evaluate young drivers can all vary significantly. Small differences in how a policy is structured can sometimes produce meaningful savings while maintaining the same level of protection.
 
The same is true for homeowners insurance. Construction costs have increased, home improvements add value, and insurance companies continue refining both pricing and coverage. A policy that was the right fit a few years ago may deserve another look today.
 
It’s also important to remember that not every insurance company approaches homeowners the same way. Some insurers are built to serve a broad national market, while others specialize in specific regions. The Andover Companies, for example, has focused on protecting New England homeowners for more than 195 years. That regional experience gives them a deep understanding of the homes, weather patterns, and rebuilding costs unique to our area. Choosing the right insurance company isn’t just about finding the lowest premium. It’s about finding the best combination of coverage, pricing, and long-term fit for your home and your family.
 
The biggest opportunity today isn’t simply finding a lower premium. It’s recognizing that the insurance market has changed. Homeowners who assumed there were no better options a few years ago may find today’s marketplace offers more choices than it has in quite some time.
 
If your home and auto insurance hasn’t been reviewed in the last few years, now is an excellent time to see what’s changed. Your current insurance may still be the best fit. You may also find another company now offers stronger coverage, more competitive pricing, or both.
 
As summer winds down and families settle back into their routines, September is a natural time to revisit financial and household decisions that often get pushed aside during the busy months. Reviewing your insurance is one of them.

For a lot of people, football season is about the game, but for me, it’s as much about the joy of gathering people together around food.
 
When people reflect on a great day at a football game, they usually don’t bring up third down conversions and how many rushing yards the Patriots had. They talk about the incredible food, the laughs, and the memories that were made before the opening kickoff.
 
That’s what great food has always done. It brings people together – so let’s make it happen for you.
 
We can certainly provide the barbecue – or any other theme you’re looking for – but what we’re really serving is an experience.
 
The biggest mistake I see people make with tailgating is trying to do too much themselves. They spend days shopping, prepping, cooking, transporting food, and worrying whether everything will stay warm. By the time kickoff arrives, they’re exhausted instead of enjoying themselves.
 
Instead, let someone else do the heavy lifting.
 
One of the reasons we expanded our catering program is because football season practically demands it. Whether you’re feeding ten people around a portable grill or fifty alumni gathering before a college game, we can build a menu that fits your crowd. From slow-smoked Texas-style brisket and chopped pork to smoked chicken wings, St. Louis ribs, pulled chicken, creamy mac and cheese, jalapeño slaw, baked beans, potato salad, and fresh salads, we’ve created options that travel well and satisfy hungry fans.
 
One group might prefer our signature sandwiches stacked high and ready to grab between conversations. Another may want chef-prepared sides, fresh deli favorites, or a combination that offers something for everyone. That’s the beauty of having a menu built around flexibility. Every gathering is a little different, and your food should reflect that.
 
If you’re hosting, here’s one piece of advice I always give people: think beyond the food itself. Create a place where people want to stay. Bring comfortable chairs. Set up a speaker with some music. Have a few games to keep kids entertained while the adults catch up. Tailgating is about creating an atmosphere where conversations happen naturally.
 
And don’t forget dessert! Trust me, people always remember dessert.
 
As a chef, I love experimenting with new flavors and techniques, but one thing has never changed. When the food is taken care of, everyone gets to relax, including the host, and a spot in the parking lot feels and smells like home.
 
As another football season kicks off, don’t spend your Saturday or Sunday worrying about smokers, ovens, coolers, or whether you made enough food. Tap into resources that can make your life easier and spend your time talking with old friends, meeting new ones, cheering on the Pats, and enjoying the kind of meal that turns an ordinary game day into something people will still be talking about long after the final whistle.
 
Think about it – if teams win because they have a solid game plan, shouldn’t you have a solid game plan for your tailgate to make it a winner? I’ll leave you with that. Let’s talk!

More homeowners are looking at heat pumps as a good option – a way to move away from oil or gas, improve efficiency and add year-round heating and cooling to their homes. On paper, the decision can look pretty straightforward, but someone needs to take a look at the electrical panel.
 
That’s often when an $18,000 heating and cooling conversation suddenly becomes a much bigger home improvement project.
 
Here in Westwood and surrounding communities, we work on plenty of homes built in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. Many were designed around 100-amp electrical service because the electrical demands of a household were dramatically different then. Today, homeowners are using more electric energy with heat pumps, induction ranges, EV chargers, electric dryers and other equipment that simply wasn’t part of the equation when the house was built.
 
Just because you are using a lot of electricity doesn’t automatically mean you need a new electrical service. I would strongly recommend you consult with a qualified expert to help you do some homework before you start buying equipment.
 
One of the most important steps of the process is completing an electrical load calculation. In simple terms, we’re determining how much electricity your home could reasonably demand and whether your existing electrical service can safely support it.
 
This is a critical step and where it becomes clear to homeowners that you may want to slow down. Don’t fall in love with a heat pump quote until you understand what it will take to make the entire house ready for that heat pump.
 
If your electrical service needs to increase from 100 amps to 200 amps, for example, the project can involve more than replacing the panel. Depending on the house and utility requirements, there may be service changes, permitting, utility coordination, exterior work or even meter relocation. Those additional costs can turn what looked like an affordable mechanical upgrade into a much larger investment.
 
Cost isn’t the only consideration. Timing matters, as well.
 
Utility coordination and electrical upgrades can add significant time to a project. You don’t want to order equipment, make deposits and schedule installation only to discover that another part of the project needs to happen first.
 
My advice is to look at your house as a system. Before committing to a major electrification project, think about what you want the home to look like five or ten years from now. Are you considering an Electric Vehicle? Will you be converting from gas cooking to induction? What about an addition, which could be anything from finishing the basement to installing a hot tub? Those decisions can affect what makes sense today.
 
Mass Save continues to offer meaningful incentives for qualifying heat pump installations, including 2026 rebates that vary depending on the type and size of the system. Those incentives can absolutely make electrification more attractive, but a rebate shouldn’t drive the project. The house should.
 
At High Pace Construction, we believe the best project is the one that’s properly planned before construction begins. So before you ask, “How much is the heat pump?” ask a better question:
 
“What does my house need to support where I want to take it?”
 
That answer might save you from a very expensive surprise.

As September arrives, most families are focused on getting back into a routine. School is back in session, fall sports are underway, and the calendar suddenly fills up with practices, games, homework, and weekend activities. I know that feeling well. My wife, Chandler, and I have three kids, and like many families, our schedule can feel like organized chaos.
 
You know what doesn’t care about your busy schedule? Your plumbing and heating systems! They simply keep working until something fails, and unfortunately, those failures often happen at the worst possible time.
 
I always encourage homeowners to think of September as the perfect month for prevention.
 
One of the first things I recommend is having your heating system inspected before you actually need it. The first cold night of the season is not the time to discover your boiler or furnace isn’t operating properly. A preseason inspection can identify worn components, address small issues before they become expensive repairs, and assure you will stay warm when temperatures begin to drop.
 
Next, pay attention to your water heater. Don’t wait until there’s no hot water left for morning showers. If your water heater is getting older, making unusual noises, or producing inconsistent temperatures, those are warning signs. Catching a problem early often gives you more options and can help you avoid an emergency replacement.
 
