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Joan Miller celebrates five years with DirectBuy of Vancouver

VANCOUVER, COQUITLAM, VICTORIA, AND OKANAGAN, BC…

As a bookkeeper, Joan Miller knows the numbers don’t lie. Yet as she celebrates her fifth anniversary with DirectBuy of Vancouver, the leading members-only showroom and home design center that offers merchandise at manufacturer-direct prices, even she’s in disbelief.

“The five years has really gone by fast, but that’s what happens when you enjoy what you do and the people you do it with,” said Miller, a Delta resident. “The best part about this job is you’re always learning something.”

A Delta resident and mother of three grown children, Miller worked for CDI Corporate Education and holds a bookkeeping certificate from CompuCollege.

“We took over ownership of DirectBuy of Vancouver about a year ago. Trust me, in that scenario, you want as many experienced folks on board as you can have. Joan is a pro’s pro and we hope to have her as part of our DirectBuy family for years to come,” said Jade Allen, owner of DirectBuy of Vancouver.

Since 1971, DirectBuy franchises have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by buying wholesale, directly from the manufacturer. With four convenient locations in the greater Vancouver area (Victoria, Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Kelowna), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 500 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Vancouver area since 1997. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are part of more than 160 franchise locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 604-552-5255, or visiting www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

Locations of the four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are: DirectBuy of Vancouver, 2659 Lillooet St., Vancouver, British Columbia V5M 4P7; DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, 91 Golden Drive Unit #1, Coquitlam, British Columbia V3K 6R2; DirectBuy of Central Okanagan, #5 2260 Hunter Rd., Kelowna, British Columbia V1X 7J8; and DirectBuy of Greater Victoria, 350B Bay Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8T 1P7.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Joan Miller celebrates five years with DirectBuy of VancouverRead More

Masters Touch Offers Homeowners Key Ways to Save Energy this Winter

Rising energy costs have left many people concerned about the cold season ahead and potentially exorbitant heating bills. Masters Touch of Medfield, a one-stop-shop providing architectural, design and construction services, offers homeowners a few tips on how to save energy this winter.

Replace your windows. If the windows in your home are 15 years old or more, chances are they are not very efficient. At least 30 percent of heat in your home is lost through the windows. Even if your home was built in the 80’s, it’s time to replace the windows. There are certainly more energy efficient windows on the market than those available 20-plus years ago.

Replace your doors. Amazingly enough, many people will replace all their windows and save creaky old doors.  The same rule that applies to windows, applies to doors that are 15 years old. Consider replacing your main front door and back door; the doors to the basement, and the door between your home and the garage.

Inspect and install insulation. Have all your visible insulation inspected to make sure it is installed correctly and that there is enough.  And if you have an old home that doesn’t have any insulation between the inner and outer wall, by all means hire an insulation company and have some installed soon!

Check your heating system. It’s imperative to have your heating system checked annually. Contact a local company to service your burner and consider an upgrade if it is an old system.  The technician who performs the service can make recommendations.

Replace all your thermostats. Replace all your thermostats with digital, programmable units and set them to lower the temperature at night or when you are not home during the day. This will help to save on energy bills.

Add Energy Efficient window treatments. You can easily increase the R-value, or insulation value of your home by installing energy efficient window treatments throughout your house. From insulated and thermal shades to blinds, draperies and more, the right window treatments can prevent heat loss in during the winter as well as help block the heat from entering your home during the summer.

Add a pellet stove. With the price of oil these days, consider a pellet stove or other alternative heating source.  A pellet or wood stove is much more efficient at generating heat than an open fireplace.

“Just one 275 gallon tank of oil can cost up to $1,300. On average, homeowners with oil heat fill their tanks at least six times during the winter. The costs for electric and gas have also increased significantly. That being said, the fall is the time to incorporate measures to reduce those energy bills,” explained Doug Masters, founder of Masters Touch.

He continued, “The changes you invest in now should see you through at least the next 20 years and the cost of upgrading will be offset by rising energy costs.”

