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The underrated and underutilized benefit of Zoom

People are now used to appearing on camera.

That’s it.

How is that a benefit? Well, if you’re looking to get testimonials for your business it adds a new wrinkle.

First, a video testimonial will usually provide more options than simple text. You can use it on several different social media channels, your blog and even on the home page of your website—what better way to introduce people to your business than a satisfied customer/client?

Now, the person giving the testimonial may not like how they look or sound. No problem if you record the session. Microsoft Word has a transcribing function that enables you to get a fairly accurate transcript of the interview. Then, it’s just a matter of cleaning it up and utilizing the best quotes. Here’s an example of that below:

Now, the person giving the testimonial may not like how they look or sound. No problem if you record the session. Microsoft Word has a transcribing function that enables you to get a fairly accurate transcript of the interview. Then, it’s just a matter of cleaning it up and utilizing the best quotes. Here’s an example of that below:

There is some finesse involved in getting a decent testimonial. Particularly if the person is not necessarily a comfortable speaker. A few ways to get your interviewee comfortable is send a few questions in advance of the call so they can prepare. You will also want to have a little friendly chit-chat prior to getting into the questions as a warm up.

You really don’t need to many questions. It can be as simple as:

  • What was the situation that necessitated you hiring my company?
  • What did my company do?
  • What was the end result?
  • If you had to pick only one aspect of the service you received what would it be?

The answers to these questions typically provide enough material for at least one short testimonial. Usually more than one.

One caveat to using Zoom for testimonials. As stated above, people are now comfortable using Zoom. Too comfortable. They may not show up as dressed up as you would like a testimonial to be. They may not be logging on from a quiet, well lit place. So you really have to emphasize that you will be recording and possibly using the testimonial in promotional materials. This may take several reminders.

If this sounds like something you would like to do for your business but you don’t have the bandwidth or background to take this on, drop a line and we can discuss a testimonial strategy.

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Solar energy curious?  Seminar offers answers.

Solar Energy – The Financial Perspective.

Solar energy curious?  This is an opportunity to get objective, straight-forward answers. 

Fred Paris of the Wind Sun Institute and owner of Plymouth Solar Energy is offering a free presentation and discussion of Commercial Solar Energy, with emphasis on financial models that consider tax credits and depreciation methods for 2023 projects. The free, public event is set for Thursday, January 26, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Jones River Landing, 51 Landing Road, Kingston MA.

The commercial solar energy market is stimulated with government tax credits, accelerated depreciation, and new methods for non-profit and municipal entities to receive cash in place of tax credits they cannot use.

As utilities upgrade the grid to accommodate commercial solar projects, the upgrades are focused on energy input to the grid rather than upgrading for additional electrical load. The customers installing solar of any significance pay the utility for these upgrades.

Topics will include –

• Key financial variables for commercial and residential solar

• Investment Tax Credits: who gets them it and how much                        

• 2023 Applying the 80% Bonus depreciation for Solar Investments                                  

• Determining the IRS basis for 5-year solar                                     

• Applying Accelerated Depreciation for 2023

• Understanding REC incentives and SMART payments

• Non-Profit strategies for financial incentives

As a technical business instructor, Paris has taught Strategic Business Planning at Northeastern University, Business Values and Renewable Energy sessions at Babson College, and private technical lessons for organizations across the United States. Paris holds BA and MBA degrees. Locally, he designed and developed the solar energy curriculum at Massasoit Community College and is the owner of Plymouth Solar Energy.

Seating is limited. Please RSVP to – https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejlbnewkea6cdb4f&oseq=&c=&ch=

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.

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Hot Shots Mixes Dance, Art, and Music with Soccer in New Creativity Club for Girls. Program begins Jan. 22

MARSHFIELD, MA… South Shore parents and their daughters ages 2-7 will learn how to dance, sing, play instruments, draw, paint, do Irish Step Dancing, and play soccer on 10 Sunday mornings this winter as part of a new Hot Shots “Creativity Club” program at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield.

