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Old Colony Elder Services Receives Proclamation

OCES Board President Ted Lang, Mayor Bill Carpenter and Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
OCES Board President Ted Lang, Mayor Bill Carpenter and Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, was honored with a proclamation recognizing OCES as a vital contributor to greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities in celebration of Senior Corps Week.

Senior Corps Week, held May 16 through 20, 2016, provides an opportunity to salute volunteers from the Foster Grandparent Program, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and Senior Companion Program, to recognize community sponsors and service partners, and to communicate the impact of those who serve. More than 6100 seniors in Massachusetts contribute their time and talents in one of these three Senior Corps programs.

Mayor Bill Carpenter of Brockton addressed the OCES Board of Directors and presented a proclamation to recognize OCES as a vital contributor to greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. As the Mayor indicated in his remarks, the official proclamation from the City specifically thanks OCES’ volunteers and acknowledges their positive impact and value to our communities and to our nation.

A federal citation prepared by United States Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, who represents the Eighth District of Massachusetts, was also presented to the OCES Board of Directors to mark the occasion.  Board President Ted Lang and Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi accepted these awards on behalf of OCES.

OCES manages the RSVP for Plymouth County. There are a variety of opportunities available statewide to RSVP Volunteers. They can conduct safety patrols, renovate homes, protect the environment, tutor and mentor youth, respond to natural disasters, and provide other services across the country. To learn about the opportunities OCES has available, contact OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator, Jean-Marie Doyle, at JDoyle@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. 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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A service ‘master’…Walter Pollock joins Tracy Chevrolet-Cadillac as service manager.

photo of Walter Pollock of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac
Walter Pollock of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac

PLYMOUTH, MA…

For nearly 25 years, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac has developed a standard for first-rate customer service and straightforward, bottom-line pricing. That reputation not only attracts customers, but top-flight automotive professionals like recently named Service Manager Walter Pollock.

A native of South Boston, Pollock brings 35 years in the automotive industry to the table. In his capacity as service manager, he will oversee Tracy’s repair and service department.

“People are keeping their automobiles longer than ever before. That makes our service department the primary caretakers of the relationships we have with our customers. That’s why we are grateful to have someone of Walter’s stature and experience to lead our service department,” said Jeff Tracy, president of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac.

A native of South Boston, Pollock is a decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in business administration.   Prior to his current position with Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac, he worked at Herb Chambers as the Director of Fixed Operations for Chevrolet in Danvers and Cadillac in Lynnfield.

“There’s a real family atmosphere here at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac that starts with Jeff Tracy and permeates throughout the whole organization,” said Pollock. “Cap that off with a much shorter commute and I’m extremely happy with my decision.”

Pollock resides in Carver, Massachusetts with his wife Gail. The couple has four adult children and six grandchildren.

So easy at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac

For more than 80 years and three generations of dealers, the Tracy family has made it so easy for customers on the South Shore and greater Plymouth area to purchase new and used automobiles. Since its beginnings in 1992, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac has emphasized first-rate customer service and straightforward, bottom-line pricing with fair trade-ins every time–without the games or gimmicks you find at other dealerships. For more information on new and used trucks and automobiles, you can go to www.tracymotors.com or stop by the dealership, conveniently located at 137 Samoset Street, just off exit 6 on Route 3. For more information, or to make a service appointment, you can also call (508) 830-0101.

A service ‘master’…Walter Pollock joins Tracy Chevrolet-Cadillac as service manager.Read More

Area motorists can clean up with Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s Dirtiest Vehicle Contest.

photo of dirty auto
Does your car look like this? Enter the Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac “Dirtiest Vehicle Contest” and you could win free car washes for a year. See the dealership’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/TracyChevroletCadillacOfPlymouthMa/.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

Motorists celebrate the end of winter for many reasons. The end to inclement weather means no more salt on their automobile or truck. Yet that joy can be short-lived as we enter spring and pollen season. To combat the ever present yellow haze, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac is hosting a Dirtiest Vehicle Contest, with the winner receiving free car washes for a year.

Participants can enter by submitting a photo of their dirty automobile—car, truck or SUV—on Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s Facebook page. Vehicles receiving the most number of likes July 31 will receive a voucher for free external car washes at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac for one year. The winner will also receive a $100 Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac gift certificate, which can be used at the dealership on repairs or accessories.

“Cars and trucks get dirty. That’s a fact of life. Yet when you get into the warmer weather months, we have just as many things that dirty our vehicles as winter—pollen, tree sap, birds returning. Since we are based on the coast, we don’t get a huge break from sand and salt as people head to the beach and transport items the items they use in the ocean,” said Jeff Tracy, president of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac.

