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Edgewood LifeCare Community’s Clothing Drive Benefits Lazarus House Ministries of Lawrence

Edgewood LifeCare Community residents collect clothing donations for Lazarus House Ministries
Edgewood LifeCare Community residents collect clothing donations for Lazarus House Ministries

Edgewood LifeCare Community, an award-winning, non-profit independent living LifeCare community in North Andover, MA recently held a clothing drive among residents and staff. 30 bags and 10 boxes of men, women’s, and children’s clothing have been donated to the Lazarus House Ministries of Lawrence, MA.

The clothing drive was the largest that Edgewood has ever held.

Lazarus House Ministries is a non-profit organization that provides hot meals, temporary shelter, education, job training, child care, emergency food, clothing, outreach and advocacy to those in need. They are recognized as a “Four Star Charity” by Charity Navigator.

The Edgewood Difference

Founded in 1997, Edgewood LifeCare Community is an award-winning, non-profit community focused on enriching the lives of their members. Edgewood offers independent living, health care and support services, which empower members to be the architects of their own well-being.

Edgewood is dedicated to providing a well-rounded, intellectually stimulating and physically active environment for older adults. Members can enjoy a wide range of unique lectures, classes and films through the on-site Edgewood LifeLong Learning (ELL) Program. Edgewood’s 80 acres bordered by conservation land and Lake Cochichewick, offer abundant fitness and recreation opportunities.

As the only LifeCare community in the Merrimack Valley, Edgewood offers refined apartment and cottage independent living for active older adults as well as short term rehabilitation and long term care at the Meadows Health Center. Edgewood LifeCare Community boasts lower entrance fees as compared to the Greater Boston area, and monthly rates for services remain stable regardless of the level of care needed. Edgewood LifeCare Community is located at 575 Osgood Street in North Andover, MA. For more information, contact (978) 738-6145 or visit http://www.edgewoodrc.com.

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Considering the Geothermal Solution? Kevin Conrad Heating & Cooling Alerts Homeowners of Tax Credit

KCHC_Classic_WEB_Blue copyNantucket Islanders who have been considering a geothermal heating and cooling solution may want to act soon to take advantage of a Federal Tax Credit on geothermal heat pumps that is available through 2016.

Kevin Conrad Heating & Cooling, the premier, certified geothermal heating and cooling system expert installer on Nantucket, advises owners of existing homes and new construction of a 30 percent tax credit related to qualifying ENERGY STAR geothermal heat pumps.

A geothermal heating system takes advantage of the earth’s consistent temperature by way of geothermal heat pumps, which collect energy from the earth and move it to the home via electricity. During the summer, a geothermal system exchanges the heat in the home with the cooler ground, making it up to three times more efficient than standard air conditioning. There are no emissions – carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or hydrocarbon emissions – with a geothermal heating and cooling system.

“A geothermal heating and cooling system is environmentally responsible, extremely efficient and significantly less expensive than conventional heating and cooling systems. Geothermal provides higher levels of comfort year-round and lower utility and energy bills,” said Kevin Conrad, owner.

Homeowners must meet ENERGY STAR program requirements. Geothermal heat pumps qualify for a tax credit that is 30 percent of the cost, which includes installation costs.

Conrad continued, “Homeowners who had a geothermal system installed in 2014 should consider this residential energy credit when filing their taxes.”

Homeowners who are interested in converting to, or installing a new geothermal system are encouraged to contact Kevin Conrad Heating & Cooling with questions or to request an estimate 508-228-6211.

To learn more about the geothermal heat pump tax credit, visit www.energystar.gov.

High Quality Equipment and Expert Installation

Kevin Conrad Heating & Cooling designs each system for a home or business using special software and computers.  The geothermal HVAC equipment manufacturers that Kevin Conrad Heating & Cooling use are the best available, to ensure that the system will provide low impact comfort for many trouble free years.

About Kevin Conrad Heating & Cooling

Kevin Conrad Heating & Cooling has been serving Nantucket residents and businesses since 2004.  A fully licensed, insured and certified HVAC contractor as well as island sheet metal instructor, Kevin Conrad Heating & Cooling is recognized by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). They are members of the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Kevin Conrad Heating & Cooling provides equipment, installation and service for air conditioning, gas boilers, humidification systems, heat pumps, geothermal heating & cooling and ventilation systems. The company also provides self-learning thermostats and custom sheet metal fabrication.

