Westword, Volume XL

“Inside the Vortex” – an occasional sampling of the numerous thoughts, stories and irritants circulating around my brain, awaiting their momentary turn at the front burner.
 
Getting the plugs out of the way I: We are all so excited about the launch of westwoodlivingsports.com. If you like Westwood and you like sports, then it’s the site to see for info/content/interviews and more! Check it out and I’ll see you there!
 
Getting the plugs out of the way II: Bean Farm, baby! Can’t wait till the Third Annual Bean Farm Summer Bonanza on August 28. This is the most fun of all the annual WL events. Get your tickets, bring the family, and say hi to a bunch of the folks who help make us love Westwood living (and Westwood Living!)
 
In my really rebellious years, I would get my car inspection done on the first day of the next month – you know, one day late. So over the decades, I saved two or three inspection fees. But the Commonwealth caught up to my scheme; now the sticker renews to the same month, no matter when I go for the inspection. How could they do this to me?!
 
QUIZ: Name the seven seasons in which Westwood High School football won the EMass Super Bowl. Read on for the answer.
 
I’m not really having it with heavy sweaters on Memorial Day weekend, cold rain in June, then suddenly 103 degrees, Biblical rains, then repeat. If you want me to move south or west when I get older, you are selling it quite well, Mother Nature!
 
More than a little disappointing that our Celtics are disassembling before our eyes. We knew they could not keep that group together forever, but two years isn’t enough, and with Jayson Tatum set to miss next season, one has to wonder if 2024 was a one-off championship. Where have you gone, Lucky Leprechaun, a region turns its lonely eyes to you…
 
Speaking of inspections, someone took the car for an inspection and called me from the place, nervous and/or bewildered at the process. I waffle between wanting to do stuff like this for…someone, and making…someone learn it. And helmet, when I was…someone’s age I was way beyond inspections; I was haggling with mechanics over repair costs as I tried to get dents fixed before my parents got back from Florida, “Animal House”-style.
 
You know, I don’t feel the least bit of shame telling people I worked for 12 years to stick it to the state to the tune of $35 and that now I begrudge them for closing the loophole on me.
 
In Westword Volume XIV, June 2023, I referred to an “occult hand” erasing me from the face of the earth. Well, it’s been over two years, and I still haven’t heard a peep from the Order of the Occult Hand. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you need to read more Westword, and more newspapers and mags – or just cheat and Google “Order of the Occult Hand”.
 
QUIZ ANSWER: 1984, 1988, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2003, 2004 (bonus points if you know which team counted yours truly among its members!)
 
Victor Servello was a classmate, an entrepreneur, a restaurateur, and a cool dude. Many of you remember Vello’s, in the spot now occupied by the Toast Office. I was lucky enough to know him in high school too – and I can tell you he was always as affable as he was when he took your order or asked how your kids were doing. It was genuine. The 02090 lost a great one earlier this year. Rest in peace, my friend.
 
You know, I bet it took the state a committee and millions of dollars of board room chatter to decide that I can no longer save $35 every 12 years. Hear ye: I’ll get you, my pretties. I’ll get you.
 
QUIZ FOLLOW-UP AND PLUG: Football season is approaching! Westwood football’s first game is Friday, September 12. First home game is two weeks later. And hey, that reminds me to check out westwoodlivingsports.com for up-to-the-minute updates and content revolving around all things Westwood sports. Folks, Tom Leyden and Morgan Donahue really rock.
 
Spilling out my brain’s random thoughts helps me cope with this month’s REAL story, which is that someone (yes, the someone with limited experience at taking cars for almost-annual state inspections) is being moved into college and the emotions are in motion. I can’t believe the day is approaching. I’m going to be so horrible and mean, since I bottle up my feelings and then lash out at those close to me, nah delete this clause I’m expecting to be all over the place between laughter and tears amid the bittersweet. Good luck, kid. Mom and Pringle love you and are incredibly proud of you. On to the warpath!
 
Westwood Living? No…thank YOU for living in Westwood. See you next month and I look forward to hearing from you (and hopefully, the Order of the Occult Hand too) any time at jayresha@comcast.net