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How dry I am. Dry mouth adds to senior oral health woes

Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD, AKA The Toothboss

SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA…

There’s a perception that drooling becomes more common in your later years. From a dentist’s point of view, that’s actually a good thing as excessive saliva washes away food particles and bacteria and neutralizes acids that can lead to increased plaque accumulation, which causes cavities and gum disease. Truth be told, a much greater issue for seniors is dry mouth and how that relates to the oral health.

For most seniors, dry mouth is caused by medications for treatment of any number of issues. Those can include anti-anxiety agents, antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, diuretics, Parkinson’s Disease medications and urinary incontinence agents.

“Another real issue with dry mouth is it makes the teeth less absorptive to minerals like calcium and fluoride that strengthen teeth,” said Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD, a South Weymouth, MA dentist whose practice, The Toothboss, is located at 1121 Main Street. “Consequently, you have weaker teeth that are more vulnerable to plaque and that leads to cavities and worse.”

Dr. Wolfert says there are many things patients can do to alleviate dry mouth. That can include drinking more water (fluoridated tap water is the best), using over-the-counter saliva substitutes or moisturizer, chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless mints. Seniors can also make some external adjustments to their living environment, like using a humidifier at night while they sleep.

“When it comes to dry mouth, what you don’t do is probably more important,” said Wolfert.

Wolfert recommends avoiding tobacco products, sugary drinks, caffeine and alcohol (that includes mouthwashes and rinses with alcohol) and spicy and salty foods.

“It’s always a concern with more elderly patients that they will stop taking a medication if it makes them feel worse. If you feel like you have dry mouth, it’s critical to ask your primary care doctor about it so that perhaps they can alter the medication,” said Wolfert. “Of course, the key ingredient to dental health is brushing and flossing and regular checkups with your dentist.”

Dr. Wolfert’s practice is located at 1121 Main Street in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, and accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental.

For more information on The Toothboss, visit Dr. Wolfert’s website at www.toothboss.com or call 781-335-0604 to schedule a consultation.

About The Toothboss

The Toothboss offers: comprehensive examinations (written treatment and treatment plan provided); cosmetics; crowns, bridges and tooth-colored restorations; partial and full dentures; periodontics (early cases treated); oral surgery; restoration of conventional and small diameter implants; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

The Toothboss accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. They also accept all major credit cards and have arranged payment plans through Springstone.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 781-335-0604. For more information, visit www.toothboss.com.

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Apollo Safety introduces parking garage service

John V. Carvalho III
John V. Carvalho III

FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS…

Apollo Safety, Inc., a veteran-owned, Fall River, Massachusetts-based company specializing in safety products and services, recently launched a detection service for parking garages and other enclosed areas that house vehicles.

“In Massachusetts, state law requires that smoke detection systems for parking garages be checked four times per year and carbon monoxide detectors be checked once per year,” said  John Carvalho, founder and president of Apollo Safety, Inc. “Other than these inspections, some parking garages do not check their systems at all and that can make the lot owner vulnerable to much more than a failed inspection.”

As part of the service, Apollo Safety will inspect carbon monoxide detection systems. That inspection includes recalibration. The service also includes inspection of the facility with a handheld, wireless detection device to ensure that areas of the garage not near detection devices have safe levels as well.

Apollo Safety’s offerings include a wide variety of portable and stationary gas detection systems suitable for all detection, including name brands like Industrial Scientific, RAE Systems by Honeywell, RKI Instruments, MSA, Detcon, Scott and GMI. Apollo Safety also offers portable gas monitors for rental at weekly or monthly rates. Equipment is calibrated to NIST standards.

For more information on Apollo Safety products and services, please call 800-813-5408 or visit www.apollosafety.com.

About Apollo Safety

Apollo Safety has been serving the safety industry since 1995 and is an efficient, trusted company that minimized potential liability for its customers while ensuring a safer public.   Apollo Safety specializes in gas detection products and services for portable and stationary systems. That includes gas detector sales and support for most major brands of gas detection device manufacturers. Apollo Safety also provides service in a “state of the art” in-house service center, as well as offering on-site support with factory-trained technicians for both portable and stationary gas detection systems.

Veteran-owned, Apollo Safety, Inc. is trusted by facilities managers, building owners, landlords, universities, hotels, institutions, and government operations. Apollo Safety is a member of the National Safety Council, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Association (RIAFC) and the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts (FCAM).

