Westwood COA celebrates 50 years

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By Katrina Margolis
Hometown Weekly Reporter

Lina Arena-DeRosa, Director of the Westwood Council on Aging, never does anything small.

When the Patriots won the Super Bowl, she put together an impromptu celebration party to watch the parade in Boston and sit with friends eating hamburgers and potato salad. Opening day for the Red Sox was no different, as Arena-DeRosa put together a celebration fit for Fenway, complete with Red Sox decorations, hot dogs, and popcorn.

It is no surprise that the celebration for the Westwood Council on Aging’s 50th Anniversary was an absolute extravaganza.

On Wednesday, July 19, dozens of Westwood residents gathered to celebrate all that the Council on Aging has done and the impact it has had on the elderly community in town.

“If you made it on the list, you are very lucky, because we have about 35 people on the waitlist and the fire department would’ve murdered me if I had let more people in than are here already,” Arena-DeRosa said to the packed room before her. For all that the COA offers, it’s not a huge shock that such a large number of people wanted to be there to celebrate such a momentous milestone.

The party was beach-themed, complete with blow-up palm tree decorations, shell centerpieces, and a musician playing the steelpan in the corner. The lunch supplied was a huge hit, featuring watermelon, two types of salads, fried chicken, and cornbread “with a kick.” Arena-DeRosa reminded Barry, the chef: “Everybody is going ask me for recipes! So you better get them to me!”

While Senator Michael Rush and Representative James McGovern would have liked to be in attendance, they were in session. However, two of Westwood’s select-people came, dressed to celebrate in their beach gear. One of the highlights of the afternoon was an exuberantly decorated photo booth, accompanied by the “Jaws” theme music. Seniors were encouraged to don any number of props offered and take silly pictures with their friends to celebrate the occasion.

Arena-DeRosa made sure to thank all of her volunteers and, of course, her staff. “Honestly I’ve been writing the newsletter for September and October, so until about 11 a.m., I didn’t even really know what was going on out here!” she exclaimed.

The group effort came together to produce a fun, jovial event to give thanks for an incredible Council on Aging.