The Masters Touch
Masters Touch is a full service design/build and remodeling contractor. With a team of more than 50, including architects, interior designers and project managers all working together, Masters Touch can handle all of a client’s home building or improvement projects and provide expert guidance to DIY folks. The company was recently named #249 in the “2008 Top 500 Contractors List” in Qualified Remodeler magazine.

Masters Touch was founded by Doug Masters in 1997.  From high-end design and build projects; kitchen and bath renovations; exterior painting, roofing and siding projects to flooring, interior painting and decorating projects, Masters Touch caters to homeowners throughout the Metrowest area.

Masters Touch is a Showcase Priority Dealer for Hunter Douglas and offers professional design and installation service.  The one-stop interior design and home improvement shop also offers Marvin and Harvey windows; six lines of custom and semi-custom cabinetry; over 150 types of granite and Corian countertops; paint; carpet; hardwood and tile flooring; home theater design and installation and much more.

The company offers written warrantees on all their work. Masters Touch is located on Route 109 in Medfield, MA.  For more information contact 508-359-5900, e-mail info@masterstouchweb.com or visit masterstouchweb.com.

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New “kids” at school are also driven…New teachers at Plymouth North receive Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s “Driven Student” award for September.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

Being the new kid at school is never easy. You could make the same case for being the new teacher. In addition to getting to know the students, there’s also meeting new colleagues, getting around a new building, etc. To help that assimilation and welcome them to the school, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac welcomed the 25 teachers new to Plymouth North High School with September’s Driven Student Award.

“To be a teacher takes a special kind of commitment and dedication. Unfortunately, it’s an often under-appreciated occupation. By awarding our ‘Driven Student’ award to the new teachers at Plymouth North, we’re hopefully getting the message across in some small way that teachers are appreciated and welcome,” said Jeff Tracy, president of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac.

In honor of being selected for the “Driven Student” award, the teachers received a pizza party courtesy of Tracy Chevrolet. Those teachers honored include: Dr. Andrew Daitsman, Terese Dentici, Schott Shirley, Jane Burt, Maureen Chamberlain, Colleen Donlan, Hymeld Gaignard, Janine Giatrakos, Joelene Hoffman, Donald Ivas, Jessica Jackson, Margaret Madden, Karen Merrill, Andrea Norton, MaryJo Sabalweski, Timothy Ward, Jon Zucchi, Mary Quinn, Brian Raymond, Tanya Little, Michael Carroll, Barbara Gravelle, Alida Nickerson, Lisa Richard, Lonnie Simmons and Julie Webster.

“This is the second year we’ve been a part of the ‘Driven Student’ program with Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac and it’s been a wonderful for the kids and now members of the faculty,” said Kevin Farrell, Freshman Academy Housemaster. “We all [faculty members] were once new to this school and recognizing these individuals is just a nice way to get their Plymouth North careers off to a good start.”

Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s Driven Student program recognizes Plymouth high school students for their performance and achievements in and out of the classroom. Awarded on a monthly basis, recipients are selected by faculty and advisors at the student’s given school.

So easy at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac

For more than 80 years and three generations of dealers, the Tracy family has made it so easy for customers on the South Shore and greater Plymouth area to purchase new and used automobiles. Since its beginnings in 1992, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac has emphasized first-rate customer service and straightforward, bottom-line pricing with fair trade-ins every time–without the games or gimmicks you find at other dealerships. For more information on new and used trucks and automobiles, you can go to www.tracymotors.com or stop by the dealership, conveniently located at 137 Samoset Street, just off exit 6 on Route 3. For more information, or to make a service appointment, you can also call (800) 640-2884. 

New “kids” at school are also driven…New teachers at Plymouth North receive Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s “Driven Student” award for September.Read More

East Coast Tactical of Franklin, Mass. Re-branded as Synergy Law Enforcement Solutions

East Coast Tactical of Franklin, Mass., a critical incident management firm serving public schools, colleges and businesses across the U.S., has recently been re-branded as Synergy Law Enforcement Solutions.

Operating under the same ownership and management, Synergy Law Enforcement Solutions will continue to provide the nation’s public schools, colleges, hospitals and businesses with customized, comprehensive programs for crisis incident management. The firm has already developed programs for more than 40 high schools, several colleges and businesses across the U.S.

