Kim and Drew Chase are driven by their pursuits of entrepreneurial ventures, while remaining committed to Westwood as they raise their family, including daughters, Chloe and Mila.
The February issue spotlights the Chases, their ties to the community, the growth of ARCH Orthodontics and their newest "chase" - the relaunch of Title Boxing Club in Norwood.
CLICK HERE for a list of events happening around our town.
If you have events you would like added to the calendar, please submit them: tleyden@bestversionmedia.com or dianabezdedeanu@bestversionmedia.com
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By Tom Leyden
Photo By: Rick Bern Photography
For the first time this winter, the air has reached that category best described as "bone-chilling." With a temperature below 30 and a howling wind piercing through an insufficient pullover, I eagerly wait for the front door to open. On the other side is warmth - in many forms. Yes, the living room fire will toast my skin and bones, but it's the laughter, kindness, engagement and comfort I am looking forward to most.
Two years ago, I'd never met Dr. Drew Chase or his wife, Kim. As Westwood Living was launching, it was recommended we connect. A friend saw similarities in style, purpose and personality.
"You'll love them. And I'm pretty sure they'll love you," was the quote.
Those words proved prophetic, and a relationship has blossomed from what was nothing to what is currently invaluable. As entrepreneurs, business owners, connectors and confidants, we have grown to rely on, lean on and support each other in our pursuits - and there are many across the board.
"I need constant motion," said Drew. "I think that's the bottom line."
On this night, with the front door finally sealing out the frigid air, we settle in for a casual and fun photo shoot. Rick Bern starts working his magic as music plays, Drew and Kim wrap up dinner with their daughters, Chloe and Mila, and Jovi the dog adorably sniffs everything in sight.
Yes, you caught the spelling, J-O-V-I, named after Bon Jovi. She also has guinea pig "siblings" named Nikki Sixx and Axl Rose.
The Chase house is a rock-star home, lived in with love and filled with reminders of family. Photos, some shot by Rick years ago, line the fridge and pieces of hand-drawn art from school hang on the cabinets. If Martha Stewart perfection is what you're looking for, this isn't the place. This is home to a family on the move, with things to do and passions to chase.
Drew likes to call himself "The Smile Maker," and thousands of patients in Massachusetts owe their perfect grin to his expertise as an Orthodontist. Originally from New York, Drew moved to Boston to work with his father at the practice now known as ARCH Orthodontics.
"It was never my interest growing up," said Drew. "I come from a family of divorced parents. I grew up in The Bronx with my mother and my father was up here starting an orthodontic career when I was a child. He never pushed me to get into the business and I didn't have an interest until I got to college. I had a conversation with one of my uncles, who asked me what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to be in business. He wondered if I wanted to be in orthodontics and I said, 'God no. Why would I want to do that?' And his response was a turning point. He told me it was a great lifestyle. I was great in math, great in sciences and I was artistic and super-social. All of those are the buttons for orthodontics. And right before he hung up the phone, he threw in, 'It's also a business!'"
From there, Drew's focus shifted to dentistry, and the unpredictable science behind running a practice. He ultimately joined his father in greater-Boston and helped build ARCH Orthodontics into a highly-successful practice with five locations, including the office you’re likely familiar with on High Street in Westwood.
Kim is also a native New Yorker, and worked with public defenders finding alternatives to incarceration for her clients who were detained at Rikers Island. After she and Drew met in The Big Apple, they moved to Boston together in the early 2000s. Kim built on her experience and took a job working at Southbay Correctional Facility, providing short term therapy for inmates and psychological evaluations.
They were living in Boston's Leather District when both of their daughters were born - Chloe in 2012 and Mila in 2014. Moving to Westwood in 2015 became the next logical move, as this community offered fantastic schools and was already home to one of the ARCH offices.
As a recent transplant to a new town and entrenched in the life of a young mom, Kim focused her energy on the girls, while searching for ways to connect with her new neighbors.
"I went to one meeting with the Westwood Young Women's Club, and I became president, because basically no one else was running,” said Kim through her signature laugh. "We had done a lot of volunteer work in the city and I liked it, so why not? We had monthly meetings. It was really fun. I did that for a year and then decided I wanted to apply to be a Board Member for the Westwood Community Chest. I've been doing that for six years."
