Lisa Ponte recounts the emotional moment of her life when she was at the brink of death and how that time set her on the path she has chosen to follow, empowering others and normalizing mental health through her series of affirmation cards. I was honored to co-author the July cover story with Lisa's daughter, Alex, who just finished her first year at Cal Poly.
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By Tom Leyden & Alex Ponte
Photos By: Rick Bern Photography
Sitting on a gorgeous natural rock formation in her backyard, Lisa Ponte shines effervescently in a bright pink dress, smiling from ear to ear. Her hair and nails are done. Her makeup is on point. She is perfectly put together, but is that really the case with any of us?
Lisa's life journey has been filled with highs and lows, ebbs and flows that ultimately define who she is and how she impacts the world. She traveled to the deepest valley and not only persevered, but was empowered to change the conversation and extend herself, personally, to save lives.
When Lisa was a teen, she was severely bullied by a group of kids in her school - the "Six Pack." The badgering was persistent and painful, damaging her self-worth and psyche. Each day, she went to school feeling humiliated, scared and hopeless. Lisa decided she didn't want to live anymore.
"I decided to end my life and attempt suicide," said Lisa. "Moments later, I had regrets. I grasped onto my closest friend, Amy, who saved my life. I was taken to the nearest hospital, where I was greeted by my confused parents. I witnessed my father hunched over and sobbing for the first time. I remember the woman guard who stayed in my room, staring at me until I was released, telling me, 'You are OK, Lisa. There is nothing seriously mentally wrong with you. You just need to be loved."
In the days and months following her suicide attempt, Lisa's life started shifting slowly in a new direction.
"I feel like my parents jumped in and started noticing things a little bit differently," said Lisa. "College was a big thing. Getting out of that town and starting fresh, meeting all new people who were super nice. I just started completely over - just scratched it off and started trying to become the person I wanted to become."
Lisa and her husband, Steve, are the parents of two girls, Alex and Kya. She is a Senior Marketing Coordinator at Meketa Investment Group, a recently certified Yoga instructor and small business owner who is positively affecting lives far and wide. Through LP Vibes, her passion project born in 2020, Lisa creates affirmation cards that motivate and inspire people each day.
Lisa practices gratitude and reminds herself to "Rise and Reset Your Mind Each Day." Because she's seen the darkness, she understands what it means to see the light, which is why mornings are particularly precious to her. Each sunrise allows her to evolve from the day before and embrace the light and calmness while focusing on a new beginning.
Alex, Lisa's oldest daughter, recently wrote about her mom's journey during her first year at Cal-Polytechnic State University.
Mom’s positive attitude and bright smile is, to everyone’s surprise, the result of years of pain and suffering. Her teen years were spent crying in the bathroom after being bullied in the school cafeteria, inevitably leading to a loss of her self-love and confidence. Her eyes began to swell and her voice choked, as she whispered to me once, “I went through the darkest day of my life during this time and a parent's worst nightmare. I felt so lonely that I decided I didn’t want to live anymore. I was young and didn’t realize the value of the one precious life I was given”
For the next twenty years, she continued to struggle. She felt embarrassed and shameful of her depression, had no resources to lean on and nobody to turn to for help. It wasn’t until seven years ago, when her mother-in-law, Paulette, gifted her a set of affirmation cards that she was inspired.
Mom explained, “When I received them, I had no idea what they were. Little did I know they would forever change my life.”
This unexpected act of kindness from her mother-in-law was the jumpstart that Mom needed. From this point on, she made it her mission to rediscover the love and happiness for herself that she deserved. Affirmation cards became a key tool as she strove to achieve this goal.
Lisa's passion blossomed from her own experiences. More discussion could have made a difference when she was struggling. Lisa points out there were no anti-bullying laws, little communication in her household about emotions, few resources regarding mental health and a lack of support in her school.
The full court press on mental health awareness is a family affair. Lisa's husband, Steve, works as a Service Director at Bay Cove Human Services, facilitating the needs of those struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues.
"There's a stigma attached to mental health and people who have dealt with it," said Steve. "Just bringing more awareness to it is important, letting people know they're not alone. They can get help and there's no shame in that. Whether it's a physical problem with your body or a psychological or mental problem with your brain, it's always good to work on those things and improve them over time."
