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Wisconsin Early Autism Project Relocates to Larger Space in Altoona and is Expanding their Behavioral Services Team

The  Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP), a regional provider and part of LEARN Behavioral, a national organization serving children with autism and other special needs, has recently relocated from 2125 Heights Drive, Suite 2F in  Eau Claire, WI to 1413 Winchester Way, Suite 1, Altoona, WI 54720.

WEAP’s new Altoona center serves children and families in the Eau Claire area and surrounding counties and is led by Cassie Sedlacek, LCSW, Clinical Director. The new location has a larger footprint and can better accommodate a growing client base and additional staff. 

Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP) recently relocated to a larger space in Altoona and held an outdoor grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on April 1, 2021. Shown left to right:  Phillip Swiler, Vice President of Investor Relations for the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce, Cassie Sedlacek, LCSW, Clinical Director of WEAP Eau Claire/Altoona, along with WEAP staff Brittany Schumacher, Heather Boss, Mary Hopton-Smith and Kimberly Wroblewski.

WEAP is currently enrolling preschool-aged clients and expanding their behavioral team. They are hiring more than a dozen behavior technicians at the new location.

“Our new center’s clinical space is larger than our previous space, which enables us to offer center-based treatment for the first time officially, whereas previously, we had clients occasionally in our clinic,” explained Sedlacek. “Our new space offers a single-floor design that allows for safe and accessible treatment for our clients. A safe outdoor play area, which was not available at our former location, is in our future plans.”

WEAP’s talented team of clinicians provide individualized, evidence-based programs in the client’s home, at their learning centers, and in the community and/or school. Their applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy services include diagnostic services, home services, special skills group, and teleABA (telehealth) services. 

An outdoor grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony with WEAP leaders and the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce at the new Altoona location was held Thursday, April, 1, 2021. 

With locations in Altoona, Brookfield, Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, and Oak Creek, WEAP is one of LEARN Behavioral’s growing, nationwide organization of local providers, now spanning across 15 states and the District of Columbia. For more information about WEAP, visit www.wiautism.com

About LEARN Behavioral

LEARN Behavioral specializes in using contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) to nurture the unique potential of children and young adults with autism. With clinical insights and best practices refined through our decades of service to the autism community, we support more than 5,000 clients through brands that include WEAP, AST, BACA, BCI, Total Spectrum, Trellis, and SPARKS. Our team consists of more than 30 doctoral-level clinicians, 450 Board Certified Behavior Analysts®, and 4,000 behavior technicians who share a common mission: to find success for every child in our care.

“Connecting the Autism Community One Podcast at a Time”

LEARN Behavioral provides valuable insight and information from inspiring individuals in the autism community through their unique All Autism Talk podcast found on Spotify and on their website at www.learnbehavioral.com/allautismtalk

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Old Colony Elder Services highlights the Nutrition Program with Special Drive-Thru events in East Bridgewater and Lakeville

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, put the focus on OCES’ Nutrition Program at “March for Meals” events held in East Bridgewater and Lakeville, MA.

March for Meals is part of  Meals On Wheels America’s national campaign held in March. 

Meals on Wheels and Grab & Go Meals are part of OCES’ Nutrition Program. OCES teamed up with local elected officials and Council on Aging (COA) Directors during March and April for special Drive-Thru events increase awareness of the essential Nutrition Program. 

Left to Right:  Diane Orcutt, Meal Site Manager; Maribeth Waldron, OCES Nutrition Supervisor; Senator Michael Brady; Representative Alyson Sullivan; Senator Walter Timilty; Nancy Hill, COA Director

On March 30, 2021, Senator Walter Timilty, Senator Michael Brady, and Representative Alyson Sullivan joined East Bridgewater COA Director Nancy Hill and OCES’ Nutrition Program team to distribute nutritious meals at a Grab & Go Drive-Thru event held at East Bridgewater Council on Aging. Simultaneously at the Lakeville COA, Representative Orrall joined the OCES and COA teams to also give meals to the older adults within this community.

On April 13, 2021, Senator Michael Rodrigues and Town Selectman Lia Fabian joined COA Director Kelly Howley and OCES in a March for Meals campaign that offered Grab & Go Meals in a Drive-Thru event at the Lakeville Council on Aging. 

All the events were well-attended and provided nutritious meals to 134 older adults in Lakeville and East Bridgewater communities.

All Nutrition meals are planned by a nutritionist. OCES has more than 400 volunteers in their Nutrition Program delivering over 1,900 nutritious meals a day to homebound recipients living within the communities in greater Plymouth County.