The Creativity Club will run for 10 Sunday mornings from January 22 through March 26, 2023 at the Boys & Girls Club, 37 Proprietors Drive in Marshfield. The sessions are held at 9, 10, and 11 a.m. and are open to all girls ages 2-7 on the South Shore. 

Each of the Creativity Club’s 10 weeks will have a special theme with the full hour dedicated to either art, dance, music or soccer. And on the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day, the girls will learn Irish Step Dancing.

The instructors are all artists, dancers, or musicians with years of experience working with very young children at some of the very best Boston-area arts organizations: the South Shore Conservatory in Hingham and Duxbury, The South Shore Arts Center in Cohasset, and the Pembroke School of Performing Arts.

Incorporating the arts will be another way to achieve the Hot Shots five-part mission of having fun while building the girls’ self-esteem, parental bonds, skill sets, and love of reading (Hot Shots holds a story time every week and sends the girls home with five books every Sunday). 

“Over the last 26 years, thousands of parents and their daughters have had so much fun playing soccer with one another that we thought it would be even more fun to add dance, art, and music this winter,” said John Wilpers, founder and director of Hot Shots Soccer for Girls, a program of the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. 

“Instead of the typical youth program experience where the grown-ups are just taxi drivers and observers at a distance, we have 100 percent parent participation,” Wilpers said. “The moms, dads, and caregivers do everything with their daughters. This winter, they will dance, paint, make music, and play soccer together. As a result, they will have tons of fun and build special memories and strong bonds with their daughters.”

Parents and caregivers of the nearly 5,000 girls who have graduated Hot Shots over the last 26 years love what the experience has meant for their girls and themselves.

Anastasia Segalla points to her soccer drawing last fall at Hot Shots
(photo by John Wilpers)

“The impact Hot Shots has had on my daughter is astounding,” said Meaghan Segalla. “She is very shy by nature, and Hot Shots has helped her come out of her shell. She has become confident in her soccer and artistic abilities. She is proud of what she’s accomplished and believes in herself more than ever.”

The fee is $195 (need-based scholarships and reduced rates are available). Registration is online at https://www.bgcmarshfield.org/hot-shots-create

For more information, email john@bgcmarshfield.org or text/call 617-688-0137.

About Hot Shots 
The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield is a partner and the “home base” of Hot Shots, the popular sports programs for girls ages 2 to 6 years old with the mission to build girls’ self-esteem, parental bonds, skills, love of reading and fun.

Since 1996, nearly 5,000 girls have graduated from Hot Shots. Most girls return year after year, and many come back to coach after they’re too old to play. For more information about Hot Shots, visit https://hotshotssoccer.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.

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Boutique HR firm launches in Easton, MA to help businesses with HR strategy, talent acquisition, training, compliance and more

EASTON, MA… Helping businesses achieve the next level of success through onboarding, retention strategies, performance management programs, training, compliance and other areas of human resources (HR), Ross Insight Solutions offers comprehensive outsourced HR services to small and medium-sized businesses across all industries.

Carolyn Ross, J.D., Founder, HR Consultant, Mediator & Coach

Based in Easton and serving Massachusetts, Rhode Island and beyond, the recently launched Ross Insight Solutions is an HR firm founded by Carolyn Ross, J.D., an HR expert with nearly 25 years of leadership experience in all aspects of human resources management across diverse industries. 

A Tailor-Made Approach 
Ross Insight Solutions enables businesses to solve their people needs through better HR practices. They work with business owners and/or management to provide a customized approach in areas that include: HR strategy and alignment with business goals and objectives to facilitate success; talent acquisition programs for better hiring and onboarding of employees; compliance with employment-related legal and regulatory requirements; employee relations and effective performance management programs; tailored training, development and coaching for management and staff; total rewards (compensation and benefits) programs; and creating a workplace culture that not only increases employee retention, but also maximizes employee engagement.