No purchase is necessary to participate in the Dirtiest Car Contest. “Likes” will be tallied up at 5 pm. on Sunday, July 31 and announced on Friday, August 1. The winner must come down to the dealership to claim their prize.

For more information, visit Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TracyChevroletCadillacOfPlymouthMa or call 508-830-0101. 

So easy at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac

For more than 80 years and three generations of dealers, the Tracy family has made it so easy for customers on the South Shore and greater Plymouth area to purchase new and used automobiles. Since its beginnings in 1992, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac has emphasized first-rate customer service and straightforward, bottom-line pricing with fair trade-ins every time–without the games or gimmicks you find at other dealerships. For more information on new and used trucks and automobiles, you can go to www.tracymotors.com or stop by the dealership, conveniently located at 137 Samoset Street, just off exit 6 on Route 3. For more information, or to make a service appointment, you can also call (508) 830-0101.

Area motorists can clean up with Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s Dirtiest Vehicle Contest.Read More

Talking Information Center Provides Libraries with a “Listening” Option

TIC imageThe Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service which broadcasts 24 hours a day to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners, exhibited at the 2016 Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) Annual Conference in Hyannis in an effort to create greater awareness about TIC’s accessible technology for libraries.

TIC offers their special radio receivers to libraries, which in turn enables library patrons to “tune-in” to TIC’s informational and entertaining broadcasts. The receivers, which resemble traditional radio receivers, may be installed in a dedicated room at a library, to be utilized by listeners who do not have access to the Internet and who rely on their public library for a variety of services.

During the  MLA conference, TIC’s Executive Director Jim Bunnell spoke to library decision-makers about how TIC “turns print into sound” and demonstrated how to use the special receivers and review TIC’s daily broadcast schedule.

TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. They also offer 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 is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is also the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. 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.

Bunnell explained, “TIC has thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners throughout the state, yet there is a broader audience seeking informational, entertaining broadcasts that just aren’t available elsewhere, who can benefit from our programming.”

Libraries may arrange for TIC’s specially tuned radio receiver to be installed on-site by calling TIC at (781) 834-4400. For more information about TIC’s programming, visit www.ticnetwork.org.

About TIC

The Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service located in Marshfield, MA, broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visually-impaired and otherwise disabled listeners including those suffering from AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, paralysis or other physical illness that makes holding a publication or turning pages impossible.

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.

TIC’s mission is to provide human voice(d) broadcasts to visually and mobility impaired listeners throughout Massachusetts to promote independence and enrich quality of life. TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. Cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry is also provided. 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 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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Total Care Accident Repair technicians receive welding certifications

(l-r) Mark Gillet, Steve Couturier and Carl Afonso of Total Care Accident Repair
(l-r) Mark Gillet, Steve Couturier and Carl Afonso of Total Care Accident Repair

RAYNHAM, MA…

Total Care Accident Repair, an auto body repair shop located in Raynham, MA, recently announced that three of its auto repair technicians– Carl Afonso, Steve Couturier and Mark Gillet– had earned welding certifications through the I-CAR Training and Certification program.

I-CAR, short for the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, is an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing the information, knowledge and skills required to perform complete, safe and quality repairs. I-CAR’s focus is to provide everyone involved in collision repair with access to high-quality, industry-recognized training solutions and offers industry training in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

“We are quite proud of the effort put forth by Carl, Steve and Mark to earn their welding certifications,” said Brian Bernard, co-founder of Total Care Accident Repair. “Auto body repair can be a very demanding occupation. To go that extra mile after a hard day at the shop really shows the dedication of these three to their craft.”

Afonso began working with Total Care Accident Repair in 2014 and has eight years in the auto body industry. He resides in Fall River with his wife and son.

Couturier began working with Total Care Accident Repair in 2014 and has more than 25 years in the auto body industry. He resides in Dighton with his wife Denise.

Gillet began working with Total Care Accident Repair in 2014 and has 23 years in the auto body industry. He resides in Fall River with his family.

Total Care Accident Repair specializes in insurance-paid collision repair. In addition to first-rate auto technicians, Total Care Accident Repair features a trained staff who will manage the claim process for you, keeping you informed every step of the way.

Total Care Accident Repair is located at 81 Brookside Circle in Raynham, and proudly serves Raynham, Taunton, Bridgewater, Lakeville, Middleborough, the South Shore and South Coast. For more information, visit www.TCAccidentRepair.com or call 508.824.6500.