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EMOTIONS COME AND GO - Similar to the ocean tides, emotions drift in and out. Focus your energy on what makes you happy
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Kya, who just finished eighth grade at Thurston Middle School, is Lisa and Steve's youngest daughter. She is also engrossed in mental health and takes steps every day to stay positive and help others.
"Mom has this thing we do every morning," said Kya. "We do twenty-second hugs. I love it. I always check up on my friends. I'm definitely more aware of that since Mom and I talk about mental health sometimes. I'm more knowledgeable about it now thanks to Mom. I feel really comfortable talking to my friends about it, too."
"“I don’t know if it's expertise, but I’m definitely concerned about it and aware about it and feel there has been times when we had to talk about difficult things that have happened and their feelings," said Lisa. "In the last few years, I sat my daughters down and explained everything I went through. It was especially important in that middle school time, when things start getting tough with friendships. I hope I helped them out in that aspect.”
More from Alex's essay:
It's evident Mom's business is about something much bigger than herself. You can almost see her heart widen and eyes light up as she shares her biggest goal of them all– to eventually grow the business enough to be able to donate a large portion of her proceeds to a suicide prevention charity. Her main mission is to spread positivity and happiness. She wants to be a light in people’s lives and a support system to individuals going through the same difficult times that she did.
The anecdotal proof of her impact is powerful. One of my friends had to take off the winter quarter at Cal Poly to seek help for her eating disorder. The deck of cards she received in the mail was the spark of hope that got her through her hardest week of treatment.
Another one of Mom's customers went through a heartbreak like no other. Eight years ago, she lost her fourteen year-old-daughter to suicide. She shared that Mom's cards are not only comforting as she still continues to grieve her daughter, but will also be inspiring to other young women facing the same struggles that her daughter did.
These messages are pure proof that Mom is impacting the world in ways bigger than one might see from the surface level. Her words are the motivation some individuals have lost, the support others are striving to find, and the love everyone deserves.
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YOU ARE HUMAN - Mistakes are okay. Emotions are okay. Regrets are okay. Be gentle to yourself. After all, you are human.
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It takes great courage to share such a personal story. For Lisa, witnessing the world around her gives her the strength necessary to extend herself so fully.
“It’s always been her ability and willingness to put herself out there,” said Steve when asked what most impresses him about his wife. “Whether it’s fundraising or talking about her past. A lot of people will hold back out of fear or embarrassment, but she puts herself out there which is really admirable.”
"Over the past few years, I realized how many people were suffering," said Lisa. "Depression rates climbed and therapists were hard to come by. Parents were struggling and so were their children.
"In order to fully heal, I decided to share my story. I do it with courage, confidence and without shame. I believe my purpose in life is to help others create positive energy and self-love. I hope my story helps other teens realize you do not have to feel shame. We are all human."
To learn more about Lisa's affirmation cards and how you can support her mission, visit www.lpvibes.com Lisa is outfitted by Sassy, a unique boutique in Westwood.
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MY PATH IN LIFE - I choose where I want to go. There is a path to happiness and I will find it.
In the waning hours of a steamy summer Sunday, the Westwood 16U Select Softball Team capped off a remarkable run, beating the Blue Hills Impact Club 8-6 to clinch the Battle of Boston in West Roxbury. It was the third consecutive tournament championship for Westwood over a three-week period.
Mary Stronach starred in the championship game, driving in the go-ahead run in the top of the seventh inning with a double to left field. Stronach also hit a solo home run earlier in the game and played a stellar defensive game at third base. Bridget Mulkeen added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly and nailed down the win on the mound, holding off a valiant rally from the Impact to seal the victory.
After going 1-2 in pool play, the Westwood girls strung together two wins in Sunday's elimination tournament to qualify for a showdown against a familiar Impact team they had split two games with over the course of the last two weekends. It was only fitting the third pairing took place in a championship setting as both teams entered evenly matched, with momentum and confidence.
