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HR Knowledge Inc. Advises Small Business Owners to Brush Up on the Law

Jeffrey Garr

Employees today are well aware of their rights in the workplace. As a small business owner, are you aware of their rights? HR Knowledge, Inc., providers of integrated HR, payroll and benefits services serving organizations throughout the Northeast with offices located in the Boston metro area, advises small businesses of the importance of knowing employee rights and offers three tips for getting “in the know”.

According to Jeffrey C. Garr, CEO of HR Knowledge Inc., “Employers are not always knowledgeable of their employees’ rights. We find this to be more common in small business. As a matter of fact I just learned of an employer that requires their employees sign an agreement at hire that they cannot take a lunch break or coffee break at any time during the day. They must work their full eight hours daily without any breaks. This is in clear violation of the law, namely that those employees are allowed a minimum of two 10 minute breaks every four hours worked. ”

He continued,”Most employers are good employers; it is the few that treat their employees terribly that affect the rest of us. Nonetheless laws are laws.”

The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) is the state’s Chief Civil Rights Agency. Essentially, this government body ensures that all businesses within the State of MA are compliant in their employment of employees. Any employee who feels they have been discriminated against may file a “Charge” or a “Complaint” against that employer at MCAD. Most all complaints must be filed within 300 days of the alleged infraction.

Unfortunately, what small business owners don’t know can hurt them when it comes to employment laws and regulations. Ignorance is not bliss nor is it accepted as an excuse when in violation of the law. If you are caught not following process/procedure/law it can be costly. It is imperative to have the proper “blocking and tackling” in place as an employer to prevent frivolous lawsuits from occurring.

There are attorneys who would be thrilled to take on a case where employee rights have been violated. They take the case on “contingency” which means the employee has legal representation at no cost to them. The attorney is confident enough in the case that he/she will represent the employee on a percentage of the settlement. The employer has to pay for their own legal representation, which can cost thousands of dollars and settlements can be in the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

Garr offers 3 key tips to small business owners:

Obtain proper training. Business owners and any staff that supervises employees should be enrolled in an HR training program. The program should teach key components of effective management of employees and employee rights.

Obtain an HR Audit for your small business. A complete and thorough HR Audit will identify where an employer is not compliant or is at risk. This audit should review your employee handbook, process, procedures for hiring, firing, interviewing, reviews, job descriptions and much more.

Consider Employment Practice Liability Insurance. This is the only liability insurance that will protect an employer from lawsuits in the workplace as discussed in this article. Without this insurance the employer stands alone in claims made against them.

About HR Knowledge, Inc.

HR Knowledge, Inc. is a leading Business Process Outsourcer (BPO) serving emerging to mid-sized companies throughout the Northeast. HR Knowledge has the experience and technology to efficiently provide best-in-class integrated HR services at an affordable cost to clients. HR Knowledge’s leaders have more than 100 years of combined experience and provide expert guidance in Human Resource management, Group Benefits Brokerage, Payroll Processing & Managed Services, Financial Services and Recruiting and Hiring Process Management (HPM). Through their comprehensive Human Resource Services, HR Knowledge helps organizations minimize operational risks, reduce administrative costs and better serve their people.

HR Knowledge has been recognized as a Gold Level Broker by Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare. The company is headquartered at 905B South Main Street, Suite 203 in Mansfield and their second office is located at 890 Winter Street, Suite 208 in Waltham, MA. For more information, contact (508) 339-1300 or visit their website at www.hrknowledge.com

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Old Colony Elder Services to Hold “It’s About Time” Program for Caregivers on March 22 at Plymouth COA

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, will hold their second “It’s About Time” free workshop for caregivers on Thursday, March 22, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Plymouth Council on Aging, 10 Cordage Park in Plymouth. (In the event of snow, the workshop will be rescheduled to March 29th.)