Apollo Safety’s corporate headquarters is located at 57 Walnut Street in Fall River, Massachusetts. For more information on Apollo Safety products and services, please call 800-813-5408 or visit www.apollosafety.com.

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“LinkedIn – Your Prospecting Tool” workshop, May 28, Randolph, MA

Many have a LinkedIn account, few have any idea of what to do with it.

The LinkedIn – Your Prospecting Tool hands-on seminar teaches you the specifics of how to mine LinkedIn for leads, introductions and referrals.  The workshop is sponsored by My Pinnacle Network, the Business to Business monthly network with locations throughout Eastern Massachusetts.

Eric Warner, President of Praxis Growth Advisors, Inc., a management consulting and leadership development firm and an authorized provider of Sandler Sales Training, will lead the session.  www.praxis.sandler.com.

Participants will learn how to connect directly with your targeted prospects and how to take a proactive approach to warm lead generation.

In addition, attendees will also have the opportunity to update their LinkedIn photo. Nicole Connolly of PhotoFabulousYou will also be on hand to take photos specifically sized for LinkedIn. The cost for LinkedIn head shot is $40, $60 if you want your photo retouched. Please contact Nicole at nicole@photofabulousyou.com to schedule your photo session.

The educational event will take place on Thursday, May 28, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. the Comfort Inn 1374 N Main St, Route 28, Randolph, MA‎ (just off Route 128).  Cost is $9.95.  Seating is limited to 50 people.  To RSVP, click here or email SDubin@MyPinnacleNetwork.com or call (781) 582-1061.

AAFD Handshake Modern 06 25 14

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A Louisiana purchase. Lapels franchisee acquires Hawthorne’s Cleaners locations in Delhi, Rayville and Winnsboro, LA

Tap Parker
Tap Parker

DELHI, LA, RAYVILLE, LA, WINNSBORO, LA and HANOVER, MA …

Lapels Dry Cleaning recently announced the addition of three new Lapels Dry Cleaning locations in the state of Louisiana in the communities of Delhi, Rayville and Winnsboro. The three new locations, previously Hawthorne’s cleaners, were acquired by Lapels Dry Cleaning franchise owner Tap Parker.

“We’re thrilled with the acquisition of the three new locations,” said Parker, who also owns Lapels Dry Cleaning stores in Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana. “The Lapels brand of service and environmentally friendly cleaning methods have been very well received in other parts of Louisiana. Based on the initial reaction, we’re pretty sure customers in northern Louisiana will be just as pleased.”

The acquisition of Hawthorne’s Dry Cleaners became official on April 6. The new Lapels Dry Cleaners are located at:

  • Lapels Dry Cleaners of Delhi, LA – 848 Broadway Street, 318-878-5514
  • Lapels Dry Cleaners of Rayville, LA – 1944 Jasper Street, 318-728-5407
  • Lapels Dry Cleaners of Winnsboro, LA – 5-C Fair Avenue, 318-435-3684

“Tap has done a great job with the Lapels Dry Cleaners locations in Monroe. We look forward to supporting his efforts with these three new locations,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning, Inc.

Over the past dozen years, Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning methods. Using the latest technology in equipment and cleaning solution, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners around to be 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. At Lapels you can see, feel and smell the difference.

Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives. Offsite tailoring services are available.

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 and the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

For complete information on the 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, 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, Franklin, Hanover, Hingham, Marshfield, Natick, Needham, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Mississippi (New Albany, Tupelo), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick, Freehold), Ohio (Liberty Township), Oklahoma (Oklahoma City), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Surfside Beach), Texas (Austin, Bee Cave, Brownsville, Cedar Park). Additional locations are coming soon to Jacksonville, Fleming Island, Tampa and Orange Park, FL, Martha’s Vineyard and Waltham, MA, Yuma, AZ, 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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To amend or not to amend your just-filed taxes

Paul Dion CPA
Paul Dion CPA

MILLBURY, MA and NEWPORT, RI…

You’re a small business owner and you just filed your taxes. Whether you had to pay or are receiving a refund, there’s a tremendous sense of relief. But what if you made a mistake on your taxes after you file? Can you correct the mistake or do you have to file an amendment?

“It’s not unusual for a taxpayer to realize they forgot to include something in their return after it’s been filed. For example, a charitable deduction was not included or the taxpayer received an updated 1099 form or K1 after they filed. If you catch it in time and you can submit a corrected return to supersede the previous return,” said Paul Dion, owner of Millbury, MA-based Paul Dion CPA. “The danger in filing a corrected return is twofold. First, you have to be able to submit it before April 15. Second, the possibility exists that the IRS may get the two returns confused. An amended return filed after April 15 leaves no doubt.”

