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Podcast Now” – Free webinar prepares you to be a podcast host.

photo of a podcast microphone

Experts and listeners agree, we are in the Golden Age of Podcasting. More than half of American homes tune into a podcast regularly. If you have ever thought of hosting your own podcast for your business, organization or non-profit, PR Works is hosting a complimentary webinar that prepares you to be part of the boom as a podcast host.

The free online event is set for Wednesday, June 24, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. To RSVP, click here.

Sponsors of the webinar include My Pinnacle Network, South Shore Networking Professionals and ACTSmart IT. The webinar will be led by yours truly, Steve Dubin, and Joe D’Eramo, also of PR Works.

The webinar prepares you to create your own podcast show including choosing bumper music intro to the specifics of recording the segment to promoting each segment on a wide range of channels including Podcast portals such as Itunes, IHeartRadio, Google Play, YouTube, Stitcher and more.

Podcast appearances establish credibility, create visibility, activate lead generation, create speaking opportunities, stimulate search engine optimization, expand cultural authority, and increase value proposition.

The “Podcast Now” webinar gets you into the game and on the air.

Learn how to –

  • Define your topic niche.
  • Develop timely segments.
  • Choose a podcast platform.
  • Choose the right equipment at a reasonable pricing.
  • Create bumper music and video tease to open and close segments.
  • Design thumbnail graphic icon for Podcast portals such as Itunes, IHeartRadio, Google Play, YouTube.
  • Establish taping protocols.
  • Draft standard questions.
  • Draft show opening and close verbiage.
  • Create verbiage for general podcast description and for each individual segment.
  • Create YouTube channel
  • Promote each episode via podcast portals, social media, e-newsletters, publicity and leveraging the marketing channels of each guest.

Please RSVP for this complimentary webinar by clicking here.

For more information about the podcast event or podcasting services, contact PR Works at www.PRWorkZone.com , (781) 582-1061, 18 Main Street Extension, Suite 409, Plymouth, MA.

Podcast Now” – Free webinar prepares you to be a podcast host.Read More

LEARN Behavioral announces Telehealth ABA services now available in Massachusetts through BCI

Children diagnosed with ASD may continue to receive critical ABA therapy remotely during COVID-19 pandemic.

LEARN Behavioral, the leading network of providers serving children with autism and other special needs, announces the availability of telehealth Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families in Massachusetts through their regional provider Behavioral Concepts Innovation (BCI).

To continue providing critical ABA services to client families during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, BCI has innovated their service delivery model and capabilities to provide telehealth ABA services, or “teleABA” as coined by LEARN. 

TeleABA provides another option for families who prefer virtual therapy services over in-person therapy, or who have household family members who are at higher risk for severe illness. It is ABA therapy overseen by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) that parallels in-person treatment. 

“The COVID-19 response requiring nationwide social distancing and other safety guidelines has left many parents of children on the autism spectrum wondering how to maintain the gains their children have made in ABA therapy,” explained Hanna Rue, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Vice President of Clinical Development for LEARN. “BCI and LEARN are helping parents throughout Massachusetts by providing the option of teleABA therapy which helps ensure that their children are able to continue their forward momentum towards established treatment goals.” 

TeleABA Services
Treatment for ASD is in accordance with state and federal emergency guidance regarding medically necessary telehealth services. It is imperative that children with ASD avoid any break in ABA therapy as this may cause distress, disruption and potential behavior regression. TeleABA is the delivery of evidence-based ABA therapy with master level clinicians via HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing, which is accessible by computer, tablet or smartphone.

BCI’s teleABA services include direct treatment and parent consultation. Direct treatment is one-on-one treatment sessions with a child geared towards maintaining and generalizing communication, play skills and behavioral progress. Parent consultation provides an opportunity to discuss daily routines and challenging behaviors, identify targets, and implement a plan.

TeleABA enables families to continue to build upon and reinforce skills including, but not limited to:
– Potty training
– Bedtime/sleep routine
– Screen time
– Personal hygiene routine, including hand-washing

Through teleABA, BCI helps children and families in a number of ways. For example: discussing strategies and progress on a desired goal; developing a routine that fits in to your family’s schedule; providing individual reinforcement strategies; setting and explaining clear expectations; and offering “in the moment” parent coaching along with references to help successfully reach your child’s goal.

Parent Webinars
One innovative program being launched through teleABA is Parent Webinars. With COVID-19 changing day-to-day lives, new challenges are presenting and old ones are resurfacing. Parent Webinars, offered on a weekly basis, enable families facing similar challenges to join in virtual presentations to share solutions and helpful info. 

