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OCES Organization Announcement To Prepare for the Future

Nicole Long

The Board of Directors of Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, recently announced a senior management restructuring. These changes will prepare them to build upon the agency’s strong positive reputation in the community, as well as to embrace new opportunities. Nicole Long has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Diana DiGiorgi has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO). As CEO, Ms. Long’s primary focus will be to maintain and grow community and funding source relationships. As COO, Ms. DiGiorgi’s primary concentration will be on internal business operations.

Diana DiGiorgi

From the statement by the Board of Directors: “OCES has experienced rapid growth in programs and staffing to meet consumers’ needs across the region especially over the last 5-10 years.   It is time to reorganize these responsibilities into separate positions to ensure the agency’s strength and progress into the future.”

Ms. Long began her career at OCES in 2005 in the Family Caregiver Support Program. She was appointed Assistant Executive Director in 2015, working alongside Ms. DiGiorgi on strategic and operational initiatives. She holds a Master of Social Work from Bridgewater State University and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). Ms. Long also serves as a Commissioner on the Board of Directors for the Plymouth Housing Authority and is an Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapist at Wildhearts Therapeutic Equestrian Program in West Bridgewater.

Ms. DiGiorgi joined OCES as the Finance Director in 1996 and was appointed Executive Director in 2006. She holds an MBA from Northeastern University. Over the last 10 years, Ms. DiGiorgi held positions of Treasurer and Vice President on the Mass Home Care Association. She recently served as co-chair of the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness (ICHH) Committee on Elder and Chronic Homelessness, working to build partnerships that enhance coordination to maximize housing and service resources.

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 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

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Talking Information Center Participates in “Wonder Fair”

Jim Bunnell

The Talking Information Center (TIC), a nonprofit reading service based in Marshfield, MA and the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, which broadcasts 24 hours a day to visually impaired and otherwise print impaired listeners throughout Massachusetts, recently participated in Furnace Brook Middle School’s “Wonder Fair” for sixth graders held January 27th.

Designed to raise awareness and give the Marshfield middle school students a better understanding of what it would be like to have vision or hearing impairment, learning disorder or other disability, the Wonder Fair offered different “simulator” stations.

Jim Bunnell, Executive Director of TIC led the station simulating visual impairment. Working with more than 300 students in groups of six at a time, Bunnell helped to teach the students about visual impairment and blindness awareness, including how to assist and guide someone with a visual impairment and how to approach someone who has a visual impairment. In an exercise that was similar to the Blindfold Run/Walk that TIC held with Furnace Brook Middle School last October, the children participated in an exercise where they were paired together, one guiding the other blindfolded partner, for a firsthand experience of what it is like to be blind.

“The number of individuals with vision impairment is expected to increase significantly over the next 10 years. Creating greater awareness and understanding is key. I really enjoyed working with the students, as they had no idea of the challenges without sight. They do now,” explained Bunnell.

At the close of each session, Bunnell asked the students if they had any questions and many students made comments along the lines of “I never realized how lonely and dark it is without being able to see.”

The Hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. TIC operates with the help of more than 600 volunteers statewide, broadcasting newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. TIC also offers cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

In 1977, Ed Perry, the founder of radio station WATD-FM in Marshfield, MA, donated his Subsidiary Carrier Authorization signal for use as the first radio reading service in New England. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind oversee TIC, which is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

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Charles Manson or high school cheerleader? If your LinkedIn photo looks like either of these…

It’s true. I got tired of hearing that my LinkedIn headshot was a bit out of date. What gave it away? The dark hair? Hair at all? The optimistic smile?

I’m here to save you from the same fate. If your headshot looks more like your oldest child or a still shot from a bank video tracking a robber, you might want to reconsider.

Seriously, if your headshot is more than five years old, you should have it updated. Maybe your current photo includes your dog, mom, spouse or favorite sports equipment. Or, perhaps the background of your current photo is cluttered or distracting – that includes odd patterns or random words.  Or worse, you’ve Photoshopped out everything but the unidentified hand on your shoulder. Another telltale signs of the need for a new photo is significant fashion shift – from wild hairdo to trending eyeglasses.

