Congregate Housing Units in Bridgewater & Stoughton Now Available
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County announces Congregate Housing Program availability in Bridgewater and Stoughton, MA.
Congregate Housing is a shared living environment where consumers have their own private bedroom, and communal living space such as kitchens and sometimes bathrooms. Openings are available to older adults and individuals with disabilities at the Bridgewater and Stoughton housing authority sites.
The Heritage Circle Congregate, located at 10 Heritage Circle in Bridgewater has a total of 10 units. Currently, at this location there are three units available. In Stoughton, there are a total of 19 units at The Silva House located at 44 Pleasant Street with one unit available at this time.
To be eligible for Congregate Housing, applicants must be 60+ years of age or have a permanent disability.
“Congregate Housing provides an alternative housing option for older adults and people with disabilities interested in a shared living environment to prevent premature or unwanted institutionalization and /or homelessness,” said Elizabeth Weiner, OCES Housing Programs Manager. “Congregate housing is a good option for individuals who find it difficult to live alone or who enjoy the security of living with others.”
The goal of Congregate Housing is to integrate community resources, information, and services while providing group living support, to enrich the lives of those residents.
The Congregate Housing Coordinator, a specialist from OCES’ housing team, conducts an assessment to determine the specific needs of every resident residing within Bridgewater, Marshfield and Stoughton Congregate Housing sites. All residents at these sites are eligible for information and referral services, case management assistance, and access to social or educational programs. Depending on eligibility, many other services are available as well.
“OCES works with housing authorities in Bridgewater, Marshfield and Stoughton to support the residents,” explained Weiner. “Congregate Housing Programs are designed to create a community environment which allows residents to age in community.”
Those interested in Congregate Housing in Bridgewater or Stoughton can apply online by using the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Public-Housing (CHAMP) application and checking off the Congregate box, or by contacting the Bridgewater or Stoughton Housing Authorities. Visit https://publichousingapplication.ocd.state.ma.us.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, housing authorities continue to accept applications, however the housing authorities may cease lease-ups in congregate units during the emergency, as social distancing is difficult in these settings It is still important to be added to the wait list so that you are eligible for an assessment when lease-ups resume.
To learn more about Housing Programs offered by OCES, visit https://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.
Congregate Housing Units in Bridgewater & Stoughton Now AvailableRead More
Emerson Bearing Boston Offers High Voltage Solution for Marine, Manufacturing, Industrial and HVAC Industries
Emerson Bearing Boston, a bearing company catering to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) markets around the world, has expanded their bearing line to include Shaft Grounding Devices, which reduce the risk of danger and protect motor bearings from damage.
Motor shaft voltages have the potential to damage the components around them. If a shaft’s voltage exceeds the insulation capabilities of nearby cables or parts, it can cause both long-term and acute damage to motor bearings. Some high voltages can even lead to arcing between the shaft and the bearing. When this occurs, the arcing rapidly elevates the temperature of the bearing. Metal can vaporize and become permanently damaged and pitted from this process.
Shaft grounding devices are a cost-efficient solution to preventing the currents produced by shaft voltage. They are utilized in a number of industries, including Marine, Manufacturing, Industrial and HVAC.
Shaft voltage can occur for a number of reasons. Usually, it can be traced back to leakages or induction. Some external sources may even influence the likelihood of shaft voltage occurring. Rubber belts creating friction against drive pulleys and other nearby coupled machines are a few examples of these. AC and DC motors with variable frequency drives (VFD) often produce induced electrical currents on the motor shaft.
Emerson Bearing includes top brand Helwig Carbon shaft-mounted grounding devices, which are the most economical means of protecting bearings from electrical discharge. AC systems with VFD control and DC motors with pulse width modulation (PWM) drives benefit greatly from this added security. Grounding provides a low-impedance path for shaft voltage to travel through. Currents are forced away from bearings and voltage is prevented from building gradually over time on rotors. This simple technology is all it takes to dramatically reduce the risk of danger or property damage.