Renowned for their expertise, high quality products and world-class customer service, Kevin Conrad Heating & Cooling is trusted by many islanders and numerous businesses. They service and install the largest and smallest systems on the island. The company’s founder, Kevin Conrad, was born and raised on Nantucket and understands the unique needs of customers living 30 miles off the mainland. For more information, visit the website at www.conradhvac.com.

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Sweet new dry cleaner. Lapels Dry Cleaning coming to Tupelo, MS

Martin and Leah Richardson, owners of the new Lapels Dry Cleaning of Tupelo, MS
Martin and Leah Richardson, owners of the new Lapels Dry Cleaning of Tupelo, MS

TUPELO, MS and HANOVER, MA…

Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company headquartered in Hanover, Massachusetts, will open a plant at 367 North Gloster Street in Tupelo, MS. An April 25 opening is planned.

“We are delighted to bring Lapels’ standard of high quality dry cleaning and superior customer service to Tupelo,” said Leah Richardson, who along with her husband Martin, own and operate Lapels Dry Cleaning of Tupelo. “Lapels Dry Cleaning has been very well received at the other Mississippi location in New Albany and we’re confident of a similar result here in Tupelo.”

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 Tupelo. 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.

Hours for the new Lapels Dry Cleaning of Tupelo plant will be Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm; Saturday 8 am to 5 pm; and Sunday, 12 pm to 3 pm. The grand opening for the new Lapels will be held on May 30, 2015.

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, Scottsdale), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Florida (Fleming Island, Orange Park) Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe, Delhi, Rayville, Winnsboro), Massachusetts (Abington, Allston, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Franklin, Hanover, Hingham, Marshfield, Natick, Needham, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Mississippi (New Albany), 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, Boston Seaport, Martha’s Vineyard and Waltham, MA, Scottsdale and Yuma, AZ, Oxford and Tupelo, MS.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning 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 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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Rodman & Rodman Appoints Jeff Biesadecki, CPA as Tax Supervisor

Jeff Biesadecki, CPA
Jeff Biesadecki, CPA

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. a full service CPA firm based in Newton, MA serving small and medium-sized companies, has recently named Jeff Biesadecki, a Certified Public Accountant, as Tax Supervisor.

In his new role, Mr. Biesadecki will oversee the accounting staff who are responsible for tax preparation and tax planning for individuals and entities.

Prior to Rodman & Rodman, Mr. Biesadecki was a Senior Tax Accountant at Newburg & Company in Waltham, MA. For two years previous to that, he was a Tax Accountant at McSoley McCoy & Company in South Burlington, VT, where he is licensed and is a member of the Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants (VTCPA).

Mr. Biesadecki holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Rhode Island. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Taxation at Bentley University in Waltham, MA.

A native of Seymour, CT, Mr. Biesadecki resides in Stow, MA.

Rodman & Rodman has been honored as one of 2014 Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for. It is the fourth year that the firm received this distinction.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves renewable energy clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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How to reduce the biggest tax bill of your life

Paul Dion PHOTOMILLBURY, MA and NEWPORT, RI…

Selling your home or business represents two of the largest monetary transactions most people will be a part of. It also represents their largest capital gains bill they will ever pay as well. Or will it?

“The top rate on capital gains is up to 20 percent; the new “net investment income tax” is 3.8 percent, and state taxes can eat up 13.3 percent more. Depending on where you live, that means the government confiscates up to a third or more of your hard-earned gain,” said Paul Dion, a CPA with offices in Millbury, MA and Newport, RI. “Charitable trusts avoid tax on that gain, but that means giving away the principal or the income from the proceeds. Section 1031 exchanges defer tax on real estate gains, but that forces you to re-invest the proceeds into a ‘like-kind’ property and impose tight deadlines for identifying and closing on a replacement.”

Dion recommends a little-known strategy to cut the effective cost of selling your asset valued at $500,000 or more to as little as 6.5 percent. It’s a monetized installment sale, and it uses a third- party dealer in capital assets to defer receiving sale proceeds (and the tax on those proceeds) for up to 30 years. It’s based on tax code rules dating back to 1913 and supported by a 2012 IRS memorandum.

While deferring tax is great, how does that help you if you want the proceeds from your sale now?  With this strategy, a third-party financial institution can lend you a non-taxable amount equal to 95 percent of the sale price (93.5 percent after loan-related costs). You can re-invest those proceeds or spend them however you like.