Westwood advanced to the final thanks to a 6-1 win over the Walpole Crush in the quarterfinal and a 10-2 win over a second Impact team in the semifinal. Abby Johnson, Mia Poles and Erika Sabatino each drove in runs with hits against Walpole. Livy Leyden also singled and scored while Kate McLeish threw out two batters at first base from her position in right field - the ol' 9-3 in your scorebook.
In the semifinal win, Mulkeen struck out 11 batters and got a ton of offensive support. Addy Keaveney was 2-4, driving home two runs, while Sasha Marino was 2-3 with a pair of RBIs and a run scored. Alaina Martin, the team's leading hitter and starting catcher, was 1-2 with an RBI and run scored as Westwood won by eight.
With a passionate crowd on hand for the final, Westwood struck immediately, scoring twice in the first. Stronach drove home Keaveney and Mulkeen scored Johnson for an early 2-0 lead. The Impact clawed back with two runs over the next two innings to tie the game, but Stronach led off the top of the fourth with a monstrous shot over the fence in left. Westwood added three more runs in the inning thanks to an RBI groundout from Marino and a single to right from Dahlia Leyden that scored two.
The 6-2 lead was never safe as the Impact continued to fight, scoring two in the fourth and two in the fifth to even the game. A scoreless sixth set the stage for some seventh inning drama.
Johnson got aboard with a walk and advanced to second, bringing Stronach to the plate. The right-handed slugger rocketed the tenth pitch of her at bat to left field and Johnson sprinted home to make it 7-6. Mulkeen followed with a sacrifice fly to center for a two-run cushion.
Mulkeen, working with Martin behind the plate, fought through a tough bottom half to secure the win, striking out the game's final batter, setting off a celebration and culminating an incredible season for the squad. The 16U Select Team finished the summer 25-8 through 33 games with three tournament championships and memories to last a lifetime.
Bridget Mulkeen pitched a one-hit shutout with error-free defense behind her in the final as the Westwood 16U Select Softball team beat Rage Softball from Salisbury, MA 5-0 to claim the Nor'Easter Classic Tournament in Laconia, NH.
The astonishing performance in the championship game capped an inspiring run, as Westwood battled through 95-degree heat to win four games in Sunday's elimination tournament. Mulkeen pitched all four games, teaming primarily with Alaina Martin behind the plate, and was most dominant as the pressure rose and stakes increased. She faced only 23 batters in the final, striking out nine and walking none.
After going 2-1 in Saturday's pool play, Westwood was seeded sixth in the 12-team field, but poised and confident to make a run.
Sunday's marathon began with a 10-4 win over the East Coast Bandits from Chelmsford. Mary Stronach was 2-3 with three RBIS and Mulkeen helped herself by going 3-3 at the plate. Ava Themistocles tripled to right field and Amelia O'Neill was also 2-2.
Westwood faced the Salem, NH Blue Devils in the quarterfinal and jumped out to a two-run lead thanks to a searing triple to center from Sasha Marino and an infield single from Themistocles. Salem rallied to take a 3-2 lead, but Westwood answered with a four-run offensive outburst in the fourth, highlighted by a two-out RBI single from Mia Poles, which immediately preceded a three-run home run to right from Addy Keaveney. Two insurance runs were added in the fifth when Stronach singled and Martin tripled. Westwood advanced with an 8-4 win.
Waiting in the semifinal was Voodoo Softball from Leominster, seeded second and undefeated through four games on the weekend. Westwood rode the offensive momentum and jumped out to an 8-0 lead through four. Westwood got nine hits while batting around in the fourth inning, including a monstrous home run to left from Stronach. As it turns out, they'd need all eight runs. The Voodoo rallied to score seven and the tying run was stranded on third base as Mullkeen struck out the final batter of the game to seal an 8-7 win.
Soaked to the skin as the temperature peaked, the spirited contingent of Westwood players and fans hopped in their vehicles and drove to Belmont High School for the championship game against Rage Softball from Salisbury, MA.
Without skipping a beat, Westwood hopped out to a 2-0 lead in the final, thanks to three hits in the second inning. Marino drove home Erika Sabatino to open the scoring and stole home a few moments later. Mulkeen was laser-focused as she protected the lead, mowing down the Rage with a stellar defense supporting her. Abby Johnson was a vacuum at second, Kate McLeish made an outstretched snag in foul territory to end the sixth inning. Keaveney and O'Neill handled fly balls to the outfield.
