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Catapult Advisory Group’s Greg DeSimone to speak at Business Fundamentals Boot Camp on April 29

Greg DeSimone
Greg DeSimone

WALTHAM, MA and MANSFIELD, MA…

Greg DeSimone, director of Mansfield, MA-based Catapult Advisory Group, will be a speaker at the upcoming Business Fundamentals Boot Camp-South Shore, MA to be held on April 29. DeSimone will deliver his presentation, Strategic Business Planning Made Simple – Eliminate the Distractions, Inspire Your Team, Scale Your Revenue with Your Exit Strategy Clearly Defined.

Hosted by Acceleration Partners, a consulting firm and marketing agency, and Supporting Strategies—a franchisor offering bookkeeping and operational support services–the Business Fundamentals Bootcamp Series is designed for the CEO’s and CXO’s of early and growth stage companies. The theme of the event is “Taking Your Business to the Next Level” and features more than 20 speakers and panelists who lend their expertise on tactical issues and opportunities for growing businesses focused on topics in marketing, finance, law and human resources.

“We’ve all heard the saying, ‘Businesses don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.’ Interestingly enough, even in an era with an abundance of tools and software just for business planning, many businesses still fail to adequately prepare for present and future growth and their eventual sale,” said DeSimone. “My talk will center on the essentials of business planning and how it can co-exist with running your organization on a day-to-day basis.”

The one-day Business Fundamentals Boot Camp will be held at Bentley University, LaCava 300, 175 Forest Street, Waltham, MA. The cost to attend for company founders, CEOs and CXOs, the cost of the event is $100; for others, $200. For registration information, visit http://goo.gl/w9l5kA.

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 Business Fundamentals Boot Camp on April 29Read More

Rebecca Side named as Hermes Law’s London Market Representative

photo of Rebecca Side of Hermes Law
Rebecca Side of Hermes Law

DALLAS, TX and LONDON, UK…

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 hired Rebecca Side as its Lloyd’s and London Market Representative.

Based in London, Side will be responsible for developing new business from the Lloyd’s and London markets and will act as the firm’s London representative for U.K.-based Clients.

“Our firm embraces technology perhaps as much or more than any other, especially when it comes to improving case resolution quality. Yet, in many instances, technology is not a substitute for face-to-face. Having a professional of Rebecca’s caliber as our market representative gives the Firm a physical and professional presence in the Lloyd’s and London market that’s absolutely critical to our success,” said Dwayne Hermes, founder of Hermes Law.

Side previously worked for the Global Claims Management Company ‘Crawford and Company’ and the Lloyd’s Managing General Agent ‘Woodbrook’.  Her experience covers many aspects of the insurance industry, including TPA management/review, claims handling, underwriting and compliance.

Adds Hermes, “Rebecca is fully conversant with the Lloyd’s Market protocols and procedures and with her extensive market knowledge will be taking Hermes Law to the next level of client commitment not only ensuring alignment of our services with clients’ needs but also compliance with the increasing demands for reporting from the regulatory bodies.”

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, Property 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 and reporting provided to each client for every 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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Women & Investing – Free panel discussion to be held at the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce on May 5th

Women & Investing – Free panel discussion to be held at the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce on May 5thRead More

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Kicks Off Monthly “Storytelling in the Round” on April 17th

NamSense book IMG_0806Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café recently announced the launch of “Storytelling in the Round”, a new monthly program featuring readings by Connecticut’s own published (and aspiring) authors at their newly renovated Vernon store located at Vernon Circle Shopping Center, 243 Hartford Turnpike.

Arthur Wiknik, Jr., author of the brilliantly written Nam Sense: Surviving Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, is Between Rounds’ first featured author scheduled to appear on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. In his book, Mr. Wiknik’s shares his account of life and death in Vietnam while serving as a combat squad leader in the 101st Airborne Division.

One Sunday a month from September to May, Storytelling in the Round puts the spotlight on a different local author. During these FREE one-hour events, an author reads an excerpt from their work, which is followed by a question and answer session and book signing. Attendees may purchase copies of the author’s book during the event or bring their own copies and have them signed by the author.

“Connecticut is home to so many wonderful authors. Storytelling in the Round gives both the author and the reader an opportunity to connect – right in their own backyard at their local Between Rounds café,” noted Jerry Puiia, co-founder of Between Rounds.

All Storytelling in the Round author appearances are arranged by Ron Farina, an author, nationally recognized speaker and veteran. Mr. Farina is the author of several short stories on Vietnam, including the award winning short story Unbreakable Embrace, published by the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy (2013).

