Unleash the Power of The Press

admin

Boston photographer offers free LinkedIn headshots to recently laid-off federal workers

photo of Barry Braunstein, owner of Barry Braunstein PHotography

In response to the growing number of federal employees impacted by workforce reductions this year, Boston-area photographer Barry Braunstein is offering free professional LinkedIn headshots to help those affected make a strong first impression as they re-enter the job market.

The complimentary headshot is available to any federal employee laid off in 2025. Proof of federal employment such as a paystub or a termination email/letter is required. The 30-minute sessions will take place at Barry Braunstein Photography’s Wellesley studio and are offered by appointment only.

“I recently heard an interview with the author Michael Lewis on his new book Who Is Government?: The Untold Story of Public Service. I was moved by the stories about the work federal employees do. Often overlooked and underpaid, these people chose to serve our country for a career and my heart goes out to those who lost their jobs, especially when it’s out of their control,” said Braunstein. “A great headshot can help someone stand out during their job search, and I wanted to do something tangible to support federal workers during this challenging time.”

Each session includes tips and recommendation for clothing/hair/makeup, a brief consultation prior to the start of the session, a professional studio portrait session, and one retouched digital image ideal for LinkedIn and other professional platforms. There’s no cost or obligation.

“I also have a number of LinkedIn resources to offer—workshops, books, etc.–that can help people create/refine their LinkedIn profile,” said Braunstein.

More details and booking information can be found at:
https://www.barrybraunsteinphotography.com/federalworkers

This is not Braunstein’s first initiative in donating his services for a cause. He’s been an active participant in Portraits for Patriots, a volunteer service organization that provides portfolio-quality portraits to service members, spouses, and Gold Star families free of charge, nationwide. He’s also donated his services to silent auctions for numerous causes, including Pathway to Possible, REACH, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and more.

Braunstein, who specializes in executive portraits and corporate headshots, works with professionals and companies across Greater Boston and beyond. He’s also active in the business community and is a member of the Charles River Chamber of Commerce, the Metrowest Chamber of Commerce and My Pinnacle Network.

About Barry Braunstein Photography

Barry Braunstein is a Boston-based photographer specializing in executive and business headshots, environmental portraits, and business branding photography. With a background in both business and photography, Barry brings a strategic and approachable perspective to helping professionals build visual credibility and confidence. For more information, visit https://www.barrybraunsteinphotography.com/ or call 781-237-0495.

Boston photographer offers free LinkedIn headshots to recently laid-off federal workersRead More

Celebrate National PB&J Day all month long with Between Rounds in Support of the Friendly Hands Food Bank

MANCHESTER, EAST WINDSOR, SOUTH WINDSOR, TOLLAND, TORRINGTON, AND VERNON, CT… This April, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Cafe is celebrating National Peanut Butter & Jelly (PB&J) Day all month long with a delicious way to give back. 

National PB&J Day falls on April 2nd, but this year, for every PB&J sandwich sold during April, Between Rounds will donate $1 to the Friendly Hands Food Bank to support local families in need.

Popular with both children and adults, the PB&J sandwich at Between Rounds is served on a choice of bagel, bread, or roll. 

“Enjoy this classic favorite while helping to make a difference in the community,” said Jerry Puiia, co-founder of the family-owned Between Rounds. “The Friendly Hands Food Bank is a wonderful program that supports those in need through their essential food pantry and other initiatives that make a lasting impact. We look forward to coordinating on future community programs.”

Based in Torrington, CT, the Friendly Hands Food Bank is North West Connecticut’s largest-serving food pantry.

“I would have never imagined my favorite sandwich I made as a 7-year-old, Between Rounds would make to help feed those in need! Friendly Hands Food Bank is the perfect partner in this endeavor. IT’S PEANUT BUTTER JELLY TIME CONNECTICUT!” said Reese Hopkins, “Reese on the Radio” on NewsTalk 1080 WTIC-AM.

“Friendly Hands Food Bank is blessed by the incredible work of Between Rounds Bagels & Reese on the Radio with this amazing program aimed at feeding the food insecure in CT,” said Karen Thomas, Executive Director, Friendly Hands Food Bank.