At the end of the installment period, the dealer will pay you the agreed selling price that will provide you the money to repay the loan, and you’ll pay the tax with significantly discounted dollars.

“The beauty of this strategy is that it offers significant estate-tax advantages,” said Dion.

How? The seller transfers the asset to the dealer in exchange for lump sum payment of the purchase price payable in 30 years. The dealer simultaneously transfers asset to the buyer in exchange for agreed-upon price. Then, the third-party lender extends nontaxable cash equal to 93.5 percent of sale amount to seller. After 30 years, the dealer pays the agreed sale price, the seller uses that money to repay the loan, and the seller pays tax with discounted dollars.

Adds Dion, “While this strategy may seem fairly straightforward, for most if will require the assistance of a tax professional.”

For more information on this strategy, please contact Paul Dion CPA at (508) 853-3292. 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 more information or a complimentary consultation, please visit www.PaulDionCPA.com or contact Paul Dion CPA, via Info@PaulDionCPA.com or (508) 853-3292 in Massachusetts; 401-490-3193 in Rhode Island.  Offices are conveniently located at 22 West Street, #6, (Felter’s Mill), Millbury, MA  01527 and 580 Thames Street, Newport, Rhode Island.

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How about a do-over?

The past four weeks have challenged even the heartiest New Englanders. We thank those of you who made it out to our scheduled meetings. But in true Patriots fashion, we’re on to March–except for those of you who are attending this week’s My Pinnacle Network-Bourne meeting.

Here’s a list of our upcoming meetings in March. As true New Englanders know, it can still snow in March. So, please remember to check your e-mail prior to leaving for a meeting and check your local newscast to see if the public schools in your MPN town are open.

My Pinnacle Network – Braintree 1st Tuesday, Tuesday, March 3, from 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at 25 Braintree Hill Office Park, Suite 200, Braintree, MA 02184.

My Pinnacle Network – Westborough, Tuesday, March 3, from 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m at 1900 West Park Drive, Suite 230, Westborough, MA 01581.

My Pinnacle Network – Mansfield, Wednesday, March 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 20 Cabot Blvd., Suite 300, Mansfield, MA 02048.

My Pinnacle Network – Marshfield, Thursday, March 5, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 165 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050.

My Pinnacle Network – Plymouth, Thursday, March 12, from 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at 134 Court Street (Plymouth Chamber of Commerce), Plymouth, MA 02360.

My Pinnacle Network – Newton, Thursday, March 12, 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. at 29 Crafts Street (Aflac offices), Newton, MA 02458.

My Pinnacle Network – Braintree Third Thursday, Thursday, March 19, from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. at 25 Braintree Hill Office Park, Suite 200, Braintree, MA 02184.

My Pinnacle Network – Bourne, Thursday, March 26, from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m., 550 MacArthur Blvd. (Route 28), Bourne, MA 02532.

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Rodman & Rodman CPAs to Showcase Firm’s Renewable Energy Practice at PV America

Steve Rodman, CPA, MST
Steve Rodman, CPA, MST

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. a full service CPA firm with a Renewable Energy and Cleantech specialty practice serving “green” clients throughout the U.S., is set to engage PV America expo attendees, March 9-10, 2015 at The Westin Boston Waterfront in Boston.

Rodman & Rodman’s “Green Team” provides solar energy producers and other businesses that pursue energy efficiency initiatives, with expert counsel and services in renewable energy tax accounting and business strategy.  The firm’s president, Steve Rodman CPA MST along with partners Kathy Parker CPA MST and Thomas Astore CPA JD, and Green Team marketing director, Katherine Bautze will be on hand at booth number 205 to speak with attendees.

“The success of the solar industry is driven largely by its ability to take advantage of federal, state and local tax incentives,” said Rodman. “Our experienced Green Team CPAs are domain experts in renewable energy finances, tax credits, accounting services, and business strategies for cleantech companies involved in solar, wind, biomass, waste-to-energy, and energy efficiency projects.“

Rodman & Rodman 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 specialized strategic financial planning and management.

Rodman & Rodman is a charter member of the newly formed Mass Solar Coalition, which is an alliance of solar and clean energy organizations, businesses and solar and environmental advocates that share the goal of advancing solar energy in Massachusetts. They are members of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA), as well as members of New England Clean Energy Council (NECEC).