For more information about future author events, email info@betweenroundsbagels.com.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Kicks Off Monthly “Storytelling in the Round” on April 17thRead More

Talking Information Center Announces Alliance with ESC of New England

TIC imageThe award-winning Talking Information Center (TIC), a nonprofit reading service located in Marshfield, MA which broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to thousands of print and visually impaired listeners, has engaged the services of Executive Service Corps (ESC) of New England to assist in the development of a strategic plan.

In their alliance with ESC, TIC has embarked on the development of a long-term strategic plan that will serve as a road map to ensure that the organization continues to provide their valued reading services to the visually impaired throughout Massachusetts and beyond.

ESC offers consulting services to the nonprofit community to enable organizations to operate more effectively to meet the needs of their constituencies. ESC consultants Marietta Joseph, Jack Wallace and Ed Haddad make up TIC’s core consulting team. Ms. Joseph recently served as Vice President of MassDevelopment, where she assisted nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt debt financing for capital projects. Mr. Wallace is a seasoned leader, marketer, mentor and business development professional with over 30 years of varied, consulting-based experience working for such national brands as Fidelity Investments, Talbots and General Motors. Mr. Haddad, now retired, is the former Vice President of Intellectual Property at New Balance Athletic Shoe Inc.

“We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work with ESC’s distinguished executives Marietta, Jack and Ed,” explained Jim Bunnell, TIC’s Executive Director. “Several areas that we will focus on in the creation of a strategic plan include marketing, finance, funding, organization and governance. Our vision is to evolve TIC to a more professionally organized and financially sound operation.”

With limited government funding, TIC relies on the generosity of donors and operates with the help of more than 600 volunteers statewide and approximately 200 volunteers in their Marshfield studio alone. TIC staff and volunteer readers broadcast local news, articles, and items of interest to listeners to promote independence and enrich quality of life. TIC coordinates a network of affiliates throughout the state to provide broadcasts to blind/visually impaired listeners as well as other individuals with disabilities who do not have access to the written word and who rely on this service. TIC brings not only news and information, but companionship to those who have limited access to the communities in which they live.

About ESC

ESC of New England is a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit that provides management consulting and capacity building services to other nonprofits in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. ESC’s mission is to enhance the overall impact of the nonprofit community by enabling organizations to operate more effectively to meet the needs of their constituencies. ESC accomplishes this through the provision of affordable, high-impact management consulting and related services by senior level executives and professionals from the private, nonprofit, and public sectors who donate their time and expertise. For more information visit www.escne.org.

About TIC

The Talking Information Center (TIC), a nonprofit reading service located in Marshfield, MA, broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visually and print-impaired 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 by specially tuned radio receivers; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025; or via live audio stream on the TIC website, www.ticnetwork.org. 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. Now reaching 25,000 listeners, TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, and special consumer information on subjects including medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. TIC also broadcasts cultural programming including old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry.

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. TIC is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, (P.O. Box 519), in Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

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Rodman CPAs’ Kathy Parker Outlines Federal Incentives at SBA 504 Green Commercial RE Seminar

Kathy Parker, CPA, MST
Kathy Parker, CPA, MST

Kathy Parker, CPA, MST, a partner at Rodman CPAs and an active leader of the company’s Renewable Energy and Cleantech specialty practice known as the “Green Team”, outlined federal incentives during a well-attended presentation at the SBA 504 Green Commercial Real Estate Seminar held last month at TD Bank Burlington.

Ms. Parker was an expert program presenter along with John Konevich, TD Bank’s SBA Lending Division and Eric Adams, Sales Manager, Bay Colony Development. The seminar was geared towards business owners interested in owning a building rather than leasing space, as well as for those who already own a building but who are looking for a source of capital and/or tax benefit in order to improve its energy efficiency.

Ms. Parker spoke about green energy federal incentives and tax implications, including new tax extenders for 2016, the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), and Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, Passive Activity Loss, depreciation and tax equity.

“There are a number of tax implications with the federal incentives, in particular with ITC as it has been modified,” explained Ms. Parker. “This seminar provided business owners with a thorough overview of tax credits and tax equity structure, as well as criteria for begun constructions, other tax incentives and the outlook for 2017.”

Green Energy Speaker

Ms. Parker is a recognized expert in renewable energy accounting and has been a guest speaker and panelist at renewable energy conferences and financial forums throughout the U.S., including the National Conferences in California and the American Biogas Conference in Ohio. She is available to speak to alternative energy producers, businesses and other audiences that pursue energy efficiency initiatives. Potential topics include: Green energy tax and business strategies for solar, wind, biomass, and cleantech companies; commercial and residential energy efficiency investments; the types of state and federal tax rebates available for various green energy initiatives; and the newly developed incentives and assistance programs geared towards accelerating the growth of solar energy infrastructure to mitigate climate change.

