Unleash the Power of The Press

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If I hear this popular phrase one more time I may SCREAM!”

Great communication is about getting attention, stating a compelling case and making a clear call to action. Simple. Right?

Yes, unless you insist on using current catch phrases, old clichés or dull language.

In the spirit of clearing the air and cleansing headlines, let me start with some of the current snoozers that are in our common vernacular. PLEASE ADD to them.

• Bad optics
• Client-centric
• Customer experience
• Disrupter
• Lean in
• Stay in your lane
• Transparent

What phrases are pushing you onto the ledge? Look forward to cross-pollinating with you.

If I hear this popular phrase one more time I may SCREAM!”Read More

Clear connection for new leadership at ComApp Technologies.

ComApp™ Technologies, LLC. (CAT), a subsidiary of Homisco, Inc., announces a new executive team – seasoned industry experts Phil Apanovitch and Jim Brownfield. The two have more than a half century of telecommunications experience and are household names in their industry.

CAT is newly launched and provides a transparent approach to inmate communications. The innovative organization stresses cutting-edge technology linked with an emphasis on improved communication with inmates’ family and friends. The combination enhances educational and entertainment options for inmates and their loved ones while generating additional revenue and superior investigative features for correctional facilities.

Phil Apanovitch, named President, is also the co-founder of the new venture. He has logged more than 25 years as vice president of sales and marketing in the inmate telephone and technology industry. Under his leadership, numerous companies have greatly expanded and profited from major mergers and acquisitions. Among his success stories are Opus Telecom (FBOP-Provided 1st Inmate Telephone System), Value Added Communications (VAC purchased by Global Tel*Link), Telequip Labs (purchased by Securus Technologies), ICSolutions (purchased by Keefe Group) and JLG Technologies (purchased by Securus Technologies).

Apanovitch is active in the American Jail Association, American Corrections Association, National Sheriffs Association and Habitat for Humanity. He is a Glastonbury, Connecticut resident and a graduate of Central Connecticut University with a B.S. in Marketing.

Jim Brownfield, who is the well-known founder and CEO/CTO of Radical System Solutions, has been named CTO of ComApp. In addition to developing the Radical System, Brownfield is a seasoned Chief Technology Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the computer software industry with blue chip companies such as Jet Propulsion Labs, American Airlines and Federal Express. He earned a B.S. from Western Kentucky University in Computer Science, Physics, and Astronomy.

“There are good, bad, and ugly players in our industry,” noted Apanovitch, adding, “…many years of direct experience in the inmate communications market have helped us develop a win-win business model for both the inmates and their friends and families in concert with our correctional facility customers. The value proposition delivers better technology related to the expanding use of tablets in correctional settings, voice biometrics, data mining and link analysis, and video visitation. The other side of the equation is an honest revenue share with correctional facilities that includes guaranteed payments, commissions on all calling types (including Interstate calls), low “postalized” rates, and an easy to use online payment system for families.”

Brownfield noted, “I’m delighted to be part of a team that is completely transparent in our service offerings, pricing and commissions.” He added, “This clearly positions ComApp as a white hat player.”

To accomplish this new and streamlined service, ComApp™ Technologies has acquired the Controlled Access Telephony System (CATS) from Radical Systems Solutions, Inc. This tested and proven technology has serviced over 600 corrections systems throughout 30 states.

The company also established a strategic partnership with TECH FRIENDS Inc. to provide secure tablets for inmate phone calls, email/messaging, education, entertainment, video visitation, commissary ordering, grievance filing and fund balance inquiries.

For more information about ComApp™ Technologies, visit http://www.comapptech.com or call (888) 809-7014. ComApp is located at 99 Washington Street, Melrose, MA 02176.

Clear connection for new leadership at ComApp Technologies.Read More

Emerson Bearing Boston Offers New Tool – Online Library of Bearing eBooks, Charts for the Woodworking Industry

The wood industry spans a variety of bearing requirements and Emerson Bearing Boston, a bearing company catering to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) markets around the world, now offers a comprehensive online library of eBooks, charts and guides dedicated to the woodworking industry. 