The Parent Webinars are led by Ashley Williams, Clinical Director for ABACS and Advances in the LEARN provider network in the Greater Boston area. Each webinar is guided by a BCBA and will include clinical tips, strategies, and suggestions to help parents in these challenging times. 

Dr. Rue continued, “We have received a tremendous response from our families, who are experiencing new successes due to our virtual teleABA services. It is our hope that teleABA treatment will continue to be accepted by insurers beyond COVID-19, as this will enable us to serve a greater number of children and families on the autism spectrum who need services but have limited in-person access to ABA providers.”

Currently, BCI has more than 300 BCBAs providing teleABA throughout Massachusetts and in total, LEARN has served over 2,500 families through teleABA, with nearly 1,000 trained providers across the nation who have delivered sessions. LEARN is dedicated to supporting their staff and has developed a comprehensive resource library which enables them to access tools, resources, training and support online.

For more information about BCI’s teleABA services, visit https://bciaba.com

About BCI
Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Worcester, BCI has grown to become the go-to provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families throughout Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com.

About LEARN
LEARN is a leading network of providers which includes BCI, as well as ABACS and Advances in the Greater Boston area, that serves children with autism and other special learning needs. LEARN specializes in behavioral health treatment based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and is committed to providing programs and services that are family-focused, community-minded, and delivered with the highest clinical integrity. The LEARN team delivers more than 2.5 million hours of service annually and is comprised of more than 5,000 passionate professionals dedicated to nurturing each child’s personal best. For more information, visit https://www.learnbehavioral.com
 

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Finding the green. Bob Maffei launches The Maffei Companies to help the next generation of entrepreneurs succeed.

Bob Maffei

Money may not grow on trees. For small businesses in the green (a.k.a. landscape), construction and service industries, Bob Maffei knows it grows in direct proportion to the systems the organization employs. It is with this principle in mind that Maffei, founder of Maffei Landscape Contractors, who has recently stepped down as CEO to pursue a new endeavor, The Maffei Companies.  The Maffei Companies are a consulting, advisory and development group based in Mashpee, Massachusetts.  His goal: To assist entrepreneurs to create scalable organizations that become choice providers and choice employers.

Consulting

The Maffei Companies includes a results-driven consulting division which will focus on working with businesses to develop systems that improve accountability, company culture, operational efficiency, and profit.  These principles were utilized to create Maffei Landscape Contractors, the largest landscape maintenance operation on Cape Cod.

After 30 years in business, Maffei Landscape Contractors was sold to a Capital Management firm.  Maffei remained CEO for 2 years to help with the transition. “After building the company from zero to over 130 employees, and blessed with the opportunity to sell it, I feel I’ve learned more than I could have achieved with an Ivy League education, and I want to share my systems and experience with the next generation of entrepreneurs to help them succeed.”

Development

Maffei is also a managing partner in LandOne Takeoff, a software solution for the green industry that will revolutionize Landscape Operators, Account Managers and Salespersons workloads while increasing sales.

“The Maffei Companies is excited to showcase this cloud-based technology.  The software utilizes satellite imagery, advanced measuring tools and now has the ability to create designs on site while meeting with the Customer. LandOne will enable real time – on site estimating, which will greatly simplify the proposal writing process.” said Maffei. “LandOne is but one example of the products and systems we can put in place for the green industry.”

Advisory

Maffei will also lead peer groups and share thought leadership through speaking engagements for green industry and small business venues.  

Maffei is an active leader in the Cape Cod and green industry communities.    He has held leadership roles such serving on the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.  He has also received numerous awards and recognitions such as being named a Trailblazer in 2016 for National Association of Landscape Professionals and was recently awarded the 2019 Cape Cod Landscape Association’s Legacy Award.

Maffei resides in Mashpee with wife Reyna and their young children. For more information on The Maffei Companies, visit www.TheMaffeiCompanies.com or https://www.facebook.com/themaffeicompanies/. 

Finding the green. Bob Maffei launches The Maffei Companies to help the next generation of entrepreneurs succeed.Read More

Mask up! Harvard, MA computer engineer puts 3D printer to use to cover-up local fire departments.

photo of Bob Vinci
Bob Vinci

My high school buddy Bob Vinci, now a Harvard, MA-based computer engineer and Harvard (MA) Lions Club member, is creating NIH-approved face shields via five 3-D printers and supplying them, free of charge, to 25 local fire departments throughout Greater Boston.

As a computer genius, he is adept at creating top quality face shields. But publicity and getting people to his Go Fund Me page was another thing entirely.

PR Works stepped in, on a pro bono basis, and now we are on a roll of obtaining coverage town-by-town as he delivers to each fire department. He is about halfway to raising $5,000 to cover raw material expense.

We repackaged the story – more emotion, less product detail – and continue to get it to the right media gatekeepers.