The PB&J sandwich is available at all Between Rounds stores: East Windsor; South Windsor; Vernon; Manchester and Tolland, CT.  To view locations, visit betweenroundsbagels.com

North West CT’s Largest Food Bank
Founded in 1991, the Friendly Hands Food Bank is more than a food pantry; it is a community. As North West Connecticut’s largest-serving food pantry, its mission is to alleviate food insecurity, prevent food waste, and nourish the communities they serve. Every day, the Friendly Hands Food Bank brings people together, working side-by-side to ensure that neighbors in need have access to nutritious food and vital resources. For more information, call 860-482-3338 or visit https://friendlyhandsfoodbanknwct.org.

About Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café
Founded in 1990 by brothers Jerry and Joseph Puiia, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-onsite bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffees and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience at five locations: East Windsor; South Windsor; Vernon; Manchester and Tolland, CT. 

The Puiia hallmark is manufacturing and selling their own bagels, which sets Between Rounds apart from other cafés. Between Rounds has wholesale bagel partnerships with independent, family-owned and multi-location grocery retailers, innovative dairy delivery services, hospitality groups, and others in Connecticut and Massachusetts. 

Franchise and wholesale opportunities are available. Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT. For more information about their unique franchise offerings, contact (860) 291-0323 or visit https://betweenroundsbagels.com

Celebrate National PB&J Day all month long with Between Rounds in Support of the Friendly Hands Food BankRead More

Total Spectrum Learning Center Now Open in Wyoming

Front row, left to right:  Isaac Brooks, Madaline Lankford, Melissa Furman, Aubrey Carver, Ashley Latour, Kaleigh Heer, Jill Jones, Claudette Lozano, and Trisha Johnson
Back row, left to right: Lisa Heeter, Shane Myas, Kyle Verhulst, Makinzie Polley, Breanna Webb, Joe Spencer, Bill Hahn

No Waitlist and Expanded Year-Round Services for Greater Grand Rapids Area Families

WYOMING, MI… Total Spectrum, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, has recently opened the doors of their new Learning Center at 2024 Health Drive SW, Suite B in Wyoming, MI 49519. 
 
Total Spectrum is Michigan’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of in-home and center-based autism services for children and young adults ages 2-21 years. The new Wyoming Learning Center provides key services in addition to ABA therapy, including early intervention, parent education, social skills programs, and vocational preparation.
 
The ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house was held on March 19, 2025 at the new 4,600 square-foot Learning Center. During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Madaline Lankford, Legislative Aide to State Representative John Fitzgerald, shared greetings and Claudette Lozano of the South Kent Chamber of Commerce offered remarks. Guests included Kyle Verhulst, Executive Director of Spartannash YMCA, members of the South Kent Chamber of Commerce, and families throughout the community.
 
Attendees had an opportunity to tour the facility and meet Total Spectrum’s leadership team, Clinical Director Melissa Furman, MA, BCBA, LBA, and Senior Clinical Director Trisha Johnson, MA, BCBA. Spring-themed activities for families were offered during the open house.
 
“We hope to bring families in Wyoming and the surrounding areas compassionate, contemporary ABA therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD),” said Melissa Furman, Clinical Director. “Through individualized support, we aim to empower each child to express themselves confidently and gain independence to succeed in school and life. We couldn’t be more excited to open our doors and offer these life-changing services to the community.” 
 
With no waitlist and flexible treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules, the center is now enrolling new clients in Wyoming, Grandville, Grand Rapids, Kentwood, East Grand Rapids, Cutlerville, Forest Hills, Walker, and Comstock Park.
 
The Total Spectrum Learning Center in Wyoming is part of the LEARN Behavioral network, one of the nation’s leading providers of contemporary ABA therapy. Total Spectrum has been delivering evidence-based services for more than 10 years, helping children and young adults with autism find success and reach their unique potential.
 
For more information or to enroll a child at the Wyoming Learning Center, call 231-221-0900 or visit https://totalspectrumcare.com/locations/wyoming.
 
About LEARN Behavioral
 
LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder. With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of research-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.

