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Old Colony Elder Services Honors Volunteers with Awards and Appreciation Luncheon


Front row, left to right:  Rick Alvarnaz, Sharon Perry, Rochelle Degany, Sophia Loc-Tringali, Sandra Saltzman, Kathleen Breen, Christina Butta, John Tuffy, Sharon Frank, Peter Keohan, Nancy McDermott, Cidalia America and Kari Anderson. 
 
Back row, left to right:  Steve Meissner, Anne-Marie Borsje, Joanne Protasewich, Sherry Williamson, Mi Kim, David Drain, and Paul McDermott  
 
BROCKTON, DUXBURY, EASTON, HALIFAX, KINGSTON, MIDDLEBORO, PLYMOUTH, STOUGHTON, WAREHAM, MA… More than 220 volunteers from Southeastern Massachusetts attended Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and awards ceremony held at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, MA.  
 
The Plymouth County based non-profit agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities honored their volunteers and presented special awards to 22 volunteers. 
 
OCES is a National President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Certifying Organization which honors outstanding volunteers and recognizes the impact they make. Armindo Rocha, OCES’ Volunteer Program Manager and Cidalia America, Volunteer Coordinator hosted the event and bestowed the awards. 
 
Sharon Frank of Wareham was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.  The PVSA’s highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes 4000+ volunteer hours in a lifetime. 
 
The Annual Gold Award is given to those who have volunteered for more than 500 hours during the year. The PVSA’s Annual Gold Award was presented to Anne-Marie Borsje, David Drain, Peter Keohan, Mi Kim, Nancy McDermott, Joanne Protasewich, Sophia Loc-Tringali, John Tuffy, Gary Peterson, Marie Claire Ording, Richard Shoemaker and Sherry Williamson of Duxbury; Steve Meissner of Easton; Christina Butta of Middleboro; Kathleen Breen of Plymouth; and Sandra Saltzman of Stoughton.  
 
OCES’ Make a Difference Award recognizes exceptional volunteers for their dedication to helping others making an impact on the community. Sharon Perry of Halifax, along with OCES staff members and volunteers Rochelle Degany, Rick Alvarnaz, Paul and Neal Mullen were each presented with the Make a Difference Award.  
 
“We recognize and thank all of our generous volunteers for their tremendous dedication to helping others in our community and making the world a better place,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. 
 
More about the PVSA 
In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action too. Led by AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows Certifying Organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers.  As an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee, OCES receives funds through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for volunteers age 55+. RSVP of Plymouth County (RSVP-PC) volunteers help OCES and other local agencies that are Community Service Partners.  
 
Volunteering for OCES 
The Volunteer Program supports OCES and other RSVP-PC Community Service Partners. With the help of more than 550 Nutrition Program volunteers, OCES serves 2,000 meals each weekday as part of its Meals on Wheels Program. Money Management Program (MMP) volunteers assist older adults and individuals with disabilities with bill paying, reconciling bank statements, balancing checkbooks, and in special cases, negotiating debt with creditors. Volunteers also serve on the OCES Board of Directors, MMP and RSVP Community Advisory councils and contribute to many other important efforts. 
 
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit www.ocesma.org. 
 
About OCES 
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.  

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Making the Most of Type E Mounted Units. eBook offered by Emerson Bearing

BOSTON, MA… Emerson Bearing, a Boston, MA-based bearing company catering to niche markets nationwide and the sister company of Action Bearing which serves the New England market, announces the availability of a complimentary eBook and other online resources for Type E Mounted Bearings.

Emerson Bearing meets the needs of customers that require bearings that are both high capacity and rugged. Type E Mounted Units have become a mainstay in electric motors, manufacturing, mining, petroleum and robotics. 

The company’s latest eBook on Type E mounted bearings outlines additional details about standard and split housing styles, as well as vital information about mounting, lubrication, shelf life and more. Topics covered include:

– Benefits of each style
– Industries & applications
– Lubrication
– Mounting instructions
– Shelf life & storage

The “Type E Mounted Units” eBook is available for download at EmersonBearing.com.

Secondary Seal Guide Available
The Type E mounted unit is widely used in heavy duty applications. The add on of a secondary seal has broadened the range of applications where customers can get improved life. 

A complimentary PDF for Type E Secondary Sealing System is also available for download at EmersonBearing.com. 

“Type E units are among our top sellers for their overall ruggedness and their cost-effective, efficient design,” said Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing. “Our eBook provides comprehensive information about selecting the proper bearing, installation, shelf life and much more.”

