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New Monthly LGBTQ+ Senior Luncheon in Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA 

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns, has announced a new monthly LGBTQ+ Senior Luncheon will be held at noon every first Thursday of the month at Bridgewater Senior Center, 10 Wally Krueger Way, Bridgewater. All LGBTQ+ seniors and allies are welcome. Seniors who attended the first LGBTQ+ luncheon, had a “great time and appreciated the safe space it provided them to be themselves”. 
 
This program is proudly sponsored by OCES and The Bridgewater Senior Center. The Bridgewater Senior Center is one of OCES’ Community Dining meal sites providing nutritious meals Monday through Friday. 
 
Reservations are required. Contact the Bridgewater Senior Center, 508-697-0929, to reserve a spot for the LGBTQ+ Senior Luncheon on Thursday, October 5, 2023, and each subsequent month.  
 
To arrange for transportation, please call the Bridgewater Senior Center office at 508-697-0929.  
 
OCES Nutrition Program 
The OCES Nutrition Program enhances the quality of life for older adults by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals. Meals are available Monday through Friday at Community Dining meal sites located throughout the OCES service area. Older adults are invited to attend any Community Dining program. In addition to a nutritious meal, Community Dining provides opportunities for socialization and education. 
 
OCES’ Nutrition Program, which consists of Meals on Wheels, Community Dining, and Grab & Go meals, is critical to many older adults. In addition, for Brockton residents, OCES offers home delivered Caribbean meals and meals for individuals with disabilities 18 and older. Through OCES’ Nutrition Program, hundreds of nutritious meals are delivered each day to adults age 60+ living within 23 communities in greater Plymouth County. These “Meals on Wheels” are essential, nutritionally-sound and satisfying meals planned by a Dietitian. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, the meals are delivered to individual homes. For many of OCES’ most vulnerable older adults and individuals with disabilities, the delivery is not only a delicious meal, but also often the only social contact of the day. A connection to the community through Meals on Wheels serves as a safety check to ensure that these individuals are safe.  
  
Meals on Wheels and Community Dining menus are published in COA newsletters and on OCES’ website at www.ocesma.org/nutrition-menu 
 
For a list of Community Dining meal sites, visit www.ocesma.org/community-dining 
 
For more information about Meals on Wheels or Community Dining, call OCES at (508) 584-1561.  
 
Please note menus are subject to change. 
 
About Bridgewater COA 
For more information about the Bridgewater COA, visit www.bridgewaterma.org or call 508-697-0929. 
 
About OCES 
No matter gender, identity, race, or sexual orientation, OCES supports everyone without exception. There is “No Wrong Door” when it comes to supporting all. 
 
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

New Monthly LGBTQ+ Senior Luncheon in BridgewaterRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Honored as one of “Best Places to Work”

Nicole Long, CEO of Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) at the Cape & Plymouth Business Media 2023 Best Places to Work award ceremony held September 13, 2023, at the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis. 

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA…

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency with offices in Brockton and Plymouth and proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has been honored as one of Cape & Plymouth Business Media 2023 Best Places to Work. 
 
OCES was recognized as one of Cape & Plymouth Business Media’s top 40 honorees for the 2023 Best Places to Work in a well-attended ceremony on September 13, 2023, at the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis, MA. 
 
“OCES is proud to be named 2023 Best Places to Work honoree among the South Shore and Cape Cod’s businesses recognized for team culture, community involvement, employee engagement and more. Creating a great place to work helps lift all stakeholders,” said Nicole Long, CEO, who accepted the award. 
 
Cape & Plymouth Business Media 2023 Best Places to Work nominations were voted based on criteria in team culture, hiring, training, community service and company communication. Nominations were made by staff, volunteers, and vendors. 
 
Over the past 49 years, OCES has grown to 243 full-time and 26 part-time employees, with 23 members on their Board of Directors. OCES’ leadership team includes Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer; Anna Dee, Chief Operating Officer; Alisa DeLage, Chief Programs Officer; Rob Buckel-Gillis, Human Resources Director and Yolanda America, Finance Director. 
 
According to Long, “We’re very proud of our organization’s innovative company culture. Every team member has an important role, and we recognize and appreciate their dedication, contributions, and commitment to our mission and to our community.” 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. OCES aspires to be a culturally diverse and inclusive agency that removes barriers creating equity for all by empowering individuals and communities to thrive, age in place, and reach their highest potential. 
 