Among Kim’s duties is co-chairing the annual Westwood Community Chest Gala, which set an all-time attendance mark in 2023 at Neroli Ristorante. If you want to have a fun party, a party-person should probably organize it.
Kim and Drew also worked with a group to help relocate a family from Afghanistan to the United States. Drew provides free orthodontic care to the family’s oldest child and the Chases continue to stay involved as they adjust to a new country with new challenges.
"My favorite quote is, 'Service to others is the rent we pay for our room on Earth,'" said Kim. "Funny it's from Muhammad Ali, a boxer, and now I own a boxing club!"
Read the full story in the February issue of Westwood Living
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Learn more about the people and businesses in Westwood as Tom Leyden hosts a series of one-on-one conversations.
By Dr Yali Lou, DMD, MDS, PhD, C
Dental anxiety is a common challenge that prevents many individuals from seeking the dental care they need. Whether it's fear of pain, past traumatic experiences, or financial concerns, it's important to address these issues for your long-term health. Know this - you are not alone in your hesitations and we are skilled in knowing how to help you navigate each of these potential obstacles.
Open Communication: Establishing open communication with your provider is the first step in overcoming dental anxiety. A Dental staff is trained to understand and address patient concerns. Prior to any procedure, discuss any fears, anxieties, and past negative experiences with your dental team. This allows us to tailor an approach, provide reassurance and make accommodations to enhance your comfort.
Gradual Exposure: For individuals with severe dental anxiety, a gradual exposure approach can be effective. Start with simple, non-invasive appointments, such as a routine check-up or cleaning, to build trust with a dentist and become familiar with the dental environment. As comfort increases, more extensive treatments can be introduced, gradually desensitizing the individual to the dental experience.
Utilize Relaxation Techniques: Incorporating relaxation techniques can significantly ease dental anxiety. Deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and visualization can help individuals relax before and during dental procedures. Many dental offices also offer amenities such as calming music, comfortable seating, and more.
Address Any Financial Concerns: Financial constraints should not be a barrier to oral health. Discuss payment plans, financing options, and potential discounts with a dental office. Some dental practices may offer affordable preventive care packages or work with insurance providers to make dental treatments more accessible.
Be Preventative: We want all patients to fully understand how important preventive care is to your oral health. Simple, routine check-ups and cleanings can help identify and address issues before they become more complex and potentially painful, and they also can ease your anxiety - "Oh, that was it?" You will save money in the long run and have a healthier mouth if you make regular dental visits.
Lean On Your Family: Ask your family and friends for support. Bring a trusted companion with you during your dental visit to provide emotional support. That will certainly make your experience less intimidating. Ask friends about their experiences at the dentist - what they like, what they don't like. You can then be more prepared to ask your dentist for an accommodation if you need to do so.
Explore Sedation Options: If you have a great deal of dental anxiety, exploring sedation options is a viable solution. Conscious sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can help individuals relax during dental procedures while remaining conscious and aware.
It's so important to us that you feel comfortable when you visit the office and we take great strides to make sure we meet your needs. Don't hesitate to speak with the dental staff about any anxiety you may experience. We've heard it before and know the proper steps to take.
By Roula Bakis
No crystal ball here, but don't hold your breath for a housing inventory boom or major price drops. If you were banking on 2024 being the real estate savior after holding off in 2023, well, the vibes aren't too great. Mortgage rates, are still on the high side, and finding a decent house is like searching for a needle in a haystack. But if those rates dip, even a little, things might get interesting. Less expensive houses and folks with lower rates might finally decide to throw their homes in the ring.
Buyer demand is still riding high. And Sellers who've been sitting on the fence, holding onto their sweet 3% interest rate, can only hang out for so long. Life happens – growing families, downsizing, retirement, you name it – inevitably it keeps the market moving.
Home inspections and renegotiations have been on the rise hinting that buyers might be gaining some extra bargaining power. It's a promising step toward finding balance in the market.
Some good news, interest rates seem to be inching down and Westwood's property tax rate got a haircut from 14.30% to 12.81%... But don’t take your kazoos out yet – the recent Mass Appraisal Process countered with increased appraisal values of 18 - 25% leaving many recent buyers with sticker shock.