The workshop will teach caregivers techniques and strategies for managing time and reducing stress. The topics and class leaders are:
Meal preparation with Claudia Denelle of That’s Tasty!
Time Management with Sharon Fisher of Come to Order
Relaxation Techniques with Dee Lyon of Real Life Yoga
“The ‘It’s About Time’ workshops teach strategies which help caregivers avoid burnout and remain physically and emotionally healthy while they provide essential care-giving services,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director.

The ‘It’s About Time’ workshop is offered in partnership with the Plymouth Council on Aging. OCES received a generous grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation to help fund this program.

Attendees will receive lunch and a companion book for the yoga program. Class size is limited so pre-registration is required. Respite care is available upon request.

Caregivers may register for the workshop by contacting Rochelle Sugarman at OCES (508) 584-1561 ext 312.

About OCES

Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:
Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Mass Bay Spine & Sport Physical Therapy Staff Laces Up for St. Patrick’s Day 5K Road Race

The staff of Mass Bay Spine & Sport Physical Therapy (MBSSPT) will kick up their heels, literally, on St. Patrick’s Day as they participate in second annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K Road Race in Marshfield on Saturday, March 17, 2012.

MBSSPT, a state-of-the-art orthopedic outpatient physical therapy practice based in Marshfield, has formed a team to run in the 5K Road Race which benefits the Marshfield Education Foundation.

The race begins at 10 a.m. at the Venus II restaurant located at 277 Ocean Street.

“We have quite a few runners on staff. The weather has been mild so it has made training for the race a little easier than it normally would be. We’re all excited to put our best foot forward for this very worthy cause,”noted Brendan Carman, MPT, ATC, Director of Rehabilitation, who is the team’s captain.

The staff also ran as a team last November in the Kingston Turkey Trot, which raised funds to promote the awareness of ovarian cancer.

For more information about the St. Patrick’s Day 5K Road Race, visit http://www.marshfieldstpatricksday5k.com/.

About MBSSPT

Mass Bay Spine & Sport Physical Therapy (MBSSPT) is an orthopedic outpatient physical therapy practice. MBSSPT, a state-of-the-art facility owned and operated by a physical therapist, has earned a reputation for superior clinical care and delivery of services to South Shore community members as well as physicians from Boston to Plymouth.

The practice’s highly trained staff is committed to providing clients with an experience that will ensure their condition is resolved effectively and efficiently, while empowering them with the necessary tools and knowledge to prevent future problems and maintain optimal health. All of the practice’s physical therapists are trained to rehabilitate a variety of conditions utilizing treatment techniques that include soft tissue massage/mobilization, therapeutic and strengthening exercises, neuromuscular reeducation, gait training, patient education, and lumbar stabilization, to name a few. MBSSPT accepts Medicare, Workers’ Compensation, auto insurance, and most private insurance plans.

Mass Bay Spine & Sport Physical Therapy is located at 506 Plain Street in Marshfield. For more information, visit www.massbayspineandsport.com or call (781) 319-0024.

Mass Bay Spine & Sport Physical Therapy Staff Laces Up for St. Patrick’s Day 5K Road RaceRead More

A Second Home Care Wait List Starts Today – 1,100 seniors already waiting

As if 1,100 elders on the Enhanced Community Options Program (ECOP) wait list were not bad enough, Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) were officially notified that a second wait list will be imposed beginning today.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) and 26 other ASAPs (non-profit agencies designated by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Commonwealth of Massachusetts to coordinate and provide the home care programs for elders) have been notified by the state that another home care wait list for basic services will begin March 1st. The cutback had been anticipated for some time.

This home care basic wait list comes on top of an existing wait list of 1,100 elders who need a higher level of support through the ECOP, which is a program for elders who are eligible for nursing home care, but can be helped to live at home. The new wait list is also on the heels of the FY13 budget proposed by Governor Deval Patrick which will cut 242,000 meals for elders.