Most recently, Kathy Parker, CPA, MST served as a panelist at the 8th Annual Massachusetts Energy Summit.

To learn more about Rodman & Rodman, visit www.rodmancpa.com. For more information about PV America, visit www.pvamericaexpo.com.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves renewable energy clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com, email info@rodmancpa.com, or call (617) 965-5959.

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David Godfrey joins South Coast Improvement

photo of David Godfrey
David Godfrey

MARION, MA…

South Coast Improvement Company (SCI), a design-build general contractor serving New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, recently announced the hiring of David Godfrey as a senior project manager. Working out of its corporate headquarters in Marion, Mass., Godfrey will work as project manager on several current South Coast Improvement projects while enhancing the company’s presence in the areas of retail, restaurant and corporate construction.

“It’s not every day you can bring a project manager of David Godfrey’s stature into your organization,” said Tom Quinlan, president of South Coast Improvement, Inc. “David has a strong track record of coordinating multiple projects and teams simultaneously, coupled with the skills to effectively manage staff of all levels and diverse backgrounds as he constantly strives to raise the level of customer service provided to each and every client.”

After graduating from Winthorp University, Godrey began his career working for a major retailer as a construction manager before forming his own tenant improvement and renovation construction company in 1994.  The company specialized in the buildout of retail, medical and corporate interiors on a national basis and successfully completed more than 500 projects ranging in value from $100,000 to $1,000,000 on time and within budget throughout the U.S.

“I’ve been fortunate in my career to have the opportunity to work with some truly great clients on some very exciting projects,” said Godfrey. “I’m looking forward to this next chapter with South Coast Improvement. When it comes to managing construction, our core values mirror each other and South Coast Improvement’s track record in the educational, institutional and hospitality industries speaks for itself.”

David is married and resides with his wife and three children in Bristol, RI.

For more information South Coast Improvement, please call 508-748-6545 or visit www.southcoastimprovement.com.

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Carbon monoxide a risk with secondary heat sources

John V. Carvalho, President & CEO, Apollo Safety
John V. Carvalho, President & CEO, Apollo Safety

FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS…

Things like kerosene heaters, gas-fueled generators and other backup heat sources can be huge difference makers during the inclement currently weather underway in the northeast. Unfortunately for many consumers, these backup plans come with a number of carbon monoxide risks if not used properly.

“When there’s a nor’easter, it’s cold, snowing and you’ve lost power, all you’re thinking about is staying warm without thought of the possible dangers,” said John Carvalho, president of Apollo Safety, Inc., a veteran-owned, Fall River, Mass.-based company specializing in safety products and services. “Sadly, you hear of a number of tragedies nationwide about people getting sick or worse from carbon monoxide caused by generators and backup heat sources.”

When using a generator, Carvalho cautions consumers to use outdoors only in a completely open and dry area, positioned away from vents, windows and doors to prevent carbon monoxide from entering the home. He also advises plugging appliances directly into the generator. For providing power to items within the home, use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord.

The cold winter weather also prompts homeowners, apartment dwellers and even workers at some places of business to seek out secondary heat sources. Carvalho notes that some of these can also produce carbon monoxide and be risky to those nearby. Specifically, he cites kerosene heaters as an effective secondary heat source that comes with potential risk.

“When using a kerosene heater you do need to provide it with adequate fresh air. You want to avoid closing yourself up in a single room with a Kerosene heater, keep adjacent rooms, and doors open,” said Carvalho. “If your house is very air tight –most newer homes are–you need to crack open a window, maybe leave a flue open on your fire place if you have one, this creates a natural draw, continuously circulating fresh air.”

Adds Carvalho, “The law in Massachusetts says you need to have carbon monoxide detectors on floors where there’s a bedroom. This will not protect you if you’re not on a floor with a detector. And if you’re in a place of business where detectors are not required, you need to be even more careful that the room where you are using your heater has a flow of fresh air.”

Apollo Safety’s offerings include a wide variety of portable and stationary gas detection systems suitable for large universities, including name brands like Industrial Scientific, RAE Systems by Honeywell, RKI Instruments, and GMI. Apollo Safety also offers portable gas monitors for rental at weekly or monthly rates. Rental 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 , 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—the company also has an office in Boston, MA. For more information on Apollo Safety products and services, please call 800-813-5408 or visit www.apollosafety.com.

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