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Review Brooks & Crowley
November 2025
781-251-0555
brooksandcrowley.com
439 Washington Street Dedham, MA 02026
*Services Throughout Massachusetts
BEHIND THE BLUE AND WHITE FINDING FAMILY IN PENN STATE FOOTBALL If you’d asked me a few years ago what I thought of
Penn State Football, I probably would’ve shrugged. I’m a college football fan in general, but I didn’t have a strong connection to the school. Then my daughter decided to go there, and everything changed. These days, I’m all in. I’ve been to several games at Beaver Stadium, including the Whiteout game this fall against Oregon. And let me tell you, there’s nothing like it. You step into a crowd of 110,000 people, all in white, moving, shouting, and singing together. It’s electric. They light the fireworks, the band goes wild, and a famous alum usually leads the “We are … Penn State!” chant. The whole place feels like it’s alive. But it’s not just what happens inside the stadium. Penn State knows how to host a football weekend. The tailgating is on another level, with hundreds of RVs, grills fired up before breakfast, and families camped out from morning to night. I’ve seen buses repainted with team colors, flags waving above tents, and food spreads that look like they came out of a catering hall. People play cornhole in the grass, kids toss footballs in between cars, and the smell of great food is everywhere. What really stands out is the hospitality. No one is rushing you out of the lot. People are swapping stories, sharing food, and having a good time. Even the logistics are impressive. Getting in and out of a stadium that size should be a nightmare, but it runs like clockwork. Before kickoff, every road in the town is one-way towards the stadium. After the game, the flow reverses and you’re back on the highway in minutes. For an event that big, it’s remarkable. What surprised me most is the sense of connection that runs through it all. At one game, I sat next to a woman who graduated 50 years ago and has been to a game every year with her classmates since. Alumni show up every fall, sitting in the same section and telling the same stories
with friends. That kind of tradition says a lot about the place. My daughter is a senior now, and there’s a little extra emotion in every game; they feel like they matter more. The school itself adds to that sense of belonging. With over 45,000 students, you’d expect it to feel overwhelming, but the campus has a tight-knit feel. The town blends right into it, with tree-lined paths, an arboretum, golf courses, and even an airport. On football weekends, that world lights up. Walk into any store, and everything has a Penn State logo. Hats, shirts, license plate frames, dog collars. You name it. And even though everyone is already wearing something, they’re still looking for more. Of course, I’ve joined in. I’ve got the hoodie, the hat, and probably a few other things I don’t need. Penn State had high hopes this year but have fallen below expectations, but what I value most about watching the games is the time with my daughter. Tailgating with her roommates’ families, swapping stories,and grilling great food are the parts I’ll remember. She’ll graduate this year, and we’ll see what happens after that. For now, I’m grateful we had these seasons together. It’s been a good ride.
–Neil Crowley
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The CIA’s Most Purr-plexing Mission Cats as Spies? Probably Not, but Maybe a Beetle
The CIA once tried to turn a cat into a spy. No, really.
toward the bench, the cat unfortunately wandered into traffic and was immediately hit by a taxi. The mission was over before it began. It turned out cats weren’t very good at following orders. In a later memo, the CIA admitted that the program wasn’t practical or suited to its “highly specialized needs.” No surprise there. If you’ve ever tried to get a cat to do anything it doesn’t want to do, you understand. Still, the idea of using animals for covert missions didn’t die with Acoustic Kitty. In the 2000s, the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) picked up the baton and funded experiments with remote-controlled insects. Researchers at UC Berkeley managed to control a beetle’s flight using neural implants. They could steer it left and right and make it start and stop in mid-air. It was like a bug-size drone. Science has shown that bugs might make better spies than cats. And unless your housecat suddenly develops a taste for espionage, your conversations are probably safe. So, if your feline friend stares blankly at you while you share secrets, don’t worry. That’s not surveillance. That’s just a cat being a cat.
In the 1960s, the agency launched a project called Acoustic Kitty. The idea was to implant listening devices into live cats so they could eavesdrop on foreign officials. One unlucky feline became their test subject. A surgeon embedded a
microphone in the cat’s ear, ran an antenna through its fur, and tucked a transmitter into the base of its skull. The CIA planned to train the cat to sit near targets and secretly transmit conversations. The outcome? Let’s just say things didn’t go as planned.
For the first trial run, CIA agents released the wired- up cat near a park bench where two men were talking. Instead of heading
Quick Action Makes a Difference Protecting Yourself After a Dog Attack
Dog bites often happen quickly and with little notice, but the effects can be lasting. You may be left with physical injuries that take weeks, months, or longer to heal. But when you’re bitten, whether it involves an aggressive nip or a serious injury, it’s not always easy to know what to do next. Most people are too busy dealing with pain and shock to even think about paperwork or legal steps, but what you do right after the bite matters. The first step is always to get medical help. Even a seemingly minor bite can lead to infection, and deeper ones may cause long-term damage. You should also take photos of your injury and write down what happened while the details of the incident
are fresh. Try to get the name and contact information of the owner, and report the incident to the local animal control office. If there were witnesses, try to get their names, too. Taking these early steps can make a big difference later. Our dog bite laws in Massachusetts are straightforward, and state law follows a strict liability rule. This means that in most cases, the dog’s owner is legally responsible for injuries caused by their pet. You don’t need to prove the dog had a history of aggression or the owner was negligent. You likely have a valid claim for your injuries as long as you weren’t trespassing, teasing the dog, or committing a crime.