According to an instruction released today by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, elders with limited formal/informal supports and a critical unmet need of grocery shopping, along with elders who have a critical unmet need of meal preparation will not get into the home care program.

For OCES, the Brockton-based regional elder services agency serving seniors their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, this latest cutback means an estimated 60 more elders will not receive services this year.

According to Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ executive director, “OCES already has 47 elders on its ECOP wait list. In addition, the loss of funding in the meals program would mean that 12,000 fewer meals are delivered across our 23 communities next year.”

In January, the state estimated that it would cost $3.8 million additional in FY2012 to end the ECOP wait list. The basic home care program is currently $1.4 million in deficiency. By June of 2012, it is estimated that almost 1,200 elders will be on the basic home care wait list. That means 2,500 seniors could be waiting for home care and ECOP services by the close of this fiscal year.

Al Norman, executive director of Mass Home Care, said “Community based services like home care are saving state and federal taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Compared to 2001, the state has saved 3.6 million Medicaid-funded patient days in nursing homes, as more elders are diverted home instead.”

The Commonwealth has avoided an estimated $592 million this year through lowered institutional utilization. “This is the ‘home care dividend’ that should be invested back in community care,” Norman said.

There is no waiting list for nursing facility care in Massachusetts; in fact there is a 13% vacancy rate in nursing facilities. Adjusted for inflation, the state home care program has lost $23 million in funding since 2009, according to the Mass Budget & Policy Center.

“If we are squeezing down the home care program today, what are we going to say to the baby boomers when they need care in the future?” Norman asked. Today in Massachusetts, one in four households (653,103 households) has someone over the age of 65. 19% of the state’s population is over 60—and seniors are the fastest growing age group over the next twenty years.

“The Administration likes to say we are a ‘Community First’ state,” Norman concluded. “With these cuts, it looks like a ‘Wait First’ state.”

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts: Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

A Second Home Care Wait List Starts Today – 1,100 seniors already waitingRead More

29 and counting. Norwell resident Brenan McGarrigle celebrates 29th anniversary as matchmaker with eLove Matchmaking

Brenan McGariggle
Brenan McGariggle of eLove Matchmaking

NORWELL, MA… 

Not too long ago, before 40 became the new 30, the number 29 was the magic number people would use as their age year after year—or “29 and counting”. In celebrating her 29th anniversary with eLove Matchmaking, one of the world’s largest professional introduction services, Norwell resident Brenan McGarrigle is happy to use that same response—29 and counting.

“You don’t hear of too many people working for the same company for almost three decades any more, let alone somebody who loves that job. I’ve been blessed on both counts,” said McGarrigle. “One of the real ironies about my career in matchmaking is that I started dating my husband at about the same time as I started here. Fortunately, that’s 29 and counting, too.”

McGarrigle earned a degree in counseling from the University of New Hampshire. After interviewing for a few social work jobs, she realized that a career in counseling might be a bit depressing because she could only help people so much. Almost accidently, she stumbled onto the opportunity to be a matchmaker with eLove. With more than 600 marriages to her credit in the years since, the rest as they say is history.

“One of the most rewarding parts of the job is that many of the people we matched live in the community and we have kept in touch over the years,” said McGarrigle. “It’s not unusual for me to go to the bank or grocery store and run into one of our clients who’s now happily married with children.”

During the course of her career, McGarrigle has seen a number of changes in the industry. The most notable of those being the advent of online dating.

“I’d be lying to you if I told you the online dating sites made me a little nervous at first. Online dates have actually reaffirmed the way we go about matching clients,” said McGarrigle.

eLove Matchmaking initiates a thorough, one-on-one interview with their clients as well as conducting a mandatory background check. Consequently, eLove matchmakers are in tune with their clients’ likes and dislikes, life and career goals, and values. This not only enables eLove matchmakers to find suitable matches, but to provide information to their clients that in an ordinary dating scenario they might need five to 10 dates to find out that same information.

