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Solar Appreciation Day is March 12th. Boston Solar shares “Top Reasons to Go Solar” and offers homeowners Energy Saving Tips

Boston Solar, an award-winning solar installer based in Woburn, MA, celebrates Solar Appreciation Day by sharing the top reasons homeowners should consider a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, and offering energy saving tips to practice in the meantime.

Solar Appreciation Day, which falls on the second Friday in March each year, is a time to celebrate energy sustainability and the power of the sun. Boston Solar has been helping homeowners reduce their energy bills and their carbon footprint for a decade, having installed more than 30 megawatts (MW) of solar in Massachusetts since its founding.

By investing in a solar energy system, homeowners essentially reap several benefits:             

– Lower energy bills. The homeowner pays a lower upfront cost for electricity that will be used over the next 25 years or more and there will be a remarkable difference on utility bills for years to come.

– Reduction in carbon footprint.  Fossil-fuel based energy will be reduced along with pollution.

– Power during outages. For those with solar PV panels and a battery storage system, backup power is available anytime day and night.

– Tax credits and savings. The 26 percent Federal Solar Tax Credit has been extended, and homeowners can save even more with Massachusetts solar tax credits and incentive programs.

– A higher resale value on their home. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, the purchase of a solar energy system likely increases a home’s value. It may even sell faster than homes without solar panels.

“Installing solar or solar with backup energy storage is an investment that sets the homeowner up for years of energy savings as well as greater resilience from rising energy prices and power disruptions,” noted Daniel Mello Guimaraes, Boston Solar’s CEO. “Going solar is win-win as it essentially secures a more sustainable future for your home and family.”

For homeowners who are looking for energy saving tips to implement before starting their solar installation project, Boston Solar shared the following:

– Turn down the thermostat. Homeowners can save as much as 10 percent on heating costs per year by turning the thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day. 

– Consider energy efficient electronics. Enjoy greater energy savings for years to come with energy efficient TVs, computers and appliances. 

– Maintain your heating system. Replace air filters and schedule annual furnace maintenance every year prior to the winter months. This will help you avoid a mid-winter furnace breakdown and provide the added benefit of having lower monthly heating costs thanks to a properly maintained system. 

– Avoiding peak charging periods when running your more energy-intensive appliances such as the laundry dryer, oven, dishwasher and vacuum cleaner as it will help you save on electricity bills. Running these appliances generates heat that during the summer will make the job of your air conditioner much harder. 

If you are looking for the most effective home energy efficiency upgrades before going solar, upgrading your HVAC, kitchen, and household energy consuming appliances is the best place to start.

“Efficiency is a significant part of what we do every day,” said Guimaraes. “At Boston Solar, one thing that we stress to homeowners is that we never want to sell them a solar PV system that is larger, or more expensive than necessary based on their energy consumption.”

Homeowners are encouraged to schedule a free solar quote with Boston Solar to learn more about “going solar” and meeting their future energy goals. To schedule a free solar quote, contact Boston Solar at 617-858-1645.

About Boston Solar

Locally owned and operated, Boston Solar has installed more than 30 megawatts (MW) of solar, powering thousands of homes in Massachusetts, since its founding in 2011. Boston Solar is dedicated to providing superior products, exceptional customer service, and the highest quality workmanship in residential and commercial installations throughout the state. With 4,500+ residential and commercial solar installations completed, Boston Solar has become the most experienced local solar installer. 

Boston Solar has been honored with the 2020 Guildmaster Award from GuildQuality for demonstrating exceptional customer service within the residential construction industry. For five consecutive years, Boston Solar has been recognized as a Top Solar Contractor by Solar Power World magazine. The company has also made Boston Business Journal’s “Largest Clean Energy Companies in Massachusetts” List. Boston Solar is a member of Solar Energy Business Association of New England (SEBANE). The company is headquartered at 55 Sixth Road, Woburn, MA 01801. For more information, call David Remillard at Boston Solar, 617-858-1645 ext. 225 or visit https://www.bostonsolar.us

Solar Appreciation Day is March 12th. Boston Solar shares “Top Reasons to Go Solar” and offers homeowners Energy Saving TipsRead More

Free webinar – Easy Steps to Creating Conversations, March 16, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Do you spend a lot of time networking and wonder why?  The results just aren’t there!

Great networking skills can be taught, learned, and celebrated. Businesspeople are encouraged to attend the free webinar entitled “Easy Steps to Creating Conversations that Build Connections & Businesses” set for March16, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.  Janet Parnes, social conversation and etiquette consultant and nationally sought after keynote speaker, will lead the virtual presentation.