About Rodman CPAs

Founded in 1961, Rodman CPAs has been named one of Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for, and also named one of the largest accounting firms in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal. Rodman CPAs provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies throughout New England and beyond. The team specializes in improving business performance, business processes, operations, information technology, finance, and change navigation. Rodman CPAs provides companies with a sustainable financial roadmap through expert partnership/ corporate structuring for optimal tax benefit; grant qualification assistance and auditing; ongoing advisory services for federal, state and local tax incentives; and strategic financial planning and management.

The firm has a specialized renewable energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice, known as the “Green Team” which serves renewable energy clients throughout the U.S. The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

Rodman CPAs’ Kathy Parker Outlines Federal Incentives at SBA 504 Green Commercial RE SeminarRead More

Georgia CALLS Temporarily Relocates to Larger Space. Fundraising for Campus Dream Project Continues

Ga Calls Logo - Vertical-TagGeorgia CALLS, the Georgia Center For Abundant Living Life Skills, a unique 501(c)3 non-profit helping high-risk, returning citizens make a successful transition from incarceration back into society as business entrepreneurs, has temporarily relocated to a larger space to accommodate their significant growth.

Georgia CALLS has outgrown their 1800 sq. ft. space at 1705 Enterprise Drive, Suite B, in Buford and relocated to the 3600 sq. ft. space next door at Suite A. The move is temporary while they continue fundraising for the Campus Dream Project.

Just one year after launching, Georgia CALLS completely ran out of space in their building. The new location provides daily staff with plenty of desk and storage space, which they lacked prior to the move. Georgia CALLS will now be able to hold daily training classes and counseling sessions at the same time. The call center area has also been expanded and can now accept additional program participants.

“This move means that we are able to assist more individuals with transitioning and reentering the community. It is exciting to see the program growing along with the growth and development of the participants,” explained Katie Ellison, Counselor/Case Worker at Georgia CALLS.

Georgia CALLS’ participants have also expressed that they are pleased with the move as it gives them more space to do their daily activities and allows them a chance to expand and progress.

Prior to moving in to the new space, Georgia CALLS had to make renovations, which included new carpet, paint, wiring and the expansion of the area utilized for classrooms and training. A team of 20 VoiceNation staff members participating in the Employee Volunteer Program assisted with the renovations and setup of the facility for the call center environment.

“Now we have space to grow and add more participants, thus opening the door for greater vision expansion in who we are able to help and how many,” explained Mark Mobley, Executive Director of Georgia CALLS. “Occupying this space is a temporary solution until we are able to reach our goal to have a full training and workplace facility to fulfill the full vision of Georgia CALLS.”

Georgia CALLS is fundraising for Phase I of their Campus Dream Project, which includes 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 a second chance as they reintegrate with 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.

Mobley continued, “Our Campus Dream Project will enable us to have the greatest impact in the community as possible. It will help us achieve generational change to break the cycle of recidivism.”

To learn more and support Georgia CALLS Campus Dream Project, visit Gofundme.com/georgia-calls.

About Georgia CALLS

Georgia CALLS, a program in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Transition, Support & Reentry, the Georgia Department of Correctionsand Phillips Transitional Center, is transforming mindsets, growing leaders & building entrepreneurs up, one life at a time. Utilizing a powerful combination of exclusive job/life skills training, paid work experience in the call center, intensive case management services, and optional discipleship classes, participants in the Georgia CALLS program learn to build strong character, explore their own entrepreneurial desires, and in turn give back to their own communities. Georgia CALLS works to make a last community impact by cultivating entrepreneurs and mentoring participants to be the CEOs of their lives.

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.

Over 50,000 businesses worldwide, including Comedy Central, Delta, Dunkin’ Donuts, Rolls Royce, and StateFarm trust VoiceNation as their professional telephone answering service. Founded in 2002, VoiceNation is a privately-held company that invests heavy emphasis in staff development and community outreach opportunities. To learn more about VoiceNation, visit http://www.qualityansweringservice.com.

Georgia CALLS Temporarily Relocates to Larger Space. Fundraising for Campus Dream Project ContinuesRead More

Laser changes the drill for cavity filling

photo of Paxton Dentist Dr. Nikhil Lavana, DMD,
Family Dental Group of Paxton’s Dr. Nikhil Lavana, DMD,

PAXTON, MA…

When you think about why people don’t like or even fear going to the dentist, most of it stems from childhood visits that required a shot to fill in a cavity. In recent years and at many dental practices, laser technology has replaced anesthesia and drilling to prepare teeth for fillings. And that’s alleviated the fears of many who used to dread a trip to the dentist.