Helwig Carbon shaft-mounted grounding devices offer exceptional bearing protection and prevent failure. With sizes available for both large and small motors and internal mounting capabilities, they’re ideal for a number of applications, including: HVAC units; Pump motors; Fans; Air-handling equipment; Compressors; Elevators; Data centers; Chillers; and Conveyors.
Shafts ranging from 6mm (.2500”) to 225mm (9.000”) are available. Sealed options also increase resistance in contaminated environments like wash-down applications.
“Grounding devices are the most effective technology for minimizing shaft voltage and often outlast the units they’re installed on,” explained Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing Boston. “Grounding devices are the smartest choice an organization can make when it comes to protecting their people and their equipment from dangerous, damaging currents.”
For more information about Emerson Bearing’s products, visit EmersonBearing.com.
About Emerson Bearing Boston
Founded in 1957, Emerson Bearing Boston specializes in bearings for OEM and MRO markets throughout the world. 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 and maintain headquarters at 201 Brighton Ave. Boston, MA. For more information, visit www.emersonbearing.com or call 800-225-4587.
Is it crass to advertise during COVID-19?
This is one of the oddest, yet regularly heard questions I get asked these days:
“Is it crass to continue to advertise and market during the pandemic?”
This question goes so against my grain it stops me to pause.
Best answer? It is NOT acceptable to profiteer during the pandemic. For example, some rogues were hoarding and then reselling hand-sanitizer at 10 times its original cost. Not okay.
But, of course, it is okay to sell products and services that are in need by the public.
It is critical to generate income to keep your staff employed and to maintain solvency.
Pivoting to do business in creative ways is also strongly encouraged. Tele-quotes, tele-consultation, webinars, online demos, virtual networking are good examples of this.
Planning an aggressive marketing approach as we emerge from COVID-19, which could be as soon as May 18 in Massachusetts, is strongly encouraged.
Who are the first to reengage with your products and services? What will entice them to act NOW? How can you keep that sales pattern flowing?
What channels will reach them? What is the messaging? How often is the messaging?
Most businesses need to make up for lost revenue. They need to remain visible and viable.
Heck, yes! It is MORE than okay to advertise and market during the pandemic.
Need help in developing a plan? Capable hands in getting it done? Give us a call at 781-582-1061 to get started.
New software transforms how local businesses reach homeowners in Massachusetts. Braintree firm launches Local Leads 365.
Local Leads 365, a new, digitally fast and rich software platform was recently launched to help local service providers and merchants identify and reach potential customers more quickly. Developed by Gibbs Software Solutions, a company based in Braintree, Massachusetts, the new, robust application can deliver real estate transaction data for any town in Massachusetts.
The key advantage? Local Leads 365 provides new homeowner information the day after closing — not 1-12 months later, like many competitors. The leads are automatically delivered to the subscribers’ devices daily.
Additionally, the Local Leads 365 platform offers easy to customize templates for the merchant to entice the consumer via letters, post cards and flyers. And this activity can be seamlessly integrated into most Customer Relationship Management systems (CRMs). The software can also easily search for data based on “triggers”, such as homes with acreage exceeding 20,000 square feet or home values in excess of $500,000. This lets local service providers find and directly target specific customer types.
“We worked long and hard to create a platform that the small business owner or office manager could quickly adapt and use to generate new and lifelong customers,” noted Denver Gibbs, founder of Gibbs Software and Local Leads 365. “We have already received tremendous response from oil dealers, landscapers, painters, roofers, plumbers, electricians, home security, handymen, flooring, furniture stores, dental offices, financial planners, insurance brokers and auto service. The early adopters tell us that the platform is easy and fun to use and it instantly connects them with newcomers to the area in search of reliable resources.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the percentage of Americans that move every year equates to 14% of the population (or roughly 40 million). The average homeowner spent $9,081 last year on home services, according to HomeAdvisor. The costs broke down as follows: $7,560 on home improvements. $1,105 on home maintenance. By virtue of their new circumstances, new homeowners are the nation’s leading spenders.
For more information about Local Leads 365, please visit www.LocalLeads365.com or call (781) 343-1932.