Outside your home, disconnect garden hoses before freezing temperatures arrive. It sounds simple, but every year we see frozen hose bibs and burst pipes because water was left trapped inside exterior plumbing. Taking five minutes in the fall can save you from a much larger repair later.
 
If your home has exposed pipes in an unfinished basement, crawl space, or garage, now is the time to consider adding insulation. Frozen pipes remain one of the most common winter plumbing emergencies, and prevention is almost always less expensive than cleanup after a pipe bursts.
 
I also encourage homeowners to pay attention to drains. If you’ve noticed a sink draining slowly or a toilet that’s been acting differently, that likely won’t fix itself. Small drainage issues often become bigger blockages during the holidays when homes experience more guests, more cooking, and heavier water usage.
 
Finally, know where your home’s main water shutoff valve is located. It’s one of the simplest pieces of advice I give, yet many homeowners have no idea where it is until water is already pouring onto the floor. Spending a few minutes locating it today could save thousands of dollars if an emergency ever occurs.
 
At Plumbing Solutions, we’ve always believed our job is about more than fixing problems. It’s about helping families avoid them in the first place. As a homeowner and a father, I understand how valuable peace of mind can be. I want you to feel good knowing your home is prepared for whatever New England weather has in store.
 
A little planning in September can make all the difference in January.

Few topics in medicine currently generate as much interest, and as much confusion, as peptides.
 
They’re discussed everywhere from professional conferences to podcasts, often with bold claims about healing, recovery, and longevity. As interest has grown, so has the misinformation, and the challenge of separating promising science from premature conclusions.
 
So what exactly are peptides?
 
Simply put, peptides are short chains of amino acids, the same building blocks that make up proteins throughout the body. Many occur naturally and serve as signaling molecules, helping cells communicate when to repair tissue, regulate inflammation, produce hormones, or carry out countless other biological functions. In fact, some of the most well-established medications in modern medicine, including insulin and GLP-1 medications, are peptide-based medications.
 
The peptides generating much of today’s attention, however, are compounds such as BPC-157 and TB-500, both of which are being investigated for their potential role in tissue repair and recovery.
 
Early laboratory and animal research suggests these peptides may influence processes involved in healing, including collagen formation, blood vessel growth, and inflammation. Anecdotally, many patients report improvements in tendon injuries, joint pain, muscle recovery, and other chronic musculoskeletal conditions. While these reports are certainly interesting and deserving of further study, the reality is that high-quality human clinical trials remain limited. At this point, the potential appears promising, but the scale of evidence has not yet caught up with the enthusiasm.
 
For many clinicians, however, myself included, the biggest concern has been where they currently come from.
 
Because BPC-157 and TB-500 have not been FDA-approved medications and have historically faced significant restrictions on pharmacy compounding, many patients have turned to products sold online for “research purposes only.” Unfortunately, these products often come with little transparency regarding purity, sterility, dosing accuracy, or manufacturing quality.
 
That may be beginning to change.
 
In July 2026, an FDA advisory committee voted to recommend a regulatory pathway that could eventually allow licensed compounding pharmacies to prepare BPC-157, TB-500, and several other peptides by prescription if the FDA ultimately adopts the recommendation.
 
This is an important distinction. The committee’s vote does not mean these peptides are FDA-approved, nor does it prove they are safe or effective. Those questions still require larger, well-designed human studies. However, if the FDA accepts the recommendation, it could provide a more reliable pathway for obtaining these compounds as opposed to the unregulated marketplace that has existed until now.
 
As with many emerging therapies, it’s important to separate potential from proof. Peptides like BPC-157 and TB-500 are supported by intriguing early science and encouraging anecdotal reports, but they remain investigational. The recent regulatory developments don’t change the evidence; they simply have the potential to improve how these compounds are sourced and prepared.
 
Medicine is constantly evolving. The key is remaining open to innovation, disciplined enough to follow the evidence, and transparent enough to acknowledge what we know, what we don’t know, and where the science is headed.
 
References
 
ClinicalTrials.gov. (2025). BPC-157 for acute hamstring injury. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07437547).
 
Harvard Health Publishing. (2025). Peptides: What they are, potential benefits, and safety concerns. https://www.health.harvard.edu/medications-and-treatments/peptides-what-they-are-potential-benefits-and-safety-concerns
 
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2026). July 23–24, 2026 meeting of the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee. https://www.fda.gov/advisory-committees/advisory-committee-calendar/july-23-24-2026-meeting-pharmacy-compounding-advisory-committee-07232026
 
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2026). Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee briefing document: BPC-157, TB-500, KPV, and MOTS-c. https://www.fda.gov/med ia/193342/download
 
Reuters. (2026). FDA panel votes to place popular peptide BPC-157 on compounding list. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/fda-panel-votes-place-popular-peptide-bpc-157-compounding-list-2026-07-23/
 
Lee, E., & Padgett, B. (2021). Intra-articular injection of BPC 157 for multiple types of knee pain. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 27(4), 8–13.
 
Lee, E., & Burgess, K. (2025). Safety of intravenous infusion of BPC157 in humans: A pilot study. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 31(5), 20–24.

Every fall, high school seniors begin fielding a familiar question:
 
“So, where are you applying to college?”
 
It comes from grandparents, neighbors, teachers, coaches, parents of friends, and well-meaning adults at Starbucks. And of course it does! College is a big milestone. We care about these kids, we’re curious about what comes next, and we’re trying to make conversation.
 
But for many teenagers, that seemingly harmless question can carry more weight than we
realize.
 
By September, seniors are swimming in college talk. Friends are comparing lists. Parents are eyeing deadlines. School counselors are scheduling meetings. Social media is serving up campus tours and “day in the life” videos. Someone has a breathtaking SAT score. Someone else is applying early to that one school everyone seems to daydream about.
 
The noise gets loud. Quickly. And our teenagers, who are already navigating the very normal work of figuring out who they are and where they belong, are suddenly being asked, over and over again, to explain where they’re going next.
 
That’s a lot.
 
The List Is Personal
 
A college list reflects much more than preference. Behind those school names are academic performance, family finances, learning needs, athletic recruitment, career interests, and plenty of uncertainty. Some students are delighted to talk about their plans. Others feel overwhelmed by the process or are still figuring it out. Still others know exactly where they hope to go but would rather not announce it to everyone they encounter.
 
All of those responses are perfectly reasonable.
 
When we repeatedly ask teenagers where they’re applying, we can unintentionally send the message that where they go next is the most interesting thing about them right now.
 
It isn’t.
 
Senior year is a coming-of-age milestone all its own. These students are taking challenging classes, playing sports, performing in concerts, working jobs, making art, navigating friendships, spending time with family, and experiencing dozens of “lasts” they may not even recognize as lasts yet.
 
College applications are something they are doing. They are not who they are.
 
Ask Better Questions
 
So, what can we say instead?
 
Ask what classes they’re enjoying. Ask what senior tradition they’re looking forward to most. Ask about the team, the play, their job, their friends, or the music they’re listening to.
 
And if college comes up, try, “What are you hoping to find in a college?” rather than “Where are you applying?”
 
That small shift moves the conversation away from names, outcomes, and prestige and toward something much more interesting: the teenager standing in front of you.
 
Then, follow their lead. If they enthusiastically start listing colleges, wonderful! If they shrug, give you a vague answer, or change the subject, go with it.
 
