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Stonebridge Homes launches new website

SOUTH EASTON, MA…

photo of interior of a Stonebridge Homes model home.
Stonebridge Homes has an upgraded gallery on its updated website.

Stonebridge Homes, a residential construction manager based in South Easton, Mass., launched an upgraded version of its website, StonebridgeHomesInc.com. In addition to a refreshed and modernized look, the new site includes a number of advanced features to improve the user experience.

The enhanced website features virtual walkthrough tours of some of the luxurious model homes that allows users to tour them without leaving their couch. Stonebridge Homes also displays both current and upcoming projects with detailed specifications and information on floor plans, location and pricing.

“Nothing takes place of visiting one of our customized model homes where you can see the beauty of the homes and the community itself, but we wanted our website to provide users with easy access to information and learn what Stonebridge Homes is all about,” said Cassidy Flynn, marketing director for Stonebridge Homes. 

The new website also features updated galleries from every Stonebridge Homes development, along with an information request form. This form allows interested users to submit individual questions that will be answered promptly by a Stonebridge Homes employee.

“We also wanted the upgrade to include something for the current residents of Stonebridge Homes communities,” said Flynn. “The new site includes a service request function and offers maintenance tips that will cover a range of topics from lawn maintenance to winterizing your home.”

To view the new site, visit www.StonebridgeHomesInc.com.

About Stonebridge Homes, Inc.:

For more than 25 years, Stonebridge Homes and its team, based in South Easton, Massachusetts, have built and managed the construction of many residential communities throughout Massachusetts, including Tanglewood Estates in Easton, Mass; Boyde’s Crossing in Norfolk, Mass and Briggs Landing in Westport, Mass. Stonebridge Homes has focused on building and managing construction in towns in southeastern Massachusetts, including Dighton, Easton, Foxboro, Lakeville, Norfolk, Norwell, Pembroke and Westport. The styles of these communities have varied from upscale condominiums to custom single‐family homes designed by its in-house architect whose specialty is customizing dream homes that provide space and luxury to households of all sizes. Each development is built with the same commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Stonebridge Homes, Inc. is an active member of the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston and the National Association of Home Builders. For more information, please visit www.stonebridgehomesinc.com or call 508.230.2300.

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Should I Stay or Should I Go? Aging in place options.

Do you want to age in place?  Move on?

A three-person panel discussion will explore decisions and resources  around staying in the home vs. selling the home, organizing and downsizing and how home care works and can be used. 

The free, educational program is open to the public and is scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, 5.30 p.m. to 7p.m. at FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston, 109 – 123 Highland Avenue, Suite 301, Needham, MA  02494 (directly across from Panera Bread and between TD Bank and Petco).

Panelists will include Pat Bernabei, professional organizer and downsizing expert of Sort It Out Boston based in Newton; Rachel Foy, Hillman Homes located in Newton; and Steve Stern of FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston, situated in Needham.

This interactive presentation encourages participants to ask questions and provide their own anecdotes.

As Founder of Sort It Out Boston, Pat Bernabei has helped hundreds of people move, get organized, and transition to new phases in their lives.  As an active member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) she has earned the distinction of Senior Move Manager-Certified (SMM-C) and Certified Relocation and Transition Specialist (CRTS). Sort It Out Boston received NASMM’s A+ Accreditation, the organization’s highest standard of professional achievement. Pat is also an active member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce.

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Rachel Foy meets the special needs of maturing Americans when selling, buying, relocating, or refinancing residential or investment properties. Additionally, Rachel is a Broker/Owner, REALTOR® and a member of REBAC, Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council; Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR); Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Greater Boston Real Estate Board; National Association of Realtors and Massachusetts Association of Realtors.

Steve Stern’s company FirstLight Home Care is a leading provider of non-medical home care, helping individuals in more than 30 states achieve the quality of life they deserve. The company has set a new standard in home care by creating an unmatched Culture of Care that drives industry-leading client and employee satisfaction. FirstLight is a lifeline not only for seniors, but for people recovering from illness, injury or surgery; adults with disabilities; and anyone over the age of 18 who needs extra assistance. Care can be provided at private residences, as well as independent and assisted living communities.

To RSVP, please visit https://bit.ly/2YySoY1.