Cash is NOT King during COVID-19.
COVID-19 has created a cash crisis for many small business owners. Less cash is coming in. The domino effect amplifies. Less cash is going out. But what if cash was NOT the only currency?
Responding to that cash crunch, New England Trade, Inc. (NET), based in Malden, MA and the leading barter exchange in the New England region, announced that they are offering free memberships – traditionally a $295 membership fee – and no monthly fees for six months to any business that joins. Qualified new members will also be granted a minimum $1,000 line of credit.
“We know businesses are hurting. Now is the time to embrace innovative methods to keep the momentum going,” noted Gary Oshry, President of New England Trade, Inc. He explained, “Our barter network of over 1,000 participating businesses allows members to accrue a balance by providing a service and then applying that balance towards the purchase of any of the hundreds of good and services within the network.”
New England Trade members include professional services (accounting, legal, business coaching), health care professionals (dental, counseling, chiropractic, physical therapy, optometry, acupuncture), marketing services (website development, graphic design, video, printing), wellness (health clubs, massage therapy) food service (restaurants and catering), accommodations (hotels, condos), recreation (rentals for autos, bikes, kayaks, paddleboards) and much more.
New England Trade has won numerous awards from the National Association of Trade Exchanges (NATE), International Reciprocal Trade Association (IRTA) and Barter Association National Currency (BANC. The organization has received recognition for its members state-of-the-art software, sophisticated website and mobile app, and Swipe Technology to make trading faster and easier than ever, and the assistance of full-time brokers available to promote each business and fulfill needs while saving cash.
Since 1980, New England Trade’s mission has been to increase their client’s sales and conserve their cash flow, facilitate trade among clients in an efficient, easy-to-use, cost-effective way, and improve their business outlook while enhancing members lifestyles.
About New England Trade, Inc.
A barter exchange is a third-party record keeper, providing members with monthly statements of their barter transactions. New England Trade, Inc. members are simply agreeing to accept an alternate form of currency as payment, providing you with an additional distribution network to grow your business. Members are able to purchase any product or service within the New England Trade, Inc. network through their trade account — products or services do not have to be directly exchanged. For more information, visit www.NewEnglandTrade.com or call (781) 388-9200.
Nurses are year-round heroes. OCES celebrates nursing contributions.
With 2020 designated as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, and National Nurses Week celebrated May 6th to May 12th, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, recognizes the essential care and contributions that nurses provide to the communities they serve every day.
“Nurses are central in the delivery of care and are on the front line in nearly every healthcare setting, from hospital to health care service agency,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “The role of nurses is essential and expansive, and the need for nurses continues to increase. OCES recognizes the vital contributions of our nurses and provides them with ongoing support and resources.”
OCES has been serving the community for 46 years and currently has a team of more than two dozen nurses who assist older adults and people with disabilities thrive in the community by helping to meet their long-term personal and health goals.
OCES’ registered nurses provide care to older adults through their Home Care (HC) program and Adult Family Care (AFC) program. OCES nurses conduct overall assessments of individuals which includes health and welfare, medical conditions and limitations, fall risk, the need for personal care, formal and informal supports, clinical eligibility for various program, among other needs, then draws from community resources and programs to help provide specific services needed. There is a tremendous collaborative effort between the various disciplines at OCES and with providers in the community.
OCES is continuously looking for talented individuals who support their core values to join their growing nursing team.
Long continued, “We recognize and celebrate the contributions of nurses, particularly during this incredibly challenging time in history. Their dedication to helping others not only strengthens our communities, but makes the world a better place. Nurses everywhere deserve our deepest appreciation.”
For more information about OCES, visit www.ocesma.org
The Year of the Nurse
2020 marks the bicentenary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. In recognition of the contributions of the founder of modern nursing, the World Health Organization has announced 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife. To learn more, visit https://www.who.int/news-room/campaigns/year-of-the-nurse-and-the-midwife-2020
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
Nurses are year-round heroes. OCES celebrates nursing contributions.Read More
Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield Receives 700+ lbs. Seafood Donation to Help Families in Need
When the 40th edition of Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America had to be rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, State Representative Patrick Kearney and suppliers quickly stepped up and arranged for the seafood to be donated to families and children in need.