Standing Out 
Prior to her extensive career in human resources, Ross practiced law in a general practice and owned one of the first mediation businesses in the northeast.  Ross Insight Solutions’ legal expertise and extensive experience in all aspects of HR management across diverse industries is what differentiates the firm from others. The firm is uniquely qualified to assess and ensure that companies remain in legal and regulatory compliance and have the necessary policies and procedures in place to mitigate risk.

Ross holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology/business from Skidmore College along with a Juris Doctor degree from Suffolk University Law School. She holds certificates in HR Management from Bentley University; Coaching for HR Professionals from Center for Creative Leadership (CCL); Leadership Development for HR Professionals from CCL; is a certified mediator by Coast-to-Coast Mediation; and was formerly a certified Personal Renewal Group facilitator through Renee Trudeau & Associates.

Ross is a member of Northeast Human Resources Association (NEHRA), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Senior Human Resources Network (SHRN), Vistage, and Spahk Network. She is a resident of Easton, MA.

“Lack of time and resources is a challenge for many businesses experiencing significant growth and demand,” said Carolyn Ross, founder. “When the focus is entirely on day-to-day operations, it means the only HR tasks that are completed are the absolute basics. That’s where we can help.”

Ross Insight Solutions provides expert HR services to companies that do not have a dedicated in-house HR person or department, or that need temporary augmentation of their existing HR team in order to:
•    Create HR processes, programs and policies
•    Recruit and onboard new staff
•    Train and develop management and staff 
•    Ensure legal and regulatory compliance 
•    Improve employee retention and engagement

The firm also provides interim HR leadership when companies are recruiting for an HR leader or their regular HR leader is on a leave of absence.

To schedule a complimentary HR consultation and to learn more about Ross Insight Solutions, visit https://rossinsightsolutions.com.

About Ross Insight Solutions
Ross Insight Solutions is enabling small and medium-sized companies to transform their business through their people. As a human resources (HR) consulting firm, Ross Insight Solutions’ legal expertise and extensive experience in all aspects of HR management, across diverse industries, differentiates them from other firms. Ross Insight Solutions offers a tailor-made approach to HR management, support and strategies to help organizations and their people achieve the next level of success. Services include talent acquisition/onboarding, training/development/coaching, performance management, total rewards, compliance, retention/engagement/culture, strategic planning and more. To arrange a complimentary HR consultation or for more information, contact 774-250-5005 or visit https://rossinsightsolutions.com.

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Green Goddess Supply Launches Elite, Curated Seed Bank

Green Goddess Supply, a Massachusetts-based producer of personal home grow systems, today announced the launch of TheAutoflowerStore.com, an ecommerce website dedicated to offering a line of elite, curated, Autoflower cannabis seeds. “Like many aspects of the cannabis industry, the seed scene is a bit of a mess,” said Eric Robichaud, CEO of Green Goddess Supply. “We work with folks who want to grow Autoflower strains, and many of them are beginners. There are certainly a bunch of seed banks online, but the experience for the uninitiated can be fraught with peril, in many ways.” 

First, according to Robichaud, the quality of the genetics can be all over the road, ranging anywhere from unstable first-generation seeds, up through very high quality, stable genetics, with everything in-between. The company used to make recommendations, pointing people towards the quality breeders, but that didn’t really solve the problem – they still needed to find a place to buy them, which cascaded into the second problem: confusion within the buying experience.

“Our customers want feminized [aka female] Autoflower seeds. But we find that pretty much every seed bank carries either only photoperiod seeds, or both traditional photoperiod seeds AND Autoflower seeds. They also typically carry mixtures of “regular” and feminized varieties. We’ve seen beginners get lost and accidentally end up buying the wrong thing – photoperiod instead of Autoflower, and/or “regular” seeds instead of feminized, and so forth,” said Robichaud.   