For additional information, please contact FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston, 781-559-0220,   https://www.firstlighthomecare.com/home-healthcare-west-suburban-boston/contact/

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First Annual Massachusetts Malnutrition Awareness Week – OCES will be Offering Awareness Clinics May 15 & 16

Did you know that according to American Journal of Nursing greater than 50 percent of adults age 65 and older are at risk for developing malnutrition? Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, will be offering free awareness clinics during the first Massachusetts Malnutrition Awareness Week.

May is Older American’s Month, and the spotlight is on nutrition for older adults. Across the commonwealth, 76 malnutrition awareness clinics and events will be conducted between May 13-17, 2019.

Malnutrition is not the same as being underweight and can affect those who are overweight as well. Malnutrition can increase one’s risk of infection, falls, and wounds as well as decrease one’s quality of life. 

OCES invites older adults to participate in a free malnutrition awareness clinic. The clinics will be conducted by Barbara Nalen-Cardosa, OCES’ registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).  During the clinic, the RDN will assess malnutrition risk, provide a nutritious snack, offer healthy diet information, and answer questions. 

OCES’ malnutrition awareness clinics will be held at the following sites:

On Wednesday, May 15, 2019, from 10-11 a.m. at Belair Towers, 105 Belair Street, Brockton, MA.

On Thursday, May 16, 2019, from 10-11 a.m. at the Kingston Council on Aging, 30 Evergreen Street, Kingston, MA.

For more information about OCES’ malnutrition awareness clinics, contact OCES at 508-584-1561.

The Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA), Massachusetts’ Elderly Nutrition Program is funded by the Older American’s Act and state funding.  Over nine million meals are provided to approximately 75,000 seniors in order to improve nutrition, reduce hunger, and promote socialization.  Over 7,000 volunteers contribute approximately 450,000 hours yearly.

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 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

First Annual Massachusetts Malnutrition Awareness Week – OCES will be Offering Awareness Clinics May 15 & 16Read More

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Cafe jumps into prepared foods arena.

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, a growing fast-casual dining establishment with locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts, is set to offer their signature bagels, breakfast and lunch sandwiches at gas station convenience stores in Hartford County and beyond.

Between Rounds recently obtained a license to manufacture prepared foods, and will now wholesale their breakfast and lunch sandwiches to gas station convenience stores. 

Currently, Between Rounds prepared breakfast and lunch sandwiches are available in the refrigerated section at the Gulf gas station convenience store in East Hartford. Between Rounds’ selection ranges from their signature bagels and cream cheese to popular sausage, ham, bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches, turkey and cheese, ham and cheese sandwiches and more.

Renowned for their high-quality products, the family-owned Between Rounds has been serving up fresh, baked-onsite bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups and specialty coffees for more than two decades. Their locations include Manchester, South Windsor (corporate headquarters), Tolland and Vernon, CT as well as Southwick, MA.

“By expanding into prepared foods manufacturing, Between Rounds is targeting a ‘grab and go’ convenience market that extends well beyond our own stores,” said Jerry Puiia, co-founder of Between Rounds. 

Gas station and convenience store owners interested in Between Rounds wholesale products are encouraged to contact Jerry Puiia, (860) 291-0323.

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 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 and Southwick, MA. 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 betweenroundsbagels.com.

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Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield is New Home of Hot Shots Sports Program for Girls.

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, a youth development organization providing programs and services to children and families throughout the greater South Shore community, welcomes Hot Shots girls sports program to 37 Proprietor’s Drive in Marshfield.

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield has partnered with and is now the “home base” of Hot Shots Hoops and Soccer, the popular sports programs for girls ages 2 to 6 years old that builds self-esteem, athletic skills, and sense of belonging in a supportive, fun-filled, non-competitive environment.

Hot Shots doesn’t use traditional drills like dribbling around cones or standing in line to shoot at a goal. They use puppets, parachutes, pillow fights, tutus and more to build individual soccer and hoop skills. Every silly activity actually reinforces a specific skill. Hot Shots requires 100 percent parent participation, with parents putting on tutus and having pillow fights, guaranteeing memorable bonding time.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Hot Shots as it’s an amazing organization with a mission that is very similar to ours – enabling and inspiring young people to realize their full potential,” said Jim Bunnell, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. “Hot Shots’ sports programs are unique and highly successful. In the larger space of the Boys & Girls Club, they’ll be able to expand beyond Marshfield and offer their programs to girls across the South Shore.”

“Both of our organizations believe in building the whole child. Hot Shots’ goal is to build confidence, self-esteem, independence and athletic skills in girls using sports as a vehicle, but not as an end,” said John Wilpers, who founded Hot Shots in 1996.