More than 700 pounds of prepackaged restaurant-grade flash frozen Trident Seafood (originally earmarked for the Expo) was donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield to serve families who would benefit. The seafood included pollock, fillet, shrimp and lobster, which are ingredients many families use in stir fry recipes, stews, and fish tacos. The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield divided the seafood donation, half of it was distributed to 40 local families and the other half to Quincy Community Action Program’s food center for distribution to families in need.
The Boys & Girls Club would like to thank the seafood suppliers, along with Representative Kearney, Jack McGinnis from JD Transport, Charlie DiPesa from F.J. O’Hara & Sons, Inc., Julie Johnson and Steve Meneely from the Marshfield Food Pantry, Chuck Haddad from Haddad’s Ocean Café in Marshfield, and Dan Burke, Boys & Girls Club Board member, for their assistance in coordinating the donation.
“The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield works alongside the Marshfield Food Pantry and Marshfield School Department and has become a food distribution site that serves hundreds of families and children throughout the area,” Jim Bunnell, CEO Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. “Representative Kearney connected with us for assistance in getting this generous donation to families who would benefit. We’re extremely grateful to everyone involved who worked with us in this essential mission to support local families. We will do whatever it takes to meet the needs of kids and communities.”
Serving the Needs of Children & Families during COVID-19 Pandemic
The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield is committed more than ever, to ensure that members, families, and communities have the resources and support they need to navigate these uncertain times. Although the Club is closed for onsite programming until further notice, they are still providing services and doing critical work to help youth, families and communities. These services include:
– Distributing meals and essential supplies to kids
– Providing affordable childcare support to first responders, healthcare workers, and essential staff
– Providing tutoring and age appropriate counseling support
– Supplying access to virtual programming
To learn more about the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield or to access virtual programming, visit https://www.bgcmarshfield.org
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.
Currently, the Club serves hundreds of families with children ranging in age from 6 to 18 years old, providing afterschool, vacation week and summer programs, as well as youth athletics, teen, social recreational and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582.
Newly approved Massachusetts bill streamlines HECM/Reverse Mortgage counseling via telephone and online video. Seniors can now access Housing Wealth during COVID-19.
A new law signed by Governor Charlie Baker simplifies the “counseling” requirement associated with most HECM/Reverse Mortgage loans. The new bill, signed by the governor April 24, 2020, opens the door for telephone and virtual online video counseling to take place during the COVID-19 crisis.
Previously a face to face meeting between borrower and counselor was required. Given the “social distancing” recommendations this had become impossible.
“We are delighted that seniors, age 62 plus, can now move forward with HECM/Reverse Mortgages and receive the financial security and flexibility they need,” noted George Downey, CEO of Harbor Mortgage based in Braintree, MA and a board member of the National Reverse Mortgage Leaders Association, who championed the bill along with a coalition of other stakeholders including the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association.
The new legislation was part of the “An Act providing for a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 Emergency” bill H4647.
Downey continued, “Home equity, recognized now as ‘housing wealth’, has become an important and valuable resource to improve financial planning and extend retirement security. If, how, and when to use it is a key question. Every situation is different and the options are increasing as new programs emerge to meet the changing times.”
Home and condominium owners interested in learning more about their options may contact Harbor Mortgage at 781-843-5553, or visit HarborMortgage.com.
About Harbor Mortgage
Harbor Mortgage Solutions, Inc. is a family-owned, residential mortgage company serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Recognized as a leading housing wealth management authority, Harbor Mortgage is dedicated to serving the unique home financing and often complex needs of senior homeowners, while also promoting those needs among consumers, professional advisors, state legislators and industry regulators.
Harbor Mortgage (NMLS #2846, MA-MB2846, and RI 20041821LB) is located in Braintree, MA. For more information, contact 781-843-5553 or visit HarborMortgage.com.
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