Emerson Bearing’s complimentary eBook can be downloaded from their website.
To download “Type E Mounted Units” eBook, visit Emerson Bearing’s Resource Library on their website:  https://www.emersonbearing.com/resources-library/bearing-products/

Emerson Bearing serves 16 major markets and their team of experts can assist with bearing solutions. To speak with a Marketing Specialist or request a quote, contact 800-225-4587 or visit EmersonBearing.com.

About Emerson Bearing Boston
Founded in 1957, Emerson Bearing Boston specializes in bearings for niche markets nationwide. The company provides solutions to a variety of industries including: aggregate, concrete, mining, machine tools, electric motor repair, marine, material handling, metal processing, packaging, food processing, paper converting, printing, wind/power generation, recreation, heavy construction, robotics, automation, transportation, wood products, wastewater treatment, pump, compressor and oil field.
 
Emerson Bearing Boston offers customers a one-stop shopping experience. With an online product catalog with over 3 million bearings – ranging in size from 3mm to tunnel-boring 
15-foot-diameter giants; a vast inventory of bearings; worldwide sourcing; a fixed price program; a knowledgeable staff; same day shipping and 24/7 service, Emerson Bearing Boston has become a leading provider of bearings in the U.S. They are the sister company of Action Bearing, which serves the New England market, and maintain headquarters at 201 Brighton Ave. Boston, MA. For more information, visit www.emersonbearing.com or call 800-225-4587.

Making the Most of Type E Mounted Units. eBook offered by Emerson BearingRead More

Hundreds participate in March Against Elder Abuse events in Brockton and Plymouth for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), in partnership with Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) and Plymouth Center for Active Living (CAL), recently held “March Against Elder Abuse” events in Brockton and Plymouth to raise awareness of elder abuse.

“Last year, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs reported 37,918 reports of elder abuse in the state,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “It is estimated that 1 in 10 elders have experienced some form of abuse – physical, mental, emotional or financial. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to increase awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. Both of our Marches Against Elder Abuse events were extremely well-attended, and we cannot thank our community enough for coming together to raise awareness of this important issue.  We must continue to work together- if you see something, say something!”

Raising Awareness in Brockton
The Brockton March Against Elder Abuse event, which included a rally at the Brockton Rox Campanelli Stadium and luncheon, held at the Shaw’s Center on June 15, 2023, which is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Senator Michael Brady and Representative Rita Mendes were among 150 in attendance.

Special guest speakers during this event included: Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz; Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald; Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan; Janice Fitzgerald, Director at the Brockton Council on Aging; and Teresa Kourtz, Protective Services Director at OCES.

March Against Elder Abuse event in Brockton

The “Pat Foley Advocacy Award” in memory of Pat Foley, a longtime OCES employee, volunteer and advocate, was presented to Janice Fitzgerald, Director of COA, and Dottie Slack Health Education and Outreach Coordinator at the Brockton COA.

Raising Awareness in Plymouth 
Over 100 were in attendance, including Representative Kathleen LaNatra and Representative Mathew Muratore, for the March Against Elder Abuse event along Water Street, in Plymouth on June 21, 2023. A luncheon was held at Tavern on the Wharf following the March.  Special guest speakers included: Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald; Michelle Bratti, Director of Elder Affairs at the Center for Active Living (CAL); and Teresa Kourtz, Protective Services Director of OCES.

Plymouth Police Chief Dana Flynn presented the “Pat Foley Advocacy Award” to Lt. Reid and Officers Antonson and Lapollo of the Plymouth Police Department and to Lindsay Reik and April Thompson of Plymouth CAL.

OCES would like to thank the event sponsors: Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office; Women of the Moose Chapter 2218; HarborOne Bank; Bluestone Bank; Rockland Federal Credit Union; Sevita; Almeida & Carlson Insurance Agency, Anodyne, and Navicare.

Recognizing Elder Abuse
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, neglect, self-neglect, financial exploitation, and sexual abuse. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million older adults are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. One in 10 older adults aged 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. Common risk factors for elder abuse are social isolation, poor physical health, and dementia. Nationally, at least $36.5 billion annually is lost by victims of financial abuse according to the National Council on Aging. 

OCES’ Protective Services Program staff works with older adults or their designees to prevent, eliminate or remedy situations involving elder abuse.  When a report is made to the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) and the elder resides in our catchment area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation by a Protective Services Worker is necessary.

If you have concerns, please contact your local Protective Services Agency. If you want to file a report on elder abuse, please contact the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) at 1-800-922-2275.