Left to Right:  Cheryl Lundstedt, COA Clerk; Jean-Marie Finn, OCES Nutrition Supervisor; Kelly Howley, COA Director; and Representative Orrall.
Bunny costume: Lori Fahey 

“Our Drive-Thru events were a wonderful opportunity for older adults in our communities to see elected officials, COA Directors and the OCES team as we support the vital Nutrition Program,” said Nicole M. Long, CEO of OCES. “The Nutrition Program is essential to many older adults who are homebound, unable to prepare meals or manage their grocery shopping.” 

Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many new challenges, but OCES continues to adapt and safely serve the needs of their consumers and the communities that they serve. All of OCES’ programs, from Nutritionand Home Care to Protective Services, remain in place and are operating. 

To learn more about Meals on Wheels America, visit  https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org

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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May is National Water Safety Month. Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield Announces Learn to Swim & Water Safety Programs

May is National Water Safety Month and the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield has announced programs to teach water safety and reduce drowning risk. 

Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield logo

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death in children. The AAP recommends swim lessons, as a layer of protection against drowning, that can begin for many children starting at age one (Healthychildren.org).

It’s important that every family member learns how to swim. Swim program registration is now open at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. The nine-week sessions will be held June 20, 2021 through August 22, 2021.

Learn to Swim introduction and advanced programs are offered to baby/toddler (eight weeks to 35 months old) with a parent. Class ratio is six to one, lessons are 30 minutes long and the fee is $150 for the session.

Preschool and Youth level (three to 12 years) Learn to Swim sessions are also offered. The class ratio is four to one, lessons are 30 minutes long and the session fee is $150.

Private Lessons are also offered in 30 minute sessions ($40 a session) or 30 minute semi-private for two swimmers of similar ability ($60 each session). Private lessons are ideal for a child who needs more specialized attention or those who want to work on a specific skill. A schedule of times will be available in June. 

Swim Club is a fun recreational summer swim team. The focus is on building strong, confident swimmers who are passionate about the water and exercise, as well as being a part of a team.

Minis Swim Club, for ages three to six years, runs once per week ($150). Youth Swim Club, for ages six to nine years, runs three times per week ($175). Middle School Swim Club, for ages 10 to 14 years, runs three times a week ($175). Swimmers will need their own pair of swimming fins and goggles. A mesh back and kickboard are also recommended. 

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield will also offer American Red Cross Certification classes. For more information and class times for Lifeguard Training, Lifeguard Instructor Training and Lifeguard Recertification classes, email Stephanie Higgins at stephanie@bgcmarshfield.org.

For more information and to register for Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s swim programs, visit https://www.bgcmarshfield.org/swimprograms/learn-to-swim

Last year, the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield pivoted their lessons with reopening procedures, and offered swimming lessons as parent-child lessons for those who would need support. Essential swim lessons were provided to 150 children at the Club pool last summer.

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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Jerry Puiia Between Rounds

Who knew that two Italian guys from Hoboken would transform the bagel world of Connecticut and beyond?

In 1990, Between Rounds had its start in Vernon, Connecticut. This first store, owned by Jerry Puiia, was patterned on a store that Jerry’s dad (Vito) and his brother (Joe) owned in Hoboken, New Jersey. One year later, Jerry and his brother Joe opened a second Bagel Stop in South Windsor, Connecticut.

Since the beginning, the Puiia brothers have manufactured and sold their own bagels, a hallmark which really sets them apart from other cafés. The business has evolved to a four stores, an ever expanding wholesale business providing fresh bagels to well known super markets and also franchising of the brand.

For more information about Between Rounds, contact Jerry Puiia via his website BetweenRoundsBagels.com.

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Boston Solar awarded contract for Centerboard project in Lynn, MA

Boston Solar, an award-winning solar installer based in Woburn, MA, has recently contracted as the solar provider for Centerboard, a Lynn, MA-based nonprofit human services organization and one of the largest housing providers in the state.

In a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Centerboard, Boston Solar will coordinate the design and construction of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for 15 individual projects, which includes solar installations on 14 housing units in Lynn, MA and one housing unit in Roxbury, MA. 

Centerboard has been providing family shelter for over 20 years and has grown to be one of the largest housing providers in the state. Centerboard is a referral only shelter organization, which means families are referred to them through the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the state agency that manages the Emergency Assistance shelter program.

Boston Solar will be responsible for installation, operation and maintenance of the solar PV systems. Sungage Financial will handle project financing.