Additionally, most of the seed banks have inconvenient purchasing options – they’re either overseas, which introduces import / customs issues as well as potential issues trying to process credit card transactions out of the country, or they can’t take normal credit cards and use a combination of crypto currencies and obscure third-party wallet systems.

“We sorted that all out,” said Robichaud, “and have curated a line of quality genetics from trusted breeders. Most of the breeders we work with are more “craft” breeders with deep levels of expertise, as opposed to beginners and/or “seed factories.” All of our seeds are specifically feminized Autoflower seeds so that consumers won’t be confused buying the wrong product.”  And, Robichaud adds, the website is an otherwise “normal” site that can accept credit cards. 

The DEA recently ruled that since there’s no THC in the seeds, all seeds are classified as “hemp seeds” and thus are not regulated by the U.S. government.  This has opened up the ability for seeds banks to work with these products more easily. Mr. Robichaud remarked “The home grow industry is evolving rapidly, as evidenced by the quality genetics coming from craft Autoflower breeders.”  He continued, “In addition, the recent DEA classification of seeds and the Biden Administration’s recent announcements about new cannabis prison release program seem to indicate the tides may be turning to the benefit of all home growers, and anyone with investment in this exciting space.”

Autoflower plants are hybrids that retain the cannabinoid and terpene profile of the original “traditional” cannabis parent, crossed with a subspecies called “Ruderalis” to acquire the “Autoflower” characteristics (fast growing, small and compact, with an automatic flowering cycle).

About Green Goddess Supply: Green Goddess Supply, is a “Cultivation to Consumption” cannabis technology lifestyle brand offering a line of high-quality products to grow, store, prep and consume hemp flower and cannabis products. The company sells direct to consumers at MSRP through its website, and also offers wholesale and distributor accounts to brick and mortar storefronts and industry distributors. Green Goddess Supply is a privately held company headquartered in Hopedale, MA with a satellite office in California. For more information about Green Goddess Supply, visit the website at https://www.GreenGoddessSupply.com/  or visit The Autoflower Store at https://TheAutoflowerStore.com

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Type One Fitness in Norwell holds Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony

HINGHAM AND NORWELL, MA…Scores of individuals, families, business neighbors and supporters of Type One, Inc. were in attendance at the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at Type One Fitness at 386 Washington Street, Route 53, Norwell on Saturday, December 3, 2022.

Type One Fitness is a 8,000+ square foot boutique fitness center with a unique focus on diabetes wellness that is open to everyone. 

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Senator Patrick O’Connor read a proclamation and presented an Official Citation from the Massachusetts Senate recognizing Type One Fitness and extending congratulations to Type One Fitness founders Paul Foti and Tyson Sunnerberg.

Senator Patrick O’Connor reads the proclamation and presents an Official Citation from the Massachusetts Senate recognizing Type One Fitness and extending congratulations to Type One Fitness founders Paul Foti and Tyson Sunnerberg.

Following the ribbon cutting, attendees had an opportunity to tour the facility and meet the leadership team, fitness and nutrition instructors and personal trainers. Light refreshments were offered along with fresh juices provided by Type One Fitness’ business neighbor Press Juice Bar. Louie Bello brought the entertainment with a live musical performance.

“We had a great turnout at our grand opening and we look forward to working with families and individuals from all around the South Shore who are looking for life-changing results in health and fitness,” said Sunnerberg. “We’re getting ready to kick-off a number of exciting programs after the holidays as people begin to focus on achieving their New Year’s resolutions.” 

Type One Fitness is equipped with the latest technology, media, cardiovascular equipment, ellipticals, bikes, rowers, treadmills, strength training, free weights and functional and flexibility machines, The center works toward ensuring that they provide clients and members with a daily program of exercise and a healthy approach that perfectly suits their lifestyles and needs.