Surprisingly, the IRS does not require taxpayers to file an amended return, even if you receive information after your filing that makes it pretty clear the original return has mistakes.

“If you submitted your return with the most accurate and complete information you had available at that time, an amendment is not required by law,” said Dion. “Also, math errors are not a reason to file an amended return. The IRS will correct math errors on your return. Nor should you file an amended return if you discover you omitted a Form W-2, forgot to attach schedules, or have other glitches of that sort. The IRS may process your return without them, or will request them if needed.”

Still, Dion says there are many reasons to file an amendment and that business owners should seek counsel from a professional to make that decision.

“A tax return becomes like the historical record of your life or company and can be used as a reference for numerous other things—loans, mortgages, etc.,” said Dion. “Leaving errors in your return may have an impact on such things down the road and an amendment might be worth it in the grand scheme of things.”

For a free consultation, please call Paul Dion CPA at (508) 853-3292. For more information, you can also visit www.pauldioncpa.com.

ABOUT PAUL DION, CPA

Beyond simple “bean counting”, Paul Dion, CPA and associates work side by side and speak in common English to help clients fully understand their tax situation and take proactive steps to pay the least amount of tax legally allowed while minimizing the risk of an audit.  Clients save money and sleep well as night.

Business services include small business accounting, payroll, cash flow management, strategic business planning, new business formation, internet controls, QuickBooks, part-time CFO, bank financing, succession planning and non-profit organization direction.

For a free book, more information or a complimentary consultation, please visit www.PaulDionCPA.com or contact Paul Dion CPA, via Info@PaulDionCPA.com or (508) 853-3292.  Offices are conveniently located at 22 West Street, #6, (Felter’s Mill), Millbury, MA  01527.

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Old Colony Elder Services Appoints LeNay Harper as Community Programs Manager

OCES logo

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities, has appointed LeNay Harper as Community Programs Manager.

Ms. Harper has more than two decades of experience in the non-profit, public and private sectors. In her new role at OCES, she is responsible for the development, supervision, and oversight of all the company’s housing programs. For four years previous to OCES, Ms. Harper was a human and social services consultant in private practice facilitating groups in Boston and Cambridge. For 15 years prior to that, she worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with a number of different populations including those impacted by homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse, and the criminal justice system, plus teenage and low-income families.

Ms. Harper holds a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management from Boston College and a Master of Science in Planning and Development from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. She resides in Brockton, MA.

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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 201 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

 

 

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How can business owners protect themselves against phone hackers

photo of John Adams, president of Adams Communications
John Adams, president of Adams Communications

CARVER, MA…

It may not grab the headlines as a credit card breaches, but phone hacking has quickly become public enemy number one for small- to medium-sized businesses who don’t take the precautions needed to protect their phone system. If you’re only paying attention to your phone expenses when the bill arrives every month–like practically all people and companies do–the costs of these hacks can be in the tens of thousands of dollars before you catch on.

“How it works is almost too simple. Hackers gain access to voicemail boxes or VoIP credentials and then are able to set up to forward or originate calls to premium numbers, mostly international, through which the hacker receives a cut of the charges collected,” said John Adams, president of AdamsComm, Inc. a Carver, MA-based provider of IP telephone systems and technology. “One of the most clever, phone-hacking schemes is to then take your company’s phone credentials and use them for calling cards.”

So, what can you do? Adams recommends a number of precautionary steps prevent hackers from accessing your phone system. For starters, have a strong voicemail passcode. Avoid using generic or default passcodes like 1234, 4321 or 0000 or passcodes that the same numbers as the phone or extension number. Also a 6-digit passcode is more difficult to crack than a 4-digit code.

Business owners also want to ensure that their VOIP server is behind a strong firewall. Hackers will often gain access to your system as a remote VOIP extension. This allows them to place calls from your phone lines as if they were an employee of the company. By installing your VOIP server behind your firewall, you will help eliminate this threat. Also, check with your VOIP server vendor to make sure that your system has the latest software upgrades from the manufacturer.

Some other steps Adams recommends include removing un-used mailboxes in your system as employees leave the company. He also recommends setting up voicemail accounts to automatically lock after a certain number of invalid attempts to ensure the hackers don’t have an unlimited number of tries to break into your system.