The finishing phases of woodworking requires saws, planers and finishing equipment that use high speed spindles that work under great stress while maintaining critical tolerances. To learn about bearings used in the woodworking industry, reference Emerson Bearing’s Type E Mounted Units eBook and other guides, which include “DualVee Guide Wheels and Components”, “Guided Motion Solutions for Woodworking”, and “Woodworking Precision Planer Bearings”, now available in Emerson Bearing’s industry solutions online library at  www.emersonbearing.com/industries/wood-products/

In woodworking, deep groove radial ball bearings are used for heavy radial loads and relatively low bidirectional thrust loads. Typically employed in high-speed precision applications, deep groove radial ball bearings can be designed with enhanced metal shields or rubber seals. Multiple internal clearances, tolerance grades, and cage designs are offered to suit specific applications’ running precision and speed. Emerson Bearing offers a special solution for woodworking – Radial ball bearings with the P53 designation. The Abec 5 precision accommodates high speeds and controlled runout while the C3 internal clearance allows for the stress and heat buildup of high radial loads.

Dedicated Wood Products Division for Timber to Turning Lathes

Whether sourcing bearings and related parts for finished cabinetry or at the logging level, where heavy duty mounted units and roller chain are essential as the logs are delimbed and rough processed at the sawmill, Emerson Bearing Boston has a dedicated Wood Products division to assist every step of the way. The division is led by Marketing specialist, Lee Holt, who helps clients determine which bearing technologies would be most suitable by taking into consideration the specifications, recommendations, maintenance strategies, fatigue life and wear resistance of the bearing in relation to the application.

“We are dedicated to helping customers find the right bearing for their application,” said Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing. “Our online library is a handy tool specific to the woodworking industry that provides comprehensive information needed in the selection, application and maintenance of bearings.”

For more information about Emerson Bearing Boston’s solutions visit  www.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.

Emerson Bearing Boston Offers New Tool – Online Library of Bearing eBooks, Charts for the Woodworking IndustryRead More

Vroom. Same day snowblower and lawnmover maintenance and repair.

Most snowblower, lawn tractor or lawnmover repairs or maintenance can require a two to three week waiting period. 

On Sight Repairs, until recently exclusively offering service at your driveway or garage, recently opening a new repair facility in the Greenbush area of Scituate at 4 Union Street, Unit 4.

Now consumers can choose. Have your snowblower, lawn tractor or lawnmover repaired on your premise or theirs. Either way, the work is done on the same day.

“Most snow blower, tractor or lawnmower repairs take only a couple of hours and you are ready to tackle your task,” commented Earl Cogswell, founder and lead technician of On Sight Repairs. He added, “Many customers only find a problem when they go to fire up their snowblower during a snow storm.  Now they don’t have to agonize about when they can get to their driveway and walkways.

Many big box sellers of power equipment want no part of malfunctions or maintenance.  On the other hand, many repair shops bristle at the idea anything less that several weeks for turnaround.

On Sight Repairs will travel to homes throughout the South Shore of Massachusetts including Abington, Cohasset, Duxbury, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Hingham, Kingston, Marshfield, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Scituate, Rockland and Whitman.

On Sight Repairs was started by Scituate resident Earl Cogswell who learned small engine repair at one of the South Shore’s better-known resources where he was employed for over two decades.

Cogswell learned about the importance of maintaining lawn and garden equipment, but also realized there was no easy and inexpensive way to arrange for that annual maintenance or occasional repair. Thus, he launched On Sight Repairs with a well-stocked trailer outfitted with portable tools and a variety of commonly needed replacement parts. With less overhead, Cogswell typically charges 20 percent less than conventional repair centers.

To obtain more information about Onsight Repairs, visit www.OnSightRepairs.com, email Earl@OnSightRepairs.com or call (781) 264-8448.

Vroom. Same day snowblower and lawnmover maintenance and repair.Read More

New online portal, OneStopDivorce.com, removes the attorneys from undisputed divorces

WALTHAM, MA…

They say nobody wins in a divorce except the attorneys. That’s why many couples, even ones who agree in principle to split up, stay together because they simply can’t afford the attorney fees. One Stop Divorce, a new online portal, makes it possible for couples to transact their own divorce, without attorneys, for as little at $299.