After getting three insurance runs from her offense in the top of the seventh, Mulkeen finished the day by striking out the game's final batter, setting off an on-field celebration as Westwood won 5-0. With an impressive 6-1 record this weekend, Westwood improved to 21-6 on the summer through 27 games.
After a successful campaign in 2021, the Flags for Heroes program is returning this September in Westwood. The Rotary Club of Westwood, along with the Council on Aging, is honoring the heroes in your life by flying flags with their names attached to the flag for two weeks, beginning September 3 and running through September 18.
The flags will be displayed around the Senior Center Gazebo on Nahatan Street.
You can honor your hero by downloading the form below, filling it out and sending it to the following address along with a $50 check payable to The Rotary Club of Westwood:
Lina Arena
Westwood Council on Aging
60 Nahatan Street
Westwood, MA 02090
You can also drop completed forms and checks to Laura Macs at the Westwood Branch of Dedham Savings Bank at 673 High Street or to Town Clerk Dottie Powers at Town Hall - 580 High Street.
The Westwood 16U Select Softball Team defeated Westland Hills, NY 3-2 in the championship game to win the 37th Annual Firecracker Tournament in Smithfield, RI on July 17.
Westwood finished off a 5-0 weekend, during which they outscored their opponents 36-3, with a riveting win in the tightly contested final. Sasha Marino broke a 2-2 tie in the bottom of the sixth inning with a single to center, knocking in Erika Sabatino with the go-ahead run.
Bridget Mulkeen, who was 3-0 on the weekend with 31 strikeouts while allowing only two runs, retired Westland Hills in order in the top of the seventh and the Westwood girls celebrated as Ava Themistocles recorded the game's final out with a pop-out to second base.
Westwood clinched the top seed in Sunday's elimination tournament with a 3-0 record in round-robin play on Saturday. Both Mulkeen and Addy Keaveney pitched no-hit shutouts, while Mary Stronach allowed just one run in her pitching appearance.
Alaina Martin, who caught four of the five games for Westwood, was the hitting star of the weekend, collecting seven hits, including a massive home run to left center in a 12-1 win over the Blackstone Valley Venom Saturday afternoon. Martin also doubled twice in the championship game.
Stronach was a rock at third base when not pitching and three of her five hits on the weekend were doubles.
Marino's bat heated up Sunday, with the shortstop going 4-6 with three RBIs and a run scored in two games. Amelia O'Neill and Dahlia Leyden each collected four hits over the weekend, with Leyden scoring four runs. Themistocles played solid defense and also gathered three hits, with an RBI single in the semifinal.
It was a true team effort from start to finish, with Kate McLeish, Mia Poles and Abby Johnson all contributing in many ways to the winning weekend.
The Westwood Softball 12UA Select Team continued their winning ways in the Battle of Boston Tournament, going undefeated with a 5-0 record, outscoring their opponents 68-17, and taking their second consecutive tournament championship on Sunday, June 26.
Using a combination of focus, intensity, and enthusiasm, Westwood swept the pool play games, winning the opener on Friday night 14-5 against Impact R, a local club team. Brooke Poles homered and Maggie Ash had two key hits as Westwood never looked back.
Even an 8:00 AM game the next morning against the Show could not slow this crew down as Julia Tartufo shut down the bats, allowing only two hits and striking out five, in a complete game 20-5 victory. Mia French and Eve Clinton had three hits, with Clinton slamming a home run. Poles continued to annihilate opposing pitchers, adding two hits and two walks. Katherine Granata reached base three times with a walk and two hits, including a double. Every Westwood batter scored at least one run, with French, Clinton, Poles, and Granata each crossing the plate three times. Elizabeth Levering added a walk and played solid defense at third base.
In the third game, French threw a complete game of her own, allowing only three hits and striking out six against Impact W. At the plate, French led the offense with a double and triple and three more runs scored. Julia Raffoni reached base all four times she came to the plate, with three hits and a walk.
The 3-0 pool play record earned the Westwood squad the second seed and a rematch with third-seeded Impact W in Sunday's opener.
