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Know someone in the Greater Plymouth area who has a Sunny Disposition? 

Better yet, perhaps they have recently performed some random or intended act of kindness?

Could be something as simple as taking out the trash for an elderly neighbor.  Or helping with heavy lifting of a new couch.  Or sharing an extra plate of homemade brownies.

Plymouth Solar Energy is recognizing Sunny Disposition winners monthly.  The winner will receive dinner for two at one of Greater Plymouth’s leading restaurants and a spiffy pair of sunglasses.

Enter brief nomination at https://www.plymouthsolarenergy.com/sunny-disposition-plymouth

Know someone in the Greater Plymouth area who has a Sunny Disposition? Read More

Retirement Dreams or Nightmares.

 ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’

Transition counselor offers a free roundtable workshop for the first 10 seniors to respond.  Starting…

…NOW!

By Steven V. Dubin

What do you want to be when you grow up? So, you still haven’t figured it out.  Don’t worry neither have I.

Are you nearing or at retirement age? 

You are in luck. Help is on the way!

Transition Counselor Beth Davis, a Plymouth, MA resident, is offering a free three-session roundtable discussion group to help you figure it out.  Specifics of the facilitated, self-discovery group are being finalized, but the general format is to meet once a month for three months for an hour and a half, late afternoon, 4 p.m. or so, at a comfortable Plymouth location.  The Plymouth Center for Active Living and the Plymouth Public Library are leading venue candidates.

Beth has over 25 years of experience as a professionally trained coach, facilitator, business leader and entrepreneur. Additionally, she is a real estate agent and home renovator with her husband Steve Feldman; they are agents with the Plymouth office of Keller Williams Realty. Beth has helped many seniors to transition from a “life of success to a life of significance.”

After selling the business she founded and nurtured for close to a decade, she re-focused her career on coaching and developing others through the stages of lifecycles. Her coaching clients place a high value on learning, life planning and design, and creating positive change.

Don’t expect a heavy load of homework or pop quizzes.  Beth will suggest numerous books and exercises that will be helpful in the quest for self-discovery, but there will be no official syllabus. Among the titles on the recommended reading list will be “Flourish” by Martin D.P. Seligman, “The Retirement Life” by Matthew Kelly, and “Transitions” by William Bridges.

Some questions to be pondered during the self-discovery workshops are What scares me?  What holds me back? 

Contact Beth Davis directly to reserve your seat.  She can be reached at beth@planningwhatsnext.com.

Additionally, if you know of a senior who is doing something interesting with their retirement, I look forward to hearing from you! Please email me at SDubin@PRWorkZone.com

Steven V. Dubin is the founder of PR Works, a lightly used Public Relations firm based in Plymouth, MA, which helps small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies navigate the overwhelming options of advertising. Steve lives in Plymouth with his wife Wendy.  He is a contributing author to “Get Slightly Famous” and “Tricks of the Trade,” the complete guide to succeeding in the advice business. He recently authored “PR 101,” an E-book.

Retirement Dreams or Nightmares.Read More

Beyond Oz: All Songs Great and Powerful. June 9 -11 at Beal House, Kingston, MA.

The True Rep Theatre has gathered a unique and talented group of performers for their cabaret, Beyond Oz: All Songs Great and Powerful.

Beyond Oz: All Songs Great and Powerful will be presented at The Beal House, 222 Main Street, Kingston, MA on June 9 and 10 at 7:30pm and June 11 at 3pm. General admission tickets are $20 and seniors, students & children are $18.

The show is a prequel to raise money and awareness of the company’s fall offering, The Wizard of Oz, an ambitious project which will bring together members of the developmentally disabled community and the South Shore musical theatre scene.

“We were made aware of the lack of theatrical opportunities available to differently abled people on the South Shore by one of our company members, who urged us to pursue an inclusive production,” shared Artistic Advisor, Paul Noonan.

“We were blown away by the level of talent and enthusiasm that has opened up to our

company since announcing this inclusive production,” said Assoc. Artistic Director

Victoria Bond.

“We just want to share the beauty and excitement that this collaboration has awoken for

us, as a theatre company and as a community. We hope to make this a regular part of

our theatre season,” announced Artistic Director Donald Sheehan. “We hope that

people will support our upcoming cabaret and our fall production of The Wizard of Oz.”

For more information or to purchase tickets or make a donation, please visit

https://www.truereptheatre.com/impostertickets. True Rep Theatre is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit and all donations are tax deductible.

Beyond Oz: All Songs Great and Powerful. June 9 -11 at Beal House, Kingston, MA.Read More

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th.  Old Colony Elder Services announces March Against Elder Abuse events in Brockton and Plymouth.