“There is a bit of a science to what we do but Brenan has a gift I’d like to bottle and share with all our matchmakers,” said Paul A. Falzone, CEO of eLove Matchmaking. “Twenty-nine years doing anything is an accomplishment. What Brenan has done over her career here is extraordinary. When it comes to this anniversary, we really do hope its 29 and counting.”

To arrange a consultation with a professional matchmaker or for a membership, contact eLove toll-free at 877–356-8370 or visit www.elove.com. 

eLove is all you need

eLove Matchmaking, the next evolution in dating, has arrived.  eLove is the first “life stage company” within the dating industry to provide different levels of dating services, based on how serious singles are about meeting their soul mate.  Never before has a dating service catered so completely to everyone regardless of their age, sex, or relationship goals. With more than 50 matchmaking offices in 25 states, eLove Matchmaking is everything that singles have been wishing for whether they are looking for casual dating or a serious, committed relationship.                                                                                    

eLove’s Matchmaking offices are located in: Arizona (Scottsdale/Phoenix);  Arkansas (Bentonville, Fort Smith, Little Rock); California (Costa Mesa, Palo Alto, Sacramento, Walnut Creek, San Diego, Santa Rosa, Westlake, West Hollywood); Connecticut (Glastonbury, Stamford); Illinois (Chicago, Normal, Schaumburg); Indiana (Carmel, Ft. Wayne); Kansas (Overland Park, Wichita); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Massachusetts (Newton, Norwell, Shrewsbury, Stoneham); Michigan (Bingham Farms); Minnesota (Bloomington); Missouri (Springfield, St. Louis); Nebraska (Lincoln, Omaha); Nevada (Las Vegas); New Jersey (Iselin, Saddle Brook); Ohio (Cincinnati); Oklahoma (Broken Arrow, Oklahoma City, Tulsa); Pennsylvania (Mechanicsburg, King of Prussia); Rhode Island (Warwick); South Carolina (Greenville); Tennessee (Memphis, Franklin); Texas (Austin, San Antonio); Virginia (Falls Church, Richmond); Wisconsin (Appleton, Elm Grove, Madison).

For more information on eLove, visit www.elove.com.

29 and counting. Norwell resident Brenan McGarrigle celebrates 29th anniversary as matchmaker with eLove MatchmakingRead More

South Shore Skin Center and Spa to Hold Expo in Plymouth on March 21, from 6 to 8 pm.

South Shore Skin Center and Spa, one of the most progressive dermatology practices in Massachusetts, is holding an Expo on

March 21, 2012 from 6 to 8 pm. at their Spa, located at One Scobee Circle, Unit 3 in Plymouth.

South Shore Skin Center and Spa’s Expo will feature Information on skin rejuvenating treatments, aesthetic treatments, age management treatments, therapeutic massage, professional skin care and the Refer-A-Friend program.

In additional to showcasing their services and products, South Shore Skin Center and Spa will also introduce Clear + Brilliant (by Solta Medical), a new approach to laser skin enhancement that takes skin care to a new level by helping to prevent the unwanted signs of aging.

There will be light refreshments, raffles and special offers for attendees.

“We’re very excited to unveil Clear + Brilliant laser skin enhancement at our Expo. Our practice’s Spa offers the most comprehensive cosmetic and anti-aging treatments in the area. The Expo will be a showcase of our treatments and professional skin care products,” noted Richard F. Eisen, M.D., Board Certified Dermatologist and Director of South Shore Skin Center and Spa.

Registration for the Expo is required. Register at South Shore Skin Center and Spa’s website http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=ayrtvmcab&oeidk=a07e5mqyu1o47039179
or call 508-503-8513.