An offshoot of CompleteCase, a company that’s helped more than 500,000 couples successfully divorce using online filing, OneStopDivorce.com involves a simple, three-step process. Couples first create an account and then complete an online divorce interview. If you are eligible, couples will then be provided a link to download the divorce documents that meet your local court’s requirements—without having to spends thousands in attorney fees.

“Many couples can’t afford to get a divorce. That’s a sad reality for many people in unhappy marriages,” said Jim Elgart, CFO of OneStopDivorce.com.  “If a couple is in agreement about divorcing and agree to the basic terms of the split, OneStopDivorce.com provides the forms and resources to file for a divorce without an attorney–all for about the price of what many divorce attorneys charge by the hour, $299.”

The trend toward do-it-yourself divorces is a growing one in the U.S. both for the expense and convenience. Its estimated that between 60 and 80 percent of divorcing couples will choose online preparation of divorce papers. OneStopDivorce.com takes it one step further by enabling couples in an uncontested divorce to file papers without the need for attorneys.

OneStopDivorce.com offers its customers support by phone and e-mail to help couples complete the paperwork, which typically takes two days. OneStopDivorce.com stands by its service with a 100 percent money-back guarantee should the courts not accept the forms submitted by divorcing couples.

For couples with children, OneStopDivorce.com includes components to address child support payments and to customize a parenting plan or custody agreement. OneStepDivorice.com support staff are also available to assist couples in these two areas.

“For a flat fee of $299, it is possible for a couple to get an uncontested divorce. Our instructions are detailed and easy-to-understand and both spouses have access to all documents,” said Elgart. “Best of all, couples have access to personalized support and guidance and there are absolutely no hidden fees.”

For complete information, please call 888-275-3270 orvisit OneStepDivorce.com  

New online portal, OneStopDivorce.com, removes the attorneys from undisputed divorcesRead More

“Buried in Treasures” Support Groups Begin in February and March in Brockton and Carver

For anyone struggling with clutter, compulsive acquiring, saving and hoarding – a series of facilitated support groups will begin in February and March.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, along with the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force (GBAH) is offering “Buried in Treasures” facilitated support groups for individuals with hoarding issues.

Hoarding is when individuals continue to accumulate items, such as clothing, newspapers and food, and then have persistent difficulty discarding possessions. Individuals with hoarding behaviors often face health issues related to falls, as well as run the risk of losing their homes.

“Buried in Treasures” confidential support groups are free of charge and meet once a week for 15 weeks at the following locations:

In Brockton at South Bay Community Services, 103 Commercial Street, beginning February 12, 2019, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information or to register for the Brockton support group, contact Kelly Mules at 508-580-4691 ext. 1812. This session is facilitated South Bay Community Services in partnership with OCES, and sponsored by GBAH, Mass Housing and OCES. 

In Carver at the Council on Aging, 48 Lakeview Street, South Carver, beginning March 5, 2019 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information or to register for the Carver support group, contact Deana Andrade at OCES, 508-584-1561 ext. 232. This session is sponsored by South Shore Community Partners in Prevention and OCES.

“Buried in Treasures” is available to people of all ages throughout greater Plymouth county and surrounding communities. All attendees will receive a complimentary workbook. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

“Buried in Treasures is an educational, judgment-free, self-help group for people with hoarding issues,” explained Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director. 

OCES was awarded two generous grants for the “Buried in Treasures” programs: The Mass Housing Lee A. Mannillo Grant for $4,000 and South Shore Community Partners in Prevention Mini Grant of $3,500.

“We’re delighted that the Lee A. Mannillo grant was renewed for the Buried in Treasures program. We’re also very pleased that in addition, OCES has received the South Shore Community Partners in Prevention grant, as it enabled us to expand the program,” noted Kourtz.

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. 