About WEAAD
WEAAD was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations in 2006. To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

OCES

Hundreds participate in March Against Elder Abuse events in Brockton and Plymouth for World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead More

Massachusetts cannabis entrepreneur who brought focus to unfair “impact fees” charged by municipalities blasts city for unfair collection practices.

HAVERILL, June 29, 2023–The Haverhill, Massachusetts cannabis entrepreneur whose lawsuit has shined a spotlight on the state’s controversial law allowing municipalities to collect “impact fees” from cannabis retailers is accusing her host city of unfair collection of the fees.

Caroline Pineau, owner of Stem Haverhill, recently requested that Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini place the three impact fees paid by Stem since its 2019 opening into an interest-bearing escrow account.  Pineau’s request came after the Lawrence Eagle-Tribune newspaper reported that other cannabis retailers in the city had made one or no payments.

“I find this to be an extraordinary, and indefensible, double standard,” Pineau wrote in her June 26 letter, which requested that her three payments remain in escrow until the city “enacts a consistent and equitable impact fee payment or non-payment policy” applicable to all cannabis businesses.

” I also request that the city refrain from all future impact fee collections until a clear and equitable payment policy is in place.  I find it disturbing that the city is negotiating on a store-by-store basis rather than establishing an across-the-board policy that treats all operators fairly and equally,” Pineau continued.

Stem has made three impact fee payments to the Haverhill, totaling $887,487.91.  The payments were made on May 28, 2021 ($358,942.53), May 31, 2022 ($328,568.35) and June 1, 2023 ($199,977.03).

The June 15 Lawrence Eagle-Tribune story cited city records showing that the city’s other three cannabis retail shops have paid far less than Stem in impact fees.  Full Harvest Moonz has made a single payment of $314,246 and CNA Stores has made a single payment of $176,864.  The third shop, Mello, has made no impact fee payments.

Pineau, who filed suit against Haverhill in 2021 in part to force Haverhill to produce documentation of actual cost impacts to the city by Stem’s cannabis sales, said her efforts have generated significant attention to municipalities collecting impact fees without demonstrating actual impacts.  Since Pineau began her legal battle, several communities have returned the impact fees or have declined to collect any more fees.

“I’m grateful that my legal efforts have benefited many individual operators and the industry in general, but those efforts have come at a great legal cost borne by me alone. To see that other operators in Haverhill are not being forced to pay the fees while I still am discouraging and incredibly unfair,” Pineau said.

Pineau’s suit against Haverhill is still pending. 

Massachusetts cannabis entrepreneur who brought focus to unfair “impact fees” charged by municipalities blasts city for unfair collection practices.Read More

Stuck in the shade?  Plymouth Solar Energy launches Solar Service Division to repair and service solar households.

Your solar panel installation company may have sunsetted. Many solar energy companies did not survive Covid or the complexity and bureaucracy of the solar installation process.  To meet the needs of orphaned customers as well as their own, Plymouth Solar Energy has launched a new Solar Service Division.

The new division will provide monitoring and servicing of all solar installations in Plymouth, Norfolk, Barnstable and Bristol Counties. 

Monitoring service is performed virtually from the company’s headquarters in Downtown Plymouth on 18 Main Street Extension, Plymouth, MA.  Electronic monitoring will red flag malfunctions and reduced output even before it occurs.  Electronic system updates are also installed seamlessly.

Additional solar services include onsite replacement of solar panels and inverters, optimization of solar efficiency and electrical, construction, and tech support as needed.

“Although the solar panels themselves rarely fail, all solar installations need to be tweaked and repaired over time,” noted Fred Paris, CEO of Plymouth Solar Energy.  He added, “Our offsite, offsite virtual monitoring identifies problems before they become critical and our onsite repairs and service ensure solar systems are always working optimally.”

Plymouth Solar Energy (PlymouthSolarEnergy.com ) is a regional leader in the installation and maintenance of commercial and residential solar and battery systems. The company boasts over 20 years of working closely with solar customers and has several installed and on-line monitored solar systems within 50 miles of Plymouth.

A lifelong environmentalist and recognized solar energy expert, Paris launched the Wind Sun Institute – the predecessor of Plymouth Solar Energy – to serve as a technical trainer to solar manufacturers. This evolved to teaching solar energy commercially across the U. S. including at Babson College. Paris taught Strategic Planning at Northeastern University and national certification ‘NABCEP’ classes at Massasoit Community College. Paris started Plymouth Solar Energy with Massasoit students. For more info, visit www.PlymouthSolarEnergy.com or call (508) 746-5430 or email info@plymouthsolarenergy.com.       