About 2023 Best Places to Work 
For more information about Cape & Plymouth Business Media 2023 Best Places to Work sponsored by Brabo, visit capeplymouthbusiness.com 
 
About OCES 
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.  

Old Colony Elder Services Honored as one of “Best Places to Work”Read More

Plymouth Solar Energy powers up new service. Batteries are here. You’ll never have a Power Outage again.

Homeowners now can install high-tech lithium storage batteries to power their home when the utility goes down.  Plymouth Solar Energy has expanded its resources and is now endorsed by the four leading battery manufacturers including Tesla, Briggs, and Stratton, Generac/PRW Cell and Sonnen.  The company has earned certificates for their most advanced systems.

Some battery owners report that they did not even know that the utility went down because the battery switched on seamlessly. In addition to the comfort and convenience, batteries are recognized for taxed credits.  Homeowners enjoy 30% tax credits for batteries and 30% tax credit for solar.

Owners may select time of day or periods of peak household usage and have storage contribute to the home at that time.  Those with solar can store energy during the day and power their home at night.  With or without solar, owners earn money if they allow the utility to tap their batteries when the grid is stressed.

Plymouth Solar Energy (PlymouthSolarEnergy.com ) is a regional leader in the installation and maintenance of commercial and residential solar and battery systems. The company boasts over 200 installed and on-line monitored solar systems within 50 miles of Plymouth.

Plymouth Solar Energy is located at 18 Main Street Extension, Plymouth, MA. There are now 10 full and part-time staffers at the growing entity.

For more info visit www.PlymouthSolarEnergy.com . For a complimentary Solar Feasibility Study or questions, call (508) 746-5430 or email info@plymouthsolarenergy.com.

Plymouth Solar Energy powers up new service. Batteries are here. You’ll never have a Power Outage again.Read More

College Admissions 101 Seminar for high school students and families on September 28th at YMCA of Metro North – Demakes Family Campus

Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore

LYNN AND RAYNHAM, MA… A free, in-person “College Admissions 101” seminar led by Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, founder of Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) of Raynham, MA will be held September 28, 2023 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at YMCA of Metro North – Demakes Family Campus, 40 Neptune Blvd., Lynn, MA 01902. 
 
Overwhelmed by the enormity of the college admissions task? Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore offers helpful insight and will cover topics including: 

-Choosing a college/university that is a good match for the student’s interests, lifestyle and budget 
-Getting the best financial package and maximizing merit scholarship dollars  
 
Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore helps focus effort on colleges that academically, socially and financially are most appropriate, which puts the student in the best position to succeed in school itself as well as beyond in their career.  
 
The workshop is geared towards high school Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors and their families.  
 
Registration is required. RSVP by September 27, 2023 to:  https://conta.cc/3XZ00Dc 
 
High school students and parents who are unable to attend the workshop may arrange for a complimentary consultation by emailing nod@personalcollegecounseling.com. 
 
About PCCI 
Founded by Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq. who has been practicing law for more than 30 years, Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) provides high school students (and parents/guardians) with one-on-one guidance throughout the entire college preparation process. PCCI’s college planning includes research and recommendations that are specifically targeted and provide the best fit to the student’s abilities, interests, finances, and family circumstances. PCCI takes into consideration university and campus life; programs, internships and study abroad; athletics (Division I, II, and III) and clubs and intramurals. PCCI manages all important deadlines for testing, applications and forms, and assists with merit-based scholarships and financial aid.  
 
PCCI’s services are available to students in all 50 states via video conferencing or via telephone. Virtual services as well as in-person services are available. PCCI is based in Raynham, MA. For more information or to arrange for a complimentary Parent/Student Personal College Consultation, contact (508) 622-5250, email nod@personalcollegecounseling.com or visit the website at https://www.personalcollegecounseling.com. 

College Admissions 101 Seminar for high school students and families on September 28th at YMCA of Metro North – Demakes Family CampusRead More

Grandparents Family Cookout on September 22 in Middleboro. Presented by OCES and Old Colony YMCA Middleboro

BROCKTON, MIDDLEBORO AND PLYMOUTH, MA… In celebration of National Grandparents Day, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) and Old Colony YMCA Middleboro are presenting a Grandparents Family Cookout on September 22, 2023 (rain date September 23) from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Camp Yomechas at 375 Wareham Street in Middleboro. This event is free and open to the public.  
 
