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

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

Dr. Rick Wolfert, DMD, The Toothboss

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.

Scott Hokanson of Brabo Benefits
Scott Hokanson of Brabo Benefits

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

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

SC Kitchen exteriorSouthcoast 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

Cranberry logo 08 21 14Could 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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Leah Shanahan, CPA Promoted to Manager at Rodman & Rodman P.C. of Newton

Leah Shanahan, CPA
Leah Shanahan, CPA

Rodman & Rodman, P.C., an independent accounting and tax firm located in Newton, has promoted Leah Shanahan (formerly Schlegelmilch), a Certified Public Accountant, to Manager.

Ms. Shanahan previously held the position of Supervisor for seven years. In her new role as Manager on Rodman & Rodman’s Business Services Team, she will provide audit and tax services to a diverse client base and help lead the firm’s Software Advisory and Support Team. Ms. Shanahan earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Management from Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg, MA. As a highly qualified Advanced QuickBooks ProAdvisor, she assists clients with QuickBooks, Peachtree and other small business accounting software in addition to helping them streamline accounting systems.

Ms. Shanahan is a member of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs as well as the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). She is a resident of Sutton, MA.

For three consecutive years, Rodman & Rodman has been named one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in Accounting Today.

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 renewable energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves 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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Between Rounds Announces Unique Bagel Land Coloring Pages for Kids

location imageBetween Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café , the unique bakery café and bagel shop with locations throughout Connecticut announces the creation of free Bagel Land coloring pages for kids.

Between Rounds has teamed up with Boston artist and Massachusetts College of Art alumnus Abraham Dubin to create unique seasonal coloring pages of scenes in “Bagel Land”, which will be available for download from the Between Rounds “Fun Stuff” page of the website, betweenroundsbagels.com, starting September 1st.

Children will be able to present their completed Bagel Land coloring page to the counter assistant at any Between Rounds location for display in the store along with a complimentary bagel with cream cheese or peanut butter for their efforts.

“If you’ve ever watched children color, you’ll notice that they are very deliberate about selecting the ‘right’ color crayon or marker and coloring within the lines,” noted Jerry Puiia, co-owner of Between Rounds franchise. “It’s very meaningful to them. Instead of hanging it on their home’s refrigerator, they can bring it in and we’ll hang it up for everyone’s enjoyment.”

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware.  Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. For more information about Between Rounds, visitwww.betweenroundsbagels.com.

 

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Lapels Dry Cleaning coming to Boston’s Seaport District

 

New Lapels Dry Cleaning Franchise Owners Steve and Scott Goddess.
New Lapels Dry Cleaning Franchise Owners Steve and Scott Goddess.

SOUTH BOSTON, MA AND HANOVER, MA…

Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company headquartered in Hanover, Massachusetts, recently announced a seven-store development agreement with the father and son team of Steve Goddess and Scott Goddess to bring the Future of Dry Cleaning to Boston’s Seaport District. The initial store will be located at 415 D Street in South Boston.

The Goddess duo has extensive experience with franchise development and operations from their success at expanding the Dunkin Donut brand presence within the metro Boston area.

“When considering our next business venture, we were looking for a forward-thinking franchise that had the potential for being the next Dunkin Donuts in their industry,” said Scott Goddess. “With their commitment to greener, more environmentally friendly ways of dry cleaning and their involvement in the community, Lapels has that potential. And in the fastest growing marketing in Boston, the Seaport District, we are extremely excited about this opportunity.”

Adds Scott Goddess, “When I was recently out in the Seaport District, I overheard some people talking about the Fort Point area and how it was a growing neighborhood. One of the people noted that a neighborhood becomes a neighborhood once it has a dry cleaner. That made me smile.”

An opening of the first Lapels Dry Cleaning in the Seaport District is anticipated in the early fall.

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience for the past dozen years. Earlier this year, Lapels signed a partnership agreement with GreenEarth®, the dry cleaning industry’s only non-toxic cleaning alternative for its newer locations.  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.

“We’re delighted to sign this agreement with Scott and Steve as it means more than bringing an environmentally friendlier way to dry clean clothes to the Seaport District. It also means jobs,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning. “We expect to add a total of almost 30 jobs to Boston as we build our hub and spokes network of Lapels Dry Cleaning locations.”

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), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe, Delhi, Rayville, Winnsboro), Massachusetts (Abington, 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 and Verona), Ohio (Liberty Township), Oklahoma (Oklahoma City), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island); Texas (Austin, Bee Cave, Brownsville, Cedar Park). Additional locations are coming soon to Jacksonville, FL, Fleming Island, Tampa and Orange Park, FL, Boston Seaport, MA, Scottsdale, AZ, Yuma, AZ, and Allston, MA

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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