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How do you protect your nest egg? Free panel discussion at the John Curtis Library Hanover

Some jest – “When did my 401K turn into a 201K?”   But market volatility and your nest egg is no laughing matter.

Recent and drastic shifts in China’s economy as well as concerns over plummeting oil prices and ongoing turmoil in the Middle East have investors worried about their financial future – from college funding to retirement planning.

A panel discussion entitled “Market volatility – how do you protect your nest egg?” will address that topic.  The free presentation will include seasoned, regional financial experts including Betsy Vallone of Essential Asset Management based in Norwell, MA; Bob Leonard of Rodman CPAs located in Waltham, MA; and Attorney James Tierney, Law Offices situated in Duxbury, MA.

The discussion, including time for questions and answers, will be held February 24, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at John Curtis Library, 534 Hanover Street (Route 139), Hanover, MA 02339.  Light refreshments will be served.  To RSVP, please call (781) 569-4914 or email betsy.vallone@essential-am.net.

Families, small business owners, people in transition and those in retirement who are generating income are encourage to attend and learn strategies to protect their financial future.

Topics will include an outline of safer investment options, simple measurement tools to keep investments on track, alternatives to traditional investing and strategies for paying yourself first.

The panel discussion is sponsored by Essential Asset Management (EAM) of Norwell, MA. The firm was founded in 2011 and provides a full array of planning and investment related services to meet clients’ specific needs and goals. From portfolio management and retirement planning, to estate planning and tax efficient investing, the firm’s investment advisors work closely with clients, engaging and encouraging ongoing feedback, in the creation of a holistic financial plan. Steve Daglio and Betsy Vallone are co-owners, principals, and partners of the fee-based investment advisory firm serving families and individuals throughout the South Shore. The husband and wife team have a combined 26 years of experience working in financial services, providing investment strategies for individuals, small businesses, institutions, and even other financial advisors.

Essential Asset Management, LLC is located at 167 Washington Street, Norwell, MA 02061. For more information, visit www.essentialassetmanagement.net.

 

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Lapels Dry Cleaning of Wakefield holds grand opening

Lapels Dry Cleaning of Wakefield owners Kevin Dao, Kevin Dao, Lien Tang and Thanh Tran pose with members of the Wakefield-Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce. Lapels Dry Cleaning of Wakefield celebrated its grand opening on January 9.
Lapels Dry Cleaning of Wakefield owners Kevin Dao, Kevin Dao, Lien Tang and Thanh Tran pose with members of the Wakefield-Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce. Lapels Dry Cleaning of Wakefield celebrated its grand opening on January 9.

WAKEFIELD, MA and HANOVER, MA…

Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company headquartered in Hanover, Massachusetts, recently hosted a grand opening celebration on January 9 at its new location at 959 Main Street in Wakefield.

The ribbon-cutting took place at an afternoon reception. Representatives and members of the Wakefield-Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce were also on hand to welcome the owners and staff of Lapels Dry Cleaning of Wakefield.

“The support from new customers and the business community has been wonderful,” said Kevin Dao, one of the owners of Lapels Dry Cleaning of Wakefield, along with Lien Tang and Thanh Tran. “Lapels Dry Cleaning has been very well received at our existing location in Boston (Boston Trilogy). Today’s turnout and response makes us feel even better about our decision to open a store here.”

In addition to the ribbon-cutting and refreshments, guests received a tour of the store and dry cleaning plant as well as a Welcome package (featuring a VIP dry cleaning bag). Guests also took part in a raffle for a $100 Visa card, a $75 Lapels Dry Cleaning gift card and a $50 Lapels Dry Cleaning gift card.

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience over the past dozen years. Part of that effort includes a partnership agreement with GreenEarth®, the dry cleaning industry’s only non-toxic cleaning alternative for its newer locations like Lapels Dry Cleaning of Wakefield. Using these kinds of solutions and the latest technology in equipment, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Their environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes.

Lapels Dry Cleaning also sets itself apart with its customer service. Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and alteration services.