Fitness, Nutrition, Workshops & Support
Type One Fitness offers experienced and credentialed fitness trainers, nutritionists, state of the art equipment and studios, comprehensive workshops and support for those living with diabetes. Essentially, all-around well-being is enhanced through unique features, services, and amenities that include: personal training; group exercise; Technogym Teambeats™; Les Mills™ programming; strength and conditioning; sports performance; nutrition coaching; and diabetes workshops for individuals living with type 1 diabetes, as well as their parents, siblings, friends and caregivers.

The “Why” of Type One Fitness
Type One Fitness is a boutique fitness center with a unique focus on diabetes wellness that is open to everyone. Type One Fitness provides a place where the type 1 diabetes community can find support for the autoimmune disease and end the stigma of what type 1 diabetes is and who it affects through education and awareness programming. Type One Fitness provides a fully integrated health program for type 1 diabetes patients and the general public. The center offers a place for real time conversation and education for those living with type 1 diabetes. A place that improves the lives of others in the community by offering support not only for individuals with diabetes, but also for parents and caregivers, partners, siblings and friends as well. Outside of a medical facility, there is currently no facility that welcomes and merges a comprehensive type 1 diabetes connection with the general public. Type One Fitness does just that while enabling those affected by the disease to obtain any non-medical support that they need. 

Type One Fitness is the brainchild of Type One, Inc. founders Paul Foti and Tyson Sunnerberg. Sunnerberg was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 21 years old and knows firsthand that the right resources and support make all the difference in the world when it comes to managing this disease. Five years ago, at the age of five, Sunnerberg’s daughter Elyse was also diagnosed with type 1, which intensified his drive toward a cure, and provided a firsthand understanding of the constant challenges the entire family faces when living with an individual with type 1 diabetes.

Offering fitness, nutrition and support, the center is open Monday – Thursday 5:30 – 11 AM and 2 – 7 PM, Friday 5:30 – 11 AM and 2 – 5 PM, and Saturday – Sunday 8 AM – 12 PM.

To learn more about Type One Fitness and all that the athletic center offers, visit the website at https://typeonefitness.org

Type One Fitness is part of Type One, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that recognizes a world free of type 1 diabetes and is dedicated to that future by raising public awareness and funds toward a cure through research. For more information about Type One, Inc. which is headquartered in Hingham, MA, visit https://typeonerenegaderun.com.

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Let it Grow, Let it Grow, Let it Grow! Giving the Gift of Ganja, with 12 Months of Free Grow Lessons Included.

BOSTON, MA (December 13, 2022) – All-inclusive home grow systems are the gift that keeps giving.  With that in mind, Eric Robichaud of Green Goddess Supply exclaims “Why not light up the holidays for your favorite flower loving friend and surprise them with an Autoflower (fast growing hybrid) cannabis grow system? They’re in-stock and shipping for the holidays!”

Green Goddess Supply is the producer of the award-winning home grow system called “The Armoire” which is designed to look like furniture and meld nicely into any home décor.  For the 2022 holiday season, the company has sprouted a new line of Grow Tents to expand the company’s Autoflower hybrid concierge committed home grow options.

Everything you need and an assembly that is easier than Ikea furniture.  Additionally, streamlined grow lessons, support and advice, and concierge care with live, experienced growers is included in the mix. 

ATS-42 GROW TENT SYSTEM

The new ATS-42 Grow Tent System is a complete kit that contains all of the hardware you need to start growing — just add seed, soil and water!  The system includes a super high quality tent with thick, sturdy 22mm poles and a super thick 2000D woven nylon fabric (many tents on the market are a looser weave, lighter weight 600D fabric).  The tent is 4′ wide, 2′ deep and 6′ tall (48″ x 24″ x 72″). The MSRP for the entire system is $899.00

This kit contains not one, but TWO independently controllable grow lights (the company’s own proprietary Unicorn Series LED grow lights), 2 internal fans, 1 external exhaust fan with LCD Controller Module, carbon scrubber (air filter), 2 fabric grow pots, 2 plastic 17″ plant saucers, a light timer, power strip / surge suppressor, a padlock and UV-400 protective glasses. 