At the Forefront of Skin Care
South Shore Skin Center and Spa offers cosmetic dermatology treatments for wrinkles, age spots, acne scarring, birthmarks, hair removal, tattoos and more using Fraxel re:store DUAL and Fraxel re:pair lasers, ePrime, Candela VBeam, Gentlelase, Gentle YAG and Alex lasers. The practice also offers therapeutic massage, VISIA Complexion Analysis and a full range of affordable anti-aging services including Botox, Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm and other wrinkle fillers; volumizers such as Radiesse and Sculptra; Thermage; microdermabrasion; medical grade facials, micropeels and chemical peels.

The Spa’s product lines include Clarisonic PRO Sonic Skin Cleansing System, Vivité, SkinMedica, SkinCeuticals, Jane Iredale-The Skin Care Makeup and Latisse.

For questions about the Expo, visit www.southshoreskincenter.com or contact (508) 747-0711.

About South Shore Skin Center and Spa
South Shore Skin Center and Spa is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services. South Shore Skin Center and Spa is a 2011 Best of South Shore Living Winner.

Founded in 1984, South Shore Skin Center and Spa is a unique team of physicians, physician assistants, nurses, medical assistants, surgical assistants and licensed aestheticians who are all specialists in dermatology and share a passion for excellence and a commitment to providing the highest level of care to both children and adults in the greater Boston area.
South Shore Skin Center and Spa’s medical dermatology office and Spa is located in Unit 3, and their Mohs Surgical Unit for skin cancer in the lower level of the Scobee Medical Building, One Scobee Circle in Plymouth, Mass. (508) 747-0711 and at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202, in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340. For more information, visit the website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.

South Shore Skin Center and Spa to Hold Expo in Plymouth on March 21, from 6 to 8 pm.Read More

Veteran helping veterans. Operation Stripes for Vets returns for 2012

YELLOW DAWGAmherst, NH…

Operation Stripes for Vets Franchise Promotion Giveaway, sponsored by Black Dawg Franchise Group LLC, has returned for 2012, and one lucky returning Iraq/Afghanistan veteran will win his or her own YELLOW DAWG STRIPING franchise valued at $28,000.

Started in 2011 by Black Dawg Franchise Group President, Jack Child (himself an Air Force veteran), as a way to draw attention to the stubbornly high unemployment rate for returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and as a way to say “Thank You” for their service, Operation Stripes for Vets awarded its first franchise to Andrew Smith of Pilot, Virginia, an Army Purple Heart Recipient, on Memorial Day, 2011.

When asked how YELLOW DAWG STRIPING fit in with his personal goals, Andrew had this to say: “By working hard and investing my time and effort in my own business it allows me to provide a more comfortable life for my family. The customers are great and given the nature of the work I can schedule my work, meet the needs of my customers, and still have time for my family. I have been impressed with Jack and the entire YELLOW DAWG crew and I give thanks every day for this opportunity.”

For Iraq and Afghanistan vets who are interested in winning their own YELLOW DAWG Parking Lot Line Striping franchise, entering the giveaway is easy. Just visit www.StripesForVets.com for the Giveaway Rules and submit a video on the Yellow Dawg Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/YellowDawgStriping) explaining why you should win the franchise. Then tell all your friends to “like” your entry. The top ten vote-getters will become finalists (others may be chosen as finalists as well – see Contest Rules) and the winner will be chosen by Black Dawg’s panel of judges.

The franchise and equipment is worth $28,000 and includes the Franchise Fee of $7500 (waived), a Graco State-of-the-Art Airless Line Striping machine valued at over $8,000, premium traffic paint donated by The Sherwin-Williams Company, stencils, tools, uniforms, complete training and a custom cargo trailer with YELLOW DAWG logo and markings (graphics donated by Fetch Graphics). 

“One of the things we hope to do with our Operation Stripes for Vets is to make the public aware of the difficulties our returning veterans are having finding work when they get home. We can’t give away a franchise to everyone who enters, but we hope this giveaway is used as a model or an inspiration for other businesses to do what they can to help those who have served our country,” said Child.