Lapels offers it’s customers Automatic Rewards earning them credit towards free dry cleaning for every dollar they spend, Loyalty Programs, a VIP Program which eliminates the need to wait in line, the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service and FREE Home Delivery to all its customers. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

Lapels Dry Cleaning of Wakefield is open Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm; Saturday 8 am to 5 pm; and Sunday, 12 pm to 3 pm.

For complete information on Lapels Dry Cleaning, please visit www.mylapels.com.

Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners
Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Arizona (Gilbert, Chandler, Phoenix, Scottsdale), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Florida (Fleming Island, Orange Park) Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe, Delhi, Rayville, Winnsboro), Massachusetts (Abington, Allston, Bedford, Boston, Boston Seaport, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Hanover, Hingham, Kingston, Marshfield, Martha’s Vineyard, Natick, Needham, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Waltham, Wakefield, Wellesley, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Michigan (Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield), Mississippi (New Albany, Tupelo, Pontotoc), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick), Ohio (Liberty Township), Oklahoma (Edmond, Oklahoma City), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island), Texas (Bee Cave, Brownsville). Additional locations are coming soon to Tampa, FL, Braintree, MA, Boston, MA, Cambridge, MA, Stoughton, MA, and Oxford, MS.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has received a number of accolades in the franchise world. That includes being ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Lapels has also achieved acclaim in the dry cleaning industry. Lapels Dry Cleaning CEO Kevin Dubois is the co-author of Entrepreneurial Insanity in the Dry Cleaning Business, sold on Amazon.com.
Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

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OCES Holds Food Drive for Three Charities

OCES staff Rose Lynch, Tremeda Martin, Charlie Mills, Kerry Phelan, Vicky Rateau and Cathy Whitney organize food donations for distribution.
OCES staff Rose Lynch, Tremeda Martin, Charlie Mills, Kerry Phelan, Vicky Rateau and Cathy Whitney organize food donations for distribution.

Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, recently held a Food Drive for three charities in their service area – My Brothers Keeper in Easton, Father Bill’s & Mainspring in Brockton, and Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless in Kingston.

OCES’ Food Drive was held among their 235 employees the week before Christmas. More than 300 non-perishable food items were collected and distributed among the three charities.

Every year, OCES holds a holiday food drive for a different organization in an effort to provide support to those most in need. Last year, OCES’ donated more than 140 pounds of food to South Shore Community Action Council (SSCAC) in Plymouth.

To learn more about the three charities, visit their websites at www.plymouthareacoalition.org, helpfbms.org, and www.mybrotherskeeper.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 27 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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Rodman CPAs Offer QuickBooks Seminar on February 10th

Rodman CPAs Advanced QuickBooks Pro Advisers
Rodman CPAs Advanced QuickBooks Pro Advisers

Rodman CPAs, a full service tax and accounting firm catering to small and medium-sized companies throughout the greater Boston area, will offer a “New Year Checklist” QuickBooks Seminar on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at their office at 2 University Park, 51 Sawyer Road, Suite 610 in Waltham, MA 02453.

This seminar is the second in Rodman CPAs’ monthly seminar series and will be held in the firm’s classroom. Advanced QuickBooks Pro Advisers Kathy Parker CPA, Leah Shanahan CPA, Janine O’Connor EA, and Christine McGoldrick will lead the 90-minute seminar. Topics that will be covered include: preparing for the new year; what’s new in QuickBooks 2016; tips and tricks in QuickBooks; budget preparation; sales/use tax and backup procedures.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The seminar runs from 7:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. followed by 15-minute question and answer session. Refreshments will be provided by Café 51.

Rodman CPAs has been a member of the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program since 1999. Having provided hundreds of small to mid-size companies with training and consulting, Rodman CPAs QuickBooks team provides superior services and expertise to meet the accounting software installation, setup, and training needs of businesses.

The fee for the QuickBooks seminar is $45. Registration is now open. To register, visit Rodman CPAs’ Eventbrite page https://www.eventbrite.com/e/quickbooks-seminar-series-new-year-checklist-tickets-20628372016.