Parnes will share practical techniques that make you and others feel valued, understood, &  heard.

Topics will include –

  • Strategy that makes small talk more strategic and comfortable
  • Body language that makes others feel valued and heard
  • Tips for virtual networking—bridging the distance
  • Words that create an instant connection
  • Solution to a common  conversation conundrum

The free webinar is sponsored by Rockland Trust, My Pinnacle Network and South Shore Networking Professionals.

My Pinnacle Network hosts monthly meetings for business-to-business professionals at five locations throughout Massachusetts —Braintree, Mansfield, Needham, Pembroke, and Westborough; South Shore Networking Professionals which connects business people monthly at locations throughout the South Shore; and Rockland Trust, offering a wide range of banking, investment, and insurance services to businesses and individuals through retail branches, commercial lending offices, investment management offices, and residential lending centers located in Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as through online, mobile and phone banking.

Please RSVP for the event at  https://conta.cc/3sBQdSH, or contact Steven V. Dubin at SDubin@MyPinnacleNetwork.com or 781-582-1061.

Free webinar – Easy Steps to Creating Conversations, March 16, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.Read More

How Family and Friends Can Support a Person with Hoarding Disorder – Virtual Workshop on March 23rd

The Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force (GBAH) in conjunction with Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) and MassHousing are  sponsoring a FREE virtual workshop entitled “How Family and Friends Can Support a Loved One with Hoarding Disorder” presented by Becca Belofsky, co-founder of Mutual Support Consulting LLC.

The workshop is specifically for family members and friends of loved ones with hoarding disorder and will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 11 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.

What is Hoarding?

Hoarding is when individuals continue to accumulate items, such as clothing, newspapers and food, and then have persistent difficulty discarding possessions. Individuals with hoarding behaviors often face health issues related to falls, as well as run the risk of losing their homes.

“This virtual workshop demonstrates how family and friends can support a loved one struggling with compulsive acquiring, saving and hoarding,” explained Terri Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director and president of GBAH. “Essentially, a hoarding disorder not only disrupts an individual’s daily life, it can significantly affect their relationships with loved ones. This workshop will help attendees to better understand and support the person they care about using practical skills and compassion.”

Register online by March 16th.  Simply click the event link on OCES’ home page – https://www.ocesma.org.

Or, register by calling Deana Andrade at OCES, 508-584-1561 ext. 232.

About Becca Belofsky, Presenter

Becca Belofsky is an international trainer, speaker, and relationship coach. She has a degree in psychology from Smith College and is a Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist. Her areas of expertise include hoarding disorder, identity, and social connectedness throughout the lifespan. Becca is an outspoken mental health advocate and is candid about her experiences with depression, suicidal ideation, OCD, compulsive shopping, and grief. She facilitates professional development trainings & peer support groups, and provides individual support for people with HD and their family members.  For more information about Ms. Belofsky, visit her website, http://www.mutual-support.com

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 25 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 a number of 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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LEARN Behavioral Partners with Indiana-Based Behavior Analysis Center for Autism

– The company will make significant investments in the clinical staff of the newly acquired company, while providing them with a patient-centric framework and other resources required to meet the unique needs of each child –   

LEARN Behavioral, which specializes in the tailored treatment of children and young adults with autism based on contemporary, family-focused Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, announced the acquisition of the Behavior Analysis Center for Autism (BACA)—a highly respected provider of ABA services to the autism community throughout Indiana.

BACA was co-founded by Carl Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA-D, who studied under the late  Jack L. Michael, Ph.D., a former psychologist and professor at Western Michigan University who is widely regarded as a seminal figure in the development of ABA therapy. Within the framework of ABA, BACA specializes in verbal behavior—an approach pioneered by psychologist and behaviorist B.F. Skinner—to teach children with language and social deficits.

“We were approached by a variety of potential suitors, but only LEARN Behavioral shared our commitment and capability to provide the highest quality care to our patients, as well as the willingness to invest in the clinical staff who render that care,” said Sundberg, BACA’s Chief Clinician and President. “The people who matter so very much to us couldn’t be in better hands.”

BACA’s other co-founder is Devon Sundberg, M.S., BCBA. In addition to serving as the organization’s CEO, she founded Women in Behavior Analysis(WIBA), a national professional group dedicated to empowering, celebrating and mentoring women behavior analysts, while highlighting their contributions to the field.