Now, how's all this affecting the upcoming local real estate game for buyers and sellers? For buyers, the revamped tax rates might cramp their style, messing with their buying power, jacking up monthly payments, and adding extra zeros to closing costs. This will also prove more challenging for price-conscious buyers who had anticipated some relief through a later refi.
Sellers on the flip side, might have to adjust their expectations to counter the new tax payment to keep their homes “affordable” (vocab of yesteryears).
On the development side, as a design resource to many builders in the area, we have personally seen modest growth in the new construction segment of the residential market – with quite a few New Construction homes coming to market for late fall of 2024, hint… hint. The long lead time associated with new construction often prevents developers from quickly capitalizing on market opportunities. The longevity of this unprecedented market has held steadfast allowing builders to get into the game and take advantage of the ongoing inventory shortage.
The recent tax shake-up definitely throws a curveball at buyers and sellers. Stay in the loop with a savvy real estate agent who knows the local scene, understands the nuances of the various pockets of Westwood, and has ninja negotiation skills. Brace yourself for a 2024 that might just be a déjà vu of 2023.
Roula Bakis, Broker/Owner of Artemis Realty + Design has proven herself the go-to resource for all things buy, sell, design, or build in Westwood, MA. Get in touch, it’s the perfect time for your complimentary consultation.
By Tom Leyden
When you meet Deborah A. Bondzie, Esq, the first thing that stands out is her calming nature. Deborah immediately seems comfortable and in control, welcoming in nature and informative in substance.
Deborah has been married to her husband, Philip, for nine years and is the mother of four children, Emmanuel, Elise and Eliyanah and Elijah. She brings faith, passion and excellence to every aspect of her life and career. Her motto, "Doing Above and Beyond," utilizes her initials and encapsulates what she looks to accomplish with each client she serves.
"I wanted to be a lawyer to help people achieve their goals and help people achieve their dreams," said Deborah.
Deborah's path to a solo practice took her through non-profit and corporate opportunities that influenced her decision to pursue a legal career.
"In the non-profit sector, I worked with social workers and doctors in the pediatrics department of Boston Medical Center and helped them provide their patients with legal consultation," said Deborah. "There were instances that patients needed someone to take action for them, filing complaints in court and executing on their legal rights."
Deborah helps people every day from her office in Canton, putting to use undergraduate and masters degrees from Tufts University and a law degree from Suffolk University. She specializes in real estate law, and educating people is a major part of what makes Deborah tick. While working for a non-profit in Somerville, she ran education courses for parents, utilizing her ability to speak Haitian Creole
"I was a friendly face and someone they could talk to about intimate legal issues they were going through," said Deborah. "That was another reason I pursued a law degree. I went on to work at Oracle, the Medical-Legal Partnership and American Tower. Not long after, I started my own practice and this is my fourth year of operating the solo law office of Deborah A. Bondzie."
As Deborah continues to build her business, she welcomes new clients on a regular basis.
"My business has grown a lot through word of mouth, real estate agents, lenders - a lot of people have come my way through those avenues," said Deborah. "I am picking up phone calls and trying to be available to folks as best as I can. I'm really hoping to continue to expand my word of mouth by being a part of Westwood Living and growing that way.
"I do above and beyond to get you to that closing table. Especially if the deal is slowing down or it's hitting a roadblock. I will get on that call with the client, or with the lender, or with the agent and just make sure we are doing what we need to do, making sure everybody is on the same page and everyone is communicating. We do everything we can to get our clients home."
You can reach the law office of Deborah A. Bondzie, Esq. by calling 617-483-3501. Visit Deborah's website at bondzielaw.com and listen to our full conversation by visiting the Westwood Living Podcast Network, availanble on SoundCloud, Spotify, Amazon, Buzzsprout and YouTube.
Publisher's Note: This letter was submitted to the Westwood Living team after our conversation with Eric Arnold from Hale Education was shared on the Westwood Living Podcast Network and excerpted in the February issue of Westwood Living magazine. The views expressed in this letter are those of the author.