Total Spectrum Learning Center Now Open in WyomingRead More

Cape Cod dad honors fallen son with second fundraising tour of MLB stadiums in 2025

MLB’s Nike RBI program to receive donations from Jackson Yelle Foundation as part of Eastham, MA man’s ongoing tribute to his fallen son.

photo of Jackson Yelle and Scott Yelle at an earlier visit at Boston's Fenway Park

DATELINE: BOSTON, MA and EASTHAM, MA…

In 2024, Scott Yelle completed the tour of Major League Baseball stadiums he began with his late son Jackson. At each stop—18 in total–he dropped off a $1000 check for the MLB Nike Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI)program in each city. In April 2025, Scott will start a tour of the first 12 stadiums he and his son visited, making a donation from the Jackson Yelle Foundation at each stop. The first being at Fenway Park in Boston on April 12.

Jackson Yelle, a baseball player at Elon University in North Carolina, was struck by an impaired, hit-and-run driver on April 30, 2023. He was 21. That same year, the Yelle family formed the Jackson Yelle Foundation, 501(c)3 non-profit organization, to put good into the world by giving to causes Jackson would care about.

“Jackson had a zest for life and baseball. Helping other young men and women grow through the game he loved is something he would endorse wholeheartedly,” said Scott Yelle, a sales and marketing consultant and charter boat skipper from Eastham, Massachusetts. “On April 12, we’ll kick off this year’s fundraising effort by sponsoring a workshop for Boston’s Nike RBI, which is overseen by the Red Sox Foundation. We will also be making a $7,000 donation to the Boston MLB Nike RBI. The Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport will be the main presenter at the workshop. After that, it’s a two-month odyssey to visit the stadiums Jackson and I first visited.”

The Nike RBI program supports the development of young men and women through baseball and softball. Since its inception, the Nike RBI program has served approximately two million young people. Many Nike RBI alumni have played in MLB, including Jackie Bradley, Jr. (most recently with the Kansas City Royals), Hunter Greene (Cincinnati Reds), Alek Thomas (Arizona Diamondbacks), and Dominic Smith (New York Yankees).

After Fenway Park, Yelle will attend and make $1,000 donations in 11 other MLB cities. Those visits include: Colorado (April 20); Oakland/Sacramento (April 22); San Francisco (April 24); San Diego (April 27); Houston (May 9); Washington DC (May 11); Baltimore (May 13); New York Mets (May 14); New York Yankees (May 16); Minnesota Twins (May 25; Cleveland (May 28).

As part of the donation ceremony at each stadium, Scott Yelle will be part of the in-game experience. During last year’s tour, he was on the field and even threw out the first pitch in a few ballparks. For this year’s tour, Yelle will be wearing special Catch2Heal t-shirts.

Catch2Heal is an additional piece to the Jackson Yelle Foundation fundraising campaign. Inspired by the book A Year of Playing Catch by Ethan Bryan, Scott began a 365 playing-catch-every day journey on January 27, Jackson’s 23rd birthday. He will continue daily games of catch on the two-month tour, which will also include a stop at the legendary Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa and Nike RBI programs that aren’t affiliated with MLB clubs (there are 130 Nike RBI organizations worldwide). You can follow his catch journey at https://www.instagram.com/catch2heal/.

“It’s appropriate that we visit the baseball field made famous in the movie Field of Dreams, as touring all 30 stadiums was our dream. It’s bittersweet that Jackson’s not here physically with us, but he’s definitely here in spirit,” said Yelle. “We welcome and invite friends, family, and baseball fans to visit me before the game for a catch or at the game. And if you can’t make it, you can follow the stadium tour on our website’s blog, Instagram and Facebook.”

To donate, visit the Foundation’s website at https://jacksonyelle.com/. Donations beyond the $12,000 will go towards the Jackson Yelle Family Foundation’s efforts to support causes that provide resources/financial support to help young people “live their best lives” #justlikejackson.

“We—my wife Andrea and daughter Lexi—can’t thank MLB, our wonderful Board of Directors, donors, and everybody else who have been so supportive,” said Scott. “I can’t wait for our first stop at Fenway Park to get this thing started. Jackson would have loved it.”

In addition to making a donation via https://jacksonyelle.com/, you can make a check payable to “Jackson Yelle Foundation” and send to Jackson Yelle Family Foundation PO Box 86, North Eastham, MA 02651.