Essential Protocol for Safety and Security

Synergy’s I.M.P.A.C.T. (Incident Management Protocols and Critical Tasks) program is a multi-faceted “All Hazards” program which compiles relevant site data, allowing schools, private industries, hospitals, colleges and universities to have one centralized database which is designed to assist with critical incident management. Synergy effectively sets up protocols for campus/building safety and security in the event of an incident. Their program includes a manual, interactive CD-Rom, personal size floor plans, and step by step field guide which assists in the rapid deployment of public safety personnel and alerts emergency services, faculty, staff and the media. Among the data compiled for each customized program are virtual images, tactical tips, floor plans, utilities, contact information and maps for logistical areas.

“Our Critical incident management programs are crucial to the protection of lives during a crisis, such as that of Columbine High School, which was the nation’s deadliest school shooting,” explained Sgt. Jason Brennan, who is also a member of the Medway Police Department, who heads the company along with Detective Christopher Baker, a member of the Franklin Police Department.

He continued, “It’s imperative to have a step by step plan already in place to ensure the successful resolution of complex and dynamic incidents such as a natural disaster or violent workplace/school situations. The number of campus related violent incidences has increased throughout the world. Campus safety has become a huge recruitment issue for many schools because parents want to know there is a plan is in place to protect their children if something happens. That’s where we come in.”

Among Massachusetts colleges that have incorporated a Synergy’s critical incident management program are Dean College in Franklin and Babson College in Wellesley.

About Synergy Law Enforcement Solutions

Synergy was founded in 2001 by Sgt. Jason Brennan and Detective Christopher Baker, who are full-time active duty police officers and Operation Commanders of a multi-jurisdictional Tactical Unit/SWAT Team responsible for providing police services to 43 cities/towns in the Northeast. The company’s IMPACT program is designed to assist schools, hospitals, companies and emergency teams by providing a coordinated initial response product that will help save lives in the event of a hazardous situation, gas leak, natural disaster or an act of work/school violence.

In addition to developing IMPACT programs, Synergy also provides educational seminars, table top exercises, facilities drills and full scale exercises for schools and private industries. Synergy is a one-stop-shop for an emergency preparedness plan, lockdown protocol and first response training.

The firm is located at 430 Franklin Village Drive, Suite 222 in Franklin, MA. For more information, contact (508) 989-3578 or visit synergy911.us.

East Coast Tactical of Franklin, Mass. Re-branded as Synergy Law Enforcement SolutionsRead More

DirectBuy of Providence in Warwick seeks non-profit organizations in need of furniture and fixtures

WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND…

There is nothing second-hand when it comes to helping someone in need and DirectBuy, the leading members-only showroom and design center, has the reputation in its communities for doing just that. To that end, DirectBuy of Providence, located in Warwick, is launching a “Nearly Perfect Non-Profit Donation Program” and seeking non-profit, 501(c)3 status, organizations in need of items such as furniture, appliances, fixtures and other household items. 

DirectBuy helps its members save enormous amounts of money by enabling them to buy direct from the manufacturer. Occasionally, those items have slight imperfections and the manufacturer prefers not to do an exchange, leaving those items with DirectBuy. DirectBuy of Providence started the “Nearly Perfect Non-Profit Donation Program” so these items can be donated to non-profit organizations with qualified needs and a 501(c)3 status. These items may include headboards, china cabinets, sofas and any number of products or furniture. 

That type of generosity is fairly standard for DirectBuy. Showroom owners nationwide donate to any number of organizations, and have shown a particular affinity for making contributions to children/family-oriented organizations like Boys & Girls Club, YMCA and children’s hospitals.

“There is something special about giving a very useful item that has been returned because of a little scratch or other slight defect to an organization that is helping others,” says Ngan Le, co-owner of DirectBuy of Providence in Warwick. “We’re looking forward to partnering with one or several non-profits in our community so we can make the ‘Nearly Perfect Non-Profit Program’ a win for everybody.”