“Buried in Treasures” Support Groups Begin in February and March in Brockton and CarverRead More

Talking Information Center Announces Panera Fundraising Night in Pembroke on February 13th

Talking Information Center (TIC), the non-profit reading service broadcasting 24-hours a day to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise print impaired listeners throughout the state, has partnered with Panera Bread bakery-café of Pembroke, MA to hold a fundraising event on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Help TIC reach their goal of raising $500 which will support TIC’s bi-monthly Low Vision Support Group meetings, by dining at Panera Bread, 152 Church Street, Pembroke, MA 02359, on February 13th from 4 to 8 p.m. Panera will donate 20 percent of the sales from this fundraising event to TIC.

Panera will donate a portion of the proceeds from your purchase when you show the Panera Fundraising Flyer (a printed or electronic version) to the cashier when you place your order. If you are ordering online, you can support TIC with your purchase by entering the online code (from the flyer) during checkout. 

View the Panera Fundraising Flyer for TIC, which is posted on TIC’s website page: https://ticnetwork.org

For more information about TIC, visit ticnetwork.org.

The Hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network

Based in Marshfield, MA, TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. The non-profit reading service operates with the help of more than 500 volunteers statewide, broadcasting newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. TIC also offers cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry. TIC’s newest programming includes the Radio and Podcast Players and Veterans Voice.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

In 1977, Ed Perry, the founder of radio station WATD-FM in Marshfield, MA, donated his Subsidiary Carrier Authorization signal for use as the first radio reading service in New England. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs oversees TIC, which is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

Talking Information Center Announces Panera Fundraising Night in Pembroke on February 13thRead More

Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield Offers February School Vacation Program

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, a youth development organization providing programs and services to children and families throughout the greater South Shore community, announces a February School Vacation Program, February 19-22, 2019.

Keep the kids busy and entertained during February school vacation week with fun, themed programs at the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield. All programs are open to members and non-members of the Club.

Full day programs (and field trip) run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and include:

Indiana Jones Day on Tuesday, February 19th. Dress up, explore and be ready to solve a club wide scavenger hunt.

Winter Olympics on Wednesday, February 20th. Celebrate the Winter Games at the Club, participate in opening ceremonies and compete in Olympic style games.

Tubing at Ski Ward in Shrewsbury Field Trip on Thursday, February 21st. Space is limited.

Color Splash on Friday, February 22nd. Explore the process of Tie Dye and enjoy games and crafts.

Additionally, a two-hour Baking Bonanza! program will be offered on February 19, 20 and 22, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

A Drop-In Program is also available February 19, 20 and 22, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Children can be dropped off after 12 p.m. and jump into activities. (No drop in available on Thursday, February 21.)

The cost for each program varies. For more information and to register for these programs, visit the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield website, Marshfieldbgc.com.

Sports Tournaments

The Club will also offer several exciting Sports Tournaments (cost is $10 per child) on the following days:

Floor Hockey Tournament on Monday, February 18th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Soccer Tournament on Tuesday February 19th, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, February 20th, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

To register for Sports Tournaments, email membership@bgcmarshfield.com by February 14th.

For questions about February School Vacation Programs, contact the Club at 781-834-2582.

About Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield (the Club) is a youth development organization providing programs and services to children and families throughout the greater South Shore community. The Club’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.

Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield Offers February School Vacation ProgramRead More

And on the local front…

photo of Steve Dubin
Steve Dubin

You don’t always have to create news to obtain media coverage. Many times, you can tag along with existing stories already in the news. And provide the local color.

Example, the government shut down is impacting your business. Problem. Your accounting firm needs to clarify with the IRS regarding quarterly tax payments by a client. The IRS is impacted by the partial government shutdown. Telephone calls to the IRS are immediately routed to a vague voice mail. Your client wants to wrap up her return. What next?

The press is looking for stories about how the shutdown and is impacting local businesses and people. Sending a pitch letter and one-page press kit/summary including background on the topic, contact info for key sources including you, industry experts and local clients and a head shot of you as well as a working environment photo (you with a stack of files and several calculators) is the first step. An email to the business editor and follow-up telephone calls are next.

Tag along. Add a local angle and local voices to a national story and create coverage. This might also help establish you as “the” on-going source for your topic.

Allow us to put our ear to the ground for you and find opportunity to tag along with current news opportunities.

And on the local front…Read More