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OCES to hold Training Seminar on May 2nd: Mandated Reporting of Elder Abuse for First Responders

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, will hold a seminar entitled “Mandated Reporting of Elder Abuse for First Responders” on Monday, May 2, 2016 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at their Brockton office at 144 Main Street.

This FREE training seminar is geared towards fire, police and emergency medical personnel.

Terri Kourtz, LSW, Protective Services Director at OCES will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of the Adult Protective Service Program. The discussion will cover: The Elder Abuse Reporting Law; Definitions of Abuse; The Theory of Adult Protection and Service Interventions.

First responders may earn one Continuing Education Credit which has been approved by Office of Emergency Medical Services. Light refreshments will be provided.

To RSVP, or for more information, contact Krista-Jean Forand at OCES 508-584-1561 ext. 302, by April 27, 2016.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and 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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South Coast Improvement, Co. begins renovation at Bay Cove, 374 Dorchester Street, South Boston

photo of South Coast Improvement, Co. begins renovation at Bay Cove, 374 Dorchester Street, South Boston
South Coast Improvement, Co. begins renovation at Bay Cove, 374 Dorchester Street, South Boston

BOSTON, MA, and MARION, MA…

South Coast Improvement Company (SCI), a design-build general contractor serving New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, recently began a renovation project at Bay Cove, a housing complex located at 374 Dorchester Street in South Boston. The complex is owned and operated by Bay Cove Human Services, A leading human service agency in Boston serving individuals facing the challenges of developmental disabilities, mental illness, drug and alcohol addiction and aging.

The project, which began earlier this month, features the complete renovation of the kitchen and bathrooms in the eight units at 374 Dorchester Street. The bedrooms in each of those units will receive new dry wall, new ceiling plaster, new light fixtures and other amenities.

The common areas of the building, which includes a reception area, kitchen and bath, will also be completely renovated. In addition, the brick exterior of the building will be washed and a new roof and gutters will be installed.

South Coast Improvement Company began these renovations in March and anticipates all work to be completely finished by late spring/early summer. The total renovation project will cost approximately $1.3 million.

“This is a delicate kind of renovation as the majority of work is being done in people’s homes. So, we have to be sensitive to the interruption to people’s routines and communicate very clearly and often the status of work and any changes,” said Tom Quinlan, president of South Coast Improvement Company. “Fortunately, through our work at assisted living and other residences, we can take on a renovation project like this and minimize the impact on residents.”

Based in Marion, Mass. and with an office in Reading, Pennsylvania, South Coast Improvement Co is a recognized leader in providing building and renovation services to a client base of senior living, healthcare, institutional and retail clients. For more information, please call 508-748-6545 or visit www.southcoastimprovement.com.

About South Coast Improvement Company

South Coast Improvement offers a range of design, construction and management services across a variety of sectors—interiors as well as exteriors—including office buildings, health care facilities, educational institutions, commercial properties, assisted living facilities, and residential communities.  South Coast Improvement’s services include: Preconstruction analysis; Construction management; General contracting; Design/build services;  Capital improvement; Building envelope improvements; and Interior renovations.

For more information, visit www.southcoastimprovement.com or call 508-748-6545.

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Beware of the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing. Safer Places, Inc. expands Security Consulting Division to develop objective specs for security systems and RFPs.

MIDDLEBORO, MA…

Safer Places Inc., a firm providing pre-employment screening, tenant screening and security consulting, today announced the expansion of the Security Consulting Division in deference to the greater concern in the business community regarding the need for more sophisticated security systems and more objective specs for security vendors to bid on.

“Most facility managers, architects, building owners and commercial builders are overwhelmed by the security choices that confront them,” noted David Sawyer, the founder of Safer Places Inc. based in Middleborough, MA and serving clients throughout the United States.  He continued, “Our consulting division asks the right questions, offers the most cost-effective solutions and develops a comprehensive criteria for security contractors to bid on.  This ensures that our client receives the security parameters that they really need and a set of specs that vendors can bid on apples to apples.”

Stephen Bukoski, Director of the Consulting Division added, “Safer Places does not install systems. Safer Places, Inc. is not affiliated with any security companies or manufacturers of security equipment. We offer unbiased, independent assessments of security needs.”  He added, “In fact, in addition to developing security and safety criteria, we often help clients manage the RFP process and evaluate proposals to help them select the best possible system from the most reliable vendor at the most favorable price.”

