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60 Marched Against Elder Abuse in Brockton

July 9, 2014 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, joined forces with the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) and HarborOne Bank to “March Against Elder Abuse”. On June 13th, 60 members from the community and the three organizations marched down Main Street in Brockton in an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse.

June 15th of each year has been designated as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations.

After the march, participants gathered at the Brockton COA where guest speakers Janice Fitzgerald, Director of Brockton COA; Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES; Teresa Kourtz, Director of Protective Services at OCES; Pat Foley, Protective Services Intake Worker at OCES; and Bill Carpenter, Mayor of Brockton, shared information on how to assist elders in need and answered questions.

Last year, OCES’ Protective Services Department assisted more than 800 abused or neglected elders. OCES helps elders who have been victims of neglect or harm from a caregiver. Types of abuse include physical, verbal, sexual and financial. When there is a report made to OCES, a Protective Services Worker investigates the report, provides support, and if needed, information about resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to share information and spread awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. As individuals, and working together, we can make a difference,” noted Diana DiGiorgi.

If you know, or suspect, that an elder is being mistreated or neglected, call OCES’ Protective Services staff at 508 584-1561, or call the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.

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 179 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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SelecTech gets a leg up on competition with ergonomic benefits offered by FreeStyle BioLock™ Interlocking flooring

July 9, 2014 // by admin

SelecTech, Inc.’s FreeStyle BioLock flooring improves ergonomics for healthcare facilities, laboratories, education and retail stores.

AVON, MA…

When SelecTech, Inc., a leader in the manufacture of innovative flooring products from recycled materials, launched its FreeStyle BioLock flooring last year, it broke new ground in providing green flooring specifically made for healthcare, education and laboratory environments. Beyond the benefits of being a greener product utilizing a patented, hassle-free interlocking technology for installation, BioLock has shown unprecedented ergonomic benefits for early adopters.

“Anecdotally, all of our customers report BioLock to be a much more comfortable surface to stand on. For doctors, nurses, lab technicians and other professionals who are on their feet a large percentage of the day, this is a huge benefit,” said Thomas Ricciardelli, president of SelecTech, Inc. “What’s even more compelling is that, in general, more comfortable flooring has resulted in reduced sick days, fewer worker’s comp claims and a more productive work staff.”

Adds Ricciardelli, “For some customers, where only part of the flooring has BioLock, staff members have actually asked when are we going to install our flooring in their area.”

BioLock employs a patented glueless “zipper” interlocking system that is manufactured by SelecTech, Inc. This enables the flooring to be installed over existing flooring with minimal subfloor preparation. There’s no need for messy, toxic adhesive and down-time is significantly reduced—often times without need to close off an area.

In addition to the ergonomic and installation benefits, BioLock utilizes a water-proof seam sealer that makes tiles 100 percent liquid-tight but still removable and replaceable. This modular benefit prevents liquids from penetrating the seams and getting below the floor, contributing to the prevention of the growth of infectious organisms—an extremely important factor for healthcare and lab facilities. With its urethane, no-wax finish, the commercial grade BioLock is extremely easy to maintain.

Made with 70 percent recycled materials and 100 percent recyclable, BioLock meets CA 1350 Indoor Air Quality and is MAS Certified Green.

“BioLock has one additionally important benefit, sound reduction,” said Ricciardelli. “On top of all that, it reduces sound, another important element to a medical practice, healthcare facility or lab.”

FreeStyle BioLock is available in six stock colors and 30 special order colors.

For more information, visit SelecTech’s website at http://www.selectechinc.com or call 508-583-3200.

About SelecTech, Inc.

SelecTech, Inc. was founded in 1993 with the mission of creating valuable products from scrap plastics. The company has become a leader in the manufacture of flooring products from recycled materials and uses one million pounds of recycled materials annually. Their products are made with up to 100 percent recycled content, are 100 percent recyclable and installed without adhesives making them some of the “greenest” and most cost-effective flooring products available. The unique interlock system on SelecTech’s flooring products enable them to be installed at a much lower cost, without a lot of costly downtime, which provides significant value to customers.

