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Review Brooks & Crowley
July 2025
781-251-0555
www.brooksandcrowley.com
439 Washington Street Dedham, MA 02026
*Services Throughout Massachusetts
WANDERING THROUGH ITALY THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME
This spring, my wife and I flew to Europe to visit our daughter, who was studying abroad in Italy. But we didn’t fly straight there. We’d always wanted to see Portugal, so we stopped in Lisbon for a few days. Great weather, friendly people, good food, and cheap wine — what’s not to like? Then we headed to Italy, where the real trip began. Our daughter lived and went to school in Florence and we wanted to see the city through her eyes. She showed us around her neighborhood, took us to her favorite places, and gave us a sense of how she lived. We even took a pasta-making class and winery tour together. And as much as we loved seeing Florence, we didn’t stop there. We packed in as much of the country as we could. We were excited to see Venice. It is one of those places that is unlike anywhere else. What an amazing place. No roads at all, just canals. The couple sitting next to us at a restaurant just tied their boat up like it was a car. They live on a nearby island. It is how they get around. It all seemed to function effortlessly. That is what a couple of thousand years of practice can do. After that, we went south to Sorrento and then over to Rome. We were supposed to fly home
on Easter Sunday, but my wife had a better idea: “We can’t leave on Rome on Easter.” So, we pushed our flight to Monday, walked up to the Vatican that morning, and got into Saint Peter’s Square for Easter Sunday Mass with no problem. It was sunny and beautiful. There were crowds, sure, but we found a spot and stayed for the whole service. We were served Communion blessed by Pope Francis. We were surprised to hear of his passing the following day. You can’t plan something like that. We just showed up and were fortunate enough to be there for what turned out to be a historic moment. We saw a lot in Rome and Florence, but one of my favorite things about Italy is what you find between the big sites — the little shops, the side streets, the meals at neighborhood spots where no one speaks English. A concierge at our hotel n Rome gave us some great advice when we asked for a restaurant recommendation: “Get lost. Walk three or four blocks from tourist spots, wander into a neighborhood, and sit down where the locals eat. That’s how you find much better food for much less money.” Boy, was he right. Of course, the trip was not without hiccups. One afternoon, we rushed to catch a ferry. We scrambled to our seats only to realize it was the wrong ferry. An hour later, we were on an island we never heard of. It wasn’t where we were supposed to be, but it turned out to be beautiful. We rode along the cliffs, saw castles tucked into the hills, and had a great time. We made a joke out of it and treated it like a highlight, not a screw-up. That’s part of the deal with travel. You’ve got to roll with it. And that’s something I hope my daughter picked up, too. She’s a confident kid but this
trip showed me how well she’s grown into herself. She gave us the tour, ordered food for us, and navigated the trains. She didn’t need hand-holding. We got to see her in her element, and as a parent, that’s about as good as it gets. Like most vacations, this one had us in a different rhythm. We walked six or seven miles daily, ate everything in sight, and still lost a few pounds — the food was that fresh. There was no processed junk, just real meals made by people who cared. My wife doesn’t even like pesto, but she had it three times over there and loved it. That’s Italy. Travel teaches you a lot — patience, flexibility, and curiosity. You don’t have to look for lessons. They find you. All you have to do is go. –Neil Crowley
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When Monopoly Helped Win a War Allied Powers Outwitted the Enemy, One Game at a Time
You know Monopoly as the game that ruins friendships and sparks hourlong battles over Park Place. But during World War II, it played a much more significant and far braver role: helping Allied soldiers escape from German POW camps. Yes, really . In one of the most brilliant covert ops of the war, the British Secret Service turned Monopoly into a top-secret escape kit. Before this tactic, smuggling noisy paper maps without tipping off the guards was too risky, and getting caught could be fatal for prisoners. Enter silk — strong, weather- resistant, and, most importantly, silent. The British turned to John Waddington Ltd., the licensed Monopoly manufacturer in the UK, who also happened to be an expert in printing on silk. It was a match made in espionage heaven.
Waddington didn’t just tuck maps into game boxes, though. In a locked room most employees didn’t know existed, craftsmen rigged Monopoly sets with tiny metal files, magnetic compasses, and even real currency hidden beneath the play money. Each game was marked with a secret red dot on the Free Parking space — an insider’s clue for captured soldiers to look out for.
Thanks to a clever partnership with the Red Cross, these “games” were slipped into POW camps as humanitarian aid packages. The guards thought they were passing along innocent entertainment. Meanwhile, inside the box were the tools to freedom. By the end of the war, over 35,000 POWs had escaped German camps — many with the help of these customized Monopoly sets. Though exact numbers are lost to history, Monopoly’s role in those escapes is one of the war’s clever secrets. The mission was kept quiet for decades to preserve the strategy for future use. Today, the story reminds us that the simplest tools can sometimes carry out extraordinary missions. Next time you pass “Go,” just remember Monopoly once helped people pass barbed wire.