State-of-the-art security systems have become highly complex and integrate video surveillance, access control and intrusion alarms.  In addition to sophisticated hardware and software recommendations, the Security Consulting Division also includes proprietary guard service assessment and training, safety and awareness training for non-security staff and a solid set of policies and procedures.

A recent security evaluation of Merrimack Valley School District in New Hampshire is an illustration Safer Places, Inc.’s Security Consulting Division thorough protocol.  The school district includes nine buildings and an integrated program was needed.  Consultants began by meeting with each school principal to familiarize themselves with the facilities and flow of students, faculty and staff. Upon discussion, a comprehensive outline included perimeter security, access controls, strategically placed camera systems, wireless panic alarms for all teachers, value engineering to identify the best product for the price and performance and vetting of installers/integrators to make sure installations were flawless.

Safer Places, Inc.’s Security Consulting Division clients include hospitals/medical facilities, schools, colleges/universities, apartment buildings, office buildings, warehouse facilities, architects, facility managers, property managers, building owners, commercial construction and commercial real estate.

About Safer Places, Inc.

Safer Places, Inc. is a full-service firm that provides pre-employment screening, security consulting, tenant screening, and additional verification services for schools, private and public companies, property managers, property owners and anyone seeking to research an individual’s background.

Since the events of September 11, 2001, the importance of background checks has taken on increased prominence, and Safer Places, Inc. has undertaken a number of educational initiatives for the public, including the establishment of an ongoing webinar series, which the company calls its ‘online university’, Safer Places Inc. University (SPIU). The SPIU program provides ongoing information for those looking to learn more about background verifications, drug testing and other related topics.

Safer Places, Inc. also offers a series of specialized services including Character Assessment Testing, Employee Photo IDs, and Integrated Applicant Tracking (ATS) services. Elements of a background check can include Social Security trace, criminal history search, education verification, checking with sex offender registries, drug testing, driving record/license verification, employment verification/references, terrorist watch lists, and credentials verification/history. Increasingly, companies are using background checks as a condition of continued employment, particularly when an individual is being considered for a new position or promotion.

Safer Places, Inc. maintains offices at 25 Wareham Street, Suites 2-26, Middleboro, MA 02346. Its principals are board certified in security management, holding the CPP (Certified Protection Professionals) designation from ASIS International and they maintain memberships in a number of organizations including the Society for Human Resource Management and ASIS International. For additional information, please visit www.saferplacesinc.com or call (508) 947-0600.

Beware of the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing. Safer Places, Inc. expands Security Consulting Division to develop objective specs for security systems and RFPs.Read More

ELERTS See Say™ SDK (software developer kit) brings See Something Say Something capability to third-party smartphone apps

photo of Ed English, CEO of ELERTS
Ed English, CEO of ELERTS

WEYMOUTH, MA…

ELERTS, a leader in mobile emergency response communication, announced that it is making its ELERTS See Something Say Something communication system available for other companies to integrate into their own iPhone or android apps. Third-party apps may leverage ELERTS cloud infrastructure and web-based report management console to effectively interact with their app users when a safety incident is observed.

ELERTS is the leading provider of See Something Say Something mobile apps for Transit systems nationwide.  Every day, riders report safety and security concerns to transit police. Reports include photos, videos, descriptions of the incident and GPS maps showing where the incident is occurring. ELERTS See Say™ app is used by Atlanta MARTA, Boston MBTA, Buffalo Niagara NFTA, San Francisco BART, Santa Clara VTA and other transits.

“We realized there are many popular apps that could benefit by enabling users to quickly report security concerns,” said Ed English, CEO of ELERTS, Corp. “ELERTS has developed a state of the art two-way communication system that connects smartphone app users through ELERTS cloud to the proper police or security operations center.  It just made sense to make this capability available to other popular apps.  We expect ELERTS See Say SDK to be included in apps for electronic ticketing, sports stadiums, amusement parks, hotel and resort apps, campus apps, travel apps and other apps that enjoy a large installed base of users.”

With ELERTS See Say™ SDK built in, other apps can alert First Responders about what is happening when an emergency incident occurs.  Having this capability in hand dramatically increases the opportunity to respond faster and more intelligently.

English added, “ELERTS See Say™ SDK, when integrated to another app, will enable organizations to manage incoming security reports with ELERTS EPICenter web based management console.  An operator may also broadcast alerts and notifications to all app users or to defined groups of app users. This powerful two-way capability allows for BOLO (Be On the Look Out) type messages to be quickly dispersed to help find a person of interest, whether for a missing person or a criminal suspect.”

By adding ELERTS See Say™ technology, app users are encouraged to be aware and watchful—and to report security concerns or persons acting suspiciously.