Protect Senior Year
 
Parents can create some breathing room at home, too. Of course, this is easier said than done. When we’re anxious about our kids, asking questions can feel like helping. But college applications don’t need to be discussed every time your senior walks into the kitchen.
 
Consider setting aside a specific time each week for deadlines, essays, and next steps. Outside of that time, try allowing home to be a place where your teenager gets to be a teenager. You don’t want your kid to wince every time they emerge from their room in search of a late-night bowl of cereal.
 
There will be plenty of college conversations in the months ahead. There will be applications and decisions, excitement and disappointment, uncertainty and, eventually, a choice about what comes next.
 
But these kids get only one senior year.
 
Let’s help them stay in it.
 
And the next time you encounter a senior this fall, resist the urge to ask where they’re applying.
 
Ask them something about who they are right now instead.

Par
 
Today, it is accepted that “par” is derived from the stock exchange term that determines its standard, or par value. In 1870, AH Doleman, a golf writer, asked some competitors what score would win “The Belt“ at this year’s Open, held at Prestwick Golf Club* for the eleventh time.
 
Some pros agreed that perfect play would total 49 strokes for Prestwick’s challenging 12-hole course. Mr. Doleman called this “par” for Prestwick GC. Nineteen-year-old Young Tom Morris won his third consecutive Open with 51 strokes, two over par. The Challenge Belt was emblematic of the Open Champion and preceded the Claret Jug, first presented in 1873.
 
Bogey
 
The terms par and “bogey“ were instrumental in developing the handicap system, allowing players of different calibers to compete against each other in a fair competitive game. Let the negotiations begin!
Introduced in 1890 by Hugh Rotherham at the Coventry Golf Club in England, it was later endorsed by Dr. Browne, Secretary of the Great Yarmouth Golf Club in England, that bogey would be the number of strokes that a good golfer was expected to take on a given hole. Bogey became the standard and the first stroke system.
 
Double Bogey +
 
Other than double-bogey, triple-bogey, and quadruple-bogey, there is no standard term for two, three, four, or more strokes over par on a given hole. I can tell you that in professional golf, a score of seven is called a hockey stick, an eight is called a snowman, and if you make a nine, you’re asked to contact the nearest Greyhound bus depot, because that’s all you’ll be able to afford!
 
Birdie
 
“Birdie” is a score of one under par and originated in 1903 at Atlantic City (NJ) Country Club. It derived from the American saying “bird” which meant anything excellent. Brothers Abner, William Smith, and friend George Crump were playing the par-four twelfth hole when Ab hit his second shot to within inches of the hole.
 
After such a great shot, someone in the group exclaimed it was “a bird of a shot.” It was then agreed that a score of one under par would be coined “birdie.” Visiting players who learned of the local “birdie” custom would spread the word worldwide, and it became the universal term.
 
Eagle
 
Keeping with the theme of birds for a good score, the term “Eagle” was chosen for a score of two under par on a given hole. American golfers embraced the term, which is also their national symbol. Ab Smith, our birdie friend, referred to two under par as an eagle and developed shortly after the birdie. In 1919, the term was introduced to Great Britain, Canada, and beyond.
 
Albatross
 
Rarified air will keep the “Albatross” airborne. Three under par on a hole is rare, and the albatross is a rare bird. This is a British term. In America, our friend Ab Smith called it a double-eagle. The exact origin is unclear, but the improved equipment had a definite impact, as balls and clubs improved. The albatross became more common as steel-shafted clubs were introduced in the 1920s.
 
Condor
 
The “Condor” is only achieved by scoring a hole-in-one on a par-5 or making two on a rare par-6 hole. I knew of the term, but I had no idea six condors were recorded to date in America, Great Britain, and Australia. Until recently, they were called par-5 aces and only one two has been recorded on a par-6. With the advancement of technology, fitness, and new swing techniques, what seemed impossible is now possible for the game’s longest hitters.

It’s back to school time, so this month’s spotlight is on an immersive art experience on view at MIT in Cambridge. The university has a great museum that offers fascinating contemporary art, often exploring themes of science and technology. The latest installation by artist Pap Souleye Fall explores a very tech-specific phenomenon that every video game lover will understand: the occasional “dead pixel” or black spot that appears on the screen when there is a tech malfunction. As an artist and a comic book illustrator, Fall can’t help but imagine what sort of other world exists inside that black spot. Curious? Come and experience this installation.
 
Beyond the theme of technology itself, to make it even more site-specific, Fall uses electronic waste from MIT’s campus in his work. Along with other materials and sculptures, the artist truly creates a world for the audience to step into, and one that looks much different than ours. Some objects are familiar while others are more abstract, and as your brain tries to make sense of this strange environment, you can’t help but enjoy the colorful vibrancy of it all. It really does feel like you’re in a video game, or rather, the technological glitch of one.
 
Installation view, Pap Souleye Fall, ITAINTTHATDEEP, 2023. Courtesy of the artist, Gratin, and Garth Greenan Gallery, New York. Photo: Andrés.

Welcome back, Westwood! As the calendar flips to September, the quiet, lazy days of summer vanish in the blink of an eye, replaced by the beautiful chaos of a new school year. Suddenly, our planners are packed, our alarms are going off, and we’re back to the daily rhythm of work and lunches and dropoffs and homework and all those structured extracurricular activities.
 
It is easy to get swallowed up by the sheer velocity of the fall routine. We become hyper-scheduled, rushing from one commitment to the next. But if I can offer one piece of advice as we kick off another academic year, it is this: do not let the autumn slip away without actually enjoying it. The winter cold will be here soon enough, so now is the time to squeeze every drop of joy out of these (hopefully) sunny and mild weeks.
 
In some ways, I have learned this lesson the hard way, framed by a memory I hold dear. September 28, 2013 – a weekday that year, and also my wedding anniversary. The Gem and I were not celebrating it on that day, however; we typically wait until the weekend for date night.
 
The weather was inexplicably, gloriously hot. The kids were still small, and attending Martha Jones. Looking at the forecast, we made an executive family decision – we pulled the kids out of school for the day, packed the car, and drove down to Horseneck Beach.
 
When we arrived, we had nearly the entire coastline to ourselves. It was perfect. The sun was warm, the ocean not too chilly yet, the kids were past the point of their parents never being able to sit down, and the pressures of the real world felt a million miles away. It was a fantastic day, and driving home, I confidently told myself we would make this season-bending trip an annual tradition. Or at least do it a few more times.
 
But we never did.
 
Between unpredictable New England weather and our increasingly frantic schedules, the stars refused to align quite like that again. And then, as it always does, time pulled a fast one on us – the kids grew up. That afternoon in Westport remains a beautiful, if isolated, snapshot. And it taught me that the perfect moment to have fun is often RIGHT NOW, because the future has a habit of interfering with our plans.
 
So…go to the beach if we catch a day with Indian Summer weather. Get out to the orchards and pick some apples with a hot cider donut (or leave the donuts to the kids and have some of that spiked cider, eh?) Hit a farmers’ market and cook something delicious and oh-so-fresh. Head over to the German Club for Oktoberfest, raise a stein, and enjoy the community vibe.
 