Here is the first bit of coverage from the Concord Journal.

Let us know how you are either helping the community or taking a new, creative approach to your business.

To contribute to Bob’s GoFundMe page, click here.

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Mining the Golden Age of Podcasting. PR Works, based in Plymouth, Massachusetts announces podcasting services.

Experts and listeners agree, we are in the Golden Age of Podcasting. More than half of American homes tune into a podcast regularly. Why not YOURS?

Given this high audible trend, PR Works, based in America’s hometown of Plymouth, Massachusetts, has launched a podcast service. The service ranges from establishing a Podcast strategy to recording and editing the show to promoting it. 

“Podcasting allows you to control the message, control the medium and tap into new clients, strategic partners and referral sources,” notes PR Works Founder Steven V. Dubin, a Plymouth, Massachusetts resident.

He added, “Podcasting is another story-telling channel and the one-to-one audience it creates is powerful. Where most get stalled is in having a clear niche topic and managing all the details of technology, arranging guests, editing the raw footage, uploading each segment to YouTube and the many podcast portals and then promoting the podcast to expand the audience. We help boil that down and get it done.”

Here are some of the considerations to podcasting.

First, the “Why”? 

Are you doing this to position yourself as “the” expert? Book prospects as guests and build those relationships? Generate solid content for social media? Enhance SEO? Provide useful information to your core audience?

Your answer to ALL of the above should YES!

Second, the theme?

What is your unique programming theme? Do you expand upon family business, start-up business, mid-market business? Are you focusing on a niche? Young families? Senior living? Middle-age madness? Choose a theme and build upon it.

Third, the Title?

The title of your podcast should give a hint about the content and entice us in. No surprise about what “Planet Money” is about. “Football Weekly” tells it all. You could get clever, but you don’t want to be obscure and leave us guessing.

Fourth, Scheduling?

Most new podcasters can’t keep up a pace of more than once a month. That being said, it is worthwhile to record the first three segments all at once. In our binge watching/listening world, give your audience a good dose of what you do. 

It is best to develop a schedule and editorial outline of segments for each business quarter.

Fifth, Guests?

Let’s face it, unless you are stand-up comedian or experienced performer, you probably can enhance broadcasts with a guest or two. Guests add insight, variety and color. 

The challenge is to book them, prepare them, obtain background materials, etc. That is a critical part of the process.

Six, the Technology?

How will you record? How will you upload to key podcast portals (Spotify, Itunes, etc.).How will you promote each episode? PR Works has reviewed a wide range of platforms and came up with an inexpensive and thorough solution that includes developing a vlodcast (video of the podcast) and the audio podcast at the same time.  Thus, you are bolstering a YouTube channel and reaching out via key podcast portals.

Seventh, the Promotion?

Now you’ve gone to all the trouble of creating a podcast, how do you get it out there?

Social media posts, e-newsletter, news release and blog posts help move it along.  These messages should ALSO be prepared and customized for your guests to share with their audiences.

Ready to go “live”?  5-4-3-2-1.  For additional information about podcasting, contact PR Works at www.PRWorkZone.com, (781) 582-1061, 18 Main Street Extension, Suite 409, Plymouth, MA.

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Between Rounds Supports Restaurant Strong Fund

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is supporting Samuel Adams & The Greg Hill Foundation Restaurant Strong Fund to help fellow Connecticut residents in the restaurant industry who have been impacted by restaurant closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Between Rounds, the unique bakery café and bagel shop with locations throughout Connecticut, has donated 5 percent of all online orders (placed through their website) during the month of April to the Restaurant Strong Fund.

“Between Rounds is a family-owned business and so far, we’ve been able to continue to provide our customers with takeout and curbside pick-up,” said Between Rounds co-founder Jerry Puiia. “Being in the business, my brother Joe and I understand what many restaurants are going through. We feel strongly about supporting individuals and families impacted by the closures and in need of financial help at this time.”

Supporting First Responders & Healthcare Workers

The Puiia family is also committed to providing support to Connecticut’s first responders and healthcare workers. Between Rounds is offering free coffee to first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Police, fire, ambulance, nurses, doctors and 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.

For anyone looking to show their support and thank healthcare heroes, Between Rounds delivers meals that have been donated to healthcare workers/organizations (hospitals, medical offices, etc.). Minimum order is 5 lunch sandwiches. To donate meals, place an order online at www.betweenroundsbagels.com

About the Restaurant Strong Fund

Samuel Adams and The Greg Hill Foundation have teamed up to support those from the restaurant industry across the country who have been impacted by the Covid-19 closures. Learn more by visiting the Restaurant Strong Fund website, https://www.restaurantstrong.org/index.html

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 www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

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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.

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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.

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