Stuck in the shade?  Plymouth Solar Energy launches Solar Service Division to repair and service solar households.Read More

Networking Ninja Award nominations sought. My Pinnacle Network sponsors 9th annual recognition of the region’s best connectors.

You’ve heard it before – “I know a guy.”  Or “She knows everyone.” 

Business networkers and connectors are the catalyst for new clients, new opportunities, news business.

Nominations are sought for the following categories – Best Connector (helping bring people together); Most Ubiquitous (appears to be at every networking event); Most Altruistic (does most for others); Brightest Beacon (adds energy to networking events); Rookie of the Year (new to the networking scene); and Lifetime Achievement (an appreciation award for long-time networkers).

The public and business communities are encouraged to visit the My Pinnacle Network website to nominate friends and colleagues.  Deadline is October 31, 2023.  Winners will be announced in November. Nominations are NOT limited to My Pinnacle Network members, but open to the entire business community.

My Pinnacle Network is a business-to-business networking organization with once a month meetings in Mansfield, Marshfield, Newton, and Westborough, MA recently announced the Ninth Annual Networking Ninja Awards. 

“Networking is the straw that stirs the drink for many businesses,” said Steven V. Dubin, one of the founders of My Pinnacle Network.  “This year’s Networking Ninja Awards will recognize the efforts of our area’s best networkers, who have continued to connect, and pass leads and referrals during a very trying year.”

For information about the Networking Ninja Awards, please visit https://www.mypinnaclenetwork.com/award/, or contact Steven V. Dubin at SDubin@MyPinnacleNetwork.com or 781-582-1061.

Networking Ninja Award nominations sought. My Pinnacle Network sponsors 9th annual recognition of the region’s best connectors.Read More

WCVB’s Doug Meehan visits PR Works Client Murdick’s Fudge of Martha’s Vineyard

PR Works recently secured coverage for Murdick’s Fudge of Martha’s Vineyard. Murdick’s had previously been a PR Works client back in 2017 and 2018. After the Pandemic, Murdick’s was looking to increase foot traffic and get more visitors to their online store. PR is one of the tools they are using to achieve that objective.

As part of the effort, PR Works has issued multiple releases and conducted outreach to local media outlets. One of those outlets was WCVB-Ch. 5. The outreach resulted in Doug Meehan of Ch. 5’s Eye Opener visiting Murdick’s Fudge for a “Made in Massachusetts” piece. Check it out.

WCVB’s Doug Meehan visits PR Works Client Murdick’s Fudge of Martha’s VineyardRead More

Fudging great media coverage

PR Works recently secured broadcast coverage on WCVB for our client Murdick’s Fudge of Martha’s Vineyard. Doug Meehan visited Murdick’s Fudge at their Edgartown location. The piece ran on June 19 on WCVB’s Eye Opener broadcast and later in the day on their early news. Here’s the piece:

For more information on Murdick’s Fudge and their mouth-watering fudge, brittle and other goodies, check out their website.

Fudging great media coverageRead More

Chamber Networking Event & Benefit for Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield on June 22nd. Spectators Invited to Marshfield & Plymouth Chamber Pickleball Challenge 

MARSHFIELD, MA … Chamber members and the general public are invited to the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield at 37 Proprietor’s Drive to cheer on the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce and the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce in a networking event and Pickleball match on Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 5-7:30 p.m.  
 
The multi-Chamber event benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield’s Summer Camp Transportation. 
 
Ann Gillespie, Citizen of the Year and Marshfield’s Pickleball Ambassador taught clinics to get many of the Pickleball players ready for this special event. 
 
The event provides an opportunity for Marshfield and Plymouth Chamber members to expand their reach and network with other business owners while raising funds for the Club’s Summer Camp transportation program. South Shore Cocktails will be on-site with beer and wine options along with Dog Sled which will be offering hot dogs, chili, and snacks. There will be two Ultimate Chamber Give-A-Way Baskets, 50/50 raffles, music and more. 
 
There is no cost to attend this event.  
 
To sign up to attend, visit  https://web.southshorechamber.org/events/FREE-NETWORKING-EVENT-Boys-Girls-Club-Marshfield-Plymouth-Chambers–20524/details 
 
This event is sponsored by Quirk Cars, Tiny & Sons Glass, Marshfield Chamber of Commerce and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce. 
 
About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield 
The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  The Club serves families with children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old, and provides critical services the community needs to support children and families over the short- and long-term. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582. 

Chamber Networking Event & Benefit for Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield on June 22nd. Spectators Invited to Marshfield & Plymouth Chamber Pickleball Challenge Read More