Alexa Ende was virtually unhittable, striking out 12 and allowing only one hit, as Westwood cruised to a 13-2 victory.
Waiting in the championship game was the top seeded New England Storm, who had also compiled a 3-0 pool play record. The Storm were no match for Westwood though as Ende continued to fire strike after strike. With Westwood up 3-0 in the sixth inning, Tartufo led off with a single up the middle. Brooke Benger, Ende, and Granata reached base to set up a bases loaded situation for French, who launched a missile over the outfielders’ heads for a game sealing grand slam. Ende finished her second complete game of the day as she totaled 14 innings, 33 strikeouts, and only three hits allowed all weekend.
Throughout the tournament, Raffoni played great defense in center field which was no small feat given the hot turf surface and strong winds.
The Westwood 12U Select Softball Team hit the road to compete in the Hopedale Invitational Tournament and came away victorious, claiming the weekend tournament championship thanks to an impressive three-game stretch on Sunday, June 19.
Eight teams played three games in Saturday’s pool play to determine bracket seeding for Sunday. Westwood began pool play with a 14-14 tie against Newton.
Mia French led the offensive attack with four hits, including a double, and three runs scored. In the second game, against Needham, the girls fell short 13-9, but revenge was in the cards as that set the stage for a future rematch. In the Saturday finale, Westwood rebounded with an 8-7 victory over Nipmuc behind a dominant relief pitching effort from Alexa Ende, who threw three innings of one-hit ball, striking out six, to earn the win.
The 1-1-1 Saturday record earned the squad the fourth seed and a rematch with fifth-seeded Nimpuc in Sunday's opener.
Once again, Ende answered the call, shutting down the Nimpuc nine 8-0, while striking out 11 in a five-inning complete game. Every Westwood batter reached base at least once. French and Ende each had three hits, with French hitting a monster home run to right center and Maggie Ash slamming a hustle triple to left field to silence the Nipmuc fans.
Waiting in the semifinal was top-seeded Milford. Westwood turned to the bunt to manufacture at least four runs, with Katherine Granata dropping down two key safety squeezes while Elizabeth Levering and Julia Tartufo each added one. Ash had three hits and pounded another triple. Not to be outdone, French added a triple of her own and another home run to her total. Ende battled seven innings for another complete game victory as Westwood defeated Milford 10-8 to advance to its first championship game appearance, against Needham.
In the title game, catcher Eve Clinton struck early and often with two singles and two doubles. Tartufo nailed a triple to left field and scored twice. Westwood celebrated their first championship with a 12-9 win.
Throughout the tournament, Levering was perennially aboard, leading the team in on base percentage (.684), and scoring eight runs. Centerfielder Julia Raffoni belted six hits and walked three times. Brooke Poles hit the ball hard all weekend, collecting seven hits with one double. Brooke Benger contributed four sacrifice bunts, including one in a key spot in the championship game, while playing solid defense at second base.
Reflecting on a special weekend, the team learned that focus, intensity and heart are the extra ingredients that make a difference, even if they don’t show up in the box score.
By Jay Resha
WESTWOOD – “The good old days weren't always good, and tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems.” (B. Joel, 1983)
I have used the expression “days without cars,” when looking back on the summers of childhood. I am referring to those endless sunny days in central New Hampshire on the big lake.
The timeline was simple: breakfast, several hours of outside play, lunch, several more hours of outside play. When the lake turned gold from the descending sun, we were called inside, where hot dogs from the grill awaited – and an ice cube for your fingertips when you burned them trying to eat the corn too soon! Oh, and then a few MORE hours of outside play, with bug spray and flashlights replacing sunscreen and swimsuits.
Those days seemed to last forever. And they featured no technology, no cars, and really no electricity to speak of, except that which powered the refrigerator and the, um, usually reliable plumbing and septic system setup.
You see, there was little connection to anyone outside of our little group of cottages for weeks at a time. I said goodbye to my Westwood friends in June and didn't see them or talk to them until September. Almost three months!? Heck, I don't think my older kid goes three HOURS without having some kind of contact with her WHS buddies.