Very importantly, get out and support our kids and our local athletes. Fall sports are back in full swing. Whether it is soccer, field hockey, volleyball or cross country, these kids are putting in the work and deserve our cheers. And…of course…there is Friday night football at Westwood High School’s Flahive Field. I am laced up and ready for a thirty-fourth season as your PA announcer, and this year will be extra special. For you see, someone who lives in my house (a someone who asked me to never mention him in my columns) will be out there with the rest of the Wolverines, as I was back when people said President Bush and you didn’t have to ask which one.
 
And now a big reminder! We can only enjoy all of these events because of the PEOPLE who make them happen. We have an incredible network that holds our town together, so remember to support the fantastic sponsors of Westwood Living, because they embody the spirit of community, and make it obvious why you always hear “shop local”! Our sponsors are our lifeblood, and the people and businesses of this area make Westwood such a special place to live and raise a family. When you patronize our sponsors, you are investing directly back into your neighborhood.
 
Let’s make a deal. You fight the urge to stay inside and look at your to-do lists. Put down the planner, step away from the email, and instead act with the boundless, frantic energy of a caffeinated squirrel hunting for the last acorn on the planet. You do all that, and I will take my wife and kids to the beach.
 
Just kidding! Let’s all do all of the above.
 
So go Wolverines! And may we all enjoy the coming of the fall as soon as possible. Because if my creaky joints are any indication, we’re probably about six weeks from the first of the blizzards that will lock us up until May.
 
See you outside!
 
Westwood Living? No…thank YOU for living in Westwood. See you next month (bolder and colder) and I look forward to hearing from you any time at jayresha@comcast.net

For eleven-year-old Emily Nguyen, the ice isn’t just a frozen sheet at The Skating Club of Boston, it’s a blank canvas.
 
As she prepares to step into the hallways of Thurston Middle School this fall, leaving her elementary years at Pine Hill behind, Emily carries with her a rare blend of youthful exuberance and remarkable artistic discipline.
 
She has been gliding across the ice since she was seven years old, devoting two to three hours a day, six days a week, to perfecting her craft. Yet, listen to her speak, and you won’t hear a stressed-out competitor.
 
You’ll hear a passionate artist in total harmony with her work.
 
“Skating is really competitive… but you get to express your emotions on the ice,” Emily shares. “If you have a bad day, don’t get stressed out. Just try harder the next day.”
 
That deep emotional expression shines brightest in her breathtaking program set to the Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto. This season, Emily was honored to perform the piece at the 54th Annual An Evening with Champions, one of the nation’s longest-running charitable figure skating exhibitions. Founded at Harvard University in 1970, the event brings together Olympic, world, and national figure skating icons alongside rising stars to support cancer research, generating over $3 million in lifesaving funds to date.
 
To glide across that ice for a cause far bigger than herself was a defining milestone, one guided closely by her head coach, Lisa Coppola. Under Lisa’s expert eye and nurturing guidance at The Skating Club of Boston, Emily has learned to treat every stroke as storytelling. Lisa’s unwavering mentorship has given Emily the confidence to embrace the emotional depth of the Butterfly Lovers Concerto, shaping not just her technical mastery on double jumps, but her soul as a performer.
 
For Emily and her mother, success isn’t about chasing podiums or fixating on ultimate results. It’s about the sheer beauty of growth.
 
“Don’t overthink it,” Emily advises younger skaters taking their very first glides. “If you’re starting to jump, don’t think about landing it, because it’s more about technique than the outcome. Landing is one tiny little thing that doesn’t matter as much as your technique. Just have fun and do what you know.”
 
Her mom Julia, echoes that grounded perspective, noting that Emily’s true reward comes from connection and joy.
 
“She loves ice skating for itself – to entertain people, to grow each month, and to feel the pure art of the sport.”
 
That spirit of connection extends far beyond her solo programs. Emily also competes in the dynamic world of Theatre On Ice, blending theatrical acting, prop work, and group choreography.
 
Her team recently traveled to Irvine, California, capturing a National Championship title. Off the ice, she recharges through Korean hip-hop dance, bringing that vibrant rhythm right back to the rink.
 
“It’s really important to have friends on the team,” Emily beams. “When you travel, if you don’t have friends, it gets lonely! But Theatre On Ice is so fun – we get to wear amazing costumes, use props, and work on our expressions together.”
 
As she steps forward into middle school, Emily carries a sweet piece of wisdom for the incoming fifth graders at Pine Hill.
 
“Don’t be shy, and speak up in class! The more you speak up, the better it is for you.”
 
Whether she is lacing up her skates for a quiet early-morning practice with Coach Lisa, performing on a national stage with her teammates, or stepping into a new classroom, Emily Nguyen is living proof that true brilliance happens when you trust the process, lean on your community, and simply love what you do.

Ten years ago at Westwood Day, the Westwood Artists hosted their first event as a group of artists and makers. They are celebrating their anniversary at this year’s Westwood Day on Saturday, September 19 by hosting a booth and raffling off a gift basket of Westwood Artists’ art and craft.
 
Westwood Artists is a group of artists and makers who live in Westwood. Here are some of their accomplishments over ten years supporting resident artists: Westwood Living featuring artists; hosting events to support small businesses at the Senior Center, Westwood Plaza, and the Fisher School; collaborating with Westwood groups to promote art, including WLT “Capturing Nature in Westwood”, “Art and Music,” with Jim Guerelo, showcases at Westwood Day, a dedicated Art Gallery at the Westwood Media Center headquarters, the Westwood Holiday Walkabout, annual Westwood Library exhibits, and more.
 
The Westwood Artists founders are proud to celebrate 10 years and look forward to future opportunities to recognize and support Westwood Artists. Any Westwood resident who is an adult artist or maker is welcome to join this group. There are currently 37 Westwood Artists who receive notice of events and over 300 residents who are receiving information about upcoming events. Email us at westwoodartists@gmail.com to add your name.

September always feels like a fresh start. The kids are back in school, fall sports are underway, and family calendars quickly fill with practices, meetings, and activities. As life gets busier, it’s also a great time to get back into healthy routines, especially when it comes to eating.
 
One of the biggest challenges I hear from families is, “We just don’t have time.” The truth is, healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. A little planning goes a long way. Wash and prep fruits and vegetables when you get home from the grocery store, keep healthy snacks within easy reach, and think about a few simple dinners before the week begins. Those small steps can make healthy choices much easier when everyone is on the go.
 
September is also one of my favorite months because New England is overflowing with fresh, local produce. Apples, tomatoes, squash, peppers, and leafy greens are at their best this time of year. Take advantage of what’s in season and let those ingredients become the foundation of your meals.
 
Remember, good nutrition isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making better choices more often than not. Start with one small change this month. Maybe it’s packing a healthier lunch, cooking one extra meal at home each week, or replacing sugary drinks with water. Those simple habits add up over time.
 
A healthy fall doesn’t begin with a diet. It begins with a decision to take one positive step at a time.
Eat right and keep moving!

Every September, something shifts.
 
The buses return. Lunches get packed. Calendars fill up. We buy new sneakers, sharpen pencils, and settle back into routines.
 
Most people think January is the season for fresh starts. I think September deserves that title.
 
As a coach, I encourage people to take advantage of that energy because healthy habits thrive on routine. Summer is wonderful, but vacations, cookouts, and late nights can throw even the best intentions off track. Fall brings structure back, and that’s the perfect time to start something new.
 