Your LinkedIn photo should be you on your best day!

So, you are smiling and approachable. Your hair and makeup look great. Your attire is professional. Your attractive head fills the space – from the top of the head to just below the shoulders.

Care to stand out a bit?  Go black and white.

Want to make sure you make the right impression. Hire a professional photographer who can use professional lighting and offer a bit of coaching.

Now for full disclosure, I recently went outside the box and had Abraham, my talented son and proud graduate of Massachusetts College of Art, create a Super Hero illustration of me to replace my LinkedIn headshot. (See my image on this E-Newsletter.)

Perhaps it makes my headshot timeless. I’m sure you will let me know.

For more information on how to optimize LinkedIn to fill your sales funnel, please check out our upcoming workshop–The LinkedIn Sales Funnel – Hands-On Workshop. We’re hosting two workshops:

For complete information, click here.

 

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OCES Receives $9,311 in Donations in #GivingTuesday Campaign

OCES Board of Directors Development Committee thanks donors and supporters for their contributions during their #GivingTuesday campaign. (L to R), Paula Schlosser, Esq., West Bridgewater; Anna Seery, Director, Pembroke Council on Aging; Janice Fitzgerald, Director, Brockton Council on Aging; and Gene Mazzella, Director, Avon Council on Aging stand in front of a photo of Sid, OCES’ #PlymouthLobsterCrawl creation, currently perched at the Spire Center in Plymouth.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is pleased to announce that $9,311 was raised for their Emergency Fund during their #GivingTuesday campaign.

A global day dedicated to giving, #GivingTuesday inspires people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support. Last year, OCES received a total of $5,145 in #GivingTuesday donations for their Emergency Fund.

OCES’ Emergency Fund helps meet the needs of at-risk low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities who are in a crisis or emergency circumstance that threatens their health and/or living situation. All too frequently, these individuals encounter problems that can jeopardize their ability to maintain independence, dignity and well-being.

“We are very grateful to everyone who helped us not only to meet our goal, but to almost double the amount raised over last year’s campaign,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Chief Executive Officer. “Your generosity will allow us to provide such things as heat, food, and life-sustaining medications to an even greater number of older adults and people with disabilities who are in critical need in our communities.”

Each year the OCES fundraising goal is to add to the Emergency Fund’s capacity to make a significant difference in the lives of the consumers that are served. OCES’ Emergency Fund supports dozens of consumers throughout the year faced with unforeseen emergency events, answering urgent needs such as filling an empty fuel tank, repairing a broken furnace, replacing a mattress that has outlived its usefulness, or providing life-sustaining medications.

Online Donation Capability

Donations help OCES assist older adults and individuals with disabilities who are in need of aid in emergency/crisis situations as well as in need of services such as personal care homemakers, home health aides, home-delivered or community dining meals and more. Donations may be made on OCES’ secure online donation page at www.ocesma.org, or by check or money order to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

A Day Dedicated to Giving Back

#GivingTuesday is observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Fueled by the power of social media and collaboration, #GivingTuesday connects individuals, communities and organizations around the world and provides a platform for them to encourage the donation of time, resources and talents. To learn more, visit www.givingtuesday.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 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

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Emerson Bearing Boston becomes “One-Stop” Super Precision Bearing Information Resource

Emerson Bearing Boston, now serves as a “one-stop” bearing information resource for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) markets around the world. The company has announced the release of a collection of Super Precision Bearing resources to help customers stay current on advancements in bearing technology while also assessing their industry application needs.

Emerson Bearing Boston has compiled a comprehensive library of Super Precision Bearing resources to help with industry applications across aviation, defense, vacuum pumps, medical, and beyond. Design engineers, technical designers, buyers, plant managers, maintenance buyers and others may find documentation, specifications, and the newest updates on precision bearing technology, simply by accessing Emerson Bearing’s complimentary Super Precision Resources in the “Technical Toolbox” of their website, emersonbearing.com.

