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Diana DiGiorgi, Chief Operating Officer of OCES, Honored as she Retires

Diana DiGiorgi

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, announced that Diana DiGiorgi, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of OCES, has retired from the organization after 26 years. 

Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan honored Ms. DiGiorgi for her leadership, dedication and commitment with an official Proclamation for her 26 years of service during a celebration that included the agency’s Board of Directors and staff at OCES’ Brockton office on Main Street. 

Ms. DiGiorgi, who holds an MBA from Northeastern University, began her career at OCES as Finance Director in 1996. At that time OCES had 9 programs, an office on 1 floor of their current building, 80 employees and $7.9 million annual revenue. After her appointment to CEO in 2006, succeeding former Executive Director Edward Donovan, DiGiorgi expertly led OCES through a period of rapid growth and expansion of services and programs, along with increased staff and offices. During this time, she also held positions of Treasurer and Vice President on the Mass Home Care Association and served as co-chair of the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness (ICHH) Committee on Elder and Chronic Homelessness, working to build partnerships that enhance coordination to maximize housing and service resources. 

In 2017, OCES’ Board of Directors announced senior management restructuring and made changes to build upon the agency’s strong positive reputation, while continuing to meet consumers’ increasing needs, embracing new opportunities, and encouraging growth within the organization. Ms. DiGiorgi took on the new role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) to concentrate primarily on internal business operations and Nicole Long was appointed CEO to concentrate primarily on external relationships. 

A Legacy for the Community
During DiGiorgi’s tenure, OCES was honored with several awards and experienced many milestones. In 2007, OCES received the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility. In 2009, OCES received the Economic Development Impact Award presented by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, OCES’ Adult Family Care (AFC) Program was awarded a three-year Accreditation status, the highest award available, from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). 

Milestones included creation of the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force; establishment of the first Supportive Housing Program in Brockton; and formalization of an Internship Program with Bridgewater State University – all of which continue today. In 2013, the first Elder Abuse Awareness event was held in Brockton. Healthy Living Workshops and other programs were launched. OCES opened a second office on South Meadow Road in Plymouth, which also houses its dedicated Volunteer Center. DiGiorgi oversaw the purchase and several renovations of the Main Street building which serves as OCES’ corporate office and reflects OCES’ longtime business, economic and community commitment to downtown Brockton. 

By 2019, OCES had expanded to 20 programs, two offices, and 244 staff and $58.9 million in annual revenue. 

“Diana’s vision, leadership and compassion truly set her apart and it has been an honor working with her over the years,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “Diana played an integral role in building a solid foundation for OCES, upon which we will continue to broaden our reach and expand access for generations to come. Congratulations Diana, and best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement!” 

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

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Fifth generation joins Paul J. Cazeault & Sons Roofing, based in Osterville and Plymouth, MA.

Drew Cazeault, fifth generation of the Cazeault family to be involved in the roofing business, has been named Sales Representation and Project Manager with Paul J. Cazeault & Sons Roofing, based in Osterville with additional locations in Orleans and Plymouth, MA.  A long chain of working Cazeault family members date back to 1927 when the company was founded.

Drew is a native of Osterville, MA and has returned to Osterville to work in the family business.  His ties to the town include a stint as a camp counselor for the Barnstable Recreational Camp as a high school student.

He is a recent graduate of Coastal Carolina University, based in Conway, South Carolina.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on marketing/sales.

Drew worked on and off for Paul J. Cazeault & Sons Roofing from age 13 on during weekends, school vacations and summers. He experienced most aspects of the industry from repairing traditional roofing to metal roofing.

In his new sales position, Drew meets with customers, determines their needs and wants and provides a comprehensive proposal for possible next steps.  In many cases, he also helps supervised projects once they are in progress.

Cazeault Roofing maintains offices at  1031 Main St, Osterville, MA, 22 Giddiah Hill Road in Orleans,  and 47 Liberty Street, Plymouth, MA.  The family owned and operated business has been providing roofing services to home and business owners in Eastern Massachusetts since 1927.  