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Every year an estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10 older adults experience elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation according to the National Council on Aging. 
 
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15th. To raise awareness about elder abuse, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has launched a campaign for WEAAD and will hold events in both Brockton and Plymouth. 
 
Raise Awareness to Stop Elder Abuse 
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), encourages organizations and the public to join them at “March Against Elder Abuse” events: 
 
In Brockton on Thursday, June 15, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join OCES for a FREE Rally at the Rox to bring awareness to elder abuse, which will be held at the Brockton Rox Stadium, 1 Feinberg Way, Brockton. Boxed lunch to follow at the Shaw’s Center which is conveniently located next to the Rox Stadium. Registration is required. To register, call 508-580-7811 or visit https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejqxc07x93ab146e&oseq=&c=&ch= 
 
In Plymouth on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join OCES for a FREE one-mile March along Water Street in Plymouth to bring awareness to elder abuse. Gather for the March at 10:30 a.m. outside Tavern on the Wharf, 6 Town Wharf, Plymouth. The March begins at 11 a.m. proceeding down Water Street then back to Tavern on the Wharf for a light lunch. Metered parking is available off street.  To register, call Terri Kourtz, 508-584-1561 ext. 255 or visit: 
https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejpaoq78928026ab&oseq=&c=&ch= 
 
You can also visit www.ocesma.org to register for these events. 
 
“We must work together as a community to raise awareness about elder abuse. Be proactive and join us at these events to build awareness of this important issue,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, OCES’ Protective Services Director.  

Recognizing Elder Abuse 
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, neglect, self-neglect, financial exploitation, and sexual abuse. During 2022 the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs had 37,918 reports of elder abuse made. 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 age 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.  

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th.  Old Colony Elder Services announces March Against Elder Abuse events in Brockton and Plymouth.Read More

Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield Announces Summer Camp 2023 with expanded Specialty Camps. Registration Now Open

MARSHFIELD, MA … From Art and STEM Camps to River Adventure Camp and all types of Sports Camps, the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield announces exciting new expanded programming for Summer Camp 2023. Registration is open to families throughout the South Shore.

The Club offers 10 weeks of Summer Camp from June 19 – August 25, 2023 (excluding Tuesday, July 4th).  Led by a dedicated and caring staff team, camp programming is geared towards youth ages five to 14. The camp day is 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Families can take advantage of weekly or daily options as well as an extended day option, which runs from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Summer Camp is designated by age groups: Camp Clubhouse Jr. for ages 5 and 6; Camp Clubhouse for ages 7 and 8; and Camp Clubhouse Sr. for ages 9 and 10. Camp Torch, for ages 11-13, offers older campers the ability to create their own camp experience. Camp Keystone for ages 14 and 15 (formerly the Summer Camp Counselor In Training program) is a combination of service learning and traditional camp experience with the goal of having fun, socializing and building character.

The Club has expanded their Specialty Camp offerings. Each Specialty camp runs for one week:

2-D and 3-D Art Camps, geared towards ages 7-8 and 9-10 respectively, offer various artistic mediums that may include traditional clay techniques and watercolor, painting, collage, Paper Mache, and aluminum tooling.

Curious Chemists where campers ages 7-8 will discover the basics of physics and create their own toys and games with science.

River Adventure Camp for campers ages 11-13, includes off-site activities such as kayaking, nature exploration, survival activities, and geocaching.

Marine Biology Camp, for ages 11-13 and in collaboration with Duxbury Bay Maritime School, is designed to provide a fun and educational experience where campers learn about the ocean and the marine life that inhabits it, while also teaching them the basics of Paddlesports.

Jr. Lego Masters Camp for ages 9-10, where campers will use Legos to create complex projects ranging from Lego cityscapes to remote controlled Lego robots. 

Become a Hero Camp, for campers age 9-10, create their own superheroes, hero emblems, and hero origin stories. In a week that will take them through crafts, story-telling and outside adventures.

Multi-Media Camp for ages 9-10, is an introductory experience into different digital media such as fundamentals of video, photography, podcasting, and digital art.

The Club offers specialty Sports Camps for various ages ranging from Soccer, Basketball, and Golf to Flag Football, Junior Tennis and Pickleball. Also offered is a Sports Remix camp for ages 9-10 which is a 3-day sports variety program that teaches campers the rules and basic techniques of a new sport such as Lacrosse or Ultimate Frisbee. All info is listed on the Club’s website.

Club Campus Features
Over the past couple of years, the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield has made a number of facility enhancements including new outdoor multi-purpose sport courts and new swing sets and slide. These are in addition to their campus features of outdoor (heated) pool, splash park, Molly Fitzgerald Pavilion, air-conditioned gymnasium, playing fields, playground and swings, gaga pit, and indoor activity rooms.