Among these resources are special guides, which help determine specific materials that may be needed for various applications, as well as the latest findings on precision bearing technologies, common issues and how to prevent them. The company covers a wealth of information, ranging from specifications for angular contact ball bearings, ball screws and ball bearings, to lubrication requirements and mistakes to avoid, material capabilities for industrial applications, and much more.

“We provide customers with a one-stop shopping experience and are known for our vast inventory, competitive pricing and overall reliability. Now, with our super precision bearing resources repository, customers can also find all the information they need – in one stop – to stay on top of the current advancements in bearing technology,” explained Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing.

Applications that use Super Precision Bearings

Super Precision Bearings are ideal for applications that demand a high degree of running accuracy, have high system rigidity, need to extend speed capabilities and maintain low heat generation as well as minimize noise and vibration levels. Their optimized dimensional performance and operational capabilities provide a return on investment that exceeds that of standard bearings. Super precision bearings provide the greatest benefit in applications such as aviation, medical engineering, vacuum pumps used in industrial and sterile environments, high-speed rolling mill machines, printing, metal cutting and woodworking.

To access the company’s Super Precision Bearings resources, simply visit Emerson Bearing’s “Technical Toolbox” on their website at www.emersonbearing.com.

About Emerson Bearing Boston

Founded in 1957, Emerson Bearing Boston specializes in bearings for OEM and MRO markets throughout the world. The company provides solutions to a variety of industries including: aggregate, concrete, mining, machine tools, electric motor repair, marine, material handling, metal processing, packaging, food processing, paper converting, printing, wind/power generation, recreation, heavy construction, robotics, automation, transportation, wood products, wastewater treatment, pump, compressor and oil field.

Emerson Bearing Boston offers customers a one-stop shopping experience. With an online product catalog with over 3 million bearings – ranging in size from 3mm to tunnel-boring 15-foot-diameter giants; a vast inventory of bearings; worldwide sourcing; a fixed price program; a knowledgeable staff; same day shipping and 24/7 service, Emerson Bearing Boston has become a leading provider of bearings in the U.S. They are the sister company of Action Bearing and maintain headquarters at 201 Brighton Ave. Boston, MA. For more information, visit www.emersonbearing.com or call 800-225-4587.

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FitWorx Donates 400 Pounds of Food to Greater Boston Food Bank

FitWorx partners Keith Johnson and Rick Langella at their West Roxbury headquarters

FitWorx’ first annual Holiday Food Drive was a success. A total of 400 pounds of food was collected at their Easton, Pembroke, West Roxbury and Weymouth club locations and donated to the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), which serves many of the local food pantries across Eastern Massachusetts.

FitWorx, the “non-gym” solution for a healthy lifestyle and weight loss, delivered boxes full of canned goods and other shelf stable items to the GBFB.

“According to the GBFB, one in 10 people in Eastern Massachusetts struggles with hunger. We’d like to thank our members, staff and the community for participating in our food drive to help as many families as possible who are suffering from food insecurity,” explained Rick Langella, founder of FitWorx.

For more information about the Greater Boston Food Bank, visit www.gbfb.org. 

For more information or directions to FitWorx locations, visit www.fitworx.com.

About FitWorx

FitWorx is the “non-gym” solution for a healthy lifestyle and weight loss. Offering a personalized fitness program that combines nutrition with customized workouts, and the ongoing guidance and support of a personal FitCoach, FitWorx has helped thousands achieve their weight loss goals and attain and sustain a healthy lifestyle. Each member is provided with the guidance of a Fitworx certified personal trainer, known as a FitCoach, at every visit, ensuring that each step taken brings the member one step closer to his/her goal. Through a well-rounded program of Strength training, Cardiorespiratory fitness, Flexibility (stretching) and Weight loss management, Fitworx is dedicated to helping every member adopt a healthier lifestyle and succeed in meeting their weight loss goals.