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Georgia CALLS to Hold “Race for Restoration 5K & Fun Run” on August 20th

RaceForRestoration-01-295x300 copyGeorgia CALLS, a unique nonprofit that helps families in distress recover from homelessness and lack of employment through their “Curriculum for Life Change” program, will hold their first annual “Race for Restoration 5K & Fun Run” on August 20, 2016 at Little Mulberry Park in Dacula, GA. Early Bird registration and sponsorship opportunities are now available.

To highlight their mission of rebuilding families, Georgia CALLS’ Race for Restoration 5K & Fun Run is afamily-friendly race along the beautiful paved paths at Little Mulberry Park. Strollers are welcome on the racecourse, so runners may bring the entire family. Trophies will be awarded to the top overall male and female winners as well as Masters Male and Masters Female winners. Medals will be given to the top three in male and female five year increment age group categories from 10 and under all the way to 65 and up. Registration/check-in begins at 7:00 a.m. The 5K starts at 8:00 a.m. The Fun Run, which is for all ages, starts at 9 a.m.

All proceeds benefit Georgia CALLS, a 501(c)3 organization that gives hope to families in the Hall and Gwinnett County area. Funds raised will support the Georgia CALLS’ Campus Dream Project – a new space to accommodate their expanding program, additional staff, and the costs to build-out that custom-designed, work/training facility. The Campus Dream Project is a comprehensive solution-focused model that will meet the needs of both individuals and families searching for hope and a second chance in society. Campus Dream is Georgia CALLS on a grand scale, with numerous work opportunities, job/life skills training, transitional housing, a food bank, tutoring, after school programs, and childcare.

Early Bird race registration is $22 through August 1st. The Fun Run is $15. A special Family Discount Rate is $79 for a family of four. All racers receive a complimentary race T-shirt. To register, visit http://www.gacalls.org/race-for-restoration-5k.

Race for Restoration 5K sponsors include Walmart in Lawrenceville, Chick-fil-A, Classic City Running in Buford, YouScore.net and Angecansew. Corporate sponsors include VoiceNation of Buford.

Additional sponsors are needed. For sponsorship information, visit: http://www.gacalls.org/race-for-restoration-5k.

Transforming Mindsets and Rebuilding Families

According to State Corrections of Georgia, 60 percent of inmates in Georgia are parents, and a number of these parents have been incarcerated more than once. Through their innovative Curriculum for Life Change program, Georgia CALLS is committed to empowering individuals with critical job and life skills while providing much needed work opportunities.

“Our Campus Dream Project will enable us to have the greatest impact in the community as possible, and help us achieve generational change for those trapped in a cycle of poverty,” explained Mark Mobley, Executive Director of Georgia CALLS.

To learn more about Georgia CALLS Campus Dream Project, visit www.gacalls.org/give/campus-dream.

About Georgia CALLS

The mission of Georgia CALLS is  to help families in distress in the Gwinnett / Hall County area recover from homelessness and lack of employment by providing intentional job and life skills training, steady employment, personalized case management and the procurement of stable housing. Georgia CALLS strives to transform mindsets, rebuild families, and build entrepreneurs by nurturing sustainable, positive habits that will radically change the lifestyle of individuals, children, and families inthe community for the better. For more information about Georgia CALLS, visit www.gacalls.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Honors Volunteers at Appreciation Luncheon

Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Recipients (L to R): John Heinstadt, Evelyn Drake, Phyllis Martin, Doris Flecchia, and Joseph Mitchell
Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Recipients (L to R): John Heinstadt, Evelyn Drake, Phyllis Martin, Doris Flecchia, and Joseph Mitchell

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 held an Appreciation Luncheon to honor their volunteers who generously donate their time to help others.

More than 300 people attended OCES’ Appreciation Luncheon, which was held at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, MA. Vocalist Kathy Earabino provided entertainment.

During the luncheon, Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES welcomed and thanked all of OCES’ volunteers. Brenda Carrens, Volunteer Programs Manager and Nicole Long, Assistant Executive Director, presented the prestigious President’s Lifetime Achievement Award to five volunteers: John Heinstadt, Evelyn Drake, Phyllis Martin, Doris Flecchia, and Joseph Mitchell.

OCES is a designated national Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Program, which is the premier volunteer awards program in this country. Volunteers must meet specific criteria in order to receive the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Criteria include serving at least 4,000 hours; volunteer service hours can be accumulated through a variety of organizations throughout a volunteer’s lifetime (including those organizations outside Plymouth County and Massachusetts.)

“It is our pleasure to present these volunteer leaders with the President’s highest honor for their hard work, years of dedication and overall commitment to helping others and making the world a better place,” said DiGiorgi.

