Coming Full Circle

Growing up in a small, middle class town in (Oakwood) Ohio, it was easy to overlook the deep rooted feelings people had about their community. The atmosphere was easy going, open and the people were genuine. I took it for granted that you had life-long friends and the established feeling of home. On the whole, the community supported each other, their local merchants, schools and civic organizations. Subsequently, a lot of pride could be seen in our little midwestern community. Despite all that, I was eager to leave, and find more exciting and thrilling places to explore. 

After I graduated high school, I moved to Massachusetts and attended Boston University. I immediately realized that Boston had its own unique atmosphere. From the climate, the mix of people, the driving, the public transportation, the accents, and generally the overall cultural differences. For example, who invented a rotary?? We've all been there, driving aimlessly around Boston and foolishly asking someone for directions only to be stymied by one ways and those stupid rotaries!! Living in Beantown took a little adjustment on my part, but I was happy, young and adapted very quickly. I proudly figured out how to drive around Boston, and through a rotary. But my biggest challenge remained making good friends, and creating that feeling of home. 

After getting married, my husband and I moved to the South Shore. But after many torturous years commuting via Route 3, or the painfully slow commuter rail, we put our peace of mind, and a better school system first, and headed to Westwood. I was a little nervous about the move to Westwood. I was not sure what kind of community I would find for myself and our children. I called the Town Clerk and asked for information about Westwood. The Town Clerk was welcoming and friendly. She was very eager to help me with my many questions. She sent me a "Welcome to Westwood" kit with the necessary information on various organizations, merchants and all the Town Hall phone numbers. I had a great first impression of the town already. 

When we moved to Westwood I immediately needed to find two, no - three important places: the best grocery store, a Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks, and a Target. On moving day, I was so relieved to find our neighbors to be patient and kind. They have tolerated my incessant questions, and were kind enough not to complain about the dramatic increase in the noise level of our street, thanks to my children. My neighbor pointed out the Roche Bros., two great Dunkins and a Starbucks. But WHERE is the Target? Not having a target nearby has made my husband VERY happy as he calls it my $100 dollar store! Still, I could REALLY use that Target. Fingers crossed!

Fast forward a few years, and Westwood is not just a wonderful community, but our home! In a way, I feel like I have come full circle. My feelings about Westwood equal those of the small midwestern town where I was born. And now that I am older, I get it. I fully understand the value in supporting your local community, creating and supporting the feeling of pride for your town. I realize raising a family truly takes a village. Today, I am proud to call my home Westwood, Massachusetts, and will forever be a life long Red Sox and Bruins fan!!! 

I think most Westwood residents would agree, that we have some of the friendliest local merchants around. Here are just a few that this newcomer found were the friendliest when she arrived a few years ago. Please forgive me if I left your favorites out. I couldn't name them all.

 They have a wonderful selection of meats, produce, and have an excellent bakery department. I really like their prepared meal selections, and have used their catering service with great results. The cashiers are friendly and the baggers even cart your groceries to your car.

DUNKINS (either on or ): Both Dunkins locations have friendly service, but they are always busy, so be patient.

Again great service, and always busy.

 I LOVE this place!! The food and service are amazing and they always make a point of getting to know to their customers. I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant.

This place has great food, and you can bring the whole family. The service is wonderful too. As an added bonus, there is take out.

Great specialty cakes, cupcakes and other yummy treats and very friendly service. Owner and Pastry Chef Kristen Repa has been featured in Boston Magazine.

and Great subs, pizza plus they have entree's like steak tips, chicken broccoli and zit. These places are always our favorites, especially after baseball, soccer or lacrosse practice during the week.

 My personal favorite for pizza, salad and yummy pasta dishes. 

Our family favorite. The best ice cream around, with picnic tables out back and a great selection of hard, soft and hand dipped ice creams. Just remember, cash only. 

Great gift shop with a wonderful selection of items and very friendly owners and staff. If you are looking for something unique and fun, this is a great place. They also do custom draperies and their consultant will help you design your curtains.

CHARLES JOSEPH SALON: A nice salon on High Street with helpful and knowledgeable stylists.

Dr. Durso is the owner of this small, but wonderful veterinarian clinic. The girls who run the front desk are also the veterinarian assistants and can help you triage over the phone to determine if an office visit is needed. 

My 6-year-old who absolutely hates getting his hair cut, refuses to go anywhere else. That is all I need to say. 

 The BEST massages in town!! They have restorative, hot stone, deep tissue and pregnancy massages. They also offer mat and reformer Pilates. I was referred to this place by several Westwood Mom's and this is a great place to relax and heal from the stresses of life.

ENJOY!!