Wilpers continued, “Eighty-five percent of girls drop out of sports prior to their teenage years. When you look at the dropout rates for girls in organized sports, and the reasons behind those exits, it’s crystal clear what needs to change. Sports needs to be fun again! Hot Shots Hoops and Soccer offers whimsical drills, props, games, and out of the box activities to teach young girls the fundamentals – with an emphasis on fun.”

Hot Shots Spring Soccer, Basketball and Enrichment program registration is now open to girls ages 2-10 years old. Girls may sign-up even after the season starts.

Hot Shots Hoops Spring Season will be held at the Boys and Girls Club on Saturdays, May 11-June 15, 2019. The program runs at 9 and 10 a.m. for ages 2-6 and 11 a.m. for Kindergarten and grade school girls.

Hot Shots Soccer Spring Season will be held at the Club on Sundays, May 12 – June 16, 2019. The program is offered at 9 and 10 a.m. for ages 2-6 and 11 a.m. for girls in Kindergarten and grade school.

Hot Shots GEM (Girls Empowered & Motivated) Enrichment Discovery Days will be held at the Club on Thursdays, May 9 – June 13, 2019. This program brings a kid-friendly approach to enrichment programs (Science, Technology, Arts, Math) and runs at 9, 10 and 11 a.m. for ages 2-6 years old.

To learn more about the programs, fees and to register, visit https://www.hotshotssoccer.org/soccer-skills-for-girls/

About Hot Shots 

Hot Shots sports program for girls is unlike any other athletic program. Hot Shots builds girls’ self-esteem, soccer and basketball skills, independence, love of reading, and strengthens their bonds with their parents in a supportive, fun-filled environment. Every session starts with story time followed by crazy, energetic games using puppets, parachutes, pillow fights, tutus, and other unique props to teach hoop and soccer skills. Every silly activity actually reinforces a specific soccer or basketball skill, but the girls just think they’re having a ton of fun. Hot Shots requires 100 percent parent participation, with parents putting on tutus and having pillow fights, guaranteeing memorable bonding time.

Since 1996, more than 4,500 girls have graduated from Hot Shots. Most girls return year after year, and many come back to coach after they’re too old to play. For more information about Hot Shots, visit https://www.hotshotssoccer.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.marshfieldbgc.com or call 781-834-2582.

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Breaking the “grass” ceiling. Women in Lawn Care are Breaking New Ground.

The moment that New Englanders have been eagerly anticipating has finally arrived: the end of winter. Now that spring has sprung, homeowners are scattering to prepare their pools, barbeques and most importantly their lawns and landscapes.  For busy professionals, parents and anyone else who values their personal time, this often means handing over the responsibility to men and women experienced in the lawncare business.

Landscaping companies are breaking through the “grass” ceiling. The stereotype of male lawncare professionals is being shattered by companies like Lawn Doctor. They’re putting a new face on their industry by featuring women in every level of their staff – from boots on the grass to managerial positions. Marissa Donahue of Wareham, Maria Laneau of Weymouth, Meg Salvador of Hanover, Tasha Dixey of Weymouth, Amanda Pereira of Rockland, Sam Mello of  Westport and Kathy Veneto of Easton are just some of the women who make Lawn Doctor one of the most diverse and effective workforces in their industry.

Homeowners are discovering that green thumbs are not a gender-specific trait.  Precision work like tending flower beds, drafting detailed maintenance plans as well as crafting a visually and ecologically balanced landscapes are just as effectively achieved by women than their male counterparts. Additionally, the ability to complete heavy lifting, power equipment operation, and other challenging tasks has much more to do with the physical conditioning of the worker than whether they are male or female.

There can be other distinct advantages to letting the ladies handle your lawn. Women have a reputation for being more attentive and better communication skills.  Many homeowners find they are kept better informed and that their concerns are better handled when there is a woman running the show.

As the modern American family evolves, homeowners’ attitudes about who they choose for hired help are following suit. Decisions are simply based on who can best complete their project. This is especially true for landscaping needs. From maintenance, to design and management roles, women are stepping into the industry with great success. Tom Norton of Lawn Doctor contributes to this trend in the staffing of his operation, insisting, “Passion, work ethic and attention to detail are what we look for. A person who shows those qualities is who we go with.”

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 to best maintain your home’s greenest asset.

For more information about Lawn Doctor, visit www.LawnDoctor.com or call 800-831-1319.

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Technology for Seniors. Senior Service professionals welcome to plug in to June 13 event at Brookdale Quincy Bay.