Any non-profit organization in need of household items can simply visit DirectBuy of Providence Web site at http://www.directbuyprovidence.com/forms_documents.htm and click on the “Nearly Perfect Non-Profit Program” link.  Groups will be asked to fill out a form and provide a wish list of what is needed and whether or not they will be able to pick the items up or need to have them delivered.  In addition, the groups must provide proof of non-profit 501(c)3 status.  Submissions must be mailed to DirectBuy of Providence, 222 Metro Center Blvd Suite 2, Warwick, RI 02886, Attn: Non Profit Program

Since 1971, DirectBuy franchises have helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. DirectBuy of Providence, conveniently located at 222 Metro Center Boulevard in Warwick, offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

Consumers interested in learning more about the Nearly Perfect Non-Profit Donation Program or about becoming DirectBuy members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuyprovidence.com.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct enables members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy of Providence, located in Warwick, Rhode Island, opened in 2006 and prides itself in providing excellent member service, access to confidential prices, local suppliers and unparalleled selection, all of which help make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Providence is one of more than 160 franchise locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy of Providence at 401-921-4988 ext. 304 or by visiting http://www.directbuyprovidence.com.

 

DirectBuy of Providence in Warwick seeks non-profit organizations in need of furniture and fixturesRead More

Spending to save…DirectBuy of Boston South members buying even more in bad economic times.

ROCKLAND, MA…

Turn on the news today or glance over the headlines and all you see is doom and gloom: bailouts, down markets, home foreclosures, etc. On top of that, you hear of retailers going out of business and national companies reporting huge losses. Interestingly, even in these times of financial hardship, a locally owned company in Rockland is going against this trend. Serving the South Shore and the Islands since 1986, DirectBuy of Boston South has seen many turns of the economy, and more than ever people are buying more with less money.

“Believe it or not, the increase in member production and purchases, both in dollar volume and quantity, is largely because of these troubling economic times,” said owner John Massaria. “Consumers need to make every dollar count. By enabling our members to buy directly from more than 700 national manufacturers, suppliers and local vendors, DirectBuy saves consumers an average of up to 45 percent or more by eliminating markups. People are telling others and the proof is in our numbers.”

Those numbers include some pretty impressive increases, particularly in today’s economic climate, such as:

  • In 2007, Members averaged $450,936.39 in orders per month; in 2008, the average was $540,568.21 per month (16% increase in dollar amount of purchases)
  •  In 2007, Members placed an average of 326 orders per month; in 2008, the average was 366 orders per month (11% increase in monthly purchase orders)
  •  DirectBuy of Boston South has shown a 23% percent increase in kitchen and granite sales in 2008, as compared to last year. 
  • DirectBuy of Boston South posted a 19% increase in new memberships over the last five months (April through September 2008) compared to the same time period last year

And during Massachusetts sales tax-free weekend in August, in which DirectBuy of Boston South is only open on Saturday, the numbers are even more telling:

  • Tax Free Day 2007: 369 orders in one day, totaling $430,544.49 (average of $1,166.78 per order)
  •  Tax Free Day 2008: 470 orders in one day, totaling $679,210.72 (average of $1,445.13 per order)
  • 23% increase in orders, 34% increase in dollar amount ordered
  •  DirectBuy of Boston South saved its members approximately $305,644.82 in retail markup in just one day

DirectBuy franchises offer members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by purchasing wholesale, directly from the manufacturer. In addition, DirectBuy boasts a team of designers to help members with their purchases and gives them access to a roster of hand-selected contractors to expedite those projects. DirectBuy’s local contractors such as Mike Tarpey (617-828-5075), Rinaldi Builders (617-759-1313) and Green Star Builders (617-872-8388) have all seen increases in home-improvement renovations and installations as well. 

Local stores also work with DirectBuy to afford huge savings to members, and that keeps the stores busy as well. According to the owner of Hancock TV & Appliances, Joe Palumbo (617-472-1710), “the relationship with DirectBuy has helped us realize our best year yet in more than 63 years.”