If you’ve been thinking about running, here’s my advice:
 
-Register for a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. Three months is plenty of time to prepare for a 5K.
 
-Download a free Couch-to-5K program.
 
-Find your people. Invite a friend, hire a coach, or join a beginner-friendly run club.
 
-Schedule your workouts first. Treat them like any other appointment, and celebrate consistency, not speed.
 
Every September, we buy new backpacks, sharpen pencils, and lace up new sneakers, and these are all symbols of a fresh start. This year, give yourself a fresh start, too. As you fill in your planner or calendar, schedule your workouts just as you would any other important appointment. By Thanksgiving, you’ll have built a healthy habit that can last a lifetime.

Trina Holland’s story begins thousands of miles from Westwood, and you can still hear a little bit of that story every time she speaks.
 
Her warm, unmistakable County Galway brogue instantly transports you somewhere quieter, friendlier and a little more peaceful. Spend five minutes talking with the Westwood resident and owner of The Bella Boutique Spa, and you’ll understand why so many of her clients feel like they’ve found more than a place for a facial or massage. Trina has created an escape.
 
Nestled in Newtonville, The Bella Boutique Spa has become a destination for clients seeking healthy skin, relaxation and personalized care. The story behind the business began thousands of miles away on Ireland’s rugged west coast, where Holland grew up dreaming of building a life in America.
 
“I was just that little girl with a big dream,” she recalled during our recent conversation on the Westwood Living Podcast. At just 20-years-old, she packed her bags, crossed the Atlantic and landed in Boston with little more than ambition and the belief that opportunities awaited.
 
Like many great success stories, hers didn’t begin exactly as planned.
 
She spent four years working as a receptionist in a dermatology practice, where she became fascinated by skincare and the science behind healthy skin. Before long, she enrolled in aesthetics school, determined to help people feel more confident in themselves. That decision ultimately led to purchasing an existing business with a partner before creating The Bella Boutique Spa, a business that has steadily grown into one of the area’s most respected wellness destinations.
 
Today, The Bella Boutique Spa occupies an unlikely location that perfectly reflects Holland’s creativity.
What was once a Subway restaurant has been transformed into an elegant retreat thanks to her husband, Dominick, whose vision turned an ordinary storefront into an unexpectedly expansive spa with six treatment rooms. From the outside, few people realize what awaits beyond the front door. Inside, the atmosphere immediately shifts as the pace slows, the lighting softens and the stress of the outside world seems to disappear.
 
All of those feelings are intentional.
 
“It’s about creating a space where people can forget about everything else for an hour or two and simply focus on themselves,” Holland explained.
 
It’s a philosophy that extends to every service The Bella Boutique offers.
 
Unlike many modern med spas that focus heavily on lasers, injectables and cosmetic procedures, The Bella Boutique has intentionally chosen a different path. Holland believes healthy skin begins with education, consistency and hands-on care.
 
“We’re not a med spa,” she said. “We really want your skin to be healthy from the inside out.”
Instead of chasing quick fixes, her team helps clients understand their skin, recommending tailored treatments while emphasizing long-term skin health. Services such as customized facials, microneedling, dermaplaning and microdermabrasion are designed to nourish and maintain rather than simply mask concerns.
 
Massage therapy is another major part of what makes The Bella Boutique unique.
 
Whether someone is looking for deep relaxation, relief from chronic tension, hot stone therapy or a CBD massage, Holland’s experienced therapists personalize each session to fit the client’s needs. It’s another example of the spa’s belief that wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. Education also plays a central role.
 
As someone who spent years alongside dermatologists, Holland encourages every client to prioritize sunscreen, schedule annual skin checks and pay attention to changes they notice. While The Bella Boutique doesn’t diagnose medical conditions, the team frequently encourages clients to consult a dermatologist whenever something appears unusual.
 
For Holland, success isn’t measured only by glowing, but how people feel when they walk out the door.
“They leave relaxed,” she said. “They leave with healthier skin. They leave feeling like they took time for themselves.”
 
That mindset has cultivated an incredibly loyal clientele, many of whom return month after month. Holland is even exploring membership options that would reward those regular visitors while making ongoing self-care even more accessible.
 
Although she has built a successful business in Massachusetts, Ireland remains close to her heart.
She still returns home twice each year, often flying into Shannon before making her way through County Galway. When she describes Ireland’s lush countryside after one of its famous “soft days,” her affection for home is unmistakable.
 
Perhaps that’s why Westwood immediately felt right when she first discovered it. After years of living amid the constant activity of Newton, she found herself drawn to Westwood’s quieter pace and welcoming community.
 
“It reminded me a lot of Ireland,” she said.
 
Whether you’re stepping into The Bella Boutique Spa for your very first facial, a restorative massage or simply an hour away from life’s endless demands, you’ll likely experience a little of that same Irish hospitality that has become Trina Holland’s signature.
 
Warm, genuine and relaxing – exactly what so many of us need.
 

Westwood Living Podcast

If you’ve never stopped by Wasabi in Medfield, you really need to make the trip. Anna Gao and her team do such a remarkable job welcoming you and making sure you enjoy the entire dining experience. Anna and I had a chance to exchange a Q&A about Wasabi and how it’s grown .
 
How long have you been in the restaurant business? What’s your personal background?
 
I’ve been in the restaurant industry for about 15 years. I came to the United States with a dream of building a better future for my family. Like many immigrants, I started from the ground up, working in different restaurants while learning English and gaining experience along the way. Every step of that journey taught me something valuable and strengthened my dream of one day opening a restaurant of my own. That’s how Wasabi came to life. My vision was to create more than just a place to enjoy great food. I wanted to create a warm, welcoming space where every guest could relax, feel at home, and make lasting memories with the people they love.
 
Tell me a bit about the history of Wasabi in Medfield. What inspired you to open and what were you looking to create?
 
First and foremost, I’d like to thank my partner, Jean. It was Jean who encouraged us to take that leap of faith and open a restaurant of our own. From the very beginning, Jean believed in our dream and gave us the confidence, encouragement, and unwavering support to turn it into a reality. From the start, we wanted Wasabi to be more than just a restaurant. Our dream was to create a warm, welcoming place where families and friends could gather, share great conversations, and enjoy fresh Thai, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine together. Watching Wasabi grow over the past two years and become part of the Medfield community has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of our lives. We are deeply grateful for the kindness, loyalty, and support our guests have shown us, and we look forward to continuing to serve this wonderful community for many years to come.
 
What are some of the most common things people say about Wasabi after they’ve enjoyed a meal or a drink?
 
One of the things we hear most often from our guests is how much they appreciate the freshness of our food, the variety of our menu, and the genuine hospitality of our staff. It’s incredibly rewarding to see first-time visitors become familiar faces, and even more meaningful when they bring their family and friends back to share the Wasabi experience. To me, there’s no greater compliment than knowing we’ve created a place people are excited to return to again and again.
 
There are so many different things on the menu. Why is it important to you to have so many different options?
 
Every guest has their own unique tastes and preferences, so we’ve always wanted Wasabi to be a place where everyone can find something they’ll truly enjoy. Whether it’s a family gathering or friends getting together, we want every guest to feel excited about what’s on the menu. Even with so many choices, we never compromise on quality. Every dish is prepared with care and the same commitment to freshness and excellence. At the end of the day, seeing our guests leave with full hearts, happy smiles, and wonderful memories is what means the most to us. It’s what inspires us every single day.
 