To view all Summer Camp and Specialty Camp details and to register, visit www.bgcmarshfield.org. 

The Club also offers financial assistance programs. For questions or assistance, email membership@bgcmarshfield.org.

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.

Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield Announces Summer Camp 2023 with expanded Specialty Camps. Registration Now OpenRead More

College Admissions 101 – Free seminars offered at YMCA Branches in Hanover, Quincy and Wareham in May and June

HANOVER, QUINCY, RAYNHAM AND WAREHAM, MA… 

Overwhelmed by the enormity of the college admissions task? Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, founder of Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) of Raynham, MA is presenting free “College Admissions 101” seminars at local YMCA branches in May and June. 

Three seminars will be held:

In Wareham on May 31, 2023 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Gleason Family YMCA, 33 Charge Pond Road, Wareham, MA. 02571.  Register online at https://conta.cc/3n9hWN8

In Hanover on June 1, 2023 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at South Shore YMCA Emilson, 75 Mill St., Hanover, MA 02339.  Register online at https://conta.cc/3L92wRe

In Quincy on June 3, 2023 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Hale Family YMCA, 79 Coddington St, Quincy, MA, 02169.  Register online at https://conta.cc/3L6CDBp

“College Admissions 101” seminars are geared towards high school Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors, and their parents/guardians. 

Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore

Topics include:
– Choosing a college/university that is a good match for the student’s interests, lifestyle and budget
– Getting the best financial package and maximizing merit scholarship dollars 

Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore helps focus effort on colleges that academically, socially and financially are most appropriate, which puts the student in the best position to succeed in school itself as well as beyond in their career. 

Students and parents/guardians who are unable to attend a seminar may arrange for a complimentary consultation by emailing nod@personalcollegecounseling.com.

About PCCI
Founded by Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq. who has been practicing law for more than 29 years, Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) provides high school students (and parents/guardians) with one-on-one guidance throughout the entire college preparation process. PCCI’s college planning includes research and recommendations that are specifically targeted and provide the best fit to the student’s abilities, interests, finances, and family circumstances. PCCI takes into consideration university and campus life; programs, internships and study abroad; athletics (Division I, II, and III) and clubs and intramurals. PCCI manages all important deadlines for testing, applications and forms, and assists with merit-based scholarships and financial aid. 

PCCI’s services are available to students in all 50 states via video conferencing or via telephone. 
Virtual services as well as in-person services are available. PCCI is based in Raynham, MA. For more information or to arrange for a complimentary Parent/Student Personal College Consultation, contact (508) 622-5250, email nod@personalcollegecounseling.com or visit the website at https://www.personalcollegecounseling.com

College Admissions 101 – Free seminars offered at YMCA Branches in Hanover, Quincy and Wareham in May and JuneRead More

Smash Success! First Annual Bong & Pong Championship raises more than $12,000

HAVERHILL, May 5, 2023—The First Annual Bong & Pong Championship, hosted on May 1 by Stem Haverhill at the          Haverhill Renaissance Golf Club, proved a smashing success, attracting 32 teams and more than 300 participants, and raising more than $12,000 for the YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts to help support sexual assault victims.

Stem Haverhill owner Caroline Pineau applauded all of the participants and sponsors and said the event proved, once again, that cannabis entrepreneurs have added an exciting and innovative approach to fundraising and social equity in Massachusetts since legal sales began in 2018.

“I can’t express enough admiration for everyone who supported and attended this great event, not just because of the money we raised for a truly great cause, but for demonstrating once again how committed the cannabis business community is to supporting important local organizations and giving back to society,” Pineau said.

Bando Alternative Group, a home delivery and transportation business and a social equity applicant, won the Ping Pong competition, with Treeworks, a product manufacturer based in Hatfield, coming in at runner-up.

“We want to thank Stem Haverhill and the sponsors for this great event and for hosting such an incredible and fun tournament.  Bando is so appreciative to have been afforded the opportunity to compete with other Massachusetts cannabis companies in this first-ever event,” Bando said in a statement.

Eunice Ziegler, Director of Advancement for YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts, said: “Earlier this year, the Stem Haverhill team contacted us about hosting a ping pong tournament to benefit our work around sexual assault awareness and support services. The creativity floored us; on Monday, everything came to life, and there were over 300 attendees, and it was even more impactful than we imagined. The YWCA cannot thank Caroline Pineau and the Stem team enough for supporting our advocacy. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Stem and identifying more ways to reach members of our community that need our support.”

