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Old Colony Elder Services’ Nutrition Program is Still Running & Accepting Referrals

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the nonprofit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns, is operating during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and continues to address the needs of their consumers and the local community.

In particular, OCES’ Nutrition Program and the Meals On Wheels daily home delivery of meals continues to run and is still accepting referrals.

Supporting OCES and Consumers

OCES delivers approximately 1,700 nutritious meals a day to older adults and individuals with disabilities living within 23 communities in greater Plymouth County. Due to COVID-19, the need for meals is dramatically increasing. All meals continue to be planned by a nutritionist, and with the help of volunteers, are delivered to individual homes.

Due to the increase demand for home delivered meals, OCES’ Nutrition program is currently recruiting volunteer drivers.

Another way to support OCES and their consumers at this time is by making a donation to their Emergency Fund or their Nutrition Department so they can continue to support consumers.

“We continue to provide services, including home delivery of meals, to older adults and individuals with disabilities to keep them safe and independent at home,” said Nicole Long, CEO. 

OCES’ number one priority is the wellbeing and health of their staff, consumers, volunteers and community. They are in close contact with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, and the Department of Public Health, and are following their guidance as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended best practices. In addition, OCES is in close communication with their extensive network of in-home service providers, councils on aging, health care partners, and community partners to deliver services in a safe and effective manner.

All of OCES’ programs – from Nutrition and Home Care to Protective Services – remain in place and are operating. For new referrals, OCES’ nurses are conducting telehealth assessments. For more information or services from OCES, contact their Information and Referral Department at 508-584-1561. 

For all non-emergency COVID-19 pandemic related information, OCES directs community members to contact 211 or visit www.mass.gov.

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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Holistic Health Group offers update on medical marijuana dispensary

photo of medical marijuana dispensary being built in Middleborough, Massachusetts
Anafi 1.6.5

MIDDLEBOROUGH, MA

Holistic Health Group, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation organized for the purpose of cultivating, processing and dispensing medical marijuana, recently provided a construction update for its medical marijuana dispensary at 477 Wareham Street in Middleborough, Massachusetts. The 31,000 square-foot facility is currently nearing completion. James Crowley, of Frankie Investments, LLC, is the general contractor.

To date, Holistic Health Group has constructed the shell of building on the site, which will house the medical/recreational center for cannabis cultivation, manufacturing and sales. The medical marijuana dispensary facility is located adjacent to Ryco Excavating and Interstate 495, just a half mile off Exit 3. 

“We’re making progress on the dispensary and looking good for an open date this fall, maybe even sooner should we get the appropriate permitting to grow outdoors this summer,” said Tim McNamara, principal of Holistic Health Group, Inc. “If we’re able to take advantage of the Massachusetts agricultural growing season this summer it may mean up to $10 million in sales this year, which would translate to $300,000-plus in tax revenues for the town of Middleborough under our adult use host agreement.”

Holistic Health Group will hire eight to 10 local employees as soon as this summer if the outdoor plans can proceed – the group plans to employ an all organic, living soil grow protocol – but the COVID-19 virus might delay the necessary approvals beyond the growing season, depending on how things play out statewide. That number is expected to grow to 35 or 40 with approval for the current outdoor growing season and expansion into the recreational marijuana business.

“The news nationally and locally has obviously been bleak. Besides loss of life, the economic impact of this crisis has also hurt a lot of people,” said McNamara. “We’re hoping, with some positive feedback from the town, Holistic Health Group can be part of the local recovery effort by providing much needed jobs for local residents and revenue for the town at a crucial time.”

Holistic Health Group, Inc. will tentatively appear before the Middleborough Planning Board in May – once social distancing restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, the group intends to have a follow-up “virtual job fair” via Zoom, for Middleborough residents only on Thursday, April 30 at 5:30PM.

For information on Holistic Health Group, you can visit http://www.holistichealthgroup.org/. For questions and those interested in the employment and job fair, send an to the company’s general email address at info@holistichealthgroup.org with “Employment” in the subject line and somebody will respond to your inquiry.

