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Old Colony Elder Services Establishes Employee Wellness Program

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 recently unveiled a new Employee Wellness Program.

OCES is committed to providing programs and services to the community to promote healthy living, and that community includes their own dedicated staff. Through their Employee Wellness Program, the agency has kicked off two new components for staff – Nutrition Coaching and Family Caregiver Support Counseling.

Barbara Nalen-Cardosa, a Registered Dietician and OCES’ Nutritionist, oversees Nutrition Coaching. She will assist employees who are seeking weight management guidance, or who are adjusting their diet to better manage health conditions. Ms. Nalen-Cardosa consults with each employee, creates a personalized three-day food diary, and establishes individual goals. One of the options offered is a walking nutrition session.

Rochelle Sugarman, Outreach and Education Specialist in OCES’ Healthy Living Department, provides Family Caregiver Support Counseling. She assists employees in finding resources that will help them care for a family member or friend such as an older adult, a younger adult with disabilities, or a grandchild.

An employee’s initial Nutrition Coaching or Family Caregiver Support Counseling session lasts approximately 30 minutes and follow-up consultations are arranged to meet each individual’s need. There is no cost associated with the Employee Wellness Program or any of its components, and confidentiality is ensured.

OCES intends to expand the Employee Wellness Program and is in the process of establishing a committee of seven employees to implement additional components. The agency will be adding new wellness modules based on the results of a confidential employee survey designed to determine need.

“This is just the beginning,” said Christine McLaren, Community Programs Director. “In September, we will survey all of our 235 employees and based on those results we will expand the Employee Wellness Program to fit their most pressing concerns.”

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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Between Rounds Announces Fall Storytelling in the Round Events. CT Authors Featured

BR Logo from Andy smallBetween Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café of Vernon has recently announced the fall schedule for Storytelling in the Round.

Storytelling in the Round, a FREE monthly program featuring readings by Connecticut’s own published (and unpublished) authors, has resumed at Between Rounds located at Vernon Circle Shopping Center, 243 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon. Storytelling in the Round is a one-hour event that includes a reading, followed by a question and answer session and book signing.

On September 18, 2016 at 1:30 p.m., Storytelling in the Round features a reading with Brien Brown, author of The Fourth Son, a work of historical fiction. After a long career teaching history and geography at the secondary and collegiate levels, Brown is writing his first novel.  Set in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, The Fourth Son is a work of historical fiction following the young son of a French noble family from France into colonial America. Brown uses his extensive knowledge of history and geography to fill this work with rich and authentic details about early colonial America.

On October 16, 2016 at 1:30 p.m., Steven Ostrowski, a fiction writer, poet, playwright and singer-songwriter will be featured at Between Rounds. Ostrowski’s work has appeared in numerous literary magazines and journals, most recently, Literary Orphans, Citron Review, and Works of Fiction in Progress: WIPs Journal. His book of stories, A Pile of Crosses is forthcoming from ELJ Publications, and he is the author of two chapbooks of poems – In Late Fields from Bright Hill, and Birds, Boys, God from Finishing Line. His novel, The Last Big Break, is to be published in the near future by LVCA. Ostrowski teaches at Central Connecticut State University.

Author and illustrator Violet M. Favero will be featured on November 6, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. with the release of her third book, Unkie Munkie Lives at The Zoo. Favero is the author of Silly Yaya and Sunday Dinner at Silly Yaya’s, 32-page full color, rhyming picture books appropriate for children of all ages. Silly Yaya books are sold internationally and have quickly become family favorites to be read over and over again.

A reading with writer Jesse Duthrie will be held on December 11, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. Duthrie’s writing has been published online and in print in various places, including The Boiler Journal, Gadfly Online, Barnstorm Journal, and Connecticut Explored magazine. Duthrie is completing his Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of New Hampshire and is the 2016 recipient of the Nonfiction Prize Gift at UNH.

In the Spotlight

One Sunday a month from September to May, Storytelling in the Round puts the spotlight on a different local author. All Storytelling in the Round author appearances are arranged by Ron Farina, an author, nationally recognized speaker and veteran. 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.

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Rodman CPAs’ Kathy Parker to Speak at National Biogas Conference in Orlando

Kathy Parker
Kathy Parker

Kathy Parker, CPA, MST, a recognized expert in renewable energy accounting and a partner at Rodman CPAs, a full service tax and accounting firm in Waltham, will be a speaker at the 16th Annual BioCycle REFOR16 conference in Orlando, Florida, October 17-20, 2016.

An active leader of Rodman CPAs’ Renewable Energy and Cleantech specialty practice known as the “Green Team”, Ms. Parker will speak on the topic of “What’s New in Tax Laws for Biogas Industry?” in the Track 1 – Business of Biogas session on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m.