“Probably the simplest way to stop the hackers is to disable international calls by default and then have a special authorization code for those people at your first who occasionally need to make international calls,” said Adams. “What really makes most companies vulnerable to hackers is a lack of awareness, that it could happen to them.”

AdamsComm offers customized design, implementation and support of IP telephone systems and applications, voice mail systems, call centers and infrastructure cabling for small-to-mid-sized businesses. This service includes steps to prevent hackers from breaking into your phone system. AdamsComm, Inc. also provides a free audit of phone systems for non-clients.  The company has provided effective communications solutions to over 500 clients including Mutual Bank, Emerald Physicians and Rising Tide Charter Schools.

Located at 128 Main Street, Suite 11, in Carver, Massachusetts, AdamsComm, Inc. serves clients on the South Shore, Cape Cod, Greater Boston, and Metrowest. In addition to 24/7 on-call service, Adams can be onsite, as needed, within four hours.

For more information on the new IT division and AdamsComm, Inc.’s services, you can call 508-866-4086 or visit www.adamscomm.net.

AdamsComm, Inc. Business Communications Solutions

AdamsComm, Inc. draws upon extensive knowledge and experience to provide both small and large businesses with state-of-the-art communication solutions. With more than 20 years of industry experience in solution design, implementation and support, Adams Communications capably assists clients with voice, data and fiber optic cabling as well as with carrier services and on-site staff training. All of the company’s technicians are factory certified, ensuring the highest level of support and service. Adams Communications is an authorized dealer for Allworx and Samsung Telecommunications Systems.

Headquartered at 128 Main Street, Suite 11 Carver, MA. AdamsComm, Inc. is a member of the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce and The Better Business Bureau. For more information, visit the website at http://www.adamscomm.net or contact (508) 866-4086.

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Lunch & Learn Session on April 15th at Marshfield COA

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, will offer a nutrition workshop on April 15, 2015 entitled “Carbohydrates in Your Meals” at the Marshfield Council on Aging (COA) located at 230 Webster Street.

Barbara Nalen-Cardoza RDN, LDN will help consumers understand carbohydrates in their meals. Ms. Nalen-Cardoza is a registered dietician at OCES and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. She will discuss the “carb content” of bread, milk and other foods, using the congregate meal as an example. Attendees will learn which foods to limit to control carbohydrate intake for weight loss, pre-diabetes monitoring and better nutrition overall.

This educational nutrition workshop will be held during the congregate meal at 12 p.m.  Reservations for the meal are required by April 13th. Call 781-834-5581 to reserve a seat.

For more information about upcoming programs, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561.

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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 210 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Ugly Kitchen Contest. Post pics and Dinner is served.

Lament that you have the ugliest, most outdated kitchen in the Greater Boston Area?  Your worst could be the best in the Ugly Kitchen Contest sponsored by Masters Touch, the Holliston, MA-based design build firm.Masters Kitchen Photo 01 30 15 2

Cabinets peeling and off kilter? Counters dented and faded? Space poorly utilized?  Vinyl floors cracked?

Residents are encouraged to post a photo of their oh so ugly kitchen and a note about it at www.MastersTouchWeb.com/UglyKitchenContest. First prize is detailed, blue print and design of what your kitchen could be transformed to – a value of $2,500.  Additionally, if the winner implements the renovation they also receive dinner for four prepared and served in your ugly kitchen by Home Star Cuisine, professional chefs.

Second and third prizes are a detailed, blue print and design of what your kitchen could be transformed to.  All entrants will receive a complimentary kitchen evaluation and verbal recommendations.

“The kitchen is where friends and family congregate for celebrations and get-togethers,” noted Doug Masters, the founder Masters Touch Design Build.  He continued, “This fun and lighthearted contest encourages people to reflect on their kitchen and central gathering place.  We want to help home owners to reflect on their legacy kitchen and dream about the many possibilities to enjoy more beautiful and functional space.”

Masters Touch Design Build

Masters Touch Design Build was founded by Doug Masters in 1997.  From high-end design build projects; whole home renovations; kitchen and bath remodels; exterior home care including roofing; James Hardie cement siding; and expert painting, Masters Touch Build Design caters to homeowners throughout eastern Massachusetts.  With a team of more than 50 including architects, designers, and master craftsmen, Masters Touch Design Build can handle virtually any new home construction project or design build renovation to existing homes.

Masters Touch Design Build is located at 24 Water Street, Holliston, MA For more information contact 508-359-5900, e-mail info@MastersTouchWeb.com or visit www.MastersTouchWeb.com.

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