FitWorx officially opened doors in 2013, and has quickly grown to four locations in Massachusetts: Easton, Pembroke, West Roxbury and Weymouth. The company is currently looking toward national expansion through franchise development.

To learn more about FitWorx and their “90 Days to a New You” program or to sign up for a two-week free trial, visit www.fitworx.com or call (617) 651-5236.

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Rodman CPAs Holds Winter Clothing Drive for Cradles to Crayons

Rodman CPAs, a full service tax and accounting firm serving small, mid-market, and multi-generational companies throughout the greater Boston area, is helping keep children warm this winter through a winter clothing drive for Cradles to Crayons.

In support of Cradles to Crayons’ “Gear Up for Winter” program, the staff at Waltham, MA based Rodman CPAs held a winter clothing drive for children in need throughout December. Donations of warm winter layers, including coats, boots, hats, gloves, sweaters, fleece items and pajamas were collected for the nonprofit organization that provides children (from birth to age 12) living in low-income and homeless situations with the essential items they need to thrive.

On January 20th, Rodman CPAs delivered more than 40 winter items to Cradles to Crayons’ drop-off location in Westwood to help families who are struggling to stay warm this winter.

To learn more about Cradles to Crayons, visit their website at www.cradlestocrayons.org/boston.

Giving Back

Community outreach is woven into Rodman CPAs’ company culture. The firm has a dedicated volunteer outreach team led by Senior Associates Kate Doherty and Elysha Sturm, and every staff member has an opportunity to volunteer. Over the years, Rodman CPAs has supported a number of organizations and causes including Hope and Comfort in Newton, Camp Clark in Plymouth, Rosie’s Place in Boston and The Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE).

In 2016, Rodman CPAs team spent a combined total of five weeks volunteering and has donated more than $1,300 (which was matched by the firm) to various causes.

About Rodman CPAs

Rodman CPAs provides tax advisory, accounting, and business strategy to small and mid-sized emerging and established businesses. Named one of Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for, and one of the largest accounting firms in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal, Rodman CPAs offers an innovative and strategic approach with the personal touch of a smaller regional CPA firm. For more than 50 years, Rodman CPAs has been specializing in customized accounting and tax solutions that improve business performance, processes, financial operations, and information technology.

The firm serves as a true business partner, helping clients perform and succeed during each stage of the business lifecycle. As domain experts in alternative energy, the “Green Team” at Rodman CPAs works with renewable energy producers and businesses throughout the U.S. offering tax advisory, financial, accounting services, and Investment Tax Credit (ITC) studies.

Rodman CPAs is an independent member firm of BDO Alliance USA, which enables them to expand services to clients by accessing the resources of BDO USA, LLP and other Alliance members, ensuring greater flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. For more information, visit www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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VoiceNation’s “Operation Give Back” Brightens Holidays for Local Families

For the fifth consecutive year, VoiceNation, the industry leader in live answering and virtual receptionist services, has made the holidays brighter for many local families through their “Operation Give Back” outreach program.

Operation Give Back is the name given to VoiceNation’s outreach effort to help ensure local children living in shelters and those in need of assistance receive gifts during the holiday season.

This year, Operation Give Back was able to help 34 families of Supporting Adoption & Foster Families Together, Inc. (SAFFT), a 501(c)3 organization located in Cumming that has a mission to protect children, rebuild families, and empower caregivers. VoiceNation was also able to assist 24 children of Georgia CALLS clients in Buford, the nonprofit organization that helps families break the cycle of poverty and homelessness by guiding them from dependency to long-term self-sufficiency.

Operation Give Back and SAFFT

VoiceNation received referrals from the agency working with families in need and provided their employees with an Operation Give Back profile folder for each child in need. Each folder contained funds to purchase gifts, along with a child’s holiday wish list and preferences, such as his/her favorite color, clothing size, favorite activities, and hobbies. VoiceNation “elves” then purchased gifts, which ranged from clothes, toiletries, and sporting goods to games, toys and more for dozens of children ranging in age from three months to 17 years old. Each child received at least three wrapped gifts.