Community Advisory Council
OCES’ Community Advisory Council (L to R) Mary Ellen Bavaro, John J. Lanzoni, Jr., Kristin Vokey Muratore, and Ronald Spring.

DiGiorgi also thanked OCES’ Community Advisory Council – Mary Ellen Bavaro, John J. Lanzoni, Jr., Kristin Vokey Muratore, and Ronald Spring – who have supported and worked with the volunteer program for many years. OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator, Jean-Marie Doyle made closing remarks.

OCES has more than 500 volunteers throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities who give countless hours of service to older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers in the community. Anyone interested in volunteering, may contact Jean-Marie Doyle at 508 584-1561, extension 275.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton. 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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Apollo Safety Announces Growth and Expansion – Now Hiring

Apollo logoApollo Safety, Inc., providers of gas detection products and services for universities, hotels, hospitals and other organizations throughout New England, has experienced significant growth and is expanding their technical service and administrative team.

Based in Fall River, Apollo Safety is looking to hire several service technicians and an administrative assistant. Military veterans are encouraged to apply. The veteran-owned company strives to recruit and hire military veterans, as today’s military have training with equipment similar to gas detection systems.

Setting the Bar for Training in the Industry

As the leading safety and technical services equipment provider in New England, Apollo Safety sells, installs and maintains a wide variety of portable and stationary gas detection systems, including Honeywell, Industrial Scientific, RAE Systems, RKI, and GMI brands.

Apollo Safety service technicians receive training from these manufacturers so they are factory-trained and certified. In addition, Apollo Safety has developed its own proprietary training program, which includes cross-training and five levels of certification. This ensures that their service technicians are well equipped and versed in providing the highest level of service safely, efficiently and effectively in all customer environments.

Apollo Safety technicians perform and provide calibration, repair, installation, troubleshooting and documentation of instruments, process control systems and equipment. They are also expected to interpret electrical schematics, I/O wiring and panel drawings.

Salaries for technicians are competitive with health benefits available for full-time staff.

To apply for a position, interested parties should send a resume and cover letter to John V. Carvalho III, Apollo Safety, Inc., 57 Walnut Street, Fall River, MA 02780. Resumes and cover letters can also be e-mailed to John@apollosafety.com.

About Apollo Safety

Founded in 1995, Apollo Safety, Inc. has grown to be the leading safety and technical services equipment provider in New England. Specializing in gas detection products and services for portable and stationary systems, the company provides gas detector sales and support for most major brands of gas detection device manufacturers as well as service in a “state of the art” in-house service center. Apollo Safety also provides on-site support with factory-trained technicians for both portable and stationary gas detection systems.

Apollo Safety is a member of the National Safety Council, Massachusetts Safety Council, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Association (RIAFC) and the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts (FCAM) and is trusted by facilities managers, building owners, landlords, universities, hotels, institutions, government operations and others throughout the region. A veteran-owned small business, Apollo Safety is located at 57 Walnut Street in Fall River, Massachusetts. For more information, call 800-813-5408 or visit www.apollosafetyproducts.net.

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Old Colony Elder Services to “March Against Elder Abuse” on June 23rd in Plymouth

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, has joined forces with The Center for Active Living (Plymouth COA), the Plymouth Networking Group for Senior Services (PNG), and Plymouth C.A.R.E.S to “March Against Elder Abuse” on Thursday June 23, 2016. The event will be held rain or shine.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15, 2016, and in an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse, OCES, The Plymouth Center for Active Living, the PNG, and Plymouth C.A.R.E.S have organized a march.

Marchers will meet at the Center for Active Living, 44 Nook Road in Plymouth, at 11:15 for transportation, if needed. The march will begin at 12 noon at the Plymouth waterfront at the new pavilion adjacent to Plymouth Rock on Water Street. Marchers will then be transported back to the Center for a 1 pm awareness event, including speakers and lunch.

OCES also encourages supporters to wear purple on June 23rd to show awareness. Free T-shirts will be distributed at the waterfront, while supplies last.

To reserve your seat, RSVP to Krista-Jean Forand at OCES, 508-584-1561 x 302 or to the Center at 508-830-4230 by June 16th.

Raising Awareness

Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, and neglect. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, family members (spouses, adult children, partners and others) comprise the majority of abusers. Additionally, research indicates that individuals with dementia are at even greater risk for elder abuse.

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to share information and spread awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director at OCES. “We CAN make a difference and encourage the community to join our ‘March Against Elder Abuse’ on June 23rd in Plymouth.”

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton. 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.

Old Colony Elder Services to “March Against Elder Abuse” on June 23rd in PlymouthRead More