Why This Season Demands Extra Caution Teens, Cars, and Summer Hazards
When summer rolls around, the roads get busier, and for families with teenage drivers, it’s a real source of anxiety. Teens are out of school, which means many of them spend more time behind the wheel and sometimes make choices without fully understanding the risks that come with them. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known nationwide as the “100 Deadliest Days.” On average, more than 275 teen drivers lose their lives in traffic accidents every month during this period. The reasons for the spike in fatal accidents aren’t hard to understand. Teens drive more in the summer, often without adult supervision. Many also spend more time driving at night, when visibility is lower and fatigue can be a factor. Add passengers, phones, and music into the mix, and the risks compound fast. In fact, studies show that distractions play a role in nearly 60% of crashes involving teen drivers. Inexperience is also a factor. Inexperienced drivers may not realize how fast is too fast until it’s too late. Teens are also more likely to misjudge a
situation or react too slowly in a crisis than adults. Other contributing factors include alcohol use, speeding, and not using seatbelts. Together, these issues contribute to a crash fatality rate among 16- to 19-year-olds three times higher than that of drivers 20 and older. So, what can you do as a parent? Start by having a direct conversation about safety with your teen. Talk with them about phone use, when they can drive, where they can go, and whom they can take along. A written agreement isn’t a bad idea, either. Writing out your expectations can help clarify rules and show your teen that driving is a responsibility and a privilege. Also, remember that teens learn a lot by watching. If you want them to stay off their phones, slow down, and wear a seatbelt, show them what that looks like. Giving teens the keys to a car is a big step, but with guidance and a focus on safe habits, it’s a step you can both take with confidence.
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THE TEA ON THE BENEFITS OF TEA WHY YOUR MUG MIGHT BE THE KEY TO FEELING GREAT
Ready to steep yourself in the healing power of herbal drinks? We’re reading all the tea leaves on, well, tea! Whether you need a morning boost from a bold black tea, a stress-melting sip of chamomile, or a green tea glow-up for your immune system, there’s a brew for every mood. Let’s sip through the world of teas and explore the different varieties, their benefits, and why your kettle might be your new best friend on your health and wellness journey.
even reduce inflammation. Green tea can also aid in weight loss, support healthy brain function, and reduce the risk of severe conditions like heart disease. Studies have found that this brew can also improve your oral health, manage blood sugar, and could add years to your life! BLACK TEA If you want an energy boost, black tea might replace your morning cup of coffee. Robust and flavorful, this variety has high amounts of antioxidants called theaflavins and thearubigins, which support healthy cholesterol levels and the heart. Black tea can also reduce the risk of strokes, lower blood sugar levels, and provide focus without all the jitters. CHAMOMILE TEA Sleep is crucial for your health, and you can sip your way to better z’s with a cup of chamomile tea. This popular drink’s calming effects are thanks to its antioxidant properties — natural stress and inflammation reducers. Along with its well-known calming benefits, chamomile can soothe upset stomachs, protect against certain cancers, strengthen your immune system, and even improve your skin. (That’s what we call beauty sleep in a cup!) So, whether you’re brewing up energy, relaxation, or a health boost, tea has you covered, one sip at a time. Go ahead and grab your favorite mug, steep your favorite brew, and let the stress melt away!
Have a Laugh! GREEN TEA People have turned to green tea for centuries for its health benefits, hosting powerful antioxidants to support your immune system. The natural catechins in these leaves protect cells in the body from damage and can
Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
Ingredients
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4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved 2–3 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil 1/2 cup basil pesto
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2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided 2 cloves garlic, smashed 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar Chili flakes, to taste 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves Salt and pepper, to taste
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1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes. directions
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439 Washington St. • Dedham, MA 02026
Inside THIS ISSUE
1 An Italian Spring to Remember 2 The Most Dangerous Game of Monopoly Ever Played
Helping Teen Drivers Stay Safe
3 Sip Your Way to Better Health
Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken 4 Celebrate Culture Across the City
Boston’s Summer Scene Is in Full Swing Catch Big Sounds and Bold Flavors
Boston’s summer scene is heating up with a trio of standout festivals just around the corner. From the vibrant rhythms of Africa to the savory streets of the North End and the smooth sounds of jazz by the harbor, the city has something special every weekend. Mark your calendar and get ready to enjoy the best of Boston in full color. AFRICAN FESTIVAL OF BOSTON — AUG. 16–17 Now in its 15th year, the African Festival of Boston brings the continent’s music, fashion, and food to the heart of the city. Held on Boston Common, this two-day event is a lively mix of live performances, traditional drumming, and colorful dance showcases. The marketplace is just as dynamic, with vendors offering handmade jewelry, textiles, and dishes from dozens of African nations. You might
come for the music, but you’ll stay for the flavors and community vibe that fills the park from morning to evening. SAINT ANTHONY’S FEAST — AUG. 28–31 If you’ve never experienced Saint Anthony’s Feast in Boston’s North End, make this your year. First celebrated in 1919 by Italian immigrants from Montefalcione, it’s grown into the city’s most beloved Italian-American tradition. Over four packed days, the neighborhood transforms into a festival of lights, food, and faith. There are religious processions through narrow cobblestone streets, live music performances on every corner, and rows of food vendors offering everything from arancini to cannoli. Don’t miss the Grand Procession or the cheesy goodness at the Stella Culinary Pavilion — there’s nothing quite like it.
BOSTON JAZZ FESTIVAL — AUG. 29–30 The Boston Jazz Festival returns to the Seaport this August, and it’s one of the best ways to close out the summer. Over two days, you’ll hear jazz in all its forms — classic, contemporary, and everything in between — performed by top musicians from around the world. The setting doesn’t hurt either. With Boston Harbor as your backdrop and food trucks and beer gardens lining the lawn, it’s the kind of event that turns a lazy afternoon into something unforgettable. Bring a lawn chair and a friend, and let the music take care of the rest.
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