“Ask people what they don’t like about going to the dentist and most people will respond the shot, the drilling or both,” said said Dr. Nikhil Lavana, DMD, who owns and operates Family Dental Group of Paxton with his wife Dr. Archana Lavana, DMD. “With laser technology, we can eliminate that part of the process so it really comes down to just a filling.”

How it works is fairly straight forward. The dentist applies the laser beam to the decayed area of the tooth. The laser beam combines with a spray of air and water to keep the tooth cool. The laser works by heating water molecules in the tooth, which expands and dislodges decay—all without the laser cutting into the healthy enamel and dentin of the tooth.

After the tooth cavity has been cleaned out and disinfected by the laser, filling material is injected into the treated area. All without the use of anesthesia or drill.

“While the sound of drilling is gone, the laser does make a noise resembling a woodpecker. The smell also is less of an issue and most patients tolerate the procedure very well,” said Dr. Lavana.

Dr. Lavana notes that more than 70 percent of cavities Family Dental Group of Paxton treats can be filled using this method. Adds Dr. Lavana, “There are some cases where we cannot get all the decayed matter out and have to drill.”

Perhaps the most important benefit of the laser treatment lies in the new perception of patients towards fillings, particularly children.

“With the laser, we essentially have a pain-free, needle-free way to fill cavities and that makes a tremendous difference with all patients, especially children,” said Dr. Lavana. “For dentists and patients, there’s the additional benefit that it doesn’t cost any more to use the laser.”

For more information on laser treatment for filling, please call the Family Dental Group of Paxton at 508-755-2905.

About Family Dental Group of Paxton

Located at 581 Pleasant Street in Paxton, The Family Dental Group of Paxton offers: comprehensive examinations; cosmetics; crowns (in just one visit with no messy impressions); teeth whitening with ZOOM; laser dentistry (no needles!); partial and full dentures; root canals; inlays/onlays; extractions; crown lengthening; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

The Family Dental Group of Paxton accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. Family Dental Group of Paxton accepts all major credit cards and offers credit card financing plans.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 508-755-2905. For more information, visit www.paxtondentist.com.

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Talking Information Center to Broadcast the 8th Annual “B.L.I.N.D.” State House Event

TIC imageThe award-winning Talking Information Center (TIC), a nonprofit reading service located in Marshfield, MA which broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to thousands of visually impaired listeners, will be on-site to record the Eighth Annual Blind Legislative Informational Networking Day (B.L.I.N.D.) on Thursday, March 24, 2016 in The Great Hall at the Massachusetts State House in Boston.

As a supporter and sponsor of this important event, TIC will air the taped broadcast on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016 at 9:00 p.m.

Listeners will have a chance to hear Bruce Howell, Chair of the Rehabilitation Council at the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind serve as Master of Ceremonies. Advocates will visit representative and senators’ offices, and there will be product demonstrations, consumer presentations and an awards presentation.

“The purpose of Blind Legislative Informational Networking Day is to provide information as well as network with legislators on the need for appropriate funding for the blindness community’s unique service needs,” explained Jim Bunnell, TIC’s Executive Director.

The Governor’s proposed budget for FY2017 has recommended level funding for most of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) state appropriations, along with the Perkins and Worcester Library programs. Funding support is also needed for special education for students with disabilities.

Critical programs to be funded include: The Perkins Library and the Worcester Talking Book Library; MCB’s Community Service account which includes funding for support for the Community Mobility and Orientation Program and the Deaf-Blind Community Access Network (DBCAN); and MCB’s Turning 22 account (4110-2000) covers supports and services for more severely disabled youth who are blind or visually impaired transitioning out of the special education system as well as for their continued care as adults.

The event is sponsored by Bay State Council of the Blind, Carroll Center for the Blind, Lowell Association for the Blind, Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, National Braille Press, National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts, and Perkins, on behalf of the Friends of the Perkins Library and the Worcester Talking Book Library, and TIC.

“The proposed FY2017 budget takes into consideration the needs of specialized blindness services and its consumers who benefit from them. TIC fully supports these funding recommendations,” said Bunnell.

Tune in to TIC’s audio stream at www.ticnetwork.org to hear the Eighth Annual “B.L.I.N.D.” State House event delayed broadcast on March 27th. Listeners may also access the broadcast via specially tuned radio receiver; or through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app.

About TIC

The Talking Information Center (TIC), a nonprofit reading service located in Marshfield, MA, broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visually-impaired and print-handicapped 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.

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. Now reaching 25,000 listeners, TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, and special consumer information on subjects including medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. TIC also broadcasts cultural programming including old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry.

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. 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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Talking Information Center to Broadcast the 8th Annual “B.L.I.N.D.” State House EventRead More