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Fall River, MA Safety Company Expands Line of Disinfection Products

At a time of scarcity of product, Apollo Safety of Fall River, MA has expanded their product line to help meet the sanitizing needs of organizations and consumers during the Coronovirus (COVID-19) crisis. 

Apollo Safety,  gas detection experts and the leading safety and technical services equipment provider in New England, has been protecting the public from invisible, airborne threats for 25 years. Apollo is a distributor of Prefense hand sanitizer and has just expanded their disinfection product line.

Prefense is a new generation of hand sanitizer that acts as a “barrier” to germs and offers lasting protection with just one application per day. Prefense foam hand sanitizer is a patented, alcohol-free formula that soothes and moisturizes hands while providing up to 24-hour protection. The active ingredient in Prefense safely bonds with skin to provide antimicrobial protection all day long, or through 10 hand washings. Safe for the whole family, Prefense is a colorless foam that applies easily and dries quickly. Prefense does not contain alcohol, triclosan, hydrogen peroxide, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, parabens or harsh chemicals. It is made from a patented, silica based formula that moisturizes skin.

Apollo Safety now offers the full Prefense line: Foam Hand Sanitizer in 1.5 and 8 oz. bottles as well as Prefense Scented Alcohol-free Hand Sanitizer by the half gallon; Prefense Automatic Dispenser; Prefense Manual Dispenser; and Prefense Hand Sanitizer Dispenser Refill Pouch.

New disinfection products offered include Monk Disinfectant Wipes, which are EPA registered to kill 45 bacteria, viruses and fungi. These lemon-scented wipes kill 99.9 percent of bacteria in 15 seconds. Made from extra strong material for heavy duty cleaning, Monk Disinfectant Wipes are ideal for use as a cleaner, disinfectant, sanitizer or deodorizer in athletic and health facilities, nursing homes, clinics, veterinary clinics, animal kennels, beauty salons, schools, grocery stores, cafeterias and other environments. It is safe on most surfaces including finished floors.

Monk Disinfecting Wipes are available by the canister, the case, or in a bucket of 800.

“We’ve expanded our comprehensive line of protective products to include a greater selection of sanitizing products to help meet the needs of companies and consumers during this crisis,” said John V. Carvalho III, founder and president of Apollo Safety, Inc.

To view Apollo Safety’s disinfecting and sanitizing product line and place an order, visit their website at ApolloSafety.com

About Apollo Safety

As experts in disaster prevention, Apollo Safety, Inc. has grown to become the leading safety and technical services equipment provider in New England. Providing comprehensive gas/toxic leak prevention and detection products and services, Apollo Safety services include installation, regular maintenance and monitoring of the systems to ensure all systems are continually in optimal working order.

Apollo Safety provides portable, stationary and wireless gas detection systems; Man Down/Lone Worker detection systems; sales and support for most major brands of gas detection device manufacturers; as well as service in their state of the art in-house service center. The company also provides on-site support with factory-trained technicians for both portable and stationary gas detection systems. 

Apollo Safety is a member of the National Safety Council, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Association (RIAFC) and the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts (FCAM). A Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Veteran-Owned Businesses Enterprise (VBE), Apollo Safety has locations in Boston and Fall River, Massachusetts as well as in Connecticut. For more information, call 800-813-5408 or visit http://www.ApolloSafety.com.

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Response to the response

Admit it. You’ve seen a subject line with COVID-19 mentioned anywhere in it and clicked on “delete”.

Does that make you insensitive or uncaring during a national crisis and international pandemic (is that redundant)?

Possibly.

It also makes you human.

As humans, we react a certain way. A few bangs on the drum and we listen. A constant beat will soon have us covering our ears. And that’s largely what’s happening when you use COVID-19 in your subject line. And there’s a trickledown effect to other phrases.

Like, “during these troubled times,” and others.

Does that mean you’re not supposed to mention the elephant in the room, AKA the COVID-19 crisis?

No. It just means you have to consider your audience when you create messaging.

Are they turning to you for information about the crisis? Unless you’re an authority of some kind, probably not.