Andrew Smith, last year’s winner, offered this advice for those thinking about entering the Operations Stripes for Vets Giveaway: “First of all, thank you for your service. You have already accomplished so much with your life, but don’t stop now. Just do it! You really do have a chance at winning this and if you do win it will change your life for the better!”

YELLOW DAWG STRIPING is the Pavement Marking Affiliate of the BLACK DAWG multi-brand franchise system, which also includes BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT and BLUE DAWG POWER WASH.  Parking Lot Line Striping is a unique niche business and YELLOW DAWG STRIPING is a leader in the industry.  For franchise information Call 1-800-998-3294 or visit www.FranchiseDawg.com.

Veteran helping veterans. Operation Stripes for Vets returns for 2012Read More

Lakefront Living Realty launches senior division for downsizing older Baby Boomers looking for lakefront homes.

Scott Freerksen, The Lake Guy
Scott Freerksen, "The Lake Guy"

MANSFIELD, MA… 

While a lot of the real estate market is at a standstill, Baby Boomers looking to downsize is a trend that continues to grow. With many older Boomers looking to realize the dream of living on a lake, Mansfield, MA-based Lakefront Living Realty, LLC, a full-service real estate brokerage specializing in uniting buyers and sellers of lakefront property, recently established a special division to meet the needs of this market.

“On one hand, purchasing a lakefront home is different than any other real estate. On the other hand you have the downsizing Baby Boomers who want to live on a lake, but without sacrificing the comforts and amenities of the home they now enjoy,” said Scott Freerksen, AKA “The Lake Guy” and broker/owner of Lakefront Living Realty. “It’s a challenging mix when you consider other factors important to late Boomers like; will this home be able to accommodate my kids and grandkids, can I downsize without downgrading, what will it be like to get around my lakefront home when I’m in my 70s or 80s, and concerns like that.”

What else makes the Baby Boomer market unique/challenging? According to a recent national survey of Coldwell Banker real estate agents who represent largely late Baby Boomers, only 28% said their clients were motivated by finances, while 49% expressed a stronger desire to live a little more simply (80% were looking looking to trade down to a smaller home). Adding another interesting wrinkle, according to TopRetirements.com, is that more than 50% of Boomers might move out of state to achieve that objective.

Another trend Freerksen has noted among his late Baby Boomer clients is an interest in buying lakefront property and installing a modular home.

“Let’s face it, many of the lakefront homes were mere cottages people built as summer getaways and were not meant to be year-round residences,” said Freerksen. “Modular homes give homebuyers, senior or otherwise, the opportunity to have the great location and comfort. Yet with waterfront regulations, matching recreational needs to your home and location, evaluating lake conditions, there’s a lot to consider.”

Lakefront Living Realty specializes solely on the purchase and sale of pond and lakefront property in all six New England states. In addition to their lakefront expertise, the company offers a current and complete database of lakefront properties on their website that features only direct lakefront homes. All the “riverfront”, “oceanfront”, “across the street”, “within walking distance” homes are taken out of the site.

“We knew we wanted to downsize and a lakefront home was desirable but also had no idea about where to start and the potential red flags to be on the lookout for,” said Ed Hargreaves, age 65, who purchased a lakefront home in 2011. “Having an expert like Scott looking out for our best interests helped make our dream of living on a lake come true—without any hiccups or surprises.”

For more information on Lakefront Living Realty’s services, you can visit their website at www.lakefrontliving.com. Additionally, Scott Freerksen holds seminars on the keys to buying and selling lakefront property. The next seminar is being held on March 25, from 10am to 2pm, at the Mansfield Holiday Inn, 31 Hampshire Street in Mansfield.

The price of admission is $29 and you’re allowed to bring a guest at half price or $15. Each attendee will receive more than $300 of take-home materials and be entered into a drawing to win a free kayak. Part of the proceeds from the seminar will be donated to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity. To register, go to http://www.lakefrontliving.com/seminarKeys.asp or call 508-377-7167.