“I’m among the thousands of women in our field who admire Devon for her leadership, as well as the resources and recognition she’s provided women who care deeply about their service to the autism community,” said Hanna C. Rue, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LEARN Behavioral’s Chief Clinical Officer.  “We look forward to continuing our deep involvement and support of the WIBA mission for years to come” added Rue.  

“BACA shares our commitment to clinical excellence and outstanding service to children and young adults with autism, as well as their families. We weigh a lot of factors when evaluating a potential acquisition, but none are more important than the strength of a provider’s mission, clinical staff and patient outcomes,” said Michael Maloney, CEO of LEARN Behavioral. “Carl, Devon and their colleagues excel in each of these areas, which is among the many reasons why BACA is an ideal fit for our network”

While BACA will continue to operate under its current brand, LEARN Behavioral will make significant investments in the clinical staff of the newly acquired organization, including providing ongoing training incorporating the latest research in the field of behavioral Analysis.   

“We’re excited to welcome the talented staff at BACA to our team, and to continue the pioneering work of Carl and Devon to provide exceptional ABA services to the Indiana community,” said Justin Funches, President of Autism Services at LEARN Behavioral.   “We look forward to investing in the professional growth of the team and leveraging their deep clinical expertise across our organization.”

With the acquisition of BACA, LEARN Behavioral’s growing, nationwide network of local providers now spans across 15 states and the District of Columbia.  

About LEARN Behavioral

LEARN Behavioral specializes in the tailored treatment of children and young adults with autism based on contemporary, family-focused Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, as well as clinical insights and best practices refined through our decades of service to the autism community.

Led by a team of talented senior clinicians, including Dr. Hanna C. Rue, PhD, BCBA-D, our team includes more than 30 doctoral-level clinicians, and 450 Board Certified Behavior Analysts®—a concentration of professionals that is unmatched by any other provider. LEARN Behavioral’s heritage of clinical leadership is rooted in the work of William Frea, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Ronit Molko, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Glen Sallows, Ph.D., BCBA-D, and Carl Sundberg, Ph. D., BCBA-D, each of whom is a pioneer in the treatment of children with autism.  

About BACA

Behavior Analysis Center for Autism (BACA) provides world-class therapy to individuals with autism and other related developmental disabilities, utilizing the scientifically proven principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Our four locations throughout Indiana are staffed with the highest trained and most experienced staff who work with individuals between the ages of 2 and 21.

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Synergy in Sun. Woburn and Ashland MA Solar Companies Form Strategic Alliance

Two independent solar companies have joined forces in a strategic alliance to better position both companies for future growth in residential and commercial solar installations.

Jeff Constantine of SolarFlair and Daniel Mello Guimaraes of Boston Solar

The award-winning Boston Solar of Woburn, MA, a top solar installer in the state, has formed a strategic alliance with fellow solar leader, SolarFlair of Ashland, MA.

Boston Solar and SolarFlair are both committed to solar energy and enjoy significant recognition and success within the solar realm. SolarFlair Energy was founded in 2007 and has developed and built several thousand residential and commercial solar projects, installing over 25 megawatts (MW) of solar throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Most notable installations include Perkins School for the Blind, Saxonville Mills, Suburban Athletic Club and numerous solar farms. 

Boston Solar markets, designs and installs residential and commercial solar, as well as energy storage and EV chargers throughout Massachusetts. The company has installed more than 30MW of solar, powering thousands of homes in the Bay State, since its founding in 2011. Their commercial solar installations include All Creatures Veterinary Hospital, the Boys and Girls Club of Woburn, Prestige Way LLC, Subest Trust and Greendale People’s Church.

SolarFlair Energy will be exercising their installation expertise and experience as a trusted partner and installer for Boston Solar. SolarFlair recently changed their business model to focus solely on installations – commercial and residential. They are ideally positioned to help Boston Solar meet installation demand.

Director of Commercial Operations 

As part of this unique alliance, Jeff Constantine, a pioneer in the solar industry who is at the helm of SolarFlair Energy, will take on an additional role as director of Boston Solar’s commercial operations. He will oversee Boston Solar’s commercial side.

“Between our continued growth in the residential sector, an increasing need for solar installers and our focus on commercial expansion, Boston Solar’s alliance with SolarFlair positions both of our companies for long-term success,” explained Daniel Mello Guimaraes, Boston Solar’s CEO. 

“With SolarFlair focusing on service and installations, and Boston Solar’s growth, this alliance allows two industry leaders to combine efforts and provide expert service to the Solar PV industry,” said Constantine.