(Apologies to Jackson Browne here) In ’92, I was seventeen, and called the road my own. Due to a job in Boston, that was the first summer I lived here at home. I thought – as only a child can – that it was a temporary thing. Today, as I head into my thirty-first summer in a row of not living at the lake, I’ll admit I am getting suspicious that this Westwood and South Coast thing might actually be a trend.
Much is different now, for sure. Thanks to technology, we are never really apart from anyone like we were back then. Pen-pals are permanent pals. Meetings and work continue unaffected by location. Whether living in Westwood, vacationing for a few weeks here and there, or moving to a second home all summer – we are almost always able to use our devices as usual.
We talk of being “unplugged” now and then. We rarely do it. More connected. More instant. More available. More everything. Is it better? I know we can’t go back…but why is it so difficult to strike a balance? On the one hand, I’m starting to appreciate my 83-year-old father’s refusal to use any electronics other than a telephone. But on the other hand is hypocrisy, when so-called “down time” results in me working, texting, emailing, or sometimes just Googling things, things such as, “Do Strunk and White think that ‘Facebooking’ is an acceptable verb?”
Anyway, the dateline above may say Westwood, but on the Fourth of July, I am up north at the lake once more, if just for the long weekend. From the water’s edge, I watch the younger kids play. These are their days without cars. I should put the laptop down now, and pick up a beverage and a conversation. There is a lifetime ahead to be connected, folks. Enjoy those times when we’re not.
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
P.S. I know, I know, I tried to sneak in a fib back there. Of course there was no sunscreen back in my ‘70’s and ‘80’s childhood – we were sunburned like lobsters every June!
By The Doctors at Westwood Family Chiropractic:
Dr. Peter Kevorkian, Dr. Patricia Giuliano & Dr. Katherine Roose
Don’t let “myths” deprive you, your family and your friends from receiving the amazing benefits of chiropractic care. Some say it’s the best kept health care secret. We will debunk some myths and give you the facts.
Myth #1: Chiropractic care is for old people
Response: Chiropractic care is appropriate at any age. Just like dental care is for anyone with teeth, chiropractic care is for anyone with a spine. The chiropractors at Westwood Family Chiropractic are highly trained (and certified) to care for all ages from newborns to seniors. Our training allows us to detect spinal problems before they cause symptoms.
Myth #2: My neck will be twisted and “cracked”
Response: Fact: Chiropractic care is gentle and specific. We can and do care for people without twisting and cracking. There are many ways to deliver a chiropractic adjustment to make positive changes. Ask your chiropractor to explain the process before they give you your first adjustment.
Myth #3: Chiropractors can hurt people!
Response: Chiropractic has served millions of people for over 125 years and is one of the safest forms of health care! Ask the insurance actuaries - the more risk, the higher a doctor’s malpractice premiums. A chiropractor pays, on average, $1,200 per year for malpractice insurance, compared to a primary care doctor, who pays over $40,000 per year. Low risk of injury equals low premiums. Chiropractic care is safe and effective.
Myth #4: Once you start, you can’t stop
Response: Some people use chiropractic to help with an immediate problem. Some use chiropractic on a regular basis to stay healthy and feel good. Chiropractors don’t force people to keep going. They go because it makes sense to care for their spine on a regular basis. The choice is yours. Chiropractic care keeps your nerve system (your lifeline inside your spine) “tuned up” and “turned on” so every cell in your body can work at its best.
Myth #5: Chiropractic care is costly
Response: An investment in your spinal health is priceless. You will reap the benefits for the rest of your life. Fact: Many chiropractors offer affordable payment options so you can get all the care you need for as long as you choose, regardless of insurance involvement. Family chiropractic offices often have affordable plans so the whole family can receive the care they need to keep their spines healthy for a lifetime.
By Dr. Yali Lou
iLove Dental Care
It’s a part of life that should be routine. Twice a year, we should head to the dentist for a tooth examination and some x-rays. This seemingly simple practice is vital to the long term health of your teeth and gums. I’d like to share with you exactly what we do during teeth cleanings and exactly why it’s so important.
Tooth cleanings are used as a preventative and diagnostic action for your oral health. The examination helps prevent decay, helps diagnose any existing problems and allows the dentist to detect any signs of problems early so we can take action.