Your audience probably wants to know something a combination of things. If its your regular e-mail list, that combination could include something about your business, the current crisis, and how it affects them.

For example, PR Works has put together messaging for clients ranging from hours of operation during the crisis to a company’s COVID-19 process for people who enter a job site.

Or maybe you have an offering that’s relevant to the crisis. Case in point, a PR Works client that makes portable flooring for labs and healthcare facilities.

Conversely, this could be a great time to capture people’s attention by talking about something else. Anything else. Maybe you have a relatively new offering. Drafting a few blog articles and pushing them out to your social media channels might be a welcome sight to people wanting to read some good news.

Or merely different news.

One of the very few beauties of this time is that more people than usual have the time to read. As the theme song from Cheers said, “Taking a break from all your worries sure could help a lot.”

We are all very concerned about what’s going on in our world right now. If you’re putting out a COVID-19 message, that’s great. Just remember to think about your audience and all that they’re taking in right now. The message that doesn’t get read, doesn’t get heard.

Need some help with your messaging? Give us a call at 781-582-1061 or drop a line.

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Measures taken. Social Distancing accounted for. New England Burials at Sea add sea scattering upgrades to assist families with planning.

MARSHFIELD, MA  –   Captain Brad White, founder of New England Burials at Sea LLC (NEBAS) headquartered in Marshfield, MA announced that the company has designed a no charge upgrade program for the increased demand of COVID-19 related family scattering requests in 2020.

White shared that during this devastating public health crisis his company is upgrading many 1-6 passenger attended by family events from the standard 30’-50’ vessels to larger 65’ – 110’ vessels at no additional charge, enabling for safe at sea 6’+ social distancing for up to 10 passengers aboard at the same time while following published CDC safety requirements.

Capt. White expects full body sea burials at sea are on hold at this time until after the pandemic subsides but in the meantime is offering this no charge scattering upgrade program so families can get the healing and closure they need without feeling compelled to make immediate or uncertain final plans helping families to cope with the unexpected loss of their loved one.

About NEBAS: New England Burials at Sea® (NEBAS) is the largest USCG licensed provider for customized ash scatterings at sea serving families from all cultures and creeds, civilian and military, on both coasts of the USA for groups up to 400 people since 2006. Based in Marshfield, MA, the company operates year-round from Maine to Miami and from San Diego to Seattle, departing from over 73 ports with 86 different vessels that are clean and current with the latest safety gear with personalized and affordable services. They are recognized by the EPA, US Navy, U.S.C.G. and over 2,500 funeral homes and crematories across America who have taken advantage of their Sea Burial Certified™ training program. The company also created, designed and manufactures the ocean friendly Atlantic and Pacific Sea Burial Shroud™ for full body burials at sea.

For more information visit http://www.newenglandburialsatsea.com, call New England Burials At Sea, Capt. Brad White direct (781) 834-7500, email OceanBurial@aol.com.

© 2005-2020 New England Burials at Sea, all rights reserved. Patents pending.                                                            

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Now is NOT the time to go silent. Reach out to customers and keep them informed during COVID-19.

photo of Mona Lisa with a mask on during the COVID-19 crisis

Now is NOT the time to go silent. Reach out to customers and keep them informed during COVID-19.

There is no timeline. Customers and staff are concerned.

With the uncertainty of COVID-19 and the situation changing daily, we’ve been closely monitoring the outbreak and its impact on our clients and communities. We’re here (working remotely) to provide support during this unprecedented and challenging time.

What do you need to think about?

Consider how current restrictions are affecting your customers as well as employees and partners. How will you continue to reach out to them, keep them informed and serve them?

What’s your status during the current crisis? Open/Closed/ Limited hours/On-call, etc.?

How can your customers reach you? Are you working from home and holding telephone or virtual meetings?

Consider signage on your business door (and if applicable, inside as well).

Update your website’s home page and social media pages with this same info.

Revise your telephone voice mail.