As you built a staff, what was important to you? What do you look for when hiring people, and how would you describe the people who work for you?
 
When we hire, we don’t just look at experience – we look at the person. We’re looking for people with kind hearts, positive attitudes, and a genuine desire to care for others. The technical side of restaurant service can always be learned, but true hospitality comes from the heart. At Wasabi, we’re more than just coworkers. We’re a family. We support one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and work together every day to create a warm, welcoming experience for our guests. I truly believe that’s something people can feel the moment they walk through our doors.
 
The bar area is so fantastic, and Eric is such a magnetic personality behind the bar. Tell me your perspective on the bar, how energetic the mood is, and how friendly Eric is.
 
We wanted our bar to be a place where people could relax, laugh, and create great memories with family and friends. Eric has been an important part of making that vision come to life. His warm smile, genuine kindness, and natural ability to connect with people make every guest feel like they’re among friends. I truly believe that’s one of the reasons our guests love coming back again and again.
 
You have so much passion for Wasabi. Is opening the restaurant one of the best things you’ve ever done?
 
Absolutely. Opening Wasabi has been one of the most meaningful and fulfilling decisions of my life. Owning and running a restaurant isn’t easy. It takes a tremendous amount of time, energy, and dedication every single day. But every time I see familiar faces returning, families and friends gathering to celebrate life’s special moments, and guests walking through our doors week after week, I’m reminded that every challenge has been worth it. Seeing our community create memories here is the greatest reward we could ask for, and it’s what inspires us to keep giving our very best every day.
 
I’ve told so many people about Wasabi, and when they go, they tell me how much they enjoyed the atmosphere and the meal. Is one of the biggest challenges for you just getting the word out and letting people know what Wasabi is all about?
 
Yes. We’re fortunate that once people visit Wasabi, they usually become returning guests. Our biggest challenge is simply introducing Wasabi to people who haven’t had the chance to experience us yet. We’re incredibly grateful to every guest who recommends us to their family, friends, and neighbors. Those personal recommendations mean the world to us because they’ve helped Wasabi grow one relationship at a time. In a close-knit community like Medfield, there’s no greater compliment than someone trusting us enough to share Wasabi with the people they love.
 
What do you enjoy most about owning a restaurant?
 
The people, without question. We love welcoming first-time guests and getting to know the familiar faces who have become part of the Wasabi family. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing families and friends gather here to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and so many of life’s special moments. Knowing that our restaurant has become part of those cherished memories is an incredible honor. That’s what makes everything we do so meaningful, and it’s the greatest joy of owning Wasabi.
 
Do you have a few personal favorites on the menu? What are your favorite meals?
 
That’s always the hardest question! I honestly love our sushi because every dish reflects our chefs’ creativity and passion, and we never compromise on the freshness of our ingredients. Whether it’s one of our chef’s signature specialty rolls, our fresh sashimi rolls, or one of our colorful poke bowls, each dish has its own unique character and unforgettable flavor. My greatest hope is that every guest leaves with not only a delicious meal, but also a memorable dining experience.
 
Is being an inviting host your nature? It comes so naturally. It really seems you want people to have an amazing time when they dine at Wasabi.
 
Making people feel welcome has always come naturally to me. I genuinely enjoy creating a place where every guest feels at home. Whether someone is visiting us for the first time or has been part of the Wasabi family for years, I want everyone to feel comfortable, appreciated, and leave with a smile. The relationships we build with our guests mean more to me than I can put into words. Those personal connections are the heart of Wasabi, and they’re the most meaningful and rewarding part of everything we do.
 
You’ve had music acts at Wasabi. How have your guests responded to the musical guests you’ve been able to showcase?
 
Our guests have really enjoyed the live music. It brings a lively yet relaxed energy to the restaurant, giving people a chance to slow down from their busy lives, enjoy the moment, and spend meaningful time together. Whether it’s family or friends gathering around the table, the music creates an atmosphere where laughter, conversation, and wonderful memories come naturally. That’s the kind of experience we’ve always hoped Wasabi would offer.
 
We’d like to sincerely thank the Medfield and Westwood communities and every guest who has supported Wasabi over the past two years. Your kindness, loyalty, and unwavering support have meant the world to us and made this incredible journey possible. It’s been an honor to become part of such a warm and welcoming community. We look forward to welcoming familiar faces, meeting new guests, and continuing to create wonderful meals, meaningful moments, and lasting memories together for many years to come. Thank you for being such an important part of the Wasabi family.

Most people spend their lives attempting to master a single creative outlet, but Melanie Guerra has spent more than thirty years soaking in all she can about two creative outlets: photography and jewelry design.
 
“I correlate jewelry design with the detail work in my photography,” Melanie said. “All of it is art, and art encompasses my life. I’m so fortunate that I get to make a living doing what I love.”
 
Melanie’s fascination with photography began early.
 
“I was (and still am) a huge film buff,” she shared.
 
This passion led her to study film and television production at Emerson College in Boston, where she earned her degree in Communications. However, her formal introduction to the medium began earlier with photography classes at Brookline Adult Education while she was in high school. In 1996, at 24 years old, her first piece sold at a gallery in Colorado.
 
Melanie’s photography is heavily influenced by her travels. She has captured images across South America (including Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay) and North Africa, where a recent trip to Morocco inspired her with its rich colors and complex textures. She has also photographed many countries across Europe and the United Kingdom, recalling a recent memorable solo trip to the Cotswolds. Closer to home, Melanie draws inspiration from the American West, having lived in Colorado, Montana, and Arizona. Locally, she can often be found wandering the Boston area or heading down to Cape Cod to capture coastal sunsets.
 
Her photography has been exhibited extensively. Recently, her landscapes were featured in “Landscapes: Serene and Savage” at the Modern Visual Arts Gallery in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Her photos have also been selected for prestigious national juried shows, including the Louisville Art Association (Colorado), Decagon Gallery (Brooklyn), PhotoPlace Gallery (Vermont), Praxis Gallery (Minneapolis), and HVMC Gallery (New York City). She is a regular contributor to regional showcases, such as the Cape Cod Center for the Arts, the Zullo Gallery in Medfield, and the Westwood Artists.
 
Working primarily in silver and bronze, Melanie’s jewelry credentials are just as robust as her photography. She is a graduate of the Gemology program at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), completed the Connoisseurship Appraisal Studies Program at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and is a Level II Certified Precious Metal Clay (PMC) artisan.
 
“The metal is ground to a fine powder and mixed into an organic clay, which I then you shape, carve, or mold however I want,” Melanie explained of her favorite medium. “I then put the finished clay piece into a kiln, burn off the organic clay, and what’s left is the metal design.”
 
While her jewelry business took a backseat over the last few years while she cheered at her daughter’s high school soccer games and crew regattas, Melanie is actively refocusing on the craft as she and her husband prepare to transition into an empty nest life. When not behind the camera lens or in her jewelry studio, she can be found traveling, hiking with her family or reading in her flower garden. She is also a member of the Fashion Council at the Museum of Fine Arts and co-leads the Westwood/Dedham chapter of Dignity Matters.
 