During the cleaning we will remove plaque that has built up on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that lies on the surface of the enamel. Plaque combines with the food you eat and creates an acid. This acid eats away and erodes the enamel that makes up your teeth and is the leading cause of cavities and periodontal disease. Frankly, if plaque is not removed from the surface of your teeth, you are at risk of periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease, is an infection of the gums that affects soft tissue. Gums and soft tissue are the supporting structures for your teeth. When infected, gums can recess and cause your teeth to loosen or even fall out.
Eroding decay creates what we all know as a cavity. Once a cavity has formed, it needs to be removed as soon as possible to prevent problems from progressing. Regular cleanings and exams help detect potential areas of risk.
Here's something you may not have realized – because the roots of your teeth are located at the base of your sinuses and your brain, regular tooth cleanings help prevent possible infections and sicknesses that could sideline you from work or school.
So what should you expect when you come in for a cleaning?
We will do a physical exam of your teeth and jaw to start and then take a special metal tool to scrape the hardened plaque from the base of your gum line. If necessary, we will also take x-rays to further assess the health of your teeth. Your periodontal health is our main concern and we’re always thinking many months and years ahead.
What can you do between your two annual cleaning visits?
By Tom Leyden
NORWOOD - In 2017, Garson Hollingsworth was in kindergarten at Sheehan Elementary when life threw him an unexpected curveball. As he was dealing with emotions no child should have to process, it was suggested something physical might allow Garson to bring his feelings into focus.
Garson's parents, Isabelle and Matthew, took Garson to Field Martial Arts Academy in Norwood, and from the first session, he was hooked.
"Out of all the events my kids have in life - soccer, guitar, theater, school - they have never wavered when it comes time to go to karate," said Matthew. "Our daughter, Alanna, saw her brother having so much fun and announced she wanted to be on the mat, too. Garson is slated to test out for his black belt this December and, if all goes well, Alanna will test next June."
Derek Field has turned Field Martial Arts Academy from a dream to a vision to a bustling reality, building a business while positively influencing the lives of kids and adults training in karate, kickboxing and Krav Maga.
"I was on track to become a police officer," said Derek. "All I had to do was apply for a job and I had a pretty good shot of getting in there with my test scores. I really thought about pursuing this and decided to jump into teaching head first. I opened Field Martial Arts Academy in Sharon in 2011 and moved to this location in Norwood three years later."
On any given day, you can walk into Master Field's studio and find a collection of students, attentively listening to his engaging and interactive instruction and challenges. The music blares as parents line the mat in chairs, watching as their kids go through a series of exercises and lessons that will help them advance from belt to belt.
Field's energy is infectious and he has surrounded himself with an equally passionate and friendly staff, including his best friend, Bryan Lewis.
"I love the environment the most," said Lewis. "You can have a bad day 'out there,' come in here, and it's a good time because people are always positive and try to keep the energy light. I love music, so having the chance to play music loud is fun. It keeps parents watching on the side more engaged because a song might bring them back to childhood or another memory for them. It connects everyone even though we're not doing the same thing."
Derek's wife, Danielle, keeps the business on track. K.T. Myles is an instructor and front desk manager who keeps the day-to-day organized and delivers excellent customer service. Kevin Grinnell works as program director to welcome and guide new members in the kids martial arts program. Chelsey Winsor leads and assists classes in the kids and adult programs, as well as Lynn Bennett and Derek Rousseau.
Field Martial Arts also has a great crew of youth staff, nicknamed “The Avengers," who assist daily in the kids martial arts classes."Energy, attitude and my optimistic outlook," said Derek when I asked what draws people to him. "I do genuinely care about the progress of my students and how they're doing."
"I really could go on and on about Derek and Danielle Field," said Matthew Hollingsworth. "But that might be more than you bargained for."
Field Martial Arts Academy is located at 170 Kerry Place in Norwood. Stop in for a class and call 781-806-0159 for more information.
By Abby Stern
WESTWOOD – Charles Goodman, Liam La Croix, Liam Hayes, eighth graders at Thurston, along with Sean Rideout, a Westwood High sophomore, are the Westwood Living "Standout Students of the Month" for their roles in leading a flag retirement ceremony on June 8 at the Robert E. Smith fire circle in Westwood.