We can help with:

• Overall message development
• Website & blog content
• Social media campaigns
• eNewsletters
• Podcasts
• Strategy moving forward

A singular message to your staff and customers is only the beginning of your on-going communication.

How will you continue to deliver your company’s message? To give you an idea of some grassroots marketing efforts to keep front of mind with your clients, read our recent blog.

Let us know if you’d like to arrange a call or video conference. Stay safe and be well.

Now is NOT the time to go silent. Reach out to customers and keep them informed during COVID-19.Read More

Sign of the times. Social Distancing Sign Solutions – Webster Printing Rolls Out New Division.

As companies strive to ensure the safety of their customers and employees by following the guidelines of public health officials and government agencies during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, demand for social distancing signage has skyrocketed.

Webster Printing, providers of fine commercial printing, commercial sign solutions and complete mailing/fulfillment services with locations in Hanson and Hanover, MA, has launched a new “Social Distancing Sign Solutions” division.

“We had an opportunity to create generic social distancing signs for a large New England supermarket chain and overnight, demand for this type of signage increased exponentially,” explained Ernie Foster, president of Webster Printing, based in Hanson, MA and serving New England and beyond. “Whether a company has one or 150 locations, we make it incredibly easy for them to obtain high quality, durable social distancing signage. For example, store sign placement evaluations may be done via virtual tour on a smart phone. We’re a full-service printer with the expertise and capacity for speedy custom sign fulfillment.”

Webster’s in-house design and creative services team can personalize and customize any type of social distancing signage. Or, if preferred, customers may provide their own file. With two shifts running, turnaround is a quick 48-hours.

Foster continued, “Although social distancing signage is critical during this crisis, the rules of social distancing will most likely remain with us for the foreseeable future. Education and continual reinforcement are the new reality. Webster Printing has come up with some ideas to help educate the public about the new social distancing rules.”

Combining state-of-the-art pre-press and print technology with an 80 plus year history of excellence, Webster Printing is meeting this new demand with a dedicated division that offers both generic and customized social distancing signage. Among the markets they serve are hospitals, banks, pharmaceutical, corporate facilities, grocery and liquor stores, manufacturers, retailers, government buildings, colleges and universities.

Webster Printing offers social distancing signage in any size for walls, windows and floors. The materials used are durable and specified for each particular application. The company also provides signage in different languages (bilingual or multilingual signs) and has the capability to add symbols.

“Free social distancing evaluation”

Some facility managers and directors may be in need of advice regarding distancing signage. Webster Printing offers a free, carefully arranged in-person evaluation or virtual evaluation (via SmartPhone and video) of existing space.

Printing. Unlimited Possibilities™

Webster Printing provides a complete solution for printing, product packaging and fulfillment – from creating and producing custom print/packaging that stands out from the crowd to warehousing, picking and shipping to get product into customers’ hands quickly and cost-effectively.

As a full-service printing plant with decades of experience in marketing and print services, Webster’s in-house creative design team can translate product brand into signage and packaging with powerful appeal. Their team can design and engineer a custom solution that meets even the most complex set of requirements, including regulatory compliance for industries like healthcare. An FSC Certified printer, Webster can support customers’ “green” initiatives with FSC-certified materials and environmentally friendly inks.

Webster’s comprehensive logistics capabilities include warehousing, picking, packing, and shipping, providing a true, one-stop solution. Automated ordering systems make ecommerce fulfillment a seamless experience.

Webster Printing is located at 1069 West Washington Street in Hanson, and their warehousing/fulfillment facility is located in Hanover.

For more information, visit www.socialdistancingsignsolutions.com, email info@websterprinting.com or call 781-447-5484.

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Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Offers Free Coffee to First Responders During Coronavirus Crisis

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, the unique bakery café and bagel shop with locations in Manchester, South Windsor, Tolland and Vernon, is offering free coffee to Connecticut’s first responders during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

First responders – police, fire, ambulance, nurses, doctors, healthcare workers – may visit any Between Rounds location (take-out or drive-thru) and receive a free fresh brewed coffee, hot or cold, any size. No purchase necessary.