Using state-of-the-art technology and innovative product design, SelecTech created the top performing Place N’ Go residential flooring products, which are available at Home Depot. They are also the creators of the renowned commercial and industrial FreeStyle, FreeStyle ESD and StaticStop ESD flooring lines.

SelecTech is a vendor partner of Health Care Institute, an International Facility Management Association (IFMA) alliance partner.

The company is headquartered at 33 Wales Avenue, Suite F in Avon, MA. For more information about SelecTech, visit http://www.selectechinc.com.

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Elizabeth A. Caruso joins Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C.

July 3, 2014 // by admin

QUINCY, MA…

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C., a dynamic full-service law firm with a team of attorneys advising individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, the South Shore and metro Boston areas, recently hired South Easton resident Elizabeth A. Caruso as an Associate.

Caruso comes to the Firm from the Law Office of Christopher P. Ryan, starting as a law clerk and working as an associate the past three years; with a concentration on estate planning. At Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C., she will work in the areas of estate planning and estate administration.

Caruso received her juris doctorate from Suffolk University Law School, where she was also a member of the Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity and achieved Dean’s List status. She also graduated magna cum laude from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

“We welcome Elizabeth to our team here at Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro,” said Paul Barbadoro, a partner at the Firm. He added, “She brings a very impressive resume to the table and has very strong connection to the South Shore, which is where a significant part of our client base originates. She will be an excellent addition to our estate planning team.”

Admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 2010, Caruso serves as the Registration Chair for the Boston Walk for Polycystic Kidney Disease. Said Caruso, “Having worked for another Quincy law firm, I knew of Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. and their impeccable reputation. I am thrilled to be part of the Firm and the meaningful work they do.”

About the Firm

Founded in 1995, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. is a full-service law firm located in Quincy committed to providing every client with personal attention and superior legal service at reasonable rates.

The firm’s attorneys provide legal advice and counsel to individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, the South Shore and metro Boston areas. Led by five partners with a combined 100+ years of experience, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro’s 15 attorneys practice in the following areas: litigation, tax, trust and estate planning, real estate, zoning and land use, corporate law, finance, criminal defense, immigration law, election law, and divorce and family law. Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro also offers a Speaker’s Bureau on topics of tax, estate planning, small business law and corporate law.

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. is headquartered at 300 Crown Colony Drive, Suite 500 in Quincy, MA. For more information, contact (781) 848-9610 or visit their website at http://www.bbb-lawfirm.com.

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Gardiner’s Market Teams Up with Between Rounds to Offer Signature Product Line

July 2, 2014 // by admin

Two family businesses have teamed up and created a “recipe for success” in South Glastonbury.

Recognizing the high quality of Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café’s baked-fresh-daily bagels, Gardiner’s Market struck a deal with Between Rounds to carry their renowned signature bagels in the Bakery section.

Tom Gardiner, third generation of Gardiner’s, who took the helm in 1983 with his wife Amy, explained, “Between Rounds is local and very well known. Their products are high quality, consistent and absolutely delicious. Our customers are happy because they know exactly what they are getting with the Between Rounds brand.”

The family-owned Between Rounds has been in business for more than two decades and is the brainchild of brothers Jerry and Joe Puiia, who are Staten Island, NY natives. Between Rounds current locations include South Windsor (corporate headquarters), Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.

“Our goal is similar to Gardiner’s in that we both strive to make available the freshest, most delicious products possible. We’re delighted to work with Tom and Amy and honored to have Gardiner’s Market carry our bagels. It makes it easier for anyone who does not live near one of our cafés to obtain our superior products right from their local market,” said Jerry Puiia, co-owner of Between Rounds.

Gardiner’s Market carries all flavors of Between Rounds bagels and is looking to offer additional Between Rounds baked goods as space allows.