In addition to the Ping Pong competition the event featured an interactive glassblowing demonstration by Witch Dr Glass Blowing Studio of Salem along with awards for best team costumes and best individual costume.  Participants also created a community art painting, with a quote by American author Maya Angelou, which will eventually hang at the YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts.

Event co-sponsors included Witch Dr, Coast Cannabis Co., Caroline’s Cannabis, Anthologie, Levia Elevated Experiences, Lazy River Products, Pioneer Valley Cannabis Co., Treeworks Massachusetts, Rhythm, Local Roots, The Healing Rose, Happy Valley, Haze Cannabis Co., Traderoots, Stacks, Mass Alternative Care, Cannaprovisions, The Fresh Connection, 6 Bricks, The Shirt Factory, Natures Heritage Cannabis, Soulstar, Bando Alternative Group, Parabola Center, Dogwalkers, Paper Crane Cannabis, Bud’s Goods & Provisions, Zéb Boutique, Patriots Helping Vets, Seagrass, The Botanist, Fernway, Blossom Flower, Setronics, Rolling Releaf, The Heritage Club, Garden Remedies Cannabis, Citrin Cooperman, High Thirst, The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, and media partners Sensi, The Young Jurks, The Canna Mom Show, Mass Alternative Care, Traderoots and the Massachusetts Cannabis Business Association.

Smash Success! First Annual Bong & Pong Championship raises more than $12,000Read More

Old Colony Elder Services has launched an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team and appointed a new Clinician

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has announced that an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) is now available to older adults and individuals with disabilities in communities throughout greater Plymouth County. 
 
OCES received funding in a recent grant award from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) which is funded through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. OCES now offers behavioral health and wellness supports to older adults and individuals with disabilities who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care.  
 
According to an issue brief released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD), it is estimated that 20% of adults aged 55 and older have some form of mental health concern. The brief also states that among older adults, depression (which is a mood disorder) is the most prevalent mental health problem. 
 
Social isolation, transportation issues or financial issues are some of the additional challenges older adults face when it comes to accessing behavioral health services.  
 
OCES’ EMHOT supports older adults who have complex behavioral health conditions, chronic illness, substance misuse, or who are in crisis situations that may require counseling or long-term case management to improve overall wellbeing. OCES’ team provides counseling, support, referrals, and resources on a case-by-case basis.  
 
OCES’ EMHOT program is led by Deana Andrade, LICSW, Behavioral Health Manager. Alexa Moniz, LCSW, has recently been hired as OCES’ EMHOT Clinician. Moniz holds a Master’s Degree in social work from Bridgewater State University and her clinical experience includes working in geriatric care for seven years, and four years as a licensed social worker. She has worked in long-term care, case management, housing, mobile crisis, and psychiatric services in nursing homes.  
 
Referrals to OCES’ EMHOT can be made by anyone including an individual in need. To make a referral or to gather additional information from OCES’ Elder Mental Health Outreach Team, call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 
 
OCES provides vital information, resources, and coordination of services that promote healthy and safe living, and that helps older adults remain active and engaged in their lives and in their own communities for as long as possible. 
 
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.

Old Colony Elder Services has launched an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team and appointed a new ClinicianRead More

Greg Aborn promoted to President of Plymouth Solar Energy.

Ascending through the ranks, Greg Aborn, a Plymouth, MA resident, has been promoted to President of Plymouth Solar Energy, announced Fred Paris, CEO and founder of the company.

Plymouth Solar (PlymouthSolarEnergy.com ) is a regional leader in the installation and maintenance of commercial and residential solar and battery systems. The company boasts over 200 installed and on-line monitored solar systems within 50 miles of Plymouth.

Aborn has worked for the company for seven years was the third employee hired.  He was initially hired as an Operations Assistant and was later elevated to Director of Operations prior to taking over as President. There are now 10 full and part-time staffers at the growing entity.

A graduate of the University of Massachusetts/Dartmouth with a Bachelor of Science, Aborn was raised in Buzzard’s Bay, Bourne, MA and attended high school in Bourne and Barnstable. He currently resides in South Plymouth MA with his two Belgian Malinois German Shepherds Duke and Star.

“It is rewarding to help homeowners and commercial building owners obtain significant state and federal tax rebates and a defined returned on their investment while being a steward of the environment,” said Aborn.

An active outdoorsman, Aborn fishers and participates in a wide range of sports.

Plymouth Solar Energy is located at 18 Main Street Extension, Plymouth, MA. For more info visit www.PlymouthSolarEnergy.com . For a complimentary Solar Feasibility Study or questions, call (508) 746-5430 or email info@plymouthsolarenergy.com.

Greg Aborn promoted to President of Plymouth Solar Energy.Read More