Tom Leyden connects with Dominic Esposito & Elisa Adams at Endicott Estate in Dedham.

Dominic is the current president of the New England Sculptors Association and Elisa is a past-president. Collectively, the members are preparing for a 75th Anniversary Gala that will be hosted Saturday, November 4 at Endicott Estate.

You can learn more about the organization and buy tickets to join us by visiting the website www.nesculptors.org

Tom Leyden catches up with Ian Brown at the site of his new project, an overhaul and redesign of the "Orchard Fire Circle" on the grounds of Hale Education.

The new project beautifies and modernizes the area adjacent to the Andrew Cucchiara Learning Center. Ian and his team have repurposed granite and stone previously used in and around Boston to support bridges and trestles to create an multi-use amphitheater that will can be used for outdoor meetings and events upon its completion.

Tom Leyden chats with Kelsey Lindsey in the kitchen of JK Catering and Events in Westwood.

Kelsey is one half of the ownership team at JK Catering and Events, a specialty company focused on creating memorable events centered on food and drinks. In addition to preparing charcuterie boards and fulfilling custom food orders, Kelsey and her husband, Juan, also operate the Tapville Mobile Taproom, a 16-tap mobile bar that can be rented and customized for parties and special events. Tom and Kelsey talk about the birth of the company, what's really taken off in the last year and what she is hoping for in the years to come - plus what you should know about making your holiday party plans.

Call Juan and Kelsey at 508-523-5569 and visit www.jkcateringandevents.com

Tom Leyden and Roula Bakis chat over a delicious cup of Greek coffee.

Roula Bakis is the owner of the Artemis Realty Group and Westwood Living's Expert Contributor in Realty and Design. Roula's unique approach to her business allows her to work with clients to envision a space as they'd like it to be throughout the transaction process. A design major at NC State, Roula has applied many of her skills to the field and spent some time in this pod explaining the new Stretch Energy Code, looking back on her 24 years as a Westwood resident and sharing her biggest "next wish" for the town is.

Call Roula at 781-269-2230 and visit www.artemisrealtygrp.com

Tom Leyden connects with Dr. Peter Kevorkian from Westwood Family Chiropractic as we approach the first in-person session in the Lessons From Leaders Series, presented by Dedham Savings.

Dr. Peter will kick off our series with an address to students before the cafeteria is opened for them to interact with professionals and ask questions in a one-on-one or small group setting.

What's his message? What's his motivation? How will he connect with kids and what will be useful about his address?

Learn more, register to attend and explore the Digital Directory at www.lfleaders.com

We've organized an impactful series of nights for Westwood High School students and Night One of the Lessons From Leaders Series, presented by Dedham Savings, is planned for Tuesday, October 3 from 6:30-9pm at the Westwood High School cafeteria.

Tom gives an overview of who's scheduled to be there and what you should expect. Students who register and attend are eligible to win prizes, including a Bose Bluetooth Speaker, Apple Airpods Max Headphones and gift cards from local businesses. Register and explore the Digital Directory of leaders at www.lfleaders.com

Tom Leyden chats with Sofia Travayiakis in the offices of the Sofia Team at CrossCountry Mortgage.

Sofia Travayiakis has been writing mortgages since she was 18 years old and has carved out a niche as one of the top performers in her industry. At CrossCountry Mortgage, she works with her 100% female staff to deliver excellent customer service and a wide range of options as home buyers and owners look to find the most suitable mortgages for them.

Sofia will participate in the Westwood Living Lessons From Leaders Program in October. You can visit her Digital Directory page by visiting lfleaders.com/directory/sofia-travayiakis

Tom Leyden and Kerry Aglugub catch up over a drink at The Muffin House.

Kerry Aglugub is the owner of KMA Web Design and was recognized in 2022 as the Businessperson Of The Year by The Neponset River Regional Chamber of Commerce. Kerry, who grew up in Westwood and attended Westwood High School, has overseen the development and publishing of lfleaders.com - the official website of the Westwood Living Lessons From Leaders Program, presented by Dedham Savings.

Tom Leyden chats with September '23 cover subjects Liz Volpe and Drew Fortin from the Foundation for Westwood Education.

Along with Nigel Smith, who wrote the September cover feature, Liz Volpe and Drew Fortin comprise the board of the Foundation for Westwood Education. Tom, Liz and Drew discuss the evolution of the 32-year-old foundation, what has been accomplished in the past and how this trio has redefined how the foundation can be most impactful moving forward.

Tom Leyden and Mike DiSarro chat at Neroli Ristorante.

Mike DiSarro is a Westwood native who has brought a piece of the big city into little Islington village with Neroli Mercato & Ristorante, packing a one-two punch of Italian and class. Tom and Mike talk about the one-year anniversary of the Mercato's opening, including A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT about something new that's starting the weekend of September 16 - thanks to consumer demand!

Also, they chat about what lessons Mike has learned over the course of his first year in business, the reaction to his February cover story and why he's dedicated to giving back to the community that's given him so much and what his plans are for the future.