“We are delighted to add another Cazeault to the growing family business,” noted Russell Cazeault, President.  “Drew has roofing in his blood and will be a great resource to our customers and crews.”

Paul J. Cazeault & Sons Roofing offers both roof replacement as well as exterior repairs including trim & rot replacement, new siding, or gutters installation.  Roofing options include asphalt shingles, metal roofing and fabrication, cedar roofing, copper roofing and flat roofing.  Roofing choice depends on the home’s aesthetic style, budget, and energy efficiency needs. Cazeault Roofing also services many commercial customers for both repairs as well as replacement.

For more information or arrange an appointment contact Paul J. Cazeault & Sons Roofing, www.cazeault.com,  508-428-1177 .

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“Cannabis 101 for the Cannacurious” is the topic for a complimentary presentation at High Hopes, Hopedale.  21+ sessions set for  Saturday August 27, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Are you a potential first time cannabis user?  Or are you a Baby Boomer returning to cannabis after many years?  Are you looking for more information about using cannabis for anxiety, sleep issues, chronic pain? Or do you seek a euphoric state?

The “Cannabis 101 for the Cannacurious” presentation by nationally recognized cannabis educator Shari Berman MS, addresses the frequently asked questions by cannabis newbies and old school cannabis veterans.  What are the myths and facts of cannabis?  Is the Indica or Sativa strain a better fit for you?  What is the best delivery method? Is it better to smoke cannabis or savor gummies and baked goods? What accessories are helpful?

Additional questions to be addressed include dosing?  How do you start low and go slow?  How do you avoid a bad experience?

The August 27, Saturday, event will include two separate sessions set at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.  After each presentation, Ms. Berman will be available for questions and product insights.

Ms. Berman received a Masters Degree in Cannabis Science and Therapeutics from the University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy.  She has worked in healthcare to improve the patient experience for the last 13 years. As a two- time cancer survivor, she became passionate about including the patient voice in all aspects of healthcare including the co-design of healthcare solutions.

Ms. Berman moved into the cannabis arena after publishing an article in STAT news and The Boston Globe entitled “I wanted to try medical marijuana. Why couldn’t my doctor help me?” There is a clear need for educating people wanting to use cannabis as an alternative therapy, however there is little if any support or guidance from their personal physicians. She helps bridge the gap in knowledge.

“Bringing objective and credible information to the community is a key component to our mission,” noted Hopedale resident and High Hopes Founder/CEO Russell Bogartz.  He added, “A well informed cannabis user is a happier, healthier person”

High Hopes is a recreational cannabis dispensary, owned and operated by Hopedale residents. The prides itself on providing an Elevated Experience that transcends what you would expect in a dispensary.  The staff is knowledgeable, passionate, and eager to guide guests to the right product(s) for them. It is not a cookie cutter operation, but a unique experience.

For more details about the Anniversary celebration or the recreational cannabis dispensary, please visit High-Hopes.biz or the store location of 1 Menfi Way, Hopedale MA.  Store Hours are 7 days a week, 10:00 am until 9:00 pm.  Phone is 508-381-0565 and email is info@high-hopes.biz

“Cannabis 101 for the Cannacurious” is the topic for a complimentary presentation at High Hopes, Hopedale.  21+ sessions set for  Saturday August 27, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.Read More

PR Pointer – The power of recommendations

Joe D’Eramo

By Joe D’Eramo

One of the worst kept secrets around is that yours truly writes a Substack newsletter entitled My Home Office Hacks. As the name implies, the newsletter shares ideas on how to improve the work from home/home office experience. This week was a particularly monumental week for My HOH (my nickname for it). We gained 14 new subscribers in one day.

How did that happen? While I’ve been fairly proactive in asking people to subscribe, I hadn’t done much to promote My HOH over the last two days. Except recommending two or three Substack publications I typically read.