Fresh brewed coffee selections include House Blend, House Blend Decaf, Hazelnut, French Vanilla, and Featured Flavors.

“We’re committed to supporting first responders during this crisis,” said Between Rounds co-founder Jerry Puiia. “It is our privilege to serve those who have dedicated their lives to ensuring everyone’s safety and well-being.”

Between Rounds locations and hours:
1540A Pleasant Valley Road, Plaza at Buckland Hills, Manchester 
Monday-Friday 6:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday 6:00am – 5:30pm
Sunday 7:00am – 3:00pm

19 John Fitch Boulevard, Route 5, South Windsor
Monday-Saturday 5:30am – 3:00pm
Sunday 7:00am – 2:00pm

Citgo Express Gas Station, 206 Merrow Road, Tolland
Sunday-Saturday 6:00am – 1:00pm

Vernon Circle Shopping Center, Vernon Rockville
Monday-Friday 6:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday 6:00am – 5:30pm
Sunday 7:00am – 3:00pm

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 signature bagels are delivered to grocers fully baked so no additional labor is required of the bakery department. 

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 https://betweenroundsbagels.com.

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Bust out. Enjoy Getting Your Lawn Ready for Spring.

Cabin fever is setting in for many of us who have been self-isolating due COVID-19.  But maybe this is an opportune time to get some Vitamin E from the sun and endorphins from the rejuvenating exercise related to preparing your yard for spring?  Many experts note that sunshine and clean air are natures best disinfectant.

Here are some simple and effective tips from Lawn Doctor of Boston, the South Shore, and Cape Cod.

Tom Norton, President of the local Lawn Doctor outfit, suggests “Some years are worse than others, but a general clean-up will benefit your lawn in many ways.” 

Norton continued, “Too much debris can suffocate the lawn and prevent the emergence of new growth. Raking up even just a few sticks and leaves not only helps get the lawn looking better instantly but it gives you the opportunity to inspect your lawn thoroughly and assess any issues.”

Now what? Lawn Doctor cautions you that raking to clean up is great, but if you have a thick layer of thatch, you may have to rake a little more thoroughly. Thatch is the layer of decomposing plant material that sits on the surface of the soil. When it accumulates and gets compacted it can prevent the roots of your grass from getting water, fertilizer, oxygen and other nutrients. 

Next, manage the moss. Every winter your lawn will stop growing and go into winter dormancy. Meanwhile, moss continues to grow. In the early spring, moss often looks worse than it is. Once the turf starts to grow moss will become less noticeable. Under some conditions, such as heavy shade or habitually moist areas, moss will naturally grow thick and dense. In this case, moss can only be handled by removing it manually with a rake or dethatcher. To help prevent moss and control the spread of it, we recommend a heavy calcitic lime application in the spring and, depending on the soil pH, sometimes again in the fall. Seeding in the fall and proper nutritional care and maintenance can keep the moss from coming back. 

Now for fertilize. In the early spring, you’ll notice that your grass is pale green, gray or even yellow, depending on the variety of grass you have. As it comes out of dormancy, it will naturally green up. To bring it back to life faster and see it grow greener you should have a lawn care program.

Lawn Doctor urges a first treatment of a high-nitrogen fertilizer with other essential nutrients as well as weed control and crabgrass preventative. This service will wake your grass right up and make it look like winter never happened!

Pay attention and prevent crabgrass. It may seem too soon to be thinking about crabgrass but it is imperative to get pre-emergent weed control solution onto your lawn ASAP. The secret is TWO applications of pre-emergent solution. Two applications mean double prevention and longer lasting effects. Do not underestimate the importance of pre-emergent. 

Good start to creating the lush lawn that your family and friend can enjoy.

Lawn Doctor of Boston, the South Shore, and Cape Cod is a local, family owned and operated business. Over 50 years of serving their neighbors has provided their team with invaluable insight as how best maintain your home’s greenest asset.

Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your lawncare routine or create one from scratch, the experts at Lawn Doctor can get you on track. For more information about Lawn Doctor, visit http://www.lawndoctor.com/or call 800-831-1319.

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