For more information about ELERTS See Say™ SDK, please call 877-256-1971 or visit www.ELERTS.com.

About ELERTS

ELERTS Corporation, headquartered in Weymouth, MA, develops best-in-class emergency communication software empowered by community-sourced reporting of safety and security concerns. The company’s cloud-based approach leverages smartphone technologies to provide robust, two-way communication between multiple parties. ELERTS mobile technology integrates with video surveillance, access control and mass-notification systems. The result is actionable information for emergency situations – to help First Responders become faster responders.

For more information, visit www.ELERTS.com or call 877-256-1971.

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OCES to Sponsor South Shore Alzheimer’s Partnership Conference & Caregiver Day on April 27th

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is the lead sponsor for the South Shore Alzheimer’s Partnership 11th Annual Conference and Caregiver Day on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Geared towards increasing awareness and participation among family caregivers, the South Shore Alzheimer’s Partnership conference will be held at The Conference Center at Massasoit, 770 Crescent Street in Brockton.

Several presentations are on the agenda including: “Meeting Alzheimer’s – Walking in their Shoes” presented by David LaGraffe of Healing Moments; “Family Asset Preservation” presented by Robert R. Romano, Attorney at Law; and a Panel Discussion with individuals who have early onset Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Participants will also have an opportunity to visit exhibitors and enjoy Reiki, chair massages, aromatherapy, raffles and more. Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided.

OCES is a member of the South Shore Alzheimer’s Partnership, which is a volunteer organization comprised of professionals and family caregivers. The objectives of the Partnership are to provide respite scholarships for family caregivers caring for a loved one with dementia and to provide educational programs on various aspects of dementia.

Admission to the conference is free for family caregivers, Certified Nursing Assistants and Home Health Aides. For respite care options available during the conference, caregivers may contact Christine McLaren at OCES, 508-584-1561.

Nurses and social workers may earn three Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for $40. For more information about registration, contact Hilary Troia, 781-924-5694.

All proceeds from the conference will be used to benefit those in need of Care Assistance Grants.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and 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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Taking it to the hoop. NBA jams ads on jerseys.

basketballIf you are a hoop purist this is not good news for you.  Red Auerbach would growl. (Although he would have also have groaned at inclusion of cheerleaders, dance teams, T-shirt guns and dancing gorillas that have also intruded on the game.)

News flash. The NBA is the first MAJOR sport to sell ad space on jerseys and will begin the human billboard campaign next season.  The 2.5 inch by 2.5 inch patch on the upper jersey and the three year pilot program is projected to generate $120 – $150-million in revenue per season.

Zroom! Nascar has somewhat desensitized us with a Rorschach test splatter of ads all over the cars and jumpsuits of drivers. The English soccer Premier Leagues has been kicking us in the shins with similar ad conglomeration on uniforms.  Perhaps you even remember the fad of temporary corporate tattoos on boxers.

What’s next?  So, are you ready to connect your brand to the NBA?  Would you like to return to simpler days?

Let us know if we can help you develop a potent weave offense.

 

Taking it to the hoop. NBA jams ads on jerseys.Read More

Hermes Law promotes Gino J. Rossini to partner

photo of Gino Rossini, partner, Hermes Law
Gino Rossini, partner, Hermes Law

DALLAS, TX…

Hermes Law, a diverse team of legal professionals providing clients with expertise in the leading areas of practice impacting the insurance and risk industry, recently announced Gino J. Rossini as a partner at the Dallas, TX-based firm. Rossini has been a senior attorney at the firm since its inception in 2015.

“As a firm, we are moving the practice of law forward with cost-effective processes and systems that deliver value and excellent  legal representation for our clients,” said Dwayne Hermes, founder at Hermes Law. “Gino is a key part of these efforts and we are proud to recognize his skill and track record by promoting him to partner.”

Rossini’s practice is devoted primarily to handling post-trial and appellate matters in both state and federal court, as well as providing related support at all stages of litigation including default judgments, dispositive motions, jury charges, and judgment formation. He recently received his Board Certification in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

“I joined the firm when it opened its doors because I believed in our common vision of client-centric service and representation,” said Rossini. “The promotion is gratifying because it means I’ll be practicing the kind of law I want to practice at Hermes Law, handling appeals and providing input across the spectrum of matters the firm handles beginning when the file comes in the door..”