Ms. Parker will expound on green energy federal incentives and credits for business, including Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Business Energy Investment Tax Credit – Safe Harbor, Passive Activity Loss, depreciation and tax equity.

Ms. Parker has been a guest speaker and panelist at a number of renewable energy conferences and financial forums throughout the U.S., including the National Conferences in California and the American Biogas Conference in Ohio. She speaks to alternative energy producers, businesses and other audiences that pursue energy efficiency initiatives.

The Rodman team will also exhibit at the conference and will be available to answer questions at booth #307.

BioCycle REFOR16 is the official conference of The American Biogas Council. For more information, visit http://biocyclerefor.com.

Green Energy Experts

Rodman CPAs’ Green Team is comprised of the firm’s president Steve Rodman, CPA, MST, and partners Kathy Parker, CPA, MST and Tom Astore, CPA JD, along with Elysha Sturm, Senior Accountant and Mark Vitello, CPA, Supervisor. The firm is a charter member of the Mass Solar Coalition, as well as a member of Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA), New England Clean Energy Council (NECEC) and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

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, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at http://www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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43 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Business – Beacon Equity Advisors Offers Essential Book

David A. Humphrey
David A. Humphrey

When a private equity firm or synergistic buyer makes an offer on a business, many owners simply aren’t ready to capitalize on the opportunity and maximize the deal price.

With over 25 years of experience as a dealmaker, David A. Humphrey, CPA, CVA, owner of  Beacon Equity Advisors, knows that proactive entrepreneurs prepare for these critical situations. That’s why he authored The Art of Business Value Enhancement, an essential, 43-chapter book for business owners that serves as a dynamic guide for increasing the business’ value, polishing their image, protecting their investment and streamlining the entire process.

According to Humphrey, “Results matter, particularly when a business owner explores what is likely the most emotional business decision he or she will contemplate since first making the leap to becoming an entrepreneur; the sale of the business.”

Designed to assist business owners in preparing their enterprise for sale by looking at the company from the perspective of an impartial, prospective buyer, The Art of Business Value Enhancement identifies aspects of businesses which would be attractive to a potential buyer, as well as areas where the buyer might have concerns. The book also discusses quantifying how those concerns affect the value a buyer would be willing to pay for the acquisition.

Among the many topics covered are: Timing the sale to maximize value; understanding how a buyer looks at your inventory; how too much noise affects value, correctly positioning your lease heading into a sale and even digs into how family in the business can impact value.

“Ideally, once a business owner understands the buyer’s perspective, they can implement changes to alleviate potential risk factors, increasing the value of the business,” explained Humphrey.

The Art of Business Value Enhancement serves as an easy to read, digestable guide filled with stories, examples and humor for business owners looking to prepare their business for transition.

To read the Intro to The Art of Business Value Enhancement, or to request a complimentary copy of the book, visit http://www.beaconequityadvisors.com/bve.

Results Matter – Beacon Equity Advisors

Founded in 1985, Beacon Equity Advisors, Inc. is a boutique firm specializing in mergers, acquisitions and valuations of closely held businesses in New England. Using a team approach, the firm focuses on delivering proven results for the owners of manufacturing, distribution and interesting service businesses with revenues from $5M to $55M.

David A. Humphrey, CPA, CVA, author of The Art of Business Value Enhancement, leads Beacon Equity Advisors’ expert team of Merger & Acquisition advisors, Certified Valuators & Analysts and Certified Public Accountants. Beacon Equity Advisors is headquartered at 1500 Providence Highway, Norwood, MA 02062. For more information, contact the firm at 781-551-8000 or visit www.beaconequityadvisors.com.

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TIC, Radio for the Blind, to Hold Wine Dinner Fundraiser on November 3rd

TIC imageThe award-winning Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service based in Marshfield, MA, which broadcasts 24 hours a day to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners, will hold their 24th Annual Wine Dinner Fundraiser on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. Auction items are needed and sponsorship opportunities are available.

TIC’s fundraising dinner will be held at the Barker Tavern, a beautifully restored 17th century building surrounded by natural landscape and historic views, located at 21 Barker Road in Scituate.

Guests will enjoy a multi-course gourmet meal and exceptional wines. Live and silent auctions will be held during the evening, and will include unique auction items such as vacation packages, excursions, performance tickets and gift certificates.

All proceeds from the Annual Wine Dinner directly benefit TIC, which serves the listening needs of thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners throughout Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire and Connecticut through its network affiliates in Mashpee, Pittsfield, Lowell, Springfield and Worcester.

To donate an auction item or to sponsor this event, contact TIC’s Anna Dunbar at 781-834-4400 or adunbar@ticnetwork.com.