“We are grateful and excited to be working with Boston Solar,” said Mark DeJoie, CEO of Centerboard. “Solar is the future and this will help save on electricity costs so we can continue providing care to families in Lynn and Essex County. We are proud to be working with Boston Solar.” 

“We are very pleased to have been awarded the Centerboard contract,” said Daniel Mello Guimaraes, Boston Solar’s CEO. “The advantage of a power purchase agreement is that the nonprofit does not have any upfront costs and they are able to get a locked in, reduced rate for up to 25 years. It’s win-win.”

About Centerboard

Centerboard’s mission is to revitalize the community by investing in its people and places. The organization supports families and young people through housing, access to employment, education and financial empowerment. For more information, visit https://centerboard.org

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

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Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography Offers Corporate Photo Tips

According to Debi Cramer founder and principal photographer of Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography, the right images create that all-important connection with customers, employees, employers, partners, investors and vendors, and help professionals and businesses stand out in the marketplace.

With a studio in Plymouth, MA, Cramer provides corporate portrait photography for business professionals, job seekers and others, as well as corporate brand photography that includes marketing materials, websites and product pages for businesses of all sizes and any industry.

Cramer shares the following corporate photography tips and considerations to help ensure photography that will make a connection:

Company website – Be sure that all the corporate portraits (headshots) are taken in a similar format and look friendly and professional. Consider including the “nuts and bolts” images of the office space, which may include the reception area featuring the company logo on the wall. If the corporate photos are for a manufacturing company, ensure that all machinery is completely clean. Any big machinery, such as forklifts, must be static – similar to a still-life image. Decide ahead of time whether all employees should wear a company shirt with a logo. Hard hats must be clean. Even in a medical or laboratory setting, all medical/lab coats must be spotless and pressed. Companies need to be cognizant of message they are sending. The details matter.

Annual Reports – Annual reports should include headshots of senior management as well as location shots. An important marketing piece, the annual report should also include compelling photos such as product close-ups which have that “wow factor” and images that communicate the brand, vision and accomplishments. For example, a manufacturing or construction company may want to take project shots while the project is being completed over the course of the year.

Corporate events – For business events such as a grand opening or ribbon cutting, be sure to obtain photos of the principals alone, then in the ribbon cutting line holding scissors. Individual photos as well as photos of three staff grouped together or in a department are best. Be cognizant of what is in the background. Make sure there are no distractions and no movement.

Corporate portraits – Corporate portraits literally serve as the “face” of the company (see the section on company website above). But, corporate portraits are not just for employees and business owners. A professional headshot is a must for any business professional or job seeker, particularly those in sales, administration and similar positions. A corporate portrait may be used for LinkedIn, to improve social media pages, and added as a thumbnail headshot on a résumé. A professional corporate portrait may also be used for sport, theatre and art profiles.

Cramer noted, “Always ask for references and to see samples of a corporate photographer’s work. Knowing in advance about usage rights and pricing is also key. More importantly, your photographer should be asking about your (or the company’s) objective and goals, to ensure that the photography is an appropriate representation.”

Debi Cramer has spent many years photographing people, places and things all over the world. With a background in fine arts, textile and graphic design, Cramer shoots with a designer’s eye, which produces stunning images. Her international travels, study abroad experience in Edinburgh, Scotland as well as living in Singapore span more than two decades.

To learn more about Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography, visit https://www.38thavenuephotography.com

About Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography

Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography’s primary focus is corporate portrait photography, along with corporate brand photography that includes marketing materials, websites and product pages. Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography serves a diverse array of clients in variety of industries, including real estate, restaurant, floral, retail and others.

Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography has been named one of Cape & Plymouth Business Reader’s Choice 20 Companies to Watch in 21. From commercial to fine art and portrait photography, Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography enables clients to bring beauty and peace into their home or office, as well as promote their business. Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography offers their website visitors the ability to view portfolio images online as well as purchase or license images. View the portfolio and gallery at www.38thavenuephotography.com

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OCES Awarded 3 Year Grant to Support Older Adult Volunteers

Funding from AmeriCorps Seniors for RSVP of Plymouth County

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, recently announced that they received a three-year grant from AmeriCorps Seniors to support 300 RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) volunteers. The grant will expand OCES’ volunteer presence in Plymouth County, where OCES has been providing service opportunities for older adults as an RSVP project since April 1, 2015.