Although you can do whatever you want with the hardware once you get it home, this entire kit was designed to support Green Goddess Supply’s own proprietary “High Yield + Easy Grow Autoflower Protocol” that makes it super easy for anyone to get an average of 1/4lb of flower per-plant in as little as 60 days!

Easy Setup

Getting started with our tent kit easy. Included are illustrated instructions for setting up the tent itself, and step-by-step instructions for installing the fans and lights. 

The whole process takes about 30 minutes, no tools required. Then it’s as easy as plugging in the power, planting your seeds, and adding water.

If you have any problems with setting up the system, the company has detailed FAQs, helpful videos, and the Concierge Support Team will happily jump on a call and walk you through the process.

Optimization

The ATS-42 home grow system is optimized to cultivate auto-flowering strains and consistently produce eye-popping yields every cycle, with minimal fuss by following our “High Yield + Easy Grow Autoflower Protocol.”

Not sure what Autoflowers are? No worries – Green Goddess Supply is there to help. Grow Concierges will point you in the right direction to find appropriate, high quality seeds, and more.

Not your granddaddy’s tent.

There are several problems with old-school grow tents that sow confusion and fear: they’re complicated, large, and can be overwhelming to figure out. 

This is why Green Goddess created this new, improved grow tent.  The ATS-42 grow tent is an easy-to-use, low maintenance growing and nurturing system that gives you impressive results in a quick and consistent time frame, and includes all of the components (fans, lights, tent, and more) so you don’t have to figure anything out on your own.

And if you’re ever confused or concerned, the Concierge Service is designed to handhold you through the process!

Results are quick and impressive. The system needs only a few minutes of attention a day for incredible results. Additional highlights include UV safety glasses and a childproof zipper. The devil is in the detail! Lol. A small padlock to secure the main opening for growers with children in the house is included.

About Green Goddess Supply

Green Goddess Supply, is a “Cultivation to Consumption” cannabis technology lifestyle brand offering a line of high-quality products to grow, store, prep and consume hemp flower and cannabis products. The company sells direct to consumers at MSRP through its website, and also offers wholesale and distributor accounts to brick and mortar storefronts and industry distributors. Green Goddess Supply strives to exceed expectations and delight customers with quality products and amazing customer service. Green Goddess Supply is a privately held company headquartered in Hopedale, MA with a satellite office in California. For more information about Green Goddess Supply, visit the website at https://www.greengoddesssupply.com

Let it Grow, Let it Grow, Let it Grow! Giving the Gift of Ganja, with 12 Months of Free Grow Lessons Included.Read More

Drive-Thru Polar Express on Saturday, December 17th at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

MARSHFIELD, MA… A magical Drive-Thru Polar Express will be held at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield on Saturday, December 17, 2022, from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield invites families throughout the South Shore to join them in celebrating the holidays at their third annual Drive-Thru Polar Express at 37 Proprietors Drive in Marshfield, MA 02050. This is a FREE event and there is no need to sign up.  

All Aboard!
The Drive-Thru Polar Express conductor presents each vehicle with a ticket for families to drive along the “track” which is elaborately decorated with scenery that includes inflatables and eight four-foot high handmade wooden reindeers, and stop at each holiday-themed station for entertainment and goodies. 

Santa Claus will greet everyone and there will be special guest performers including the Forbes School of Irish Step Dancing, the Marshfield High School Dance Team and Carolers from Scout Troop 2424. Santa’s elves will give out sweet treats such as hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes. Even “Fido” gets a (canine) treat. 

Every child will be presented with a children’s book as well as new school supplies.

New Station Stops 
This year’s Drive-Thru Polar Express includes a few new station stops sponsored by Lapels Dry Cleaning, Starbucks in Marshfield and New Hope Chapel.

The last stop is the North Pole mailbox where every child will have an opportunity to post their letter to Santa.