About Rodman & Rodman CPAs

Founded in 1961, Rodman & 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.

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Family Dental Group of Paxton launches Smiling Neighbor program

Dr. Nikhil Lavana, DMD of Family Dental Group of Paxton
Dr. Nikhil Lavana, DMD of Family Dental Group of Paxton

PAXTON, MA…

Over the last dozen years, Family Dental Group of Paxton has focused its practice on improving the smiles of it’s patients. With it’s new Smiling Neighbor program, Family Dental Group is recognizing people in the local community who through their own generosity and acts of kindness have made their fellow citizens smile.

“There’s nothing that gives a dentist more pride and satisfaction than seeing one of their patients smile. It’s one of those gifts you wish other people could experience,” said Dr. Nikhil Lavana, DMD, who owns and operates Family Dental Group of Paxton with his wife Dr. Archana Lavana, DMD. “With the Smiling Neighbor program, we’re looking to recognize those people in our community who through their charitable endeavors bring smiles to people’s faces.”

The Smiling Neighbor award will be given out on a quarterly basis to citizens of the greater Paxton area going above and beyond the call of duty for their fellow citizens. The winner of the Smiling Neighbor will have the choice of receiving a $50 gift card to Black & White Restaurant in Spencer, MA or an Oral B Pro 5000 complete with Bluetooth timer, four different brush heads, charger and a travel case; a $250 value).

People can nominate a Smiling Neighbor by sending an e-mail of 200 words or less to officemanager@paxtondentist.com. Please remember to include your name and telephone number as well as the name and telephone number or e-mail of the person they are nominating. Nominations can also be sent to Family Dental Group of Paxton, 581 Pleasant Street, Paxton, MA  01612.

For more information on Family Dental Group of Paxton, visit www.paxtondentist.com or call 508-755-2905 to schedule a consultation.

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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South Coast Improvement, Co. wins Harvard museum project

Harvard Museum of Natural History
Harvard Museum of Natural History

CAMBRIDGE, MA, and MARION, MA…

South Coast Improvement Company (SCI), a design-build general contractor serving New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, was recently awarded renovation projects at the Harvard Museum of Natural History at 26 Oxford Street on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, MA.

The projects will feature the creation of student suites within the open space in the Comparative Zoology section of the museum. Each suite will include desk/workstation with data links and updated furniture.

The other renovation will involve converting open space in Suite B23 into office space for museum staff.

South Coast Improvement Company will begin these renovations on February 1 with a completion date anticipated in the spring. The two renovation projects cost a total of approximately $600,000.

“The goal of renovations at educational and institutional facilities like the Natural History Museum is to create an exceptional final product and cause minimal disruption to staff and students in the process,” said Tom Quinlan, president of South Coast Improvement Company. “Fortunately, we have a lot of experience with these kinds of projects and we can’t wait to get going.”

Some recent South Coast Improvement projects at schools and universities include work at Milton Academy, Boston College and MIT.

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 institutional, senior living, healthcare, 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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Back to shoveling

Mike Gottfried headshot 12 21 15RHODE ISLAND…

Perhaps no other activity gets a chiropractor’s phone ringing than shoveling snow in the winter months. While chiropractors gladly take those calls and treat patients injured shoveling snow, it’s far preferable to treat people who are not in distress.

“It is very easy to strain your back while shoveling snow for any number of reasons. It’s cold. Many times it’s early and you’re body is not awake or loose. Most of all, it’s not an activity people do every day,” said Dr. Michael Gottfried, president of the Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island and chiropractic physician at Aquidneck Chiropractic in Middletown, Rhode Island. “All of this makes for a perfect storm for back issues and more serious issues, like heart attacks.”

Dr. Gottfried recommends paying close attention to weather forecasts. If you have to shovel to get your vehicle out to get to work, give yourself extra time and shovel as early as you can when the snow is lighter. Be sure to do some warmup stretching for muscles that aren’t used to the shoveling motion.

