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Rocking for a good cause. Plymouth Rocks Music Festival on Saturday, September 20.

September 9, 2014 // by admin

Put your hands together for a great cause.

The second annual Plymouth Rocks Music Festival is set for Saturday, September 20, 8 p.m. – doors open at 6:30.The event, once again, brings world-class rock, blues and jazz music to support Reach, Inc., a local organization dedicated to supporting the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Ticket price is $35 and the event takes place at Plymouth Memorial Hall,83 Court St., Plymouth, MA. 02360. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/786967, at the Reach, Inc. offices, 20 Middle Street Plymouth, MA or at the concert, if still available. For more information, visit Reach’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PlymouthRocksMusicFestival2014 or the organization’s website at www.ReachInc.net or call (508) 747-4115.

Headliners will include the James Montgomery Band with The Uptown Horns; Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, lead guitarist, founding member of Steely Dan and Doobie Brothers; Jon Butcher, member of the J. Geils “Freeze Frame Tour” and Johanna Wild; jazz phenom, saxophonist, singer and composer Grace Kelly; special guest the Aldous Collins Band, one of New England’s most beloved bands; and Danny Klein, bassist for J. Geils Band and StoneCrazy.

James Montgomery Band with the Uptown Horns

When blues legend James Montgomery plays the harmonica, he “brings it on home”. Whether it’s recording with Kid Rock, sitting in with Gregg Allman, or fronting his hot band of thirty years, Montgomery plays with authority. While growing up in Detroit he learned first-hand from the masters – James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells – at the legendary “Chessmate.” Over the years, he’s carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene.

The band includes David Hull on the bass, George McCann on the guitar, and Marty Richards on the drums.

Grace Kelly

Jazz phenom and young saxophonist, singer and composer, Grace Kelly, became the youngest ever musician voted to the Down Beat Magazine’s Critics Poll at age 16. At 18 she released her sixth album, Man with the Hat, a collaboration with jazz legend Phil Woods.

Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter

A founding member of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, Skunk Baxter has had a long and illustrious career playing in some of the biggest bands of the 20th century. His guitar skills are without equal.

Jon Butcher

A founding member of Jon Butcher Axis, Jon Butcher is an excellent guitarist often compared to the late, great Jimi Hendrix, who plays frequently with the J. Geils Band.

Danny Klein

A founding member of the J. Geils Band and StoneCrazy, Danny Klein, also known as the ‘Ace on Base’, has toured internationally and played some of the biggest venues in the world.

Aldous Collins Band

Local upstarts the Aldous Collins Band, who are increasingly seen throughout New England, have won many awards, including Best Live Show in Massachusetts and Best Live Act in New Hampshire.

About Reach, Inc.

REACH Inc. is a non-profit, tax exempt human service agency providing residential, day and life services to adults with developmental disabilities.

The organization works closely with the people we serve, their families and the Department of Developmental Services to provide supports that are designed specifically for each individual.

Rocking for a good cause. Plymouth Rocks Music Festival on Saturday, September 20.Read More

South Coast Improvement, Co. launches private school division

September 3, 2014 // by admin

MARION, MA…

Since 1997, South Coast Improvement Co. has provided design/build services to colleges and universities throughout New England. With the increase in work at colleges and universities, as well as private secondary schools or prep schools, the Marion, Mass.-based company recently created a private school division.

In addition to general construction and building services, the new division will provide institutions of higher learning with pre-construction and purchasing services. These services will be tailored to the budget, needs and operations of the school.

“The contact on construction projects at schools and universities and prep schools are typically the grounds or facilities manager and/or the school’s business manager. These professionals mean well but they typically do not have the construction background needed to oversee projects of this nature. Our private school division can work closely with these individuals so we can build a project on time, under budget and with minimal interruption to operations,” said Tom Quinlan, president of South Coast Improvement, Inc.

South Coast Improvement’s division provides private schools with an additional advantage—big time general contractor capabilities that can streamline smaller projects under tight deadlines.