Registration is required. Tickets for adults and children must be selected separately. RSVP to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grandparents-raising-grandchildren-family-cookout-tickets-681757654497 
 
If unable to register online, RSVP by calling OCES at 508-584-1561 ext. 209. 
 
For more information about Old Colony YMCA Middleboro, visit https://www.oldcolonyymca.org/locations/middleboro-branch 
 
OCES Family Caregiver Support for Grandparents 
OCES, a nonprofit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns, has a Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) that offers resources to assist grandparents raising grandchildren in their caregiving.  
  
OCES’ FCSP empowers grandparents by providing resources and support through OCES programs as well as other resources in the community to help with caregiving. OCES can provide one-on-one support to grandparents raising grandchildren and can create a personalized plan outlining available resources appropriate to their caregiving situation. Resources may range from caregiver support groups and educational workshops or programs that share techniques to help family caregivers with stress reduction, time management, goal setting, problem-solving and relaxation.  
 
About OCES 
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.  

Grandparents Family Cookout on September 22 in Middleboro. Presented by OCES and Old Colony YMCA MiddleboroRead More

“Gratitude and Grin” nominations sought.  Recognize a neighbor, friend or relative for the little things they do.

Reward a random act of kindness.  Recognize a selfless act. Appreciate the little things that a neighbor, friend or relative does for you or others. Nominate someone for “Gratitude and Grin” award.

The “Gratitude and Grin” award provides recognition for someone in the community who goes out of their way to help. The award, sponsored by Surf Side Dental Studio of Hingham, includes community recognition and dinner for two at a Hingham-area restaurant.

The public is encouraged to submit nominations to officestaff@surfsidedentalstudio.com.  Please include the name of the nominee, a brief description of the random act of kindness, contact information (telephone, email address) for the nominee.  Please also include contact information (telephone, email address) for the nominator. 

“Highlighting good deeds will help encourage more good deeds,” noted Dr. Robert Geary of Surf Side Dental Studio. 

Dr. Teresa Huynh added, “We believe in community involvement and being good neighbors, we look forward to hearing great examples of that.”

Surf Side Dental Studio is located at the intersection of Hingham, Hull, and Cohasset at 344 Rockland St, Hingham, Ma 02043.  The dental practice provides a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

Husband and wife team Dr. Robert Geary, a native of Hull, and Dr. Teresa Huynh, also a native of a surfside town, Pompano Beach, Florida focus on complete dental care for the family.

For more information, call (781) 749-6750, or visit www.SurfSideDentalStudio.com.

“Gratitude and Grin” nominations sought.  Recognize a neighbor, friend or relative for the little things they do.Read More

September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month.  OCES to hold Virtual Falls Prevention Presentations on September 13th

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… September is Falls Prevention Awareness month. 

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a nonprofit agency that supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living, is offering two free virtual Falls Prevention presentations on September 13, 2023. 
 
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that every year, one in four Americans aged 65 and older experience a fall. Learning more about falls prevention, reducing risk of falls, and improving balance and strength are all practical strategies to help manage and avoid falls.   
 
OCES’ first virtual Falls Prevention presentation will be held from 10:00-11:30 a.m. To register, use the following link: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejv4z02fbca9128a&oseq=&c=&ch= 
 
The second presentation will be held from 1:00-2:30 p.m.  To register, use the following link: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejv4z02vf4a4e57f&oseq=&c=&ch= 
 
Unable to attend either of these virtual presentations?  OCES’ Healthy Living Program offers “A Matter of Balance” evidence-based workshop that emphasizes practical strategies to control, manage, or avoid falls. Matter of Balance will also set goals for increasing activity levels, encourage small changes to reduce fall risks at home, and ways to exercise to increase strength and balance. 
 
If you have any questions about OCES’ free virtual Falls Prevention presentations on September 13th or to learn more about “A Matter of Balance” workshop, contact OCES’ Healthy Living Program at 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 
 
About OCES 
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month.  OCES to hold Virtual Falls Prevention Presentations on September 13thRead More

OCES to Hold Fundraiser at Starland Sportsplex and Fun Park on September 17

BROCKTON, HANOVER AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Support a good cause with a day of fun at Starland in Hanover! Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) will host a fundraiser on September 17, 2023 from 12:00 pm – 6:00 p.m. at Starland Sportsplex and Fun Park at 637 Washington Street in Hanover. This event is open to the public. 
 
A portion of the proceeds from purchasing an all-day pass and/or food will benefit OCES’ Nutrition Department.   
  