“We strive to bring in local items from neighbors who work and live in the area. At the suggestion of one of our long-time staff members, we sampled Between Rounds bagels in consideration of bringing in their product line and we were really impressed. They are a big seller,” explained Gardiner.

Family-made history

Gardiner’s Market is family-owned and operated store. The company founder, Elmer Gardiner opened the store in 1950. After 20 successful years, he and his son, Leon Gardiner, relocated and built a larger store at the current Main Street location in South Glastonbury in 1970. The “torch” was then passed along to Tom and Amy Gardiner, who run the store, while Tom’s sister, Lynn, is the store’s bookkeeper. All five Gardiner children work in the store, bringing the total number of employees to 49. Many of the store’s staff members have been with the company for decades. Gardiner’s Market is located at 868 Main Street, South Glastonbury. For more information, visit www.gardinersmarket.net.

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 is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. In 2013, the company was selected as a Military Friendly Franchise®, which places Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café in an elite group and is testimony to the company’s commitment to supporting military veterans interested in franchise opportunities.

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. For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

Supermarkets interested in carrying Between Rounds’ products, contact Jerry Puiia,jerry@betweenroundsbagels.com.

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It’s About Time – Fun Workshop Teaches Caregivers How to Relax and More

July 2, 2014 // by admin

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers is sponsoring “It’s About Time”, a special workshop for family caregivers of older adults and grandparents raising grandchildren. This workshop is being offered in partnership with the Duxbury Council on Aging (COA). Funding is provided through a generous grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation.

The “It’s About Time” workshop is a free event where family caregivers are taught techniques and strategies for managing their time, making meals and reducing stress. This workshop will be held on Monday, July 14, 2014 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Duxbury COA, 10 Mayflower St, Duxbury. There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required.

“This is a fun and informative workshop for family caregivers that provides tips on making time for themselves. It’s a supportive atmosphere of camaraderie where experts share techniques for time management and efficient cooking. The event is rounded out with engaging tips for relaxation from a yoga instructor,” noted Diana DiGiorgi Executive Director of OCES. “Our goal is to help family members avoid burnout and remain physically and emotionally healthy while they provide essential caregiving services.”

A complimentary chef-prepared lunch, free companion book and raffles are all included. Pre-registration is required. Contact Rochelle Sugarman, (508) 584-1561 extension 312.

About OCES

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Summer Growth Spurt – Buford Call Center Giant Expands their Team

July 1, 2014 // by admin

VoiceNation, a preferred call center partner for thousands of businesses nationwide, has experienced significant growth and will be expanding the number of staff in their call center and on their corporate team.

VoiceNation currently employs 74 people and will be hiring at least another 10 Customer Service Representatives for their call center headquarters in Buford, Georgia. The company’s corporate team is also hiring a Staff Support Administrative Assistant after recently bringing their Staff Development Trainer, Culture Coach, IT Network Specialist, and Outreach Assistant on board.

VoiceNation’s company culture is one that cultivates a very positive workplace where staff is empowered and leadership and personal growth are promoted. A large part of their culture revolves around their Employee Volunteer Program, which encourages staff to give back and get involved by helping others. Through the program, every staff member has an opportunity to volunteer on a monthly basis and work towards a cause they feel passionate about, on a local, national, and global scale.

“We go above and beyond to provide superior service to every one of our clients. But, what really makes it all come together is our dedicated and talented team. Employee engagement and satisfaction go hand in hand with customer satisfaction. A strong, positive company culture that supports employees is key,” explained Jay Reeder, VoiceNation’s president.

For more information about call center jobs available at VoiceNation, visit http://www.qualityansweringservice.com/careers/job-openings.

Employee Volunteer Program

VoiceNation’s Employee Volunteer Program provides their employees with volunteer opportunities and experiences, which encourages personal growth while also helping others succeed.