Rossini received his Juris Doctor Degree, with honors, from the University of Texas School of Law. He also has a Bachelor of Science from Georgetown University. Rossini passed the State Bar of Texas in 1998. He is also a member in good standing of the United States District Court for the Northern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Hermes Law represents commercial clients on insurance-related cases in the areas of Appellate Law, Casualty, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Cyber Liability, Environmental Law, Medical Malpractice, Premises Liability, Product Liability, Professional Liability and Transportation Law.

For complete information on Hermes Law, P.C., please visit www.hermes-law.com.

Hermes Law – Moving law forward

Hermes Law, P.C. provides clients with efficient and effective legal representation by removing the redundancies and administrative bottlenecks. The end result is a proactive, client-centric approach featuring: Responsive and transparent case management; and metric-driven results provided to each client for each case.

 

Hermes Law, P.C. is based in The Oilwell Supply Building, 2001 North Lamar, Suite  450, Dallas, TX  75202. For more information, call 214-749-6800 or visit www.hermes-law.com.

 

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Growth and Expansion – Old Colony Elder Services Opens a Second Office in Plymouth

Monica Mullins, Diana DiGiorgi, Betty DeBenedictis and Brenda Carrens
Monica Mullins, Diana DiGiorgi, Betty DeBenedictis and Brenda Carrens

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is expanding and has opened a new office at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth, MA.

OCES officially announced the opening of their new 7,200 square-foot office with an Open House on March 2, 2016. Dozens attended the event, including State Representative Matt Muratore, Monica Mullins District Director, and Betty DeBenedictis, Legislative Aide to State Representative Thomas Calter.

The new location will better enable OCES to accommodate growth. The agency’s main office, which houses 200 of their 235 employees, is located at 144 Main Street in Brockton. The Plymouth office currently has 25 employees, with room for up to 50. The Plymouth office is home to OCES’ Volunteer Program; key departments such as Home Care, Senior Care Options, Nutrition, and Information and Referral are also represented.

“We serve 23 towns with a comprehensive array of specialized programs which have been developed to address the unique situations and circumstances faces by older adults and individuals with disabilities,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “We’re very pleased to have a second location that not only gives us room to grow, but is a bit closer to our consumers, caregivers, volunteers and service partners located around the Plymouth and Wareham areas.”

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and 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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Catapult Advisory Group’s Greg DeSimone to speak at Elements M&A Conference on May 12

Greg DeSimone
Greg DeSimone

WALTHAM, MA and MANSFIELD, MA…

While the decision to sell your business may be quick, the process of preparing your business for sale can take months or even years to get right. Greg DeSimone, director of Mansfield, MA-based Catapult Advisory Group, will be a key speaker at the upcoming Elements M&A Conference on May 12, which focuses on the steps involved with selling a closely held business.

“When a business owner decides to sell, it’s typically with the next step of his/her life in mind; such as retirement. In many cases, the owner desires a certain value for the business yet the marketplace has a different perspective. Many owners do not realize the significant role increasing revenues plays in the determination of value. The focus of my talk and the Elements M&A Conference overall is to provide the owner insight into what the buyers are thinking, and how they can positively impact their value leading up to a sale,” said DeSimone.

DeSimone will be one of five featured speakers at the conference, which will take place on Thursday, May 12, from 1 pm to 7 pm at the Embassy Suites at 550 Winter Street in Waltham. Topics to be covered at breakout sessions and panel discussions include: Enhancing Your Value; Preparing your Accounting for Sale; How to Negotiate with Different Types of People Protecting Intellectual Property to Promote Value; and Accelerating Growth to Catapult Value.

“The beauty of the Elements M&A conference is that it focuses only on the business owner who wants to learn about selling a business, ask questions within a safe environment without the sales pitch and avoid the mandatory “follow up” meetings of other sessions. It also meets the needs of professional advisors—CPAs, attorneys—who want to better understand the process outside of his/her own specialty,” said DeSimone.

The registration fee for the M&A Elements Conference II is $265. Additional information on the conference and registration can be found on the Elements M&A website at www.elementsconference.info.

A self-described “recovering CPA”, DeSimone has nearly two decades of financial and management experience. He’s also a Brian Tracy certified business coach—a certification that requires more than 150 hours of study to obtain and maintain. During his tenure as director of Catapult Advisory Group, he has worked with numerous businesses of all sizes—particularly family-owned businesses—to help them fine-tune goals and strategies, develop exit strategies and optimize operations.

For more information on Catapult Advisory Group, visit www.catapultadvisorygroup.com or call (508) 618-4575.

Catapult Advisory Group’s Greg DeSimone to speak at Elements M&A Conference on May 12Read More