“Many private schools issue smaller projects in August once they have included their major capital improvements. These jobs typically have a turnaround time of two or three weeks and must be done before classes start. Smaller GCs just don’t have the resources—like the preconstruction services and a purchasing agent—to complete a job like that,” said Quinlan. “As a company, we routinely work on six-figure projects, with our highest being a $4 million project for an assisted living facility. We have those systems in place that we can often work on several smaller jobs at a school at once—and that’s how we are able to get a lot of repeat business.”

That repeat business includes projects at Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern University, Mount Ida College and Dean College. Those projects have ranged from a new video room for the Men’s Locker Room at BC’s Conte Forum to conference room and new President’s office at Mount Ida to a server room for the Kostas Homeland Security Research Facility at Northeastern.

Adds Quinlan, “Our new division makes even more sense for a prep school where tuitions can be just as much and the demands to maintain a first-rate are just as great.”

For more information South Coast Improvement’s Private School Division and its instituational capabilities, please call 508-748-6545 or visit www.southcoastimprovement.com.

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“The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…that cost Chiropractors Thousands” helps chiropractors adjust tax strategies

September 2, 2014 // by admin

MILLBURY, MA…

Chiropractors preach that a spine out of alignment can cause numerous problems besides just a sore back. A bad tax strategy can wreak similar havoc. That’s why Millbury, MA-based accountant Paul Dion CPA has come out with a new book entitled The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…that cost Chiropractors Thousands, to help chiropractors and self-employed individuals identify tax opportunities and strategies and how to implement them.

“Prior to any adjustment, a chiropractor will have a patient down and assess the alignment of the vertebra and take X-rays. From the exam and pictures, they can form a treatment plan. Optimizing tax opportunities for small business owners like chiropractors is very similar. It’s all about diagnosis and treatment,” said Dion.

The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…that cost Chiropractors Thousands covers such topics as selecting the right benefits for you and your practice’s employees; how to take advantage of available deductions, credits, loopholes and strategies the Tax Code offers; and how to select a retirement plan that works best for your future.

Dion, with three decades of experience providing tax and business advice, noted, “In reality, most chiropractors are doctors first, business owners second. And thank goodness for that. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be a sound business person as well. This book lays out sound tax strategies that can benefit chiropractors and all small business owners. It’s a worthwhile read and a great starting point to taking control of your financial future.”

In addition to his publishing efforts, Dion often speaks to associations and groups, as well as other small business networking groups, regarding these tax strategies. To book Dion as a speaker, call (508) 853-3292.

CTC published The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…that cost Chiropractors Thousands. The book is available to individuals and business owners for free, although there is a $4 cost of shipping the 76-page book.

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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Voice4Nations’ School Supply Drive Levels the Playing Field for Kids In Need

August 31, 2014 // by admin

Voice4Nations school supply drive team Ashley Pardue, Jacob Bruns, Kathy Levister, Jonnie Allen.

Voice4Nations, the non-profit outreach of virtual phone service company, VoiceNation, recently held a School Supply Drive to help children in need obtain the necessary, and often expensive, supplies for the new school year.

Hundreds of school supplies, ranging from binders, notebooks and markers to calculators, flash drives and backpacks, were collected to benefit families in need of assistance. Voice4Nations donated the items to LAMP Ministries Inc., Good News at Noon, and Ivy Creek Elementary School for distribution. Voice4Nations was also able to provide school supplies directly to a local family of six who lost their home in a fire just as school was getting back into session.

Voice4Nations received donations from Wal-Mart Supercenter Hamilton Mill, Wal-Mart Supercenter Collins Hill, individuals and families in the community, as well as their own staff.

“There are families in our community who don’t have the resources for purchasing school supplies, which means that the children return to the classroom at a disadvantage because they don’t have the tools they need to succeed. Our goal was to provide the school supply necessities,” explained Jay Reeder, founder of Voice4Nations. “We truly appreciate everyone who contributed to our School Supply Drive and helped make such a positive impact on families within our community.”