Cape Cod dad honors fallen son with second fundraising tour of MLB stadiums in 2025Read More

Go to the Head of the Class

This segment of Business Way Outside the Box focuses on how to “Go to the Head of the Class.” We bring on both a college admissions expert and career counselor to talk about pointing students and their families in the right direction. Our guests include Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore of Personal College Consulting, Inc. and Nicole Precourt of Waves of Change.

As an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) and founder of PCCI, based in Raynham, MA, 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 college and beyond. Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore does this by ensuring that the student is taking the right classes which builds a strong foundation; showing them how to use SAT scores as a tool to their advantage; assisting in researching and finding the right school for each student; scheduling college/university visits and interviews; and assisting with the entire application process.

Nicole Precourt is an academic and career coach and founder of Waves of Change based in Norton, MA. Nicole explains, “Career exploration is all about understanding yourself – your passions, interests, skills, and values – and using this self-awareness to map out a path to a fulfilling future. I am here to help you connect the dots between who you are and the many career and educational possibilities available. Let’s embark on this journey together, discovering your potential and creating a roadmap to your dream career or educational goal.”

To contact our guests – Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore of Personal College Consulting, Inc. visit https://www.personalcollegecounseling.com/. For Nicole Precourt of Waves of Change, visit www.wavesofchangecareers.com/.

Go to the Head of the ClassRead More

LEARN Behavioral Opens New Autism Learning Center in Cary, NC. Ribbon-Cutting and Open House to be held April 3

No Waitlist and Flexible Hours for Wake County Area Families­­ 

CARY, NC… Priorities ABA, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to announce the grand opening of its new Cary Learning Center with a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Open House on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 3-6 p.m. at 598 East Chatham Street, Suite 135, Cary, NC, 27511. This event is open to the public.

Priorities ABA is Cary’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of in-home and center-based autism services for children and adolescents ages 1-13 years. The new Cary Learning Center provides key services in addition to center-based, in-home, and community-based ABA therapy, including diagnostics.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held with the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, and attendees will have an opportunity to tour the facility and meet the leadership team. 

Spring-themed activities for families will be offered during the Open House, including photos taken with the spring bunny in a sensory-friendly and supportive environment.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families by expanding our services to greater Cary, including Wake County and surrounding areas,” said Emily Cogdell, HSP-PA, BCBA, Regional Clinical Director of the Cary Learning Center. “We value being a part of the Cary community and look forward to collaborating with fellow organizations and professionals to help find success for every child and adolescent in our care.” 

Key Features of the Cary Learning Center: 

·      4,600 square-foot facility with an indoor gross motor area and a teen room for physical and social development.

·      ABA therapy, which includes a classroom-like environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.

·      No waitlist and flexible treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules.

·      Serving children and adolescents, ages 18 months to 13 years old, with personalized therapy plans.

·      Conveniently located near Cary’s WakeMed Soccer Park (between NC 54 and I-40), easily accessible for families in the region.

The center is now enrolling new clients in Cary, West Raleigh, Apex, Morrisville, and the Research Triangle Park areas with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.

The Cary Learning Center is the third center-based ABA therapy location for Priorities ABA to open, with existing Learning Centers in Jacksonville and Fayetteville, NC.

Priorities ABA, part of the LEARN Behavioral network, is one of the nation’s leading providers of compassionate autism care. For more than 20 years, Priorities ABA has been delivering evidence-based services, helping children and adolescents with autism find success and reach their unique potential.

For more information or to enroll a child at the Cary Learning Center, call (252) 341-4192 or visit https://prioritiesaba.com/locations/cary/

About LEARN Behavioral

LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder. With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of research-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.

LEARN Behavioral Opens New Autism Learning Center in Cary, NC. Ribbon-Cutting and Open House to be held April 3Read More

Is your LinkedIn profile working? LinkedIn Leverage seminar outlines how to Link In.

Does your LinkedIn profile just sit there like a billboard hidden in a basement? Your LinkedIn profile is a marketing tool. You can revise it and put it to work to attract the more than 1.1 billion LinkedIn members worldwide. The LinkedIn Leverage seminar will show you, step-by-step, how to transform your LinkedIn profile and get it out of the basement.

The seminar will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 9 – 10:30 a.m at the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce, located in the Plymouth Industrial Park at 100 Armstrong Road, Suite 204, Plymouth MA 02360.