“The Drive-Thru Polar Express is a really special experience that brings everyone together,” said Jim Bunnell, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. “We’re very fortunate to have so many volunteers, community groups and sponsors involved as it makes for a truly festive and memorable event.”

The Boys & Girls Club would like to thank their sponsors and community partners: Blue Cross Blue Shield; Kiwanis Club of Marshfield; Lapels Dry Cleaning; Mia Regazza; Molly Fitzgerald Memorial Fund; Rockland Federal Credit Union; Staples; Starbucks; Tiny & Sons Glass and Veronica’s Sweetcakes.

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.

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Founder of Braintree, MA-based Harbor Mortgage Solutions honored by NRMLA; President elected to Board

BRAINTREE, NORWELL AND WEYMOUTH, MA… George Downey, CRMP, founder of Braintree-based Harbor Mortgage Solutions and a 40-year industry professional in the Massachusetts real estate and residential mortgage business, has been recognized by the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) with a distinguished service award. The firm’s president, Chris Downey, George’s son, has been elected to the Board of Directors for the 2023 term.

George Downey, a Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional and a longtime reverse mortgage industry advocate, previously served on the Board of Directors of the NRMLA and has been a consistent member of the reverse mortgage trade organization for 13 years. He was recognized by the NRMLA’s executive committee during their Annual Meeting and Expo in early November.

George Downey, CRMP
George Downey, CRMP

Downey worked as a team with Brett Kirkpatrick, his longtime partner at Harbor, promoting legislative reform for Massachusetts senior homeowners over the years. Downey has authored numerous articles on issues related to senior financing and reverse mortgage. His specialty is consulting to professional advisers and homeowners on home equity or “housing wealth” as an important and valuable resource to improve financial planning and extend retirement security. He is a frequent guest speaker on radio shows and public forums promoting senior education and best practices for reverse mortgages and retirement planning.

Previously, Downey served 13 years on the board of the Massachusetts Mortgage Association and was an education member of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. He has been a longtime activist in community service, including on Emeriti Board of Directors of the Greater Boston Food Bank and as Past President of the Boston College Alumni Association Board of Directors. He was a co-founder and Board Chair of Christmas in April*Boston (renamed Rebuilding Together® Boston), a charity that repairs and refurbishes the homes of low-income families and senior homeowners in the Greater Boston area.  In 2003, he received the Massachusetts Point of Light Award, which recognized his role in developing the Rebuilding Together Boston program in Massachusetts. He is a resident of Weymouth, MA.

“I’m truly honored to receive the NRMLA’s recognition and proud to have had the opportunity to serve on the Board,” said Downey. “I’d also like to credit my longtime colleague and partner Brett Kirkpatrick, who has been instrumental in many of our company’s efforts and diligently worked with me on many legislative issues.”

Chris Downey, president of Harbor Mortgage Solutions, has been elected to the NMRLA Board of Directors for the 2023 term. Chris Downey has been with the firm for over 35 years and succeeded his father as president in 2004. He oversees conventional mortgage activities at Harbor, as well as the general management of the firm. 

Chris Downey, who is a resident of Norwell, MA has also been an active volunteer in community service programs, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Greater Boston Food Bank, Second Helping, and Rebuilding Together® Boston (formerly Christmas In April * Boston).

“I’d like to thank the NRMLA executive committee and I look forward to representing the NRMLA and continuing the legacy of my father,” said Chris Downey.

About Harbor Mortgage
Harbor Mortgage Solutions, Inc. is a family-owned, residential mortgage company serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Recognized as a leading housing wealth management authority, Harbor Mortgage is dedicated to serving the unique home financing and often complex needs of senior homeowners, while also promoting those needs among consumers, professional advisors, state legislators and industry regulators. 

Harbor Mortgage (NMLS #2846, MA-MB2846, and RI 20041821LB) is located in Braintree, MA. For more information, contact 781-843-5553 or visit HarborMortgage.com.

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