With the purpose of making the world a better place for those in it, VoiceNation works with a variety of local, national and international outreach organizations. The company is committed to supporting businesses, non-profits, and individuals in need. VoiceNation also has non-profit outreach, Voice4Nations, which addresses three key initiatives: bullying prevention, the global water crisis, and homelessness. In addition, VoiceNation has partnered with groundbreaking organization Georgia CALLS to help formerly incarcerated individuals ease the transition back into society through a paid work experience and critical job/life skills training.

About VoiceNation

VoiceNation is a leading provider of 24-hour live answering services and call center solutions. Named “Top Provider in Industry” by PC World, VoiceNation is positioned as a knowledge leader with innovations in pricing, service, and proprietary open source technology.

Over 50,000 businesses worldwide, including Comedy Central, Delta, Dunkin’ Donuts, Rolls Royce, and StateFarm trust VoiceNation as their professional telephone answering service. Founded in 2002, VoiceNation is a privately-held company that invests heavy emphasis in staff development and community outreach opportunities. To learn more about VoiceNation, visit http://www.qualityansweringservice.com.

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

About Georgia CALLS

Located in Buford, GA, Georgia CALLS, Georgia Center For Abundant Living Life Skills, is a faith-based 501(c)3 organization created to ease the transition from incarceration back into a productive, healthy routine in the community. Utilizing a powerful combination of paid work experience in the call center and usable job/life skills training, participants in the Georgia CALLS program learn to build strong character, explore their own entrepreneurial desires and in turn give back to their own communities. Georgia CALLS employs an evidence-based approach, applied to meet the needs of the participants on several crucial levels, which dramatically reduces recidivism.

For more information about Georgia CALLS, visit http://gacalls.org/.

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South Coast Improvement Co. hires Rehoboth resident Matthew Birmingham

July 1, 2014 // by admin

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 Matthew Birmingham as a field production manager.

In his role as a field production manager, Birmingham will be part of the management team on-site at the company’s new construction and renovation projects. South Coast Improvement specializes in construction projects for senior living, educational, institutional, and hospitality industries.

“For our renovation projects at senior living facilities, schools and other like businesses, we are often working around day-to-day operations. The role of field production manager plays a key part in keeping the level of disruption to day-to-day operations to a minimum,” said Tom Quinlan, president of South Coast Improvement, Inc. “We’re delighted to bring a person of Matt’s caliber and background into the fold for our new construction and renovation projects.”

Birmingham comes to South Coast Improvement from Cow Bay Atlantic, Inc. where he worked as a senior project foreman. He holds numerous certifications, including: OSHA; Timberline Construction Management; ADA; and Hoisting and Hydraulics.

A veteran of the United States Army, Birmingham served with the Military Police from 2004 to 2008. That included 22 months of deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I’m very thankful to be given this opportunity to work with South Coast Improvement,” said Birmingham. “South Coast Improvement has a great reputation in the industry for doing superior work and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Married, Birmingham resides in Rehoboth, Massachusetts.

South Coast Improvement Co is a recognized leader in providing building and renovation services to a client base of senior living, healthcare and institutional clients. For more information, please call 508-748-6545 or visit www.southcoastimprovement.com.

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Fourth and goal. Run for Faith on Sun., August 24, aims higher for fourth year of the four-mile race

June 30, 2014 // by admin

PLYMOUTH, MA…

In its brief history, the Run for Faith has accomplished some significant milestones. That includes donating more than $10,000 to the Dana Farber’s Yawkey Center for Cancer Care and more than $5,000 in scholarships to graduating Plymouth North and Plymouth South high school students. With the 4^th annual Run for Faith set for Sunday, August 24, organizers are counting on year four of this four-mile race to break previous fundraising efforts.

“The Run for Faith has distinguished itself as a family-friendly race that raises significant money for very worthwhile local and regional causes, like the Dana Farber and scholarships for local students,” said Matt Romboldi, one of the founders of the race run in memory of his mother, Faith “Marcy” Romboldi, who lost her battle with cancer in 2009.