Some Westwood residents may be unaware of the issues surrounding the purchase of a Conservation Restriction (CR) to protect Hale in perpetuity. Hale is a privately owned educational organization in Westwood and Dover. Hale’s 1,200-acre property of land is made up of woods, hiking trails, ponds, and spaces for camp and enrichment programs, with approximately half of the land in Westwood and half in Dover. It provides not only invaluable recreation opportunities and greenspace mental health benefits to people from Westwood and many other communities, but also irreplaceable animal habitat, carbon sequestration, protection from flooding due to storms, and water recharge.
In 2019, Hale offered the towns of Dover and Westwood the opportunity to purchase Conservation Restrictions, held by The Trustees and each respective town, that would forever ensure the protection of Hale’s land from development. A Westwood Hale Task Force was formed in late 2019, and a similar task force was formed in Dover. The Dover Hale Task Force meetings were public; Westwood’s were not. In January 2022, the Westwood Hale Task Force recommended to the Select Board that the Town pursue Hale’s offer. The group also held a public meeting on the Hale CR in June 2022. Discussions with Hale began soon after that meeting. Since that time, the Westwood Select Board has demonstrated an almost total lack of transparency in this process.
Most recently, the Hale CR opportunity appeared on the agenda for the Select Board’s January 22, 2024 meeting. The treatment of the topic was perfunctory at best. Town Counsel reported that the Select Board had reached “an impasse on several points” in the Hale negotiations. There was no elucidation of what the obstacles were. He added, “We are hopeful that with some hard work, that we’re able to work through those impasses and creative thinking.... We’re hopeful that we can find some resolution to the places where we’re at an impasse at this point in time.” At the same time, multiple sources, including Hale’s own website, indicated that the Town of Westwood is not participating in the Conservation Restriction. The door has closed on Westwood’s opportunity to participate, while Dover moves forward and anticipates bringing the question to its voters this spring.
How do we reconcile these contradictory messages? In short, Westwood residents don’t have enough information to understand the issues at play because we were not informed about a decision-making process that should have been public. The question of Westwood’s participation in the Conservation Restriction should have been brought to town voters to give them a chance to voice their opinions. Instead, the Select Board, with the Town Counsel as its only apparent spokesperson, have taken it upon themselves to decide for us. At the very least, they should be candid about the opportunity they (and Westwood voters) have missed.
Respectfully submitted,
Kate La Croix
By Bailey Medeiros
President and Founder
Thanks to a generous gift from the Rotary Club of Westwood, I'm thrilled to announce The Women's Empowerment Scholarship is now accepting applications from female Westwood residents who are high school seniors seeking financial assistance as they prepare to embark on their college careers.
The Women's Empowerment Scholarship, an organization I founded in 2018, awards academic grants to women pursuing careers in fields typically dominated by men, including, but not limited to, science, technology, engineering, finance, and law. In aiding women financially, The Women's Empowerment Scholarship team aims to propel their careers and allow them to shatter any and all glass ceilings and stereotypes.
Last year, Westwood resident Yvette Estefan Easton was recognized for her achievements both in and out of the classroom and received a $2000 scholarship she has put toward her education at Harvard University. We were honored to welcome Yvette into our family of recipients and look forward to welcoming a new recipient, or more than one, this year.
Since 2018, we have awarded almost $90,000 in academic grants and are excited about exceeding the $100,000 mark in 2024.
To apply, visit www.womensempowermentscholarship.org and download an application. The deadline to apply for an academic grant is May 1, 2024. Any recipients will be announced in June.
By Paula Bezdedeanu
A lot of four-letter words come to mind when you’re first diagnosed with MS. But the one that’s carried me through my ten-plus years of this challenging and unpredictable condition is HOPE.
Through countless medication trials, four different medical institutions in two different states and never knowing what obstacles tomorrow will bring, I’ve always had my flowers. As a florist, being able to retreat to my home studio and be surrounded by the color and beauty of so many stems gives me the ability to reach for strength and hope when challenges are ahead. Along my journey, I’ve met so many people that I wanted to be able to share my hope with; friends, clients, and fellow warriors. Making flower arrangements wasn’t enough. I needed to do more.
The Blooming Hope Foundation was created to raise awareness and provide monetary support for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research and patient services including easier access to medical equipment, therapy services, appointment transportation, caregiver resources, and family support. Through the foundation, we’ve been able to give back to the MS community by supporting research projects at Boston Children's Hospital Pediatric MS unit, The Mellen Center at the Cleveland Clinic, and more.