David Lamb, a former Eagle Scout and Thurston Middle School teacher, noticed many tattered and torn American flags throughout the school. He spearheaded a project to retire the old flags and have them replaced.
Troop 3 from Westwood knew this was a wonderful opportunity and members of the troop immediately helped Lamb with the project. Approximately 20-25 flags were retired, with many fifth graders from the troop also in attendance.
What is a flag retirement ceremony? It is the proper way to dispose of flags according to the United States Flag Code and shows a sign of respect. Flags were cut properly into sections, according to regulation, and then placed into the fire.
The Boy Scouts, along with members attending the ceremony, were able to place flags into the fire in honor of past servicemen and servicewomen.
Congratulations to Charlie, Liam, Liam and Sean for standing out and taking the proper steps to make sure Thurston Middle School has new American flags in proper and respectable condition.
By Tom Leyden
WESTWOOD - When you drive by Sassy Boutique on High Street, it's likely a trendy piece of women's clothing showcased on a mannequin by the front door will catch your eye - and that's just a tease. When you enter the store, you'll be immersed in color, style, substance and of course, sass.
Anna Bytner opened Sassy in March of 2004 and has been amazed at the ever-changing evolution and growth of her business.
"It's amazing to me after 18 years," said Anna. "Just today, alone, four people came in saying, 'I've driven by, never had a chance to come in.' They're still people in town who have not made it over."
If you find yourself in this group, make the trip! When you walk through the doors, you'll be greeted by Anna and her friendly staff, including Heather, Nicole and Erica. The styles, designed for women 30+, will automatically take you to that place where you start envisioning exactly where you will wear them, or how they'll look when you attend that next big event.
""We're such a great team and we all bring something to the table," said Anna. "Everyone has great style and it takes a village, sometimes, to dress a woman. I love when a woman comes out of the fitting room with a big smile and you know you've nailed it and you know you've made her happy in her own skin and she looks great."
The Sassy of 2022 is a far cry from the Sassy of 2004.
"When I first started, I actually thought we were going to be more sweatpants, sweatshirts, really casual," said Anna. "We learned from really early on that wasn't it. So we added jeans and more dressy tops and that evolved into having more work clothes. It kept evolving and I think by working in the store and listening to the needs of the customers, it really gave me a lot of direction."
"I have long admired Anna's ability to understand her customer's needs," said Kelly Fredrickson, a Westwood resident and President of MullenLowe U.S. "The secret behind her success is a deep commitment to know each woman who walks into her store. I trust Anna and her team to choose clothes that make me feel confident and ready for any and every occasion. I have also relied on Anna for years to pick an outfit for client and prospect meetings - she's my secret weapon!"
Gents, Sassy is not just for women. Au contraire.
"I love getting the men's response," said Anna. "Some have been coming in here since I've been open. I have just as many loyal men clientele as I do women. It's crazy."
Sassy features brands including Ecru, Joseph Ribkoff, Sanctuary, Elaine Kim, Mother Denim and Rails, but you'll also find a wide array of stylish bags from Ahdorned and jewelry from LOLA.
"I didn't originally know there was such a need for gift-giving," said Anna. "Jewelry is a perfect accessory but jewelry is also a perfect gift. It has a life of its own. People love the meaning behind it and people love giving jewelry as a gift."
As the owner of a local business, it's important to Anna that Sassy gives back. The boutique regularly sponsors community events, like the First Annual Westwood High School Prom-enade this spring.
"The community has been so supportive of Sassy," said Anna. "The fact they like to shop small. They share their experience with their friends and family. I'm not only dressing the woman, I'm dressing her sister, I'm dressing her mother, could be a cousin, the best friend that comes in from out of town for a visit. I feel very grateful for all of their support so I always want to give back to the community. I feel like it's essential. This is a two-way street here."
Sassy Boutique is located at 1472 High Street in Westwood. Follow Sassy on Instagram @sassywestwood and stay in touch by emailing sassyteam@sassywestwood.com
Sassy Boutique is located at 1472 High Street in Westwood. Follow Sassy on Instagram @sassywestwood
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