Well, as it turns out, the publishers of those publications reciprocated with a recommendation of My HOH in their newsletter. And that’s where the new subscribers are coming from.

This phenomenon has me thinking about marketing efforts we do on behalf of PR Works clients. In particular, testimonials.

We tend to think of testimonials only in terms of the recipient of the flattering words or the five-star Google Review. It’s also an incredible way to promote your business as well. Particularly if you can incorporate your business and what you do in the testimonial. For example:

“In writing My Home Office Hacks, I focus on people who work from home or have a home-based business. Many of those folks do not have a dedicated IT staff or resource. Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter provides usable, practical IT pointers a non-techie can understand to keep their computers and other electronics humming.”

Yes, the testimonial talks about Rick’s newsletter. Yet it also contains something about mine. This opportunity exists in every testimonial or review opportunity.

So the next time somebody asks you for a review or testimonial, don’t think of it as doing somebody a favor. On the contrary, they just did one for you. Plus, the beauty of the review or testimonial is you don’t have to wait to be asked to give one. Just do it and see what comes your way beyond a reciprocal review or testimonial.

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Massachusetts’ first female-centered cannabis-themed golf tournament

The Green Goddess Invitational, a first-of-its-kind cannabis-themed golf tournament by, for and of women entrepreneurs in the young legal industry, will take place at the Renaissance Golf Club in Haverhill on Monday, August 1 at 11 a.m.

Caroline Pineau, owner of Stem in Haverhill and one of the first economic-empowerment retail cannabis licensees in Massachusetts, is the founder and chief sponsor of the event.  It will feature a nine-hole tournament, panel discussions, lessons with a LPGA golf pro, unique cannabis educational offerings, wellness clinics, a painting workshop and other activities.

Sen. Diana DiZoglio, a candidate for state auditor, will officiate the shotgun start and Methuen City Councilor Eunice Ziegler will sing the national anthem.  Former MA Cannabis Control Commissioner Shaleen Title will participate in a panel and discuss pending state and federal cannabis-related legislation.

All proceeds from the tournament will benefit Power of Self-Education (POSE), a Haverhill-based nonprofit that promotes racial and social justice through community engagement, youth engagement and cross-sector collaborations.

“The Green Goddess Invitational is meant to bring canna sisters together from near and far, spending a fun-filled day celebrating each other, lifting each other up, and talking about what’s important in our lives and our communities.  It’s going to be an epic day from start to finish,” Pineau said.

WHAT:            The first annual Green Goddess Invitational

WHEN:            Monday, August 1 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

WHERE:          Renaissance Golf Club, 377 Kenoza Street, Haverhill

WHO:              Caroline Pineau, owner of Stem in Haverhill; Katrina Hobbs Everett, co-founder of POSE; Shaleen Title, CEO of Parabola Center and former commissioner on MA Cannabis Control Commission; Dr. Uma Dhanabalan, Founder/CEO, Global Health and Hygiene Solutions; Kim Napoli, Council/Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Vicente Sederberg LLP: Mitzi Keating, Partner, Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC; LPGA Pro Cathy MacPherson; nationally-known cannabis entrepreneur Freeway Ricky Ross; more than 40 co-sponsors, many golfers and female cannabis entrepreneurs

NOTES:            Caroline Pineau and other attendees will be available for on-site media interviews

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Touchdown. Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield Welcomes Marshfield Hurricanes and the National Guard on August 5th.

MARSHFIELD, MA … On Friday, August 5, 2022, more than 200 boys and girls of all ages will wrap up an exciting week of Summer Camp at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield with a special Football Clinic led by the Marshfield Hurricanes, along with fun fitness training with the Massachusetts National Guard.

As part of the Boys & Girls Club’s Enrichment Program, the Marshfield Hurricanes, a semi-pro adult football team, will hold a football clinic at the Club from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on August 5th. Boys and girls will be grouped together by age: 5-6 years; 7-8 years; and 9-13 years. Position drills, relay races and fun team building exercises will be led by Hurricanes’ team members, coaching staff and general manager Sean Blanchard.