With this new funding, OCES will continue to leverage the skills and experiences of adults age 55 and older in Plymouth County to support their RSVP Service Partner programs and services which strengthen communities and the people that live in the communities. These AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers will address community needs through volunteer activities such as delivering Meals on Wheels, tutoring and reading to children, recording material for the blind, helping with financial literacy, transportation to medical appointments and other volunteer opportunities to address community identified needs.

“Volunteers are essential to our organization.  We embrace this exciting development and look forward to working with businesses and individuals throughout greater Plymouth County to expand opportunities and promote volunteerism,” stated Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer of OCES.

Focused on Healthy Futures

Since 2015, the RSVP of Plymouth County has continued to support the AmeriCorps goal of supporting the most vulnerable populations. As the sponsor of the RSVP of Plymouth County, OCES pays particular attention to the focus areas identified by AmeriCorps and the areas in which OCES has the most impact on community needs. The primary focus area of this project is Healthy Futures, with the overall goals of increased socialization/quality of life, food security, financial literacy, student reading skills, transportation options, and volunteerism.

About AmeriCorps Seniors

Throughout the challenges of 2020 and 2021, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers persisted, supporting communities as they respond and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Today, AmeriCorps Seniors engage approximately 195,000 older adults at 29,800 service locations across the United States and territories through its Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, and RSVP programs. Established in 1971, RSVP involves Americans age 55 and older in needed services, responding to our nation’s most pressing challenges.

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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6 Steps to Half-Retirement, Free Webinar Scheduled for April 22, 10 am

Kevin Lister

Boston, MA, February 10, 2021 — Not ready to fully retire? Still enjoy the challenge and the income, but prefer to ease up a bit?

Kevin Lister, President of Paradigm Strategies/CEO Focus Boston based in Marlboro, MA, will share the 6 steps to creating your effective Half-Retirement© blueprint during a free webinar scheduled for Thursday, April 22, 10 – 11:30 a.m. RSVP at https://the-6-steps-to-half-retirement-apr-2021.eventbrite.com.

The virtual workshop, The 6 Steps to Half-Retirement©. Half-Retirement© is an attractive alternative to selling your business. You work two to three days a week doing the work you enjoy while keeping your existing income. The interactive presentation provides actionable ideas that you can put to work immediately.

Kevin Lister achieved an MBA from Babson College, a BS in Marketing/Finance from Bentley and is a US Marine Corps veteran. His firm, Paradigm Strategies/CEO Focus Boston specializes in strategic planning, business consulting (sales, marketing, management, finance & operations), Half-Retire© advising & business workshops. The focus is to boost small business revenue, productivity & profitability!

Who Should Attend This Virtual Workshop?

  1. Business owners who realize that the anticipated proceeds from the sales of their business will not provide their existing income.
  2. Owners who want to keep their business and income but remove the ownership headaches.
  3. Business owners who desire to slow down but not sell their business.
  4. Owners who are concerned about boredom during retirement.
  5. Business owners who still enjoy portions of their work but wish they could remove portions they dislike.

Attendance is limited to 50 people and RSVP is required. RSVP at https://the-6-steps-to-half-retirement-apr-2021.eventbrite.com.

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OCES Assists at Vaccination Clinic for Residents at Wareham’s Redwood Park Housing

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the nonprofit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, was onsite to assist Wareham Housing Authority at their Redwood Park vaccination clinic held March 24, 2021.

Jillian Brown, OCES’ Supportive Housing Coordinator for Wareham’s Redwood Park processes the necessary forms during the recent COVID-19 vaccination clinic held onsite for residents.

The Wareham Housing Authority held a COVID-19 first dose vaccination clinic at Redwood Park Housing, 34 Church Avenue, to provide homebound and most vulnerable residents access to the vaccine. Wareham EMS administered the vaccine, assisted by 20 OCES volunteers and staff who processed consent forms and provided general support. A total of 50 residents were vaccinated that day.

According to residents Lucy (age 88), who received the vaccine alongside her husband Harold, “We’re just plain lucky! Harold will be celebrating his 90th birthday later this month and we’re overjoyed with the possibility of celebrating this milestone with our family now that we have received the vaccine.”

“Without having the vaccine brought to them, many residents would not have opted to receive the vaccine due to distance, transportation issues and difficulties navigating the website to register,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “OCES is working with local housing authorities, offering assistance onsite at vaccination clinics throughout our service area.”  

Supportive Housing in Wareham

OCES works with the Wareham Housing Authority to provide a supportive housing program at Redwood Park. Supportive Housing Programs are designed to create a community environment which allows residents to age in place, while also enriching the lives of those residents. To learn more about OCES’ housing programs, visit www.ocesma.org/getting-started/housing-options/

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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