The creative journey never stops, and she encourages everyone to seek out their calling.
 
“There is something in everyone’s lives, whether they’re aware of it or not, that’s driving them, and they should lean into it as much as they can,” Melanie concluded. “See how far you can go.”
 
Congratulations Melanie for being our September 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

Learning about leadership isn’t something every high schooler gets to do. Most think that leadership is just about being bossy and wanting to be in charge, but it’s much more than that. My weekend at RYLA taught me all about how being a real leader is. At the three-day conference, hosted by the Rotary Club International, I was able to gain so much information to apply in my life.
 
In the middle of the school year, one of the guidance counselors sent out a form, asking anyone if they might be interested in attending this leadership weekend. I didn’t know much about it, but I thought I would give applying a shot. When i found out I was chosen to be sponsored by the Rotary Club of Westwood to attend the weekend, I was so excited, but so nervous, because I didn’t know what it would be like. However, I knew that this conference would help me become a better person.
 
Leadership is about taking a chance to share your ideas, and making sure everybody feels included. One big lesson was being able to put yourself into others’ shoes. The activity that resonated with me the most from the weekend was our city-making activity. We went into a room and we all chose our favorite ice cream flavor, from a couple options. I chose Cookies and Cream, and so did about 15 other kids, compared to Mint, which was chosen by about three kids.
 
Throughout this activity, the two groups – Cookies and Cream and Mint – had to try to create a city by asking the “city council” to give us building permits. My team did not get many permits, and we even got our permits taken away from us at times. We were sent to the fake “jail” for anything. I remember getting sent to “jail” for smiling too much, and it seemed the Mint team got anything it wanted and the team members didn’t even have to ask.
 
This activity was so confusing for us since we had no idea why we were being treated so unfairly. At the end of the activity, we learned they were showing us how different people are treated differently depending on how much money they have. Those with Mint were at the top of the hierarchy, while my group was at the bottom. The group with more money during the activity was treated as if they mattered more, and those with less were treated as such.
 
This helped me understand that everyone gets treated differently and sometimes it can be horribly unfair. From this lesson, I learned I can make a difference.
 
The first step to becoming a real leader is knowing where to start, and that is with making a difference. I’ve been able to implement this lesson in my own life. I’m 16 and work at a summer camp with kids from many backgrounds. When kids act up, I stop to remember the lesson we were taught – how everybody is treated differently and everyone has their own story. While it doesn’t always connect to money with children, it still really helps me to understand the kids and make a difference in their lives.
 
Being a good leader doesn’t always mean making a massive difference, but making small changes for the better. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity that the Rotary Club of Westwood has given me and the memories the RYLA weekend helped me gain.

Abby Klein, the Director of Client Experience at Nightingale Wealth Solutions, was named Mrs. Massachusetts 2026 and competed in the 2026 Mrs. America Pageant in Las Vegas during the first week of September.
 
Abby’s main goal, while taking advantage of this opportunity, is to continue advocating for neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disorder that profoundly shaped her brother’s life. Eric was diagnosed with NF1 as a baby, and faced countless medical challenges, including a stroke-like event in his twenties that required him to relearn how to walk and adapt to a persistent neurological tremor.
 
Despite these hardships, Eric built a meaningful life, found love, and was a passionate advocate for the NF community. He believed in sharing his journey to inspire hope and understanding, especially for children and families facing NF. Eric passed away in May 2024 from a brain tumor caused by NF1, but his legacy of resilience and advocacy lives on.
 
Inspired by Eric’s commitment, Abby steps onto the Mrs. America stage to amplify the voices of those affected by NF and foster greater awareness and support. Anyone who supports her journey and cause is a partner in advocacy, paying tribute to Eric’s legacy, and a beacon of hope for families affected by NF.
 
As we connected before her trip to Nevada, Abby shared some thoughts on the opportunity and some words of thanks to those who have supported her journey.
 
“Thank you for joining me in this mission and for helping to create a brighter future for the NF community,” she said. “I am so excited to represent Massachusetts in the Mrs. America pageant – Eric would be proud & I wish he could be here to see it!”
 
We’ll feature an update on Abby’s pageant experience in the October issue of Westwood Living.

In what was a monumental and historic competition for the United States Women’s Lacrosse Team, it was another athlete from town who was turning heads in Tokyo.
 
Ava Connaughton, a 2023 graduate of Westwood High School and current captain of the UMass lacrosse team, competed with the Irish National team during the World Championships, and helped Ireland win a pair of games in the tournament.
 
Over the course of five games, Connaughton scored nine goals and assisted on four others, finishing with 13 points for the tournament. Early in the competition as Ireland faced Team USA, she turned heads and made the highlight reels with a stunning behind the back goal, which made its way onto SportsCenter’s Top Ten list as the #4 highlight of the night.
 
Her international success wasn’t Connaughton’s first experience wearing Ireland’s colors. She previously represented Ireland at the 2024 World Lacrosse Women’s U20 Championship in Hong Kong, where she scored the dramatic game-winning goal with three seconds remaining in a 14-13 victory over Mexico.
 
Connaughton has teamed with fellow Westwood grad Lil Hancock to lead a resurgence in Women’s Lacrosse at UMass. The Minutewomen have claimed back to back consecutive conference titles, but here’s where it gets interesting. In 2025, they won the Atlantic 10 championship, and in 2026, they won the MAC Championship after switching conferences. Domination knows no boundaries!
 
Not only has Connaughton emerged as a leader on the field, earning All-League status while scoring 33 goals in 2026, she also was named Academic All-MAC, as well. A marketing major, Connaughton is best remembered in Westwood for her incredibly dramatic, last-second goal to beat Franklin in the 2021 State Championship Game.
 
Congratulations to Ava for being our Dental Arts of Westwood Athlete of the Month. To nominate someone to be showcased, please send an email to dbezdedeanu@bestversionmedia.com.

Cape Cod may conjure images of bustling Main Streets, packed beaches, and traffic inching toward the next lobster roll, but there is another side of the Cape hiding in plain sight. In Brewster, the pace slows down. Tree-lined roads wind past weathered cottages, freshwater ponds, antique shops, and stretches of Cape Cod Bay that feel wonderfully removed from the summer frenzy. On a recent getaway, we discovered that sometimes the best way to enjoy the Cape is to see a little less and savor it a little more.
 
To See
 
Much of our stay centered around Ocean Edge Resort, whose sprawling grounds capture that classic Cape atmosphere while providing plenty of reasons to linger. The historic mansion overlooking rolling lawns gives the property an old-fashioned seaside grandeur, while paths leading toward the water make it easy to transition from resort mode to toes-in-the-sand mode.
 
Obviously, we spent the majority of our time at the beach. Brewster’s shoreline has an understated beauty that feels perfectly suited to the town: wide-open water, soft sand, and plenty of room to settle in with a book, build an ambitious sandcastle, or simply watch the afternoon drift by. Returning throughout the day reminded us that the beach is not really one attraction, but several. Morning walks, afternoon swims, and sunset each offer a completely different experience.
 
For a change of scenery, Nickerson State Park reveals another side of Brewster altogether. Away from the salt air and shoreline, its wooded landscape feels cool and peaceful, inviting you to take your time exploring beneath the pines. It is an easy reminder that Cape Cod’s natural beauty extends well beyond the ocean.
 