On Monday, March 11th, Paula’s Blooming Hope is hosting our 2nd annual MS Evening of Hope at Neroli Ristorante to benefit the Blooming Hope Foundation. Join us for a fine Italian buffet dinner, signature event cocktails, and a silent auction as well as a presentation of funds. To purchase tickets and/or donate to the event, please visit www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-ms-evening-of-hope.
A huge thank you to our first two Bronze sponsors, Dedham Savings and Westwood Living, for your support!
With hope and butterfly wings…
Paula Bezdedeanu
By Jay Resha
WESTWOOD – I don’t want to pay property taxes.
Whew! So glad to get that off my chest. I guess I should also add that I don’t want to pay income tax. Or sales tax. Or excise tax. Or gas tax, VAT tax, sin tax, tea tax, or those 55 indecipherable line-items on the electric bill, whatever the heck they are.
And I do not want to pay $8.44 for a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel (the price…you guessed it…before tax.)
Now the brass tacks. Like many of you, when my property tax bill arrived, I was shocked at the increase – despite the November warning letter. Soon, I found myself scrolling through reels while avoiding tasks researching and making some calls to gather information about our tax rate, comparing and contrasting with other cities and towns here in Taxachusetts. I shouldn’t be surprised by now, but online posts and comments were filled with angry vitriol – both from residents vilifying Town Hall, and indignant folks defending her. The discourse reminded me of the hue and cry back in the Shuttleworth Tree Tumult of Twenty-Twenty-Two.
Folks, you’re in a nice suburb…what did you think would happen? Nothing happens for free. Forget the trees, listening to some of you is like hearing about those people who buy houses in Newton near Boston College, and then spend the rest of their lives crusading to stop its expansion, complaining about drunken college kids partying loudly and soiling their front lawns. You bought the houses!
We chose Westwood. We want what’s best for our kids. We want top schools. It’s gonna cost us. And the prices we pay…that’s the price of success.
Now. Since I intend to upset everyone equally, let me say this – I won’t let the town off the hook here. To the untrained eye (and we’ve all untrained eyes out here in the private sector, no?) it sure as fire-and-brimstone looks like the town is playing games they teach you in Marketing 101. They get to trumpet about the much lower tax rate, hey that’s great. Meanwhile, the reins come off and the assessed values of homes all take giant leaps of 25% and more…all this results in a sizable net win for High Street. So, are our leaders truly deceptive and devious?
In a word…no.
One needs only to follow recent news stories, and look up public tax records databases (available on every town’s website) to know that this is a trendy move, executed by many cities and towns lately, veiled in the aftermath of COVID, inflation and real estate values going up. Do I like it? Of course not – but ask me again when I sell my house someday…
So then I went back online a week later and searched – but could not find the conversation I had intended to quote, from a certain social media site whose name rhymes with “space shook.” I’m not making accusations…but we all know it would not be the first time a post has magically disappeared after the wrong lines were crossed or feathers ruffled. The person might even be in Space Shook jail (if you know, you know!)
What’s the takeaway? Well, I’m irritated at the wordplay and games which I don’t care for. The net result is still an extraction of thou$and$. But I’m irritated at the words and actions of those who seem surprised that we have to pay for all this. So on this one, I’m not really taking a side. I am disappointed in both sides, and you should be too.
But you should also be grateful that so many people care. Checks and balances matter, taxes matter, and your opinion matters. And at the local level, the dollars we debate actually translate into real things and real quality of life – things that make this town great.
We are trying to build something here in the 02090. So let’s keep working together, got it?
Westwood Living? No…thank YOU for living in Westwood. See you next month, and I look forward to hearing from you any time at jayresha@comcast.net
By Diana Bezdedeanu
With over 70 different clubs offered at Westwood High School, there’s no shortage of extracurricular activities.
In February 2023, Ethan Lu (WHS Class of 2024), received an email from Nick Pruitt, asking if he wanted to put together a team from Westwood to play in his organization’s Quiz Bowl tournament, The Mayflower Cup. Despite having played Quiz Bowl before, the format was quite new to Ethan and he felt that it was a big commitment to ask those who had never even heard of the game before to dedicate an entire Saturday (and $90) to play.