“As our staff learns about the children in need, they feel a connection to them. They are very enthusiastic about fulfilling the children’s holiday wish lists,” explained Jay Reeder, CEO at VoiceNation.

Helping Georgia CALLS Families

Georgia CALLS helps families create a path out of poverty, crime, or addiction by changing the family dynamics and the environment in which they raise their children. Although their clients are working hard to do better by their families, they are still in need of assistance. Through Operation Give Back, VoiceNation provided each Georgia CALLS client with $90 in gift giving funds for each child, thereby enabling them to go out and purchase gifts.

“Our clients are amazed at the outpouring of support from VoiceNation,” said Mark Mobley, Executive Director of Georgia CALLS.

To learn more about SAFFT, visit http://safft.org. For more information about Georgia CALLS, visit www.gacalls.org.

About VoiceNation

VoiceNation is a leading provider of 24-hour live answering services and call center solutions. Named “Top Provider in Industry” by PC World, VoiceNation is positioned as a knowledge leader with innovations in pricing, service, and proprietary open source technology.

Founded in 2002, VoiceNation is a privately-held company that invests heavy emphasis in staff development and community outreach opportunities. A large part of the culture at VoiceNation revolves around their Employee Volunteer Program, which encourages staff to give back and get involved by helping others.  Through the program, every staff member has an opportunity to volunteer and work towards a cause they feel passionate about, on a local, national, or global scale. Over 50,000 businesses worldwide, including Comedy Central, Delta, Dunkin’ Donuts, Rolls Royce, and StateFarm trust VoiceNation as their professional telephone answering service. To learn more about VoiceNation, visit http://www.qualityansweringservice.com.

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Stonebridge Homes completes new model home in Tiffany Hill development in Norwell, MA

NORWELL, MA and SOUTH EASTON, MA …

Stonebridge Homes, a Massachusetts-based builder and developer, is introducing their new model home in the Tiffany Hill development in Norwell, Mass. The new model is located at 2 Hillcrest Circle, Norwell (GPS Address 130 Tiffany Road).

The model home features the Fairfield floor plan, which includes 2,384 square feet of living space, 2.5 bathrooms and a two-car garage. The interior, designed and furnished by Jordan’s Furniture, offers a number of amenities, including a designer kitchen with granite countertops, ceramic tile flooring and recessed lighting.

Tiffany Hill is just 18 miles South of Boston and is accessible via Route 3. With 24 single-family homes, Tiffany Hill offers multiple floor designs with some first-floor master bedroom and elegant ranch style homes. Prices start in the mid $600,000s.

Property is marketed by award-winning agents Kim Dalton and Nancy Kleber of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Norwell office. Open houses are held on Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can also schedule a private tour by calling Kim or Nancy at 781-659-7955.

About Stonebridge Homes, Inc.:

For more than 25 years, Stonebridge Homes and its team, based in South Easton, Massachusetts, have built and managed the construction of many residential communities throughout Massachusetts, including Tanglewood Estates in Easton, Mass; Stoney Ridge Estates in Dighton, Mass (www.stoneyridgedighton.com); The Pines in Dighton, Mass (www.thepinesdighton.com); and Briggs Landing in Westport, Mass. More recently, Stonebridge Homes has focused on building and managing construction in towns in southeastern Massachusetts, including Dighton, Easton, Foxboro, Lakeville, Norfolk, Norwell, Norton, Pembroke, Rockland, West Bridgewater and Westport. The styles of these communities have varied from imaginative condominiums to custom single‐family homes designed by its in-house architect whose specialty is customizing dream homes that provide space and luxury to households of all sizes. Each development is built with the same commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Stonebridge Homes, Inc. is an active member of the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston and the National Association of Home Builders.

For more information, please visit www.stonebridgehomesinc.com or call 508.230.2300.

 

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