At a time when seniors might reap the many benefits of the Internet and technology to keep in touch with grandchildren, classmates and long-time friends, they are often leery of the new electronic landscape. From computers to smartphones to smart speakers, seniors can get overwhelmed.

In response to that concern, Brookdale Quincy Bay located at 99 Brackett Street, Quincy, MA 02169, is hosting a complimentary and informational presentation on “Technology for Seniors”.  Targeted to professionals who work directly in the senior care industry, Kevin Martin of Nerds to Go will explore how to stay safe on the Internet and enjoy some of the key components and resources. 

The event is sponsored by Seniors First, an organization that offers educational and objective seminars to the senior community.  The discussion will be moderated by George Downey, founder of Seniors First.

 “The Internet offers a boundless amount of useful and interesting information and access to the world,” noted Joan Reid, Business Development Coordinator, Brookdale Quincy Bay.  “Unfortunately technology is also a daunting new landscape to many seniors. This presentation is intended to outline both the  security and scope of technology.”

The free event is scheduled for Thursday, June 13from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and will include light refreshments and networking. To reserve, please contact Joan Reid at 857-403-1311.

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“Politics and the artwork of Joe Stern”, a reception and lecture at Cabot Park Village in Newton, MA.

For more than four decades, from the 1920s through the 1960s, Joe Stern’s artwork commented on some of the most iconic historical figures that shaped our world.
Joe Stern was the Boston Herald editorial cartoonist (and Pulitzer Prize nominee) and many of his original works will be exhibited on Tuesday, May 21 from 3pm to 4.30pm at Cabot Park Village, a Benchmark senior living community in Newton, MA. The public is encouraged to view the exhibit and the event is free.

A number of Stern’s originals are in the Harry S. Truman Library and in the archives of Lyndon B. Johnson and John F. Kennedy. Stern was friends with politicians, educators, business leaders, and sports figures, many of whom had his original drawings hanging in their homes.

The program is supported by FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston. Steve Stern, President & Owner, is a Grandson of Joe Stern and his family has preserved many of the original editorial cartoons. Dozens will be displayed at the Cabot Park Village program.

In addition to a cocktail reception, author and Suffolk University professor of political science, Robert Allison, Ph.D. will give a lecture on Joe’s work and his take on the historical events of the times. Professor Allison is active in historical societies in the Boston area and has presented papers nationally and internationally. The event will be held at Cabot Park Village, 280 Newtonville Avenue, Newton, MA.

To view Joe Stern’s collection online, visit – https://www.pinterest.com/joesterncartoon/

Please RSVP to John Krol at jkrol@benchmarkquality.com or 617-415-7433.

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First Annual Massachusetts Malnutrition Awareness Week – OCES offers Awareness Clinics May 15 & 16

Did you know that according to American Journal of Nursing greater than 50 percent of adults age 65 and older are at risk for developing malnutrition? Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, will be offering free awareness clinics during the first Massachusetts Malnutrition Awareness Week.

May is Older American’s Month, and the spotlight is on nutrition for older adults. Across the commonwealth, 76 malnutrition awareness clinics and events will be conducted between May 13-17, 2019.

Malnutrition is not the same as being underweight and can affect those who are overweight as well. Malnutrition can increase one’s risk of infection, falls, and wounds as well as decrease one’s quality of life. 

OCES invites older adults to participate in a free malnutrition awareness clinic. The clinics will be conducted by Barbara Nalen-Cardosa, OCES’ registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).  During the clinic, the RDN will assess malnutrition risk, provide a nutritious snack, offer healthy diet information, and answer questions. 

OCES’ malnutrition awareness clinics will be held at the following sites:

On Wednesday, May 15, 2019, from 10-11 a.m. at Belair Towers, 105 Belair Street, Brockton, MA.

On Thursday, May 16, 2019, from 10-11 a.m. at the Kingston Council on Aging, 30 Evergreen Street, Kingston, MA.

For more information about OCES’ malnutrition awareness clinics, contact OCES at 508-584-1561.

The Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA), Massachusetts’ Elderly Nutrition Program is funded by the Older American’s Act and state funding.  Over nine million meals are provided to approximately 75,000 seniors in order to improve nutrition, reduce hunger, and promote socialization.  Over 7,000 volunteers contribute approximately 450,000 hours yearly.

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 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

First Annual Massachusetts Malnutrition Awareness Week – OCES offers Awareness Clinics May 15 & 16Read More