Adds Romboldi, “We also offer a course that’s a bit more rural than most of the other races in town, with beautiful pastoral views. And at four miles, it’s welcoming to both runners and walkers alike.”

The four-mile race loop captures spectacular views of Cape Cod Bay, the Eel River and scenic horse farms. The course features rolling hills and unmatched history. Water stations are plentiful and the event is professionally timed by Spitler Racing Systems. There is also a Stroller Division, so runners can run with their young children.

“We changed the course last year to remove a turnaround in the course at Eel River and added a scenic detour through the woods on Bump Rock Road and Forges Road. The response from runners is that we made a great course even better,” said Romboldi.

Last year’s Run for Faith resulted in two scholarships, which were given to students graduating from Plymouth North (Brad Feeney) and Plymouth South (Briana Sachetti) in 2014. The Run for Faith also made its annual contribution to Dana Farber’s Yawkey Center for Cancer Care ($10,000 since the Run for Faith began).

The fourth annual Run for Faith 4Miler, which is a gold member in the Bayside Runner Racing Series, is set for Sunday, August 24 at 8:30 a.m. at historic Plimoth Plantation. Entry fee is $25 – which will once again go to scholarships for Plymouth high school students, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, the Plymouth Public Library and other Plymouth charities and non-profits. Runners can register at www.runforfaithplymouth.org.

Prizes will go to top finishers, male and female, and awards will be given to top finishers for various age groups. Post-race “light refreshments” will include bananas, oranges, bagels, muffins and scones. To amuse younger family members, a jumpy house will be available. A number of vendors will be on hand to sell their wares before and after the race.

The Run for Faith is organized by Run for Faith, Inc., which is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to commemorate the special life of Faith “Marcy” Romboldi who gave so much of herself to both individuals and the community.

Faith, or “Marcy” as she was known by her friends and family, was a teacher, member of the Red Hat’s Society, Sweet Adeline’s, and Daughters of the American Revolution. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2008. Marcy’s ability to fight this vicious disease with incessant might and unsurpassed grace will never be forgotten and surely serves as inspiration to those who were close. Mostly, Marcy will be remembered for her acts of kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness. Many will remember her for her two best accessories- a lovely hat and a radiant smile!

Interested sponsors can contact Matthew Romboldi at 508-400-0751. For more information, please visit www.runforfaithplymouth.org, or email info@runforfaithplymouth.org. You can view the course online at: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/42074524.

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How agents can get burned in a hot real estate market

June 27, 2014 // by admin

MILLBURY, MA…

The recent upsurge in the real estate market has left plenty of realtors with smiles on their faces and more dollars in their pocket. For real estate agents who don’t plan their finances appropriately, the hot market can burn through large commissions in the form of a larger tax bill than previous years.

“It’s been about eight or nine years since the salad days of the early 2000s and I’m sure there are many real estate agents who are either new to the business now or forgot how quickly the golden goose stopped laying eggs,” Paul Dion, a Millbury, MA CPA and author of The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…that cost Real Estate Agents Thousands. “By taking advantage of some basic tax strategies available to self-employed individuals, real estate agents can ride the current hot market and protect themselves from possible slowdowns in the market down the road.”

Some of the strategies Dion employs for real estate agent clients include:

Selecting the correct business entity for your business – should you be a sole proprietor or does an LLC offer more benefits and protection?
Choosing the appropriate retirement plan – how much of your recent commissions should go into your plan and what offers the best return?
Employing family members – hiring your children to help out with the business can shift some of your income on to them, which would be taxed at a lower rate
Deducting your health insurance as an adjustment to your income on your tax return
Properly deducting your home office
Maximizing auto expenses, as well as meals and entertainment expenses

Dion, with three decades of experience providing tax and business advice, notes, “There’s a distinct difference between sales and running a business. Many real estate agents are great sales people and can move properties, but might not be as skilled as small business owners. That can come back to haunt you in good times and bad if you are not working with capable tax and financial professionals.”

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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