View the Voice4Nations School Supply Drive video: http://www.voice4nations.org/content/operation-give-back-school-supply-drive-2014

About Voice4Nations

Voice4Nations, the non-profit outreach of VoiceNation, acts as a voice for the nations – a voice for those who can’t speak for themselves, like the 50 percent of all children who live in poverty. Voice4Nations’ goal is to create awareness, encourage people to make a difference, and connect them with successful organizations where they can make a contribution directly funding the need.

A new generation of Voice4Nations.org has been launched to address the organization’s three key initiatives: bullying prevention, the global water crisis, and homelessness.

To learn more about Voice4Nations, visit http://voice4nations.org/

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Say cheese when it comes to your dental health

August 28, 2014 // by admin

SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA…

If you are said to have a “cheesy” smile, it’s not thought to be a compliment. Yet according to recent dental studies, cheese may just be the key ingredient to healthy teeth and a healthy smile as it can offer protection from acid erosion—the breakdown of enamel brought on by coffee, tea, wine, soda, and other similar drinks.

According to Academy of General Dentistry study, our mouths naturally have a slightly acidic pH. When we ingest things like coffee, soda, tea, etc. the pH level sinks even lower, potentially damaging the tooth enamel. Cheese dairy products, consumed shortly after or with these acidic food products create saliva. The saliva then acts as a neutralizing agent, restoring and even elevating the pH levels in our mouths.

“The easiest way to protect your teeth from excess amounts of acids is to not drink soda, coffee, tea or any other thing that causes acid build-up. For most of us, that’s not terribly realistic,” said Richard Wolfert, DMD, a South Weymouth, MA dentist known as “The Toothboss”. “Fortunately, we’re learning more and more ways to minimize the impact of these acids. It certainly gives new meaning to cheesy smile and just saying cheese.”

Cheese is not the only dairy product that has this impact. While cheese can restore and elevate pH levels for 30 minutes after consumption, milk and yogurt can have the same impact but for just 10 minutes.

Beyond creating saliva, cheese also contains teeth-strengthening casein phosphate. So cheese has the dual benefit of strengthening teeth and sustaining the color of your teeth.

“The hidden benefit of cheese for oral health is that you don’t have to eat a whole block of cheese to get this benefit. About a third of a slice of cheese creates enough saliva to minimize the acidity from a glass of wine you might have with dinner, especially if you nibble occasionally on the cheese during the course of your meal,” said Wolfert.

Adds Wolfert, “I will tell you one thing, it certainly does change the meaning of ‘just say cheese’.”

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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Standing at attention. Plymouth’s Brabo Benefits touts standings desks for wellness.

August 27, 2014 // by admin

PLYMOUTH, MA…

In presenting employee benefit plans to current and prospective small business clients, Scott Hokanson, owner of Brabo Benefits, often explains how living healthier can lower healthcare costs. For the Plymouth resident and father of five, that’s not just talk, but something he stands by every day, literally, as he works at a standing desk at Brabo Benefits’s Sandwich Street office in Plymouth.

“I’m on the road and in the car most of the day. So, when I finally get back to the office, about the last thing I want to do is sit some more. A standing desk was a great solution was a great solution and the wellness benefits abound. Some say sitting is the NEW smoking,” said Hokanson, who purchased his desk at the Mill Store in Plymouth, MA.

According to the Smithsonian.com, the average office worker spends five hours and forty-one minutes at his or her desk. Research spurred by James Levine, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic, revealed that reducing the amount of time spent seated can minimize the risk of issues in several major health areas.

Tops among the benefits of reduced sitting is obesity. Levine’s research revealed office workers with opportunities to move around were less likely to put on weight than ones that did not. Type 2 Diabetes and other metabolic problemscan also be alleviated as sitting for extended periods of time is correlated with reduced effectiveness in regulating levels of glucose in the bloodstream, part of a condition known as metabolic syndrome that dramatically increases the chance of type 2 diabetes.

Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease is another area as scientists have found that adults who spend two more hours per day sitting have a 125 percent increased risk of health problems related to cardiovascular disease, including chest pain and heart attacks.

In addition, studies suggest that extended periods of sitting can be linked with a higher risk of many forms of cancer. Breast and colon cancer appear to be most influenced by physical activity (or lack thereof).

Finally, the above-mentioned benefits of reduced seating time subsequently improves the opportunity for a longer life. A 2012 study found that if the average American reduced his or her sitting time to three hours per day, life expectancy would climb by two years.

Beyond these major benefits, many people find that standing desks also reduce back and neck pain associated with being seated at a desk and looking at a computer screen several hours a day.

“Many of the health plans we offer include incentives for wellness. Presently, that doesn’t include any reduction in fees for using a standing desk. But if a standing desk is an option, it can improve your health to the point where you can save a little bit on your healthcare and doctor bills,” said Hokanson. “In my case, I really didn’t want to be sitting all day. But I’m more than happy to enjoy all the other benefits that less sitting brings.”

A friend with benefits – Brabo Benefits

Based in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Brabo Benefits provides the full package of employee benefits packages, including: health, dental, life, disability, and stop loss insurance. In addition, Brabo Benefits offers consultative services, such as underwriting support, retirement plans and health care reform compliance. For more information, visit www.brabobenefits.com or call 617-733-6471.

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Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc. opens Lawrence, MA office at 360 Merrimack Street, Lawrence

August 26, 2014 // by admin

Sindelle Robles of Nonotuck's new Lawrence office. — Sindelle Robles of Nonotuck’s new Lawrence office.

LAWRENCE, MA and FLORENCE, MA…

For more than 40 years Nonotuck Resource Associates has helped transform the lives of hundreds of people with intellectual and physical disabilities by offering the personalized service of shared living and Adult Family Care. To best serve families north of Boston and to meet the increasing demand for its services, Nonotuck has opened a new satellite office at 360 Merrimack Street, Building 9, Entrance 1, Lawrence, MA.

“As more and more families are faced with the need to care for an elderly or afflicted family member, the need to expand our reach and offer a presence north of Boston became more and more apparent,” said George Fleischner, executive director of Florence, Mass.-based Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc. “Our brand new Lawrence office has an program director/office manager and will be staffed with registered nurses and adult family care (AFC) providers to begin providing care immediately to families in the Merrimack Valley.”

Nonotuck’s Lawrence office will be managed by Sindelle Robles, RN. She began working at Nonotuck over the summer at the Leominster office, which she will continue to oversee. Robles has worked at the Elder Services of Merrimack Valley, the Lexington Health Care Center and at clinics in Florida. She earned her nursing degree at Barry University in Florida.

“With a permanent office in Lawrence, we have the resources to help families provide the care their loved one needs while keeping them at home with their family,” said Robles. “I look forward to spreading the word about Nonotuck to Cape families and healthcare providers so more families can utilize our services.”

Nonotuck offers Shared Living, Adult Family Care and Day Services for families who choose to care for their loved ones suffering with Alzheimer’s, autism, brain injuries, cancer, muscular dystrophy and other intellectual and physical disabilities at home. In addition to Hyannis, Nonotuck has offices in Central and Western Massachusetts as well as on Boston’s South Shore.

For complete information on Nonotuck Resource Associates, including office locations, you can visit www.nonotuck.com or call Nonotuck’s Lawrence office at (978) 725-2465.

Caregiving with Love – Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc.

Founded in 1972 by a group of parents who had the courage and foresight to seek community care for their loved ones, Nonotuck has since helped transform the lives of hundreds of people with intellectual and physical disabilities by providing the personalized service of Shared Living and Adult Family Care. Each day Nonotuck addresses the ever increasing demand from families for these non-traditional, value based, in home services with love and care. If you are interested in finding out more about this unique service and our locations please visit www.nonotuck.com or call 413-586-5256 x 104.