Another store showing increases with the help of DirectBuy members is Snow & Jones Plumbing, located in Norwell and South Yarmouth. Owner Barney Jones (781-878-3312) said that purchases from DirectBuy members have helped him see a huge increase over last year. Barney said, “the buying power of DirectBuy members is a powerful one and helps us stay busy. Members save money and we keep our stores humming.”

Although each DirectBuy location is individually owned, DirectBuy Inc. is an international company. In the fiscal year that ended July 31, 2008, members purchased 1.1 billion dollars in merchandise network-wide. That’s a 20.6 percent increase over the previous fiscal year. In the same fiscal year, DirectBuy Inc. grew from 143 locations to 165, a 15.4 percent increase over the previous fiscal year. In the area of membership sales, the company had the second best year in its 37-year history.

So is it all doom and gloom for businesses and consumers? Absolutely not. Consumers are realizing, now more than ever, that they must change the way they buy goods in order to make their budgets work. Members on the South Shore are increasingly looking towards DirectBuy of Boston South to shield themselves from inflation and recession.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House in the Rockland location by contacting DirectBuy of Boston South at 781-878-8846 or by visiting www.directbuybostonsouth.com.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 name-brand manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct enables members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having selection and choices not available at any retail store. DirectBuy of Boston South opened in 1986 and prides itself in providing excellent member service, access to confidential prices, local supplier services and unparalleled selection, all of which help make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Boston South is one of more than 160 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in learning more can call DirectBuy of Boston South at 781-878-8846 or visit www.directbuybostonsouth.com

 

Spending to save…DirectBuy of Boston South members buying even more in bad economic times.Read More

Franchise Financing: Keys to Success in the Current Economic Climate

New England Franchise Association (NEFA) will present ” Franchise Financing: Keys to Success in the Current Economic Climate” on Tuesday, November 18, 5:30 p.m. at the Marriot Hotel, 1000 Marriott Drive, Quincy.

 

The panel discussion will outline how successful franchise development requires franchisors to stay up to date on all financing options available.  Expert panelists include Anne Rice Hunt, Finance Chief, U.S Small Business Administration; Barbara Arena, CIT Small Business Lending, Senior Regional Account Manager; Bill Rowland, Equity America Mortgage Services; Itamar Chalif, Atlantic Capital Solutions; and Tom McDonald, IRA Rollover Solutions.  The discussion will be moderated by Constantine (Dean) Fournaris, Partner, Wiggin and Dana.

 

In today’s economy one of the biggest concerns of a franchise system is how and where to get capital for franchisees to start their business or ways for franchisees to keep it running or to finance their growth.  This panel discussion is valuable for each member of your franchise development team as well as for existing franchisees, or prospective franchisees interested in expansion.  You will learn how banks and other lending organizations evaluate franchisee loan applications, and the types of funding that is available, even in these unsettled financial times.

 

The evening includes a cocktail and networking session beginning at 5:30 PM, dinner at 7:00 PM, and then the presentation. The entire business community is urged to attend. Membership in the NEFA is NOT required. Reservations are required.  Registration Fee is $60 per person and includes dinner.  All NEFA Members get $10.00 off.

For information regarding NEFA membership visit www.nefranchise.org.

 

About NEFA:

New England Franchise Association (NEFA) is the trade organization for franchisors and franchisees in the region, with over 150 members. The mission of NEFA is to bring franchise executives, franchisees and vendors together to share ideas for success.

 

Franchising more than ever before, has an unprecedented opportunity to make a major positive impact on the future New England economy. In a 2001-05 study conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoppers on behalf of the International Franchise Association (IFA) found that in New England over 875,000 jobs area result of franchising, the total output is over 100 Billion dollars a year, and there are over 35,000 franchise establishments in the six New England States.

 

To reserve your seats, please contact New England Franchise Association via the organization’s website www.NEFranchise.org, email: info@NEFranchise.org, or by calling NEFA Executive Director Jim Coen, (617) 469-3002.