Seating is limited. The Annual Wine Dinner is a very popular fundraising event and advanced reservations are required. To make reservations for a table, a couple, or an individual, visit www.ticnetwork.com.

Reaching New Audiences

According to the National Federation of the Blind, 136,500 people of all ages in Massachusetts reported to have a visual disability in 2013. Two out of three aging Americans confront vision loss. Others who experience vision problems are living with AIDS, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, paralysis and other physical ailments that make it difficult to hold a publication or turn its pages. Approximately 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S. and in Massachusetts, 34 percent of people with disabilities are 65 and older. Military veterans are seeking programs that have a ‘veteran’s voice’.

TIC has thousands of blind/visually impaired listeners statewide, yet there is a broader audience who can benefit. There are a growing number of seniors and veterans seeking informational, entertaining broadcasts that just aren’t available elsewhere, and that’s where TIC comes in.

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.com; 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. TIC is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.com or call (781) 834-4400.

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Free workshops outline free Google Non-Profit PPC programs

google-logoEven many top non-profit executives don’t know about this generous program.  Thus, free seminars will outline the logistics of the Google Non-Profit “Pay per Click” program that provides qualified non-profits with $10,000 of FREE Pay Per Click advertising per month (equates to $120,000 per year). The advertising can be use to generate volunteers, donations, events or general awareness.

Non-profit leaders and staff can choose from one of two complimentary seminars. The first workshop is scheduled for Thursday, October 20, 8 – 9:30 a.m. in the training room of ACTSmart, located just off Routes 3 and 139, 70 Corporate Park Drive, Suite 1225, Pembroke, MA  02359.  The second presentation is set for Tuesday, November 15, 8 – 9:30 a.m. at the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, 134 Court Street, Route 3A, Plymouth, MA  02360. Each program is limited to the first 30 registrants.

Panelists include Steve Dubin of PR Works, a full service Public Relations firm based in Plymouth, MA and Roland Lacey of MediaRight Technologies, a digital marketing firm located in Hanover, MA.

The workshop will inform attendees of which non-profit organizations are eligible for the grant; timing – how long does the process take; applying for the grant; researching key words and phrases; creating landing pages; writing enticing text advertisements; measuring the “champion” advertisement vs. the “challenger”; monitoring results through Google Analytics; maintaining the program monthly to remain within compliance; and outlining a non-profit case study and success story.

Governmental entities and organizations, hospitals and medical groups, schools, childcare centers, academic institutions and universities are not eligible for Google Ad Grants, but philanthropic arms of educational institutions are eligible. In order to qualify for the Google for Nonprofits program, an organization must be listed in the Internal Revenue Service’s online searchable database of charitable organizations.

To RSVP for one of the Google Non-Profit programs, please visit http://goo.gl/Shp48j for the October 20, Pembroke event or http://goo.gl/axgKU4 for the November 15. For information about the free seminars or the Google Non-Profit program Plymouth presentation, please contact Steven V. Dubin,(781) 582-1061, SDubin@PRWorkzone.com.

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PR Pointer – What I SHOULD have learned on my summer vacation

chevyYou might remember the drill. This is a slight twist on the “What I did on my summer vacation” theme.

In filling in as the facilitator for a recent roundtable discussion (the regular hosts–Bernie Heine, Philip Ashcroft and Paul Crossman–were ironically on vacation themselves), I had a chance to meet with a handful of entrepreneurs to, well, roundtable the topic of vacation epiphanies to pitfalls. In other words, the good, the bad and the ugly.

What I learned was that many business execs suffer from vacation anxiety.

“How can my business carry on without me?”

“What horrors will greet my return?”

“Will I be bored not chained to e-mail and social media?”

On the other hand, everyone knows that sometimes vacations allow for genius to strike. Or, at the very least, it gives you new perspective.

One CPA had this advice, “I delegate as much as I can so that come vacation time I am less enmeshed.”

A divorce coach noted, “My vacation time is taking my dogs for a long walk every afternoon. My mind wanders and they get a good workout.”

A financial planner said, “I prefer not to vacation. I’d prefer to combine work and play.”

I say, “To each his own.”

Research revealed several useful tips on how small business owners and executives can prepare for and enjoy vacations:

  1. Choose a slow season to travel. Key holidays like July 4 week, Thanksgiving or Christmas work for me. Most clients are also taking time off.
  2. Plan well ahead. This offers ample time to have a plan and relish the anticipation.
  3. Alert your client of when you will be unavailable. No surprises. No procrastination.
  4. Don’t launch a new website or initiative prior to leaving. You know things never go smoothly.
  5. Deputize a reliable colleague to babysit key projects. Introduce the all parties.
  6. Set boundaries. Either you are completely unavailable or ONLY available at a very specific time.
  7. Review the results. This could bolster your confidence for the next trip to Fiji.