About Lakefront Living Realty, LLC

Based in Mansfield, Massachusetts, Lakefront Living Realty, LLC is a full service real estate brokerage specializing solely on the purchase and sale of pond and lakefront property in the six New England states. Owner Scott “The Lake Guy” Freerksen, a Real Estate Broker and Realtor, founded Lakefrontliving.com in 2003 as way to support his real estate practice and to bring to potential buyers and sellers a website that features direct lakefront homes. All the “riverfront”, “oceanfront”, “across the street”, “within walking distance” homes are taken out of the site.

Lakefront Living Realty has one mission: To passionately unite Buyers and Sellers of lakefront property. For complete information, please visit www.lakefrontliving.com or call Scott at 508-377-7167.

Lakefront Living Realty launches senior division for downsizing older Baby Boomers looking for lakefront homes.Read More

Seasoned construction company South Coast Improvement launches new Custom Home Building & Renovation

South Coast Improvement, based in Marion, MA and one of the largest commercial design, construction and management companies in the Northeast, has formally expanded their services to offer custom home building and renovation throughout Massachusetts.

South Coast Improvement are the experts in construction and renovation of healthcare facilities, educational institutions, commercial properties, assisted living facilities, senior living and residential communities throughout New England, New York and New Jersey. They have established a Residential Divison to cater to those looking for custom home design and construction or renovation.

South Coast Improvement is a general contractor with the systems and expert team of architects and subcontractors in place to provide custom home design and building from $200K and up, to renovation projects estimated at $100K and up.

“The commercial renovation projects that we’ve done are extremely complex and are usually completed while occupied – meaning the construction is done in extremely sensitive environments such as healthcare, senior living and/or educational institutions, while the residents are there. The same understanding of code regulation and adherence to strict compliance, high quality and labor guidelines on commercial projects applies to all of our residential projects,” explained Thomas Quinlan, president of South Coast Improvement.

He continued, “We oversee all jobs and hold a property owner’s hand from the project’s start to finish.”

Property owners are provided with a guaranteed, no-risk bid. South Coast Improvement’s crews work every single day until a job is complete. The company successfully completes most $100K renovation projects within six weeks. Custom home building projects are completed in six months or less. The company is renowned for their high quality, efficiency and high standards of compliance which sets them apart from their competitors.

According to Rick Tobojka of the Harwichport Resort Club, a timeshare destination located in the village of Harwichport, MA, “Our project was not a simple one and all challenges were handled with the firmness, fairness and decisiveness required to keep a project moving… Because of the commitment and dedication of Tom and Henry Quinlan, their tradesmen and office personnel, our project was executed as planned and pleasantly met the expectation of our management and unit owners.”

For more information about South Coast Improvement’s custom home building and renovation, contact Henry Quinlan at (508) 748-6545 or visit their website at www.southcoastimprovement.com.

About South Coast Improvement

Headquartered in beautiful Marion, MA, South Coast Improvement offers an extensive range of design, construction and construction management services regionally in the Northeast and across the U.S. With decades of experience, the company is renowned for high quality, efficiency and high standards of compliance which sets them apart from their competitors. They are are engaged in projects across sectors that include healthcare, institutional, commercial, hospitality and planned communities/residential. The company offers pre-construction analysis, construction management, general contracting, design/build services, capital improvement, building envelope improvements and interior renovations.

South Coast Improvement maintains memberships and professional affiliations with the

Assisted Living Facility Association, the American Society of Interior Designers, the International Facility Managers Association, the Community Associations Institute, as well as International Real Estate Managers and the Greater New Bedford Chamber of Commerce.

South Coast Improvement is located at 208 Wareham Road in Marion, MA 02738. For more information, contact (508) 748-6545; email Information@southcoastimprovement.com or visit the website at www.southcoastimprovement.com

Seasoned construction company South Coast Improvement launches new Custom Home Building & RenovationRead More