Seminar participants will learn how to maximize the “Headline” section and use it as a SEO-based sales tool that works best with clear, concise keywords and phrases.

Additionally, attendees will learn how to update the “About” section to underscore the USP (Unique Selling Proposition), problems you solve, expertise you bring to the party and offer simple call-to-action. Another course topic is how to highlight the “Features” section to showcase your work – including photos, testimonials, and stories/case studies.

Steve Dubin and Joe D’Eramo of PR Works, a public relations firm serving clients regionally and nationally, will provide their insights from more than 20 years of helping clients with their LinkedIn presence. 

Reservations are required. The seminar is limited to 30 participants. The cost is $19 per person. RSVP here.

For additional information, contact Steve Dubin, SDubin@PRWorkZone.com, (781) 582-1061.

Is your LinkedIn profile working? LinkedIn Leverage seminar outlines how to Link In.Read More

Godot Arrives in Kingston, Mass. this April.

Celebrating its 25th season, True Repertory Theatre will bring Samuel Beckett’s groundbreaking play “Waiting for Godot” to life this April. Performances will be held at the Beal House, 222 Main St. in Kingston with evening performance on April 4, 5, 11 at 8PM and matinees on April 6, 12, 13 at 3PM.

Tickets are $25 general admission and $22 for seniors and students. Group discounts of $20 a ticket for 10 or more available upon request.   Tickets can be purchased online or at the performance. Online purchases can be made at TrueRepTheatre.com.

“We chose Waiting for Godot because now, more than ever, this feels like the right work at the right time,” said Donald Sheehan, who serves as the Artistic Director of True Rep.

The play is about two people living in a chaotic world who struggle to hold onto hope, who have invested in someone they know nothing about, Godot, to deliver their future. As they wait, they entertain one another, debate their existence, test their resilience, and provide unexpected humor, wisdom, and hope.

“The challenge of this play, for the actor, is to be completely honest and open — only then do we, as an audience, begin to recognize ourselves in these relationships,” remarked director, Victoria Bond. “Hopefully, people will not only recognize themselves, but one another, as well.” 

As the author of the play Samuel Beckett said, “What are we doing here, that is the question. And we are blessed in this, that we happen to know the answer. Yes, in the immense confusion one thing alone is clear. We are waiting for Godot to come.” 

Directed by Victoria Bond of Plymouth this modern production stars Mark Reid of Hull as Estragon, Donald Sheehan of Pembroke as Vladimir, Ryan Guimares of Pembroke as Pozzo, Stephen Lee of Randolph as Lucky, and Robby Silenzi of Halifax as the Boy.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit TrueRepTheatre.com.

Godot Arrives in Kingston, Mass. this April.Read More

Is your LinkedIn profile working? LinkedIn Leverage seminar outlines how to Link In.

Like a billboard hidden in a basement, your LinkedIn profile just sits there. Your Linkedin profile is not a resume, VC or business card.  It is a marketing tool. You can revise it and put it to work to attract the more than 1.1 billion LinkedIn members worldwide.

The LinkedIn Leverage seminar will show you, step-by-step, how to transform your LinkedIn profile.  The seminar will be held at the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce offices, located in the Plymouth Industrial Park at 100 Armstrong Road, Suite 204, Plymouth MA 02360 , on Wednesday, is scheduled April 23, 9 – 10:30 a.m.

Seminar participants will learn how to maximize the “Headline” section and use it as a SEO-based sales tool that works best with clear, concise keywords and phrases. Additionally, attendees will learn how to update the “About” section to underscore the USP (Unique Selling Proposition), problems you solve, expertise you bring to the party and offer simple call-to-action. Another course topic is how to highlight the “Features” section to showcase your work – including photos, testimonials, and stories/case studies.

Steve Dubin and Joe D’Eramo of PR Works, a Public Relations firm serving clients regionally and nationally, will provide their insights from over 20 years of helping clients with their LinkedIn presence. 

Reservations are required.  The seminar is limited to 30 participants.  The cost is $19 perperson. RSVP to https://shorturl.at/HL17O. For additional information, contact Steve Dubin, SDubin@PRWorkZone.com, (781) 582-1061.

Is your LinkedIn profile working? LinkedIn Leverage seminar outlines how to Link In.Read More