Photos from last year’s football clinic event

The Massachusetts National Guard will be on-site at the Club as well and will bring an inflatable obstacle course and lead fitness and agility training.

The Hurricanes Football Clinic event is held on the day prior to game seven (August 6th) against the Hartford Rebels at Marshfield High School – with the National Guard present for the game.

The Marshfield Hurricanes Semi-Pro Football Team is a non-profit organization that provides a competitive and disciplined venue for local adult athletes from across the South Shore to showcase their talents. Home games are played at Marshfield High School. The organization works to build strong community relationships by providing an affordable, fun family atmosphere at all games and team participation in regular community service events. As a community partner of the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, their support helps to deliver programs that are the cornerstone of youth development. For more information about the team, visit marshfieldhurricanes.com.

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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Extending bearing life in the bottling/canning industry. Emerson Bearing offers complimentary bearing guides.

BOSTON, MA… Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) must ensure that bearings perform properly and won’t require excess maintenance or frequent replacement simply because they can’t handle chemical cleaning agents, high-pressure wash downs, or other common factors that might facilitate wear and tear in standard bearings.

Emerson Bearing, a Boston, MA-based bearing company catering to niche markets nationwide and the sister company of Action Bearing which serves the New England market, is dedicated to accommodating the unique bearing needs of bottling/canning industry and offers solutions for extending bearing life along with complimentary guides.

Extending Bearing Life
Beverage and packaging applications and other corrosive environments often present specialized needs that must be considered when selecting the appropriate bearings. Multiple methods have been developed to avoid premature wear in bearings, such as the use of stainless steel bearings, solids lubes, and seal and slinger designs.

Ball bearings for OEM equipment play particularly wide and varied roles in the food and beverage sector. It’s important to know which applications and types of industrial equipment use food-grade stainless steel ball bearings to ensure that the applied lubricant is both sufficient and safe. Stainless steel bearings with solid lube offer an ideal solution for many food applications including packing, wrapping and more, and suit any industry that requires minimal contamination from equipment such as bottling and canning operations.

Keeping the bottling and canning production lines moving requires dependable parts and service. Emerson Bearing offers solutions for bottling, canning, seaming, labeling and any part of the process involving conveyance. They also sell a number of related products including: stainless steel mounted units, roller chains, adhesives and sealants, cam followers, rod ends, thrust bearings, control bearings and needle roller bearings.

Complimentary Guides Available 
Emerson Bearing offers comprehensive guides for the Packaging and Food Processing industry available for download from their website. Among them include:

– Bearings for Frying Equipment
– Food Machinery Component Guide
– Canning Plant Guide
– What is a Cam Follower?

Visit https://info.emersonbearing.com/lp-industry-solutions-food? to download a specific complimentary guide. 

Emerson Bearing serves 16 major markets. For more information about Emerson Bearing Boston’s solutions for bottling, canning and other food grade applications, contact Lee Holt, Marketing Specialist, at 800-225-4587 or visit EmersonBearing.com.

“With today’s supply challenges, regardless of where companies source their bearings, it is in their best interest to look beyond current needs and secure product looking out past the next six to twelve months,” explained Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing and Action Bearing. “Securing material with future monthly shipments or stock orders with extended monthly payment terms are options for consideration. Emerson Bearing offers a vast inventory of bearings, worldwide sourcing, a fixed price program and much more.”

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

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Safer Places, Inc. announces fingerprinting service for State-mandated cases

LAKEVILLE, MA…

Safer Places Inc., a firm providing pre-employment screening, tenant screening and security consulting, announced the addition of fingerprinting services as a subcontractor to IdentoGO. IdentoGO is a subsidiary of Idemia, the global leader in trusted identities. IdentoGO provides a wide range of identity-related services with its primary service being the secure capture and transmission of electronic fingerprints for employment, certification, licensing and other verification purposes.