Quiz Bowl is a team-based academic question-and-answer buzzer game, often likened to Jeopardy, with the exception that clues are designated to a specific person on the team.
Ultimately, Ethan managed to find one other guy interested in forming a Quiz Bowl Team - Deepak Viswalingam (WHS Class of 2025). Together, they met and began to go through the process of fulfilling all of the requirements to get administrative approval to establish a new club, including gathering signatures from other potential members. On the last day of the 2022 - 2023 school year, Ethan and Deepak pitched their club idea to Social Studies Department Chair, Mr. Hilton, who gave them the green light and agreed to come on as Faculty Advisor.
Initially dubbed "Trivia Club" for broader appeal, the group officially transitioned to "Quiz Bowl Club", as it solidified its focus. With the foundations laid in the Fall of 2023, the club's humble beginnings included a shared Google Drive folder filled with ambitious plans for future competitions.
The Student Activities Fair marked a turning point, prompting a shift in recruitment strategy. Targeted outreach to individuals strong in specific subjects became the key, leading to the formation of a nucleus of dedicated members: Ethan Lu, Deepak Viswalingam, Jefferson Ji, Ethan Lee, and Jasper Xu.
The first club meeting, initially hindered by technical glitches, soon transformed into an interactive session where quiz packets were distributed and members eagerly delved into the game's rules.
“The Mayflower Cup, the competition that originally spurred this whole idea, was hosting an Autumn edition on Saturday, November 18th, which was just a few weeks away from our first meeting. I wasn’t anticipating having our very first competition until maybe Winter, but then I logged onto the Quiz Bowl forum and saw that it was for new teams, so we kicked into high gear and we ended up taking fifth place in our very first competition and qualifying for regionals”, Lu shared.
Outside of meetings, the club members are often found making flashcards, brushing up on their weaker subjects, and practicing with one another during their respective lunch periods with the goal of continuous improvement. While small in numbers (at most meetings, you’ll find half a dozen to a dozen members), the players devote lots of time and effort to the game out of their own initiative.
“Quiz Bowl is not really a spectator sport, but the guys just inject it with the kind of energy that not even pub trivia could dream of. They’re chomping at the bit, hands raised, ready to slap the desk to answer the questions. I think the best way to really experience it is to join a meeting and either jump in or just watch us”, explained Lu.
WHS’ Quiz Bowl Club has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the world of academic competitions. Following their success in the Autumn Mayflower Cup, the club went on to send two teams to Belmont High School on Saturday, December 16th, securing another fifth-place finish and qualifying for Nationals. As they gear up for more competitions, one can't help but anticipate the bright future that lies ahead for this small but mighty group of Quiz Bowl enthusiasts at Westwood High School.
Congratulations to the WHS Quiz Bowl Club for being this month’s Standout Students! Nominate a future Tinsley Team Standout Student of the Month by emailing Diana Bezdedeanu at dbezdedeanu@bestversionmedia.com and if you'd like to give back to your community and sponsor a regular feature in Westwood Living, contact Tom Leyden at tleyden@bestversionmedia.com
The WHS Quiz Bowl Team at Belmont Winter Tournament II on December 16th.
By Diana Bezdedeanu
Cindy Senerchia’s handcrafted jewelry is not only a personal hobby, but also a source of delight for those who have the privilege of owning her unique creations.
Cindy initially began making necklaces in 2006 as a way to express her creativity and give thoughtful gifts to friends and family.
"I try to keep everything fairly natural, and every piece I make is unique. I never make the same thing twice," Cindy explains.
Her one-of-a-kind pieces are a combination of stones, freshwater pearls, and glass crystals. A true reflection of nature's beauty, they are often inspired by coastal elements such as shells and the colors of the sea, a nod to her childhood on the Florida coast.
Cindy’s commitment to affordability ensures that her creations are accessible to a wide audience, with most necklaces priced at $20 and matching earrings at $10. Cindy's goal is clear: if she wouldn't wear it, she wouldn't sell it.
As the world of fashion evolves, so does Cindy's artistic vision. From clunky, multi-strand necklaces in the early days to the current trend of simplicity with a focus on a single pendant, Cindy has adapted her designs to stay in tune with the ever-changing styles. She keeps a watchful eye on fashion magazines, ensuring her jewelry remains both timeless and contemporary.