With a construction and business career spanning more than 35 years, Constantine became SolarFlair Energy’s owner and president in 2018.  Previous to his 11 years with SolarFlair, Constantine owned his own electrical contracting company. He holds a Master Electrical License, Construction Supervisor License, and Home Improvement Contractor’s License (CSL) in Massachusetts in addition to a Contractor’s License in Rhode Island.

On the Solar Horizon                                                                                      

Weighing in on the solar industry, Mello Guimaraes noted, “Massachusetts has one of the strongest solar incentive programs in the country. In 2021, the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which enables commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) customers to claim a significant percent of their total solar installation costs from their federal tax liability, was set to expire. Fortunately, the ITC has been renewed and will remain at 26 percent for the next two years which benefits all for solar.”

About SolarFlair

SolarFlair Energy, Inc. was founded in 2007 with a mission to deliver cost effective clean energy solutions to residential and commercial clients in Massachusetts. A locally-owned and operated commercial and residential solar installer, the SolarFlair team has decades of experience in the solar energy industry and electrical power systems. The company has developed and built several thousand residential and commercial solar projects, installing over 25 megawatts (MW) of solar throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The company is headquartered at 190 Pleasant St., Ashland, MA 01721. For more information, visit https://solarflair.com

About Boston Solar

Locally owned and operated, Boston Solar has installed more than 30 megawatts (MW) of solar, powering thousands of homes in Massachusetts, since its founding in 2011. Boston Solar is dedicated to providing superior products, exceptional customer service, and the highest quality workmanship in residential and commercial installations throughout the state. With 4,500+ residential and commercial solar installations completed, Boston Solar has become the most experienced local solar installer. 

Boston Solar has been honored with the 2020 Guildmaster Award from GuildQuality for demonstrating exceptional customer service within the residential construction industry. For five consecutive years, Boston Solar has been recognized as a Top Solar Contractor by Solar Power World magazine and is ranked #9 on Boston Business Journal’s 2020 Largest Clean Energy Companies in Massachusetts list. Boston Solar is a member of Solar Energy Business Association of New England (SEBANE). The company is headquartered at 55 Sixth Road, Woburn, MA 01801. For more information, call David Remillard at Boston Solar, 617-858-1645 ext. 225 or visit https://www.bostonsolar.us

Synergy in Sun. Woburn and Ashland MA Solar Companies Form Strategic AllianceRead More

Daniel Mello Guimaraes, CEO, Boston Solar

Let the sun shine. Solar and renewable energy are a bright initiative for both the new Biden administration and locally in Massachusetts for the Baker administration. This episode features the CEO and Founder of the Bay State’s largest solar company – Daniel Mello Guimaraes of Boston Solar.

Daniel left a successful career in commercial banking in Europe and South America to cross the Atlantic and launch Boston Solar. He is fluent in French, Spanish, Portuguese and English. Not to worry, Daniel sticks to English for this segment.

Boston Solar has more than 400 installation each year including residential as well as commercial (spanning manufacturing facilities, office building and churches).

Daniel talks about both the opportunity for savings via tax credits and rebates and the many misconceptions of solar. For information about installation or employment, visit www.BostonSolar.us.

Daniel Mello Guimaraes, CEO, Boston SolarRead More

Personal College Counseling, Inc., a new college matching & planning service has launched.

Access to college can transform a life. Admission to a school that is a good fit and offers a generous financial package can make the difference. 

Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq.
Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq. 

With the mission to  help each student who wants to succeed in college and beyond to find the college or university that is the best fit for them, Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) has recently launched and opened its doors at 2 Richard Street, Raynham, MA 02767.

PCCI was founded by Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, who has been practicing law for more than 25 years helping clients with numerous financial matters and long-term planning. Over the years, Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore took note of a recurring theme among her clients that often cropped up – inadequate planning regarding higher education.

PCCI was established to help students and their parents/guardians pick the best school that puts them on the path to success. Essentially, PCCI helps determine which colleges and universities address the student’s academic and social needs; inspires them to achieve inside and outside of the classroom; provides them with tools for success, and is a good return on investment.

Merit and Institutional Aid

PCCI offers an affordable, flat-fee based college search and application services to find the best college fit for a student, while maximizing merit and institutional aid. Most financial packages awarded range from $40,000 to $125,000.

Although the office is in Raynham, it does not matter where the student lives, as PCCI’s services are available to students in all 50 states via video conferencing or via telephone.