Tickets for ALL-DAY pass can be purchased at the door on the day of event.  Tickets are $50 for all day passes including access to go-karts, Eurobungy trampoline, drop tower, rock wall, mini golf, bumper cars, laser tag and XD dark ride. Discounted prices will be available for children four years old and under. 
 
If you have questions regarding the event, contact OCES at 508-584-1561 ext. 372. If you would like to donate visit www.ocesma.org/donations 
 
OCES Nutrition Program 
OCES’ Nutrition Program, which consists of Meals on Wheels, Community Dining, and Grab & Go meals, is critical to many older adults. Through OCES’ Nutrition Program, hundreds of nutritious meals are delivered each day to adults age 60+ living within 23 communities in greater Plymouth County. These “Meals on Wheels” are essential, nutritionally-sound and satisfying meals planned by a nutritionist. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, the meals are delivered to individual homes. For many of OCES’ most vulnerable older adults and individuals with disabilities, the delivery is not only a delicious meal, but also often the only social contact of the day. Connection to the community through Meals on Wheels is also a safety check to make sure these individuals are okay. 
  
Meals on Wheels and Community Dining menus are published in COA newsletters and on OCES’ website at www.ocesma.org/nutrition-menu
For a list of Community Dining meal sites, visit www.ocesma.org/getting-started/nutrition.  Please call the meal site to make a reservation. 
 
For more information about Meals on Wheels or Community Dining, call OCES at (508) 584-1561. 
 
About OCES 
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.  
 

OCES to Hold Fundraiser at Starland Sportsplex and Fun Park on September 17Read More

Registration Now Open for Hot Shots Soccer for Girls.  A youth soccer program using tutus, 100% parent participation, and story times enters 28th season.

SQUIRT-GUN SOCCER: One of the many fun games at Hot Shots Soccer for Girls is the squirt gun dribbling drill. Girls dribble, chased by their squirt-gun-toting parents, and then the tables are turned! Here, Marshfield’s Jared Bell has managed to lose the ball while getting soaked by his daughter, Cadence. (John Wilpers photo)

MARSHFIELD, MA… Since 1996, Hot Shots Soccer for girls has stood out from youth sports program anywhere with 100 percent parent participation, story times, books to take home every week, public speaking for tots, and soccer “drills” that use tutus, puppets, parachutes, and squirt guns. 
 
One of the most unusual aspects of Hot Shots is that parents aren’t just taxi drivers who observe from the sidelines, but participate in every activity, putting on tutus, becoming horsies, being butterflies, etc. These fun games build lasting memories and bonds. 
 
The aim of the program is to build girls’ self-esteem, parental bonds, love of reading, athletic skills, and public speaking abilities while having lots of silly fun.
 
Open to South Shore girls ages 2-7, Hot Shots is conducted in a supportive, non-competitive, fun-filled environment. Since 1996, more than 5,000 girls have graduated. 
 
There is no competition. The only “competition” is within each girl. The coaches challenge each girl weekly to push herself to try something new. 
 
Hot Shots also strives to build a sense of self-esteem and being special. Every session, we ask girls to speak to the 30-40 kids and grown-ups, introducing themselves by telling everyone their favorite things and why they are a special person. 
 
Hot Shots builds girls’ love of reading with a story time every week, and sends every girl home with a bag full of five books to read.  
 
To create a supportive culture, we use strong female role models as coaches, including high school and middle school girls, many of whom are top-level soccer players but many of whom are also dancers, artists, etc. The common denominator is that they all love helping young girls.  
 
Surveys prove the value of the Hot Shots experience. Of the parents surveyed, 98 percent said their girls became more self-confident; 98 percent became more at ease in social settings; 94 percent became more willing to try new things; 92 percent became more independent; and 92 percent became more fond of books and reading. 
 
To join the fun, register at bgcmarshfield.org. The season is 10 Sundays, September 10 – November 12, 2023 at the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield at 37 Proprietors Drive, Marshfield, MA. Sessions are at 9, 10, and 11 a.m. Registration is open to girls ages 2-7. The fee is $195 (scholarships available). For questions, text/call John Wilpers, 617-688-0137, or email john@bgcmarshfield.org. 
 
About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield 
The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  The Club serves families with children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old, and provides critical services the community needs to support children and families over the short- and long-term. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582. 

Registration Now Open for Hot Shots Soccer for Girls.  A youth soccer program using tutus, 100% parent participation, and story times enters 28th season.Read More