In addition to jewelry, Cindy has expanded her creative repertoire to include acrylic painting. Her paintings, predominantly landscapes and waterscapes, evoke a sense of tranquility and showcase her love for nature.
While Cindy currently sells her jewelry and paintings primarily through the Westwood Artists organization and the Dedham Women's Exchange, she envisions expanding her reach with the launch of an Etsy shop, an endeavor she plans to pursue in earnest upon her retirement as Vice President in the Life Sciences Division at Optum later this year.
For Cindy Senerchia, art is not about the finished product; it's about the joy it brings to others.
Congratulations Cindy for being our February Featured Artist! Over the course of time, you’ll meet many of the local artists thanks to this fantastic feature sponsored by Barrows Custom Window Treatments. If you’d like to nominate an artist of any sort to be featured – music, acting, painting, drawing, sculpture, etc. - please fill out our easy nomination form at bit.ly/wlnominations.
By Tom Leyden
Ryan Pezzuto is a senior defenseman and captain of the Westwood High School hockey team. We figured we would try something different this month and sent Ryan a set of questions for him to answer and have some fun with.
When did you first start playing hockey?
I first started playing hockey when I was 4 years old. My mom took me to Learn to Skate and then I moved on to Learn to Play Hockey shortly after.
What made you fall in love with the sport?
The team aspect of the game and the fast-paced play are what I fell in love with originally, but the relationships that I have made over the years with my teammates and coaches are unmatched. I’ve met some of my best friends playing hockey. There is something unique about the bonds that you make with your hockey teammates.
It's a big honor to be voted captain of your team. What did that honor mean to you and what have you done to fulfill that role of being a leader?
I was extremely grateful when I heard my name announced as this years’ captain. It meant the world to me that my teammates voted for me and I was excited to take on the leadership role. I was fortunate to have learned from great captains over the past three years. My biggest priority is making sure that the underclassmen on the team feel as welcomed and comfortable as I did when I was in their position. I am also aware of my teammates’ body language and if I see somebody discouraged, I make it a priority to pick them up and get them ready for their next shift.
Who are a few of your favorite players and what do you like about their game?
My three favorite players to watch are Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes, and Charlie McAvoy. They are collectively some of the best defensemen in the league. They like to play very offensively, and I try to replicate them with my game.
What’s been your favorite memory throughout your time playing with the Westwood hockey program?
My favorite memory was our playoff win against Whitman-Hanson last year. Going into the game, we were the underdogs. They were a high-seeded team while we were in the middle of the standings. We went on to win 5-2 and the best part were the vibes in the locker room and the bus ride back to our barn.
If you could change one rule in the sport of hockey what would it be and how would you change it?
I would change the new rule of finishing hits back to what it used to be. Now as soon as the opponent passes the puck you must try to avoid hitting them. I strongly dislike this rule because it takes away from the intensity of the game.
What do you do to get yourself up and going at a really early hour when you have a morning practice?
There is nothing that you can do. If you eat too much, you throw up, if you drink too much water, you throw up, if you don’t have enough in your stomach, you throw up. You just have to suck it up and get through it and if you don’t love the game, it might not be for you.
What is your favorite movie of all-time?
Step Brothers
Who’s your funniest teammate?
Thomas Morgan – he was a great addition to the locker room this year and is giving the previous winner (Sol) a run for his money.
Who’s scored the most impressive goal during your time on the Westwood hockey team?
Sully’s goal against Ashland to win in OT in the last second of the game last season.
How do you embrace the pressure of carrying on the incredible string of Westwood making playoff appearances that dates back to the 1980’s?
We have no choice but to embrace it because Coach is constantly reminding us about it. That being said, if we continue to work hard, we will be successful.
Where do you see yourself and what do you see yourself doing in five years?
Living out my glory days with my ex-teammates playing men’s league hockey and hopefully not living in my parents’ basement.
Thanks to our partners at Islington Pizza for presenting Ryan with a gift card to celebrate his accomplishments. If you want to nominate someone to be a future Dental Arts of Westwood Athlete of the Month, email Diana Bezdedeanu at dbezdedeanu@bestversionmedia.com
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