“PCCI was created because we passionately believe that a college education is one of the most important tools we can utilize for success, and that all college bound students deserve to get good advice about where they should consider going and how to get there, in order to have the best shot at achieving their dreams,” explained Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore. “This takes preparation, time and research which most students and parents do not have the time to do on their own. That is where we come in.”

Athletics, Study Abroad and Other Considerations

PCCI often gets involved early on, ideally during the Freshman or Sophomore year. PCCI’s college planning includes research and recommendations that are specifically targeted to the student, taking into consideration university and campus life; programs, internships and study abroad; athletics (Division I, II, and III), clubs, intramurals and other niche interests. PCCI manages all important deadlines for testing, applications and forms, and assists with merit-based scholarships and financial aid.

Virtual services as well as in-person, socially distanced services are available. For more information about PCCI or to arrange for a complimentary Parent/Student Personal College Consultation, visit the website at https://www.personalcollegecounseling.com or email nod@personalcollegecounseling.com.

About PCCI

Founded by Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq. who has been practicing law for more than 25 years, Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) provides high school students (and parents/guardians) with one-on-one guidance throughout the entire college preparation process. PCCI’s college planning includes research and recommendations that are specifically targeted and provide the best fit to the student’s abilities, interests, finances, and family circumstances. PCCI takes into consideration university and campus life; programs, internships and study abroad; athletics (Division I, II, and III) and clubs and intramurals. PCCI manages all important deadlines for testing, applications and forms, and assists with merit-based scholarships and financial aid. PCCI’s services are available to students in all 50 states via video conferencing or via telephone. 

PCCI is based in Raynham, MA. For more information or to arrange for a complimentary Parent/Student Personal College Consultation, contact (508) 622-5250, email nod@personalcollegecounseling.com or visit the website at https://www.personalcollegecounseling.com.

Personal College Counseling, Inc., a new college matching & planning service has launched.Read More

Local Art on Display at Between Rounds in Manchester and South Windsor

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, a unique bakery café and bagel shop with four locations in Connecticut, announces local artwork is on display in their Manchester and South Windsor locations.

Between Rounds is displaying original paintings by artist Christopher Brown at two of their locations – the Plaza at Buckland Hills in Manchester and at Route 5 in South Windsor. According to Mr. Brown, his art “encompasses bold colors and fantastical ideas to capture the viewer at a single glance”.  Mr. Brown does not make prints of his work, so each piece remains unique. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts.

Featured work from local photographer Pam Nesbitt is on display at Between Rounds in Manchester. Ms. Nesbitt focuses primarily on flowers and nature photography. She holds an Associate’s degree in Fine Arts.

“We have a vibrant art community and we are excited to showcase the work of these talented artists in our stores,” said Between Rounds co-founder Jerry Puiia. “Stop by to view their art and learn more about them.” 

Local artists/photographers interested in displaying their work at a Between Rounds store may contact Jerry Puiia at Between Rounds corporate headquarters, 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT 06074. 

Visit Between Rounds’ website, betweenroundsbagels.com, for store hours, locations, menus and more.

About Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-onsite bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffees and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi.

Between Rounds is licensed to manufacture prepared foods, and wholesales their breakfast and lunch sandwiches to gas station convenience stores in Hartford County and beyond. The company is also a wholesale bagel supplier to many independent grocers throughout the region. 

Between Rounds locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland, CT. Franchise opportunities are available. Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT. For more information about their unique franchise offerings, contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

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Debi Cramer Thirty Eighth Avenue Photography

Ugly LinkedIn photo?

Some executives favor their high school yearbook likeness. Others just choose to ignore the aging process. Either way, an outdated profile photo is not the best way to represent yourself on LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network.

Our guest for this segment Debi Cramer, founder and principle photographer at Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography in Plymouth, MA, outlines “There are a number of professional profile photo ‘no-no’s’ including scowling, wearing sunglasses or clothing items with prints, as well as standing alongside other people – or next to someone’s shoulder and arm in the case of a cropped image.”

A LinkedIn profile photo is also not the best place to show off a cherished boat, sports car or pet. It’s okay to wear ski goggles if you’re a ski resort owner, but not okay if you’re a ski enthusiast and your profession is selling life insurance. It should be noted that NOT having a profile photo doesn’t work in your favor either. Will fellow networkers and recruiters want to connect? Perhaps not. Those who do have a profile photo on LinkedIn may receive up to 21 times more profile views than those lacking profile photos (according to LinkedIn).

Tune in and smile for the camera.

Debi Cramer Thirty Eighth Avenue PhotographyRead More