Tom Leyden catches up with Charles Donahue to learn more about his fascinating life and career.

Charles Donahue retired last spring from his role as Chairman of the Westwood School Committee. He spent nine years working with educators, parents and students in town. His career as a Health Care Executive is nothing short of extraordinary, as he helped implement and organize some of the nation's most impactful health systems by working with hospitals and consumer groups.

The conversation ranges from his time growing up in Norwood, to his hockey career at Brown University, his time in the US Peace Corps and the influential people he worked with over the course of his career.

Check back shortly for a second episode with Charlie focusing specifically on a series of college courses on DVD that are available for free to the public.

Tom Leyden connects with Eric Arnold, the executive director of Hale Education.

Eric Arnold has been the executive director at Hale Education for 22 years and announced in mid-December his plans to step down from his position in August of 2024. Tom and Eric discuss the mission of Hale Education, the unique path Eric followed to land the job as executive director in the early 2000s, how residents of the area can benefit from what Hale offers.

Also, Eric provides an overview of what Hale is doing in an effort to protect 1,200 acres of land in perpetuity and how they are working together with private donors and town officials in both Westwood and Dover to get this done.

Learn more about What's Happening At Hale at http://www.hale1918.org

Tom Leyden and Nathalie Homsy chat about Nathalie's new venture, a chocolate delicacy company named Omniya.

Nathalie Homsy is a native of Lebanon and has lived in Westwood for many years. This winter, she is embarking on a new challenge, launching a luxury chocolate company named "Omniya," which translates to "A Wish" in Lebanese.

The unique, high-end, classy chocolate is aimed to bring a touch of Nathalie's Lebanese culture to the region. The Belgian chocolates feature a Lebanese twist and are presented in decadent packaging.

Learn more about Omniya by visiting the official website at http://www.omniyas.com

Tom Leyden and Dr. Alana Bednarz from Dental Arts of Westwood connect to chat about a great holiday promotion and a special party being hosted at Dental Arts on December 14.

One lucky patient will receive a free treatment (braces or Invisalign), if they visit the office for a complimentary consultation, commit to treatment and leave a deposit. The first 20 patients who sign up between now and December 27 will be eligible and one of those patients will receive the treatment for free.

Also, Santa Claus will be visiting Dental Arts of Westwood on Thursday, December 14 from 3-5pm. For more information on this fun party and to learn more about Dental Arts, visit the official website at http://www.dentalartsorwestwood.com or call the office at 781-733-9378.

We're thrilled to unveil a new monthly feature - The Barrows Featured Artist. Carol Ahearn is a longtime Westwood native and member of the Westwood Artists group. We spent some time at the Westwood Public Library talking about her passion for art and the success she's had following that passion. Truly, a lovely person and a perfect choice as our first featured artists. Thanks to Barrows Custom Window Treatments for their support and sponsorship of this feature!

Tom Leyden and Christopher Bean catch up from the warmth of the shed at The Bean Family Farm.

It's time to buy your holiday decorations! Christmas tree sales start Friday, November 24.

Chris Bean, who was featured along with his grandmother, Elena, on the cover of the August issue of Westwood Living, is the owner and operator of The Bean Family Farm. He has taken the bull by the horns and picked up where his grandfather, Charlie, left off many years ago, operating the family-owned farm on Clapboardtree Street in Westwood.

Tom and Chris discuss the launch of the Christmas tree season, how he's working with Iron Hog BBQ to provide food for customers, some upgrades to the topograhy, including a new crushed stone driveway, and the addition of cattle to the fields to naturally develop the land between seasons.

For more information, visit http://www.beanfarmfresh.com

Tom Leyden connects with Dr. Peter Kevorkian and Dr. John Redhead from Westwood Family Chiropractic.

Westwood Family Chiropractic was a Platinum Sponsor of the Westwood Living Lessons From Leaders Series, and both Dr. Peter and Dr. John participated in the in-person sessions with Westwood High School students. We talk about their experience with the kids and also what separates Westwood Family Chiropractic from other practices.

Dr. John and his wife, Dr. Katherine Roose, are the next generation of chiropractors contributing to the success built over forty years by Dr. Peter and Dr. Patti Giuliano. Their insights on how to prioritize care are, in the words of Dr. Peter - PHENOMENAL!

Learn more and set up a consultation by visiting http://www.westwoodfamilychiropractic.com

Tom Leyden connects with Laura Macs and Kara Kennedy at the Westwood branch of Dedham Savings.

Laura and Kara are both longtime employees of Dedham Savings, the presenting sponsor of the Westwood Living Lessons From Leaders series. In this episiode, Tom, Laura and Kara talk about their experience with the Westwood High School students. They also discuss the various opportunities available at Dedham Savings and how Laura and Kara found a home at the bank that prioritizes being involved with the community on a daily basis.

To learn more about the Lessons From Leaders series and Dedham Savings involvement, visit http://www.lfleaders.com

Tom Leyden connects with Dr. Cory Lavallee in the offices of Westwood Eye Care & Optical.

Dr. Lavallee is the owner of Westwood Eye Care, a practice he purchased outright in 2020. Along with Dr. Michaela Temple and his staff, Dr. Lavallee cares for patients from their office conveniently located on Route 109 in Westwood.

Tom and Cory discuss his background, how an injury to his eye when he was younger was instrumental to his development as an eye doctor and what he sees for the future of his practice.

Learn more at www.westwoodeyecare.com

Tom Leyden and Kristen Bender Daaboul give an overview of Kadeema Rentals Shop Local Give Back Furniture Sale scheduled for November 8, 9 & 10. 

Kadeema Rentals is at the forefront of the furniture rental business for corporations and individuals planning and hosting special events. Over the course of three days, Kristen and her team are hosting the Shop Local Give Back Furniture Sale, offering consumers and business owners the opportunity to buy vintage, antique and some gently used furniture,  with 10% of all sales being donated to The Women's Empowerment Scholarship. 

Private showings of the inventory by appointment on Wednesday, November 8 and Thursday, November 9. Public showing on Friday, November 10. For more information and to scroll through some of the items available, visit www.kadeemarentals.com