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Opening new doors. Southcoast Kitchen Designs Announces New Builder Division

August 22, 2014 // by admin

Southcoast Kitchen Designs, an award-winning provider of custom kitchens to residents south of Boston, has recently announced a new Builder Division to specifically cater to custom homebuilders.

Southcoast Kitchen Designs’ Builder Division boasts a dedicated professional design team for homebuilders and a showroom, which is located at 2 Thatcher’s Row in Middleborough, MA. For builder and customer convenience, the company has another location that is open by appointment only at 122 River Road in New Bedford, MA.

With over a decade of design, sales, and installation experience in the business-to-consumer market, Southcoast Kitchen Designs is renowned for competitive pricing and superior customer service, two important aspects that builders look for in sub-contractors.

“The fear of most custom homebuilders is miscommunication between their client and their sub-contractors. We collaborate closely with both builder and client to develop an appropriate design that is within the client’s budget and the builder’s specifications. Communication is key, so everyone is kept in the loop every step along the way,” explained Matt Arguin, owner of Southcoast Kitchen Designs.

Southcoast Kitchen Designs works with a variety of materials suitable for every style and budget ranging from granite, quartz and soapstone to solid surface and laminate countertops. They offer custom, semi-custom and stock cabinetry for the kitchen and bath.

About Southcoast Kitchen Designs

Southcoast Kitchen Designs is an award-winning kitchen design showroom offering design, sales, and installation of kitchen and bath cabinets and counter tops that suit home, lifestyle and budget. Serving residents from Boston to upper Cape Cod, the family-owned and operated business works closely with clients to ensure absolute satisfaction and that the client’s vision is realized at the completion of each design project. Southcoast Kitchen Designs has two full-time professional designers on staff and offers complimentary in-home consultations.

The main showroom is located at 2 Thatcher’s Row in Middleborough, MA, with a second location, open by appointment only, at 122 River Road in New Bedford, MA. For more information, contact 508-947-0585 or visit http://southcoastkitchens.com.

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Quick comprehension of QuickBooks. Cranberry County Chamber of Commerce

August 22, 2014 // by admin

Could you be getting more from your QuickBooks accounting program?

Affordable and accessible, the Cranberry County Chamber of Commerce announces its first Cranberry Institute for Better Business series event entitled “QuickBooks, Basics to Business Decision”. The two 3-hour sessions focus on QuickBooks essentials of how this robust resource to maximize profit and make prudent business decisions.

The first session is September 10, Wednesday, 9 a.m. to noon and is led by Betty Bissonnette, a certified QuickBooks instructor and director of B&B Balanced Books, LLC. The second session is October 1, Wednesday, from 9 a.m.

to noon and is facilitated by Steve Schottenfeld from TraceTech Solutions LLC. Frank Armenio of B2B CFO will also provide insight on using good QuickBooks data to make better business decisions. Both sessions will be held at Boston Tavern, 58 East Grove Street, Middleborough, MA. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

The cost for both sessions is $94 for Chamber members and $125 for non-Chamber members. Seating is limited and reservations can be made at www.CranberryCounty.org or by calling Itamar Chalif, 508-280-7510.

The premier sponsor is Rockland Trust. The Cranberry Institute for Better Business is a new initiative by the Cranberry County Chamber of Commerce dedicated to providing affordable education for business owners and leaders by industry experts. A full slate of events will be announced in the near future.

The Cranberry County Chamber of Commerce serves represents the towns of Middleboro, Lakeville, Raynham, Bridgewater, Plympton, Halifax, Carver, Wareham, and Rochester. The Chamber is located at 40 North Main Street Suite G, Middleborough, MA 02346. For more information, please visit www.CranberryCounty.org or call 508-947-1499.

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