To Do
 
Brewster rewards anyone who enjoys a good treasure hunt. At Lemon Tree Village Shops, a collection of inviting little stores makes browsing half the fun. We wandered in search of locally inspired gifts and decorative finds and the kind of take-home treasures that keep the Cape feeling close long after the sand has disappeared from your shoes. Lemon Tree Pottery was a particular favorite for their impressive collection of handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces.
 
Nearby, The Brewster Store offers nostalgia of a different kind. Stepping inside feels like entering the Cape of childhood vacations, with old-fashioned treats, quirky finds, and vintage details that encourage you to look around rather than rush through. Naturally, we left with a few goodies.
 
Our favorite kind of history (the kind you can bring home) awaited at Wayne’s Antiques. Browsing vintage furniture, artwork, collectibles, and assorted curios turned into its own adventure. There is something especially fitting about antique shopping on the Cape, where objects worn by time seem completely at home among weathered shingles and generations-old cottages.
 
Back at Ocean Edge Resort, lawn games brought out a little friendly competition and made even the in-between moments feel like part of the vacation. With nowhere to rush off to, an afternoon toss on the lawn became its own kind of entertainment. We leaned even further into Brewster’s slower rhythm at the Spa at Ocean Edge, where a little pampering turned an already relaxing getaway into something genuinely restorative.
 
To Savor
 
Our days began at Snowy Owl Coffee House, where a light breakfast and excellent coffee provided just enough fuel for exploring. Its relaxed atmosphere fits Brewster perfectly: unhurried, welcoming, and appealing enough to tempt you into staying for another cup. Later, The Night Owl makes it possible to return when the mood shifts from morning caffeine to evening indulgence.
 
For lunch, Linx Tavern paired casual fare with views across rolling greens. Sitting outside and watching the landscape unfold made it difficult to remember we were on one of New England’s busiest summer destinations. That sense of space (both literal and figurative) became one of Brewster’s greatest luxuries.
 
Dinner at Ocean Terrace brought us back toward the water, where an ocean view transforms a good meal into an occasion. As daylight softened, the coastal setting did much of the decorating, reminding us why meals enjoyed outside somehow taste better on vacation.
 
Still, our favorite reservation required no table at all. At the Beach Bar at Ocean Edge Resort, cocktails come with front-row seats to the sunset. Drink in hand and feet practically in the sand, we watched the sky change color over the water as another Cape day slipped away. No rushing to the next stop. No elaborate entertainment. Just the beach, the sunset, and nowhere else we needed to be.
 
Last Look
 
Brewster showed us a Cape Cod that feels comfortably removed from the commotion. It is a place where the pleasures are decidedly simple: mornings fueled by good coffee, afternoons divided between beaches and antique shops, games on the lawn, and evenings measured by sunsets rather than schedules.
 
Sometimes a destination stands out because there is so much to do. Brewster charmed us for the opposite reason. It reminded us that the best Cape days do not always require a packed itinerary; just a little room to wander, linger, and rediscover the timeless pleasure of having nowhere else you need to be.

With the air turning crisp and leaves beginning to change, a visit to Hale in the fall has a special kind of magic to it. Lace up your hiking boots and wander the trails as the forest begins preparing for winter. You may spot squirrels gathering acorns, migrating birds stopping to rest, or changing foliage that seems to become more vibrant each day.
 
Celebrate Conservation
 
On Thursday, September 24, from 6:30-9pm, we hope you’ll join us for Hale’s annual Fall Equinox Celebration, an evening that honors the changing seasons and the community that helps care for this unique place. Together, we’ll celebrate not only the beauty of fall but the enduring promise that these forests, fields, ponds, and trails will remain places where everyone can experience the transformative power of nature, forever.
 
Explore Local Trails
 
Looking to discover a new favorite hike? Join the Westwood Community Trails Monthly Hike on Saturday, October 3, from 10 AM to noon at Dedham Town Forest. This free, guided three-mile hike explores mostly flat terrain while introducing participants to the trails and open spaces that make our region so special. No registration is required. Just bring comfortable shoes and enjoy a morning outdoors.
 
Get Spooky at Hale-o-ween
 
One of Hale’s favorite family traditions returns on Saturday, October 24! Hale-o-ween invites young children and their families to celebrate the season with nature-themed activities, festive crafts, hiking, s’mores around the fire, and the return of the famously haunted cabin. Costumes are encouraged, and spooky science experiments will be back, too. Save the date!
 
Whether you’re hiking beneath colorful canopies, introducing a child to the wonders of the outdoors, or simply taking a quiet walk through the woods, every visit is a reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together to protect the places that bring us together. We hope to see you out there.
 
Hale Education’s 1,200+ acres of forests, ponds, and meadows offer year-round access to the outdoors. The property is open daily from 8am–7pm via its Main Entrance at 80 Carby Street, where parking is free year-round.

On September 1, I will be making the trek (two hour drive) to Amherst, and September 8 is the first day of classes. For me, my “last-first” day.
 
Just like that I will begin my — as far as I am currently aware — last year of school.
 
Grappling with the fact that after these two semesters I don’t know exactly what’s next has made this summer feel different to me. The time has finally come where summer will no longer be a break between school sessions, it will simply be a season.
 
As much as I am looking forward to a time where I won’t abide by the schedule of assignments and classes, I have started to feel this pressure of reality tumbling towards me.
 
Realizing that this is my finale as a student on the UMass campus. Coming to terms with the fact that the next step is pre-planned like it has been every other time in my life. From elementary school we move onto middle school, then high school. For many the next stepping stone is university or some sort of higher education.
 
After that, what comes next?
 
There are many different paths I could take. The thought of post-graduation freedom is as liberating as much as it is daunting. I am having lots of anxiety surrounding this particular back-to-school season. I mentioned this to a friend and she told me that I, as well as her, need to frame it differently. We need to tell ourselves and trust that:
 
The fall semester will be great, and so will the spring.
 
Lots has changed, is changing, and will keep on changing. I began college sharing tight quarters with my roommate Valerie, living in a four-girl suite, living with seven girls in an apartment in Italy, and sharing an off-campus house with my friend Ashley.
 
Now, I will be living independently in my studio apartment.
 
I started college as an education major. My degree now will be for journalism and theater. I am exiting college on a completely different track than I initially planned for. I have come to the conclusion that I need to make an effort to stay in the moment during the upcoming semesters.
 
One’s time in college is what they make it. Throughout all of the highs and lows of my time at UMass, I always did my best. Many soon-to-be graduates and people in their 20’s feel the exact same as I do: lost.
 
I do not know everything, no one does. I don’t know what the future holds.
 
What I do know is that I will figure it out.
 
To anyone who is graduating this year I wish you a happy and healthy academic year. Keep on working hard, and don’t forget to have fun.
 
This may be my last Westwood Living article (again, who knows what the future holds).
 
I would like to thank Tom Leyden for recruiting me last summer and welcoming me back this summer. Thank you for teaching me more about the journalism industry and for giving me a space to improve my skills. Thank you to those who read Westwood Living every month. I thank this community for keeping this publication thriving and growing.
 
Lastly, I would like to thank my parents for all of the sacrifices they have made in order for me to attend college and for supporting me in all of my endeavors.
 
Cheers to senior year!