Franchise Financing: Keys to Success in the Current Economic ClimateRead More

Damon, Topham & Company Appoints Gina Sammon as Office Manager

Damon, Topham & Company, LLC of Marshfield, a full service multi-disciplined firm of Certified Public Accountants, providing accounting, taxation, business development and financial services, has recently appointed Gina Sammon as Office Manager.

In her new role as Office Manager, Ms. Sammon will oversee the office and all billing.

Previous to joining Damon, Topham & Company, Ms. Sammon worked as the Accounts Receivable Manager at US Edge, Inc. of Norwood for three years. Previous to that, she held the position of Office Manager for three years at Leone, Morrissey, Henriksen and Synan, a CPA firm in Norwell.

Ms. Sammon holds an Associate in Science degree from Aquinas Jr. College in Milton, MA. She is a lifelong resident of Rockland, MA.

About Damon, Topham & Company

Damon, Topham & Company, LLC, Certified Public Accountants and Business Development Advisors, has twice been named as one of the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Accounting Firms”.

Utilize the “Damon, Topham Advantage”- go beyond the traditional services of auditing, accounting and taxation. Damon, Topham & Company provides business valuation, estate, individual and corporate tax planning and savings, financial planning, consulting and financing solutions for you, your business and your family. A full service multi disciplined firm, Damon, Topham & Company has been serving the South Shore for over 20 years.

Damon, Topham & Company, LLC offices are located at 475 School St., Suite 8 in Marshfield and at 21 Custom House Street, Suite 910 in Boston.

For more information contact (781) 837-1993 or visit the company’s website at www.damtopcpa.com.

Damon, Topham & Company Appoints Gina Sammon as Office ManagerRead More

Old Colony Elderly Services Explains Question 1 on November 4th Ballot For Elders, Caregivers and Their Families

In response to a large number of inquiries about how Question 1 on the Massachusetts November 4th ballot could affect services to elders, caregivers and their families, Old Colony Elderly Services, Inc. (OCES) has compiled valuable information to help voters make an educated decision. OCES is a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) that provides valuable programs and services to seniors, their families and caregivers in the Plymouth county, Avon, Easton and Stoughton area.

Question 1 proposes a law to reduce the state personal income tax rate to 2.65% as of January 1, 2009 and to eliminate the tax beginning January 1, 2010. A “yes” vote will enact these reductions; a “no” vote will make no change to the state’s income tax laws.

OCES employs 130 staff and provides services to more than 4,600 elders, caregivers and families each month. These services include home health aide, personal care and medical transportation that are vital to many home-bound, frail elders in our communities. In addition, every month we respond to more than 600 inquiries for information and referral, perform 150 long-term care screenings and deliver approximately 23,000 lunches through the meals-on-wheels program.

According to most reports, the income tax produces $12.5 billion, or 40%, of the entire state budget. If OCES’ budget is reduced by 40%, we will be forced to decrease services to some of our most vulnerable citizens and eliminate jobs. This could mean that 1,800 elders will lose home care services, 9,000 meals will not be delivered and at least 50 employees will lose their jobs.

Elders already impacted by the high costs of fuel and food are wondering how they will manage on fixed incomes. The workforce is trying to balance these costs too while watching their commuting costs increase and their savings and home values decrease. With state funding to cities and towns reduced, localities may raise property taxes and impose other fees, thereby placing another burden on homeowners – including elders and others on fixed incomes.

According to analysis by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, the estimated 40% budget reduction is too low. They contend that “after accounting for five legally mandated programs, the rest of state government would bear across-the-board cuts of 71.1% with the loss of $12.5 billion in state income tax revenue”. Private, non-profit agencies like OCES will be unable to continue providing needed human services after that level of funding cut.

“I urge registered voters to learn all they can about the impacts of Question 1 so they may make informed decisions before casting their votes on November 4th,” said Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

To read the full version of this proposed law and the other 2 ballot questions, visit www.mass.gov and click on the Secretary of State’s page, select Elections Division and then 2008 Statewide Ballot Questions.

About Old Colony Elderly Services

Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elderly Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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.

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at oc-elderly.org

Old Colony Elderly Services Explains Question 1 on November 4th Ballot For Elders, Caregivers and Their FamiliesRead More