“We’re delighted to partner with IndentoGO to offer fingerprinting services to its Southeastern Massachusetts clients,” said David Sawyer, president of Safer Places, Inc. “With our new, convenient location at 10 Main Street in Lakeville, Massachusetts, individuals who need to be finger-printed as mandated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts now have an additional place to go with easy access from Route 495.”

Safer Places is located on Route 105 in Lakeville, less than one minute from Interstate 495.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts can require individuals to be fingerprinted for any number of reasons. Public sector jobs (e.g. a public school teacher), adoption, birth certification, and more.

“If you need to be fingerprinted, as mandated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you simply go to the IdentoGO website, pop in your zip code or city and you will find a location near you,” said Sawyer. “For those in our neck of the woods—whether you live or work nearby—you will receive our information to book your appointment.”

You can visit the IdentoGO website at https://www.identogo.com/.

In addition to providing fingerprinting services for IdentoGO, Safer Places is a full service screening, testing, and consulting organization whose mission is to provide companies with the specific products and services that best their needs for background screening, drug testing, and security consulting.

Additionally, Safer Places offers social media monitoring services so employers can better protect themselves from employees with questionable social media practices.

According to a survey by CareerBuilder, 70 percent of all employers use social media to screen their candidates. Additionally, of those employers, more than 50 percent said they found something that made the employer not hire the candidate (other studies on this topic put this percentage closer to 69 percent).

Safer Places, Inc. has also undertaken a number of educational initiatives for the public, including a monthly videocast called SAFERupdates. SAFERupdates provides ongoing information for those looking to learn more about background verifications, drug testing and other related topics in a series of short, live videocasts, recordings of which can be found on Safer Places, Inc.’s YouTube channel.

For more information on Safer Places, Inc. and its services, visit www.saferplacesinc.com or call 508-947-0600.

About Safer Places, Inc.

Safer Places, Inc. is a full-service firm that provides pre-employment screening, security consulting, tenant screening, and additional verification services for schools, private and public companies, property managers, property owners and anyone seeking to research an individual’s background.

Since the events of September 11, 2001, the importance of background checks has taken on increased prominence, and Safer Places, Inc. has undertaken a number of educational initiatives for the public, including a monthly videocast and SAFERupdates. SAFER provides ongoing information for those looking to learn more about background verifications, drug testing and other related topics in a series of short, live videocasts, recordings of which can be found on Safer Places, Inc.’s YouTube channel.

Elements of a background check can include Social Security trace, criminal history search, education verification, checking with sex offender registries, drug testing, driving record/license verification, employment verification/references, terrorist watch lists, and credentials verification/history. Increasingly, companies are using background checks as a condition of continued employment, particularly when an individual is being considered for a new position or promotion. Safer Places, Inc. maintains offices at 10 Main Street, Lakeville, MA 02347. Its principals are board certified in security management, holding the CPP (Certified Protection Professionals) designation from ASIS International and they maintain memberships in a number of organizations including the Professional Background Screeners Association (PBSA) and ASIS International. For additional information, please visit www.saferplacesinc.com or call (508) 947-0600.

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Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield Names New Membership Director

Patty Cummings, a resident of South Weymouth, has been named Membership Director at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield.

Cummings has more than 20 years of experience working with non-profits on the South Shore. Previous to the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, Cummings was the Educational Administrator at Cardinal Cushing Centers in Hanover. For 14 years prior to that, Cummings held several roles at the South Shore YMCA as Branding Coordinator, and Communications and Marketing Director prior to becoming the Business Manager for one of their learning centers. 

Patty Cummings

Cummings’ primary goal at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield is to make every experience the best it can be. In her role as Membership Director, she will also be responsible for overseeing marketing and social media. 

A graduate of Weymouth South High School, Cummings studied journalism at Stonehill College in Easton. She completed additional training in leadership and marketing during her employment at the South Shore YMCA. 

Cummings’ community involvement over the years includes volunteering at the YMCA as well as the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. In her free time, she enjoys playing pickleball.

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.orgor call 781-834-2582.

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