Now that you are back from holiday let us know how we can jump in and kick start a new PR/Marketing effort.

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Old Colony Elder Services Holds Educational Programs at Edwina Martin House

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, recently led educational programs for residents of the Edwina Martin House (EMH), a recovery home for women located in Brockton.

With a mission to provide information and services that promote healthy and safe living, OCES held two educational sessions for residents at EMH: Healthy Meal Planning and Chronic Pain Self-Management Program.

In the first session, Barbara Nalen-Cardosa, a Registered Dietician in OCES’ Nutrition Department, gave a presentation on “Healthy Meal Planning” and fielded a variety of questions on healthy eating.

In the second session, Chrisline Denis, Healthy Living Supervisor, along with Primma-Latise Murry, SHINE Coordinator/Outreach Specialist, and Donna-Marie Forand, Outreach and Education Specialist in OCES’ Healthy Living Department conducted the Stanford University Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (CPSMP), meeting two and a half hours per week for six weeks. CPSMP was developed for people who have a primary or secondary diagnosis of chronic pain. EMH residents participating in CPSMP learned principal techniques for self-management, which included action planning, problem solving and the importance of physical activity.

“OCES empowered our residents with knowledge and tools that may help them better manage their own health,” said Judith McDonough, Executive Director of EMH. “Some examples of three to six month goals set by our participants are to eat healthy, relax, cope positively and to work on stronger interpersonal skills and relationships.”

“These educational programs are just a couple of examples of how OCES is able to serve our entire community,” said Christine McLaren, OCES’ Community Programs Director. “We are very pleased to be able to work with the residents of the Edwina Martin House and will continue to offer programs that help their residents live vibrant lives.”

About Edwina Martin House

Founded in 1982, the Edwina Martin House (EMH) is a residential substance abuse treatment facility for women. More than 4,000 women have lived at EMH since it was founded, and the recovery home is named for a woman who was a longtime advocate for alcohol and drug programs in the area.

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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Georgia CALLS Raises Funds for Local Families in Need of Housing & Support

Melissa and Jay Reeder
Melissa and Jay Reeder

With 134 runners and walkers, Georgia CALLS’ first annual “Race for Restoration 5K & Fun Run” held on August 20th at Little Mulberry Park in Dacula was a success and raised essential funds for local families in need.

With a focus on homeless families and the restoration and rebuilding of the family unit for the sake of the children, the Race for Restoration was a fundraiser for Georgia CALLS, a unique 501c3 organization that helps families recover from homelessness and lack of employment.

Families and children (a number of them accompanied by pets) took part in the race or cheered their loved ones on. Jay Reeder, Georgia CALLS’ Chief Catalyst and board member and VoiceNation’s CEO, participated in the event with his wife, Melissa and their three children. Mark Mobley, Georgia CALLS’ Executive Director was the Master of Ceremonies. Chopper, the beloved mascot of the Gwinnett Braves, enthusiastically encouraged everyone along during the race.

Runners Pedram Esmaelzadeh, the overall male winner and Ramona Stutlz, the overall female winner, received trophies and gift cards to Big Peach Running Company in Suwanee. Additionally, the top male and female finishers in each age group (from 10 and under to 65 and up) were awarded medals.

Georgia CALLS would like to thank their sponsors: VoiceNation, Walmart in Collins Hill, Chick-Fil-A, Classic City Running in Buford, Dr. Bill Morrison, O.D., Mike Thomas State Farm Insurance Agency, Costco, Kona Ice of Gwinnett, Panera Bread, Waffle House, Big Peach Running Company of Suwanee, Rewriting Our Story, YouScore.net, Angecansew, C&A Johnson Plumbing Service of Gwinnett and Lamar Advertising of Atlanta.

“We were very pleased with such a terrific turnout, as this is our first fundraising 5K. All proceeds raised will address the immediate need of five Georgia CALLS’ program participants and their families in need of stable housing and support,” said Mark Mobley, Executive Director of Georgia CALLS.

He continued, “Thank you to our amazing team of volunteers from the community and our sister business, VoiceNation, as well as our wonderful sponsors, who not only helped to provide a great race environment, but who, along with the racers, are providing hope for housing and care to our program participants.”

To view a recap of the Race, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmlivYaN7S0

To make a donation to help support local families through Georgia CALLS, visit http://www.gacalls.org/donations/give-online/

About Georgia CALLS

The mission of Georgia CALLS is to help the formerly incarcerated as well as families in distress in the Gwinnett and 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 in the community for the better. For more information about Georgia CALLS, visit www.gacalls.org.

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