Many people are hesitant to pursue these claims, but even if you like or know the dog that bit you, you could be facing expensive medical bills, time away from work, and lasting trauma. Many of these claims are covered by the dog owner’s home insurance policy, and holding someone accountable doesn’t mean you’re attacking your neighbor or punishing a pet. It just means making sure you’re protected. Call us if you’ve been bitten and aren’t sure what to do. We’re happy to discuss your situation with you. We’ve handled many of these cases and can help you understand what to expect and your options.
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LESS SCROLLING, MORE STROLLING THE CASE FOR A DAILY WALK
As the temperatures dip and daylight starts to dwindle sooner in the evenings, staying active often falls to the bottom of the priority list. It’s easy to settle into the routine of indoor comfort
with more screens and less movement. However, carving out time for a daily walk, even in the chillier months, is a simple and effective way to stay physically and mentally sharp. FALL AND WINTER ARE NATURE’S UNDERRATED WORKOUT MONTHS. There’s something calming about a quiet sidewalk covered in fall leaves or a peaceful neighborhood dusted with frost. The colder seasons offer a refreshing and grounding change of scenery. A short walk outdoors allows you to unplug and take in the subtle beauty that’s easy to miss when you’re rushing from one indoor task to the next. THE SCIENCE OF SEASONAL MOVEMENT IS REAL. Cooler air does more than wake you up. It makes your body work harder to stay warm, thus increasing the calorie burn of even a casual stroll. That quick burst of movement in the
cold can also boost circulation, improve energy levels, and clear mental fog, especially if you’ve been sitting at a desk for most of the day. CREATE A COZY ROUTINE YOU LOOK FORWARD TO. One of the best ways to stay consistent during these cooler months is to make your walk enjoyable. Layer up in comfortable gear, choose a playlist or podcast you love, and set a daily reminder to step outside. Whether it’s 10 minutes around the block or a long weekend loop, consistency matters more than intensity. MAKE IT SOCIAL, REWARDING, OR BOTH. If you aren’t feeling motivated solo, ask a friend or neighbor to join you a few times a week. If you prefer going alone, add a small reward: a stop for a warm drink, or the satisfaction of checking it off your daily goals list. These little incentives can make your walk something to look forward to.
Have a Laugh!
Baked Pineapple Salmon
A sweet and savory entree that the whole family will keep asking you to make!
Ingredients
•
1 can pineapple slices, drained, reserving 1/4 cup of juice
• • • • •
4 tbsp hoisin sauce
3 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• • • •
2 1/2 lb side of salmon Salt and pepper, to taste 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime slices
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. 3. Place pineapple slices on baking sheet. 4. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper and lay over pineapple. 5. In a small bowl, whisk together chili sauce, melted butter, hoisin sauce, garlic cloves, lemon, and pineapple juice. Pour over salmon.
6. Bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through. 7. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime slices.
Inspired by ChefJar.com
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439 Washington St. • Dedham, MA 02026
Inside THIS ISSUE
1 Weekends at Beaver Stadium
2 Furry Agents and Failed Espionage
The Legal Side of Dog Bites
3 Bundle Up and Step Out
Baked Pineapple Salmon
4 Boston-Area Happenings to Kick Off Winter
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What’s on in Boston This Month? Your Guide to Local Family Fun
As soon as Halloween is over, it’s easy to feel like the rest of the year is all about preparing for the holidays, but November doesn’t have to get lost in a blur of to-do lists. There are plenty of events this month to help you ease into the season while still enjoying some local fun. From activities to entertain the kids to a classic performance, here are a few things to put on your calendar before the snow starts flying. NEWTON CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL Now in its second year, the Newton Children’s Book Festival will be held at the New Art Center on Nov. 16. This festival brings together dozens of the country’s best children’s authors and illustrators. Kids can meet the people behind their favorite stories, listen to live readings, and enjoy fun activities. Books are available for purchase and signing, and admission is free. If you have young readers at home or want a great family outing, this one’s worth checking out.
and features a full-size live orchestra, talented dancers, and stunning scenery created by Broadway designers. It blends professional choreography with community talent and the traditional story you know and love. Tickets are available now, and the show runs Thanksgiving weekend. SOWA WINTER FESTIVAL Boston’s largest winter market returns with over 100 local vendors offering handmade goods, art, food, and gifts. The SoWa Winter Festival offers something for everyone and is held over several weekends, starting the day after Thanksgiving and continuing through Dec. 28. You’ll find gourmet snacks, small-batch beverages, jewelry, prints, and a variety of other gifts you won’t see in big-box stores. It gives you a chance to grab a warm drink, browse the galleries, and make a dent in your holiday shopping in a single afternoon.
THE NUTCRACKER AT THE HANOVER THEATRE There’s no better way to kick off the holiday season than with a performance of The Nutcracker. This one takes place in Worcester
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