When you shovel, push the snow straight ahead. Don’t try to throw it to the side. Walk it to the snow bank and avoid sudden twisting and turning motions.  Always remember to bend your knees to lift when shoveling. Let the muscles of your legs and arms do the work, not your back.

It’s also important to take frequent breaks to avoid overdoing it. And if you feel chest pain or feel tired or have shortness of breath, don’t try to work through it, you may need immediate emergency medical help.

“Your overall condition is often the biggest determinant of whether or not shoveling is risky for you. If the only exercise you get is shoveling snow, you are setting yourself up for problems. If you exercise regularly, eat right and take other preventative measures, such as regular chiropractic treatment, you are probably less likely to injure yourself while shoveling snow,” said Dr. Gottfried.

If you are not currently seeing a chiropractor and want to explore how chiropractic can benefit your overall condition before and after shoveling, you can utilize the “Find A Doctor” feature on the Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island’s website, www.richiro.org.

About Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island (CSRI)

Founded in 1918, CSRI is one of the oldest chiropractic associations in the United States and represents more than 25 percent of the chiropractic physicians in the Ocean State. In addition to providing a regional voice for chiropractors in the business and legislative arenas, CSRI also helps educate the general public on the benefits of chiropractic. Those all-natural benefits can include relief from headaches, asthma, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel, colic, and stress, just to name a few. Olympic ski champion Picabo Street, NFL legend Jerry Rice and Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman are but a few notable celebrities who have embraced chiropractic.

The Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island is located at 1272 West Main Road, Building 2, Middletown, RI 02842. For more information, call (401) 207-0700 or visit www.RIchiro.org.

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Executive Office of Elder Affairs Secretary Visits Belair Towers in Brockton

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director

Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, welcomed Alice Bonner, Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs to Belair Towers in Brockton on December 8, 2015.

Secretary Bonner has been touring agencies caring for older adults across the state to learn firsthand about local efforts supporting older adults in the community. During her visit at Belair Towers she met with the Belair Tenants Association and approximately 40 residents, along with Thomas Thibeault, Executive Director of Brockton Housing Authority; Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director; and other staff members from these agencies.

A round table question and answer session provided Secretary Bonner an opportunity to hear about the access to services provided by OCES at Belair Towers, which includes supportive housing, regular and Caribbean congregate meals and the English as a Second Language program. Belair residents were also able to share their concerns about personal safety and building security in light of recent national and world events.

“We had a tremendous turnout and were able to garner very good feedback about access to our programs during the Belair round table session,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 27 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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‘Is that your dog barking in the background’ and other teleconference faux pas.

Conference calls are an occupational hazard for me.  Probably you. too.

Sometimes a conference call helps avoid long distance travel, bad weather and bad coffee.  Other times conference calls lead to communication HELL.

Here are some suggestions for making a conference call a productive, painless event.

Teleconference rules:

  • No dogs – Put them in another room or give them a rawhide bone large enough to keep them occupied.
  • No babies – See above.  Just kidding.  Perhaps a babysitter or even naptime would work.
  • No FedEx delivery guys – Anticipate this potential interruption. Leave a note on the door. Fight the urge to inconvenience the rest of us.
  • No hair band rockers – No serenade is necessary. Please turn off all music.
  • No off-color jokes – Really?  First, we’ve all heard that bad joke. Second, let’s be adults and keep this meeting moving.
  • No tropical ocean breeze – If you must walk out onto the deck, patio or bow, please make sure the wind doesn’t constantly sweep across the microphone.
  • No over talking or talking over – Let’s let everyone finish their thoughts.  Don’t make us try to sort out who is saying what.
  • No soft talking – On the other hand, speak up!  All we have is the sound of your voice.  This is the wrong time to be shy.
  • No late to the party summaries – Dial in on time and ready to go.  Don’t wander in and expect Cliff Notes.

I’ve just scratched the surface of teleconference faux pas that push me over the edge.  How about you?  What teleconference behavior makes you want to hang up? Ring us up or send along an email to share your favorite teleconference complaint.

‘Is that your dog barking in the background’ and other teleconference faux pas.Read More