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Talking Information Center Appoints New Community Development Director

Bridget Torres
Bridget Torres

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 appointed Bridget Torres as Community Development Director.

In her new role at TIC, Ms. Torres will primarily be responsible for development, fundraising and implementing strategic initiatives for programming expansion.

Ms. Torres brings 25 years of corporate experience to her role at TIC. Previously, she served as Senior Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Leadership in Human Resources at a global financial institution, where she developed strategy and led teams in recruiting, community outreach and mentor programs, as well as organizational and leadership development.

Ms. Torres is also a Certified Transformational Life Coach, Human Resources Consultant and the owner of BTransformed Coaching and Consulting based in Plymouth, MA. She provides integrated wellness and life coaching to individuals, and customized HR solutions to small and mid-sized organizations.

For the past three years, Ms. Torres has been a dedicated volunteer reader at TIC, and also serves as a Radio and Podcast Player in many of TIC’s monthly live radio plays.

She is a member of Sunrise Rotary Club of Plymouth, and serves as an Ambassador for the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Torres is a former member of Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Association for Talent Development (ATD).

“Bridget’s knowledge, experience and dedication to TIC and the community make her an ideal fit for our team. We are very excited to have Bridget on board,” said Anna Dunbar, Executive Director.

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.

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Free seminars outline the “New Tax Law and How it Impacts your Retirement”.  Scheduled for January 22 and 23 at Fairing Way, South Weymouth, MA.

Do the new tax laws confuse or overwhelm you?  Straightforward and direct answers will be provided at free seminars that help outline the new “Tax Law and How it Impacts your Retirement”.

The complimentary seminar will be held at Fairing Way, 25 Stonehaven Drive South Weymouth, MA 02190. Guests can choose from one of the following times – Tuesday, January 22, noon – 1:30 pm (lunch will be served); Tuesday, January 22, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm (dinner will be served) and Wednesday, January 23, noon –1:30 pm (lunch will be served).

The discussion will be led by a panel of retirement experts who will address new tax law changes, financial, legal, housing and other considerations critical to retirement security and reducing longevity risks. Expert panelists will include Paul Dion, CPA, a Certified Tax Coach; Doug Beck, Tailwind Wealth Management; Attorney John O’Connor, O’Connor & O’Connor, LLC; Attorney Patrick Kelleher, Patrick J. Kelleher & Associates, PC; Chris Downey, Harbor Mortgage Solutions, a Housing Wealth Advocate; and moderator George Downey, Seniors First founder, providing seniors with trusted advice and resources.

Fairing Way is a 55+ independent living retirement community located within the intergenerational community of Union Point, and is located at 25 Stonehaven Drive,  South Weymouth, MA 02190. Information about opportunities to move to Fairing Way will also be presented at the seminar.

Although the seminars are free, seating is limited, and reservations are required.  Please RSVP for yourself and a guest by calling (781) 660-5021 or register online at http://www.FairingWay.org.

Free seminars outline the “New Tax Law and How it Impacts your Retirement”.  Scheduled for January 22 and 23 at Fairing Way, South Weymouth, MA.Read More

Ringing in the New Year, a new and transparent inmate communications system offers a strong connection for all parties.

There’s a new CAT in town. ComApp™ Technologies, LLC. (CAT), a subsidiary of Homisco, Inc., has launched a new and transparent approach to inmate communications. The innovative approach underscores the most cutting edge technology and an emphasis on better communication,  educational, entertainment for the inmate and their families and greater revenue and controls for the correctional facilities.

The seasoned and savvy CAT leadership team helped create the new concept. CAT is a Massachusetts-based company founded by two experienced technology, sales & marketing individuals – Ron Contrado and Phil Apanovitch. Both have proficiency in deployment of wireless systems and communications technology in corrections and other vertical markets with a combined 67 years of experience.

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 was installed in over 600 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, and fund balances.

“There are the good, bad and ugly players in our industry,” noted Phil Apanovitch, President and Co-Founder of ComApp™ Technologies.  He added, “Our many years of direct experience in the inmate communications market has helped us create a win-win for both the inmates and their families as well as the correctional facilities.  Among the value proposition is better technology such as state of the art Smart Pads, phones and easy to use online payment systems for families. The other side of the equation is a more generous revenue share with correctional facilities that includes guaranteed payments and commissions.”

Ron Contrado, CEO & Co-founder of CAT continued, “Some industry experts wonder how we can offer the best of technologies and the pinnacle of revenue share.  It’s simple, we work on a reduced profit margin and greater efficiently.  We know there is a large universe of prospects including 1,719 state prisons, 102 federal prisons, 942 juvenile correctional facilities and 3,283 local jails.”

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

Ringing in the New Year, a new and transparent inmate communications system offers a strong connection for all parties.Read More

Workshop explores elder care law, financial, housing and lifestyle solutions.

Critical questions for seniors and their families will be addressed at a free workshop set for Thursday, January 10, 6 p.m. and Thursday, January 24, 3 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Conference, 100 Grandview Road, Braintree, MA 02184 (next to the AMC Cinema and directly across from South Shore Plaza).  

There is ample and free parking next to the office building. Complimentary light refreshments will be served.

Many seniors and their families are uncertain about their legal, financial, housing and lifestyle situations. Elder law Attorney Patrick J. Kelleher of Elder Law Care Center based in Hanover and George Downey of Harbor Mortgage Solutions with office in Braintree will lead the discussion.

Topics to be addressed will include What is estate planning?  Can you avoid losing your home and savings if you go into a nursing home?  Trusts – what they are and why you may need one.  Housing wealth – how you can use your home to stay at home and increase financial security.

Seating is limited to 30. RSVPs are required. Go to https://goo.gl/xBXFwi. Or email Ashley@elderlawcare.com or call 781-871-7526.

 

 

Workshop explores elder care law, financial, housing and lifestyle solutions.Read More

BCI Announces New Springfield Location and New Regional Director

Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, announces a new Springfield, MA center and new Regional Director.

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Worcester, MA with a second location in Fitchburg, MA, BCI has grown to become the go-to provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders throughout Central Massachusetts.

BCI will officially open doors of their new ABA center located at 90 Carando Drive, in January 2019. BCI provides specialty Early Intervention ABA services to families throughout western Massachusetts, as there is a significant need for these specialty services ABA providers in the area. BCI’s Early Intervention Services are designed to assist infants and toddlers (birth to age three) in making significant strides in their development. These services are targeted, evidence-based, tailored to their needs, and usually provided in the home.

BCI is a partner agency that receives Early Intervention referrals from the Department of Public Health for children under age three with a diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorder. BCI is currently providing Early Intervention services to 75 families throughout greater Springfield through their temporary office on Mill Street in Springfield.

The new location enables BCI to expand services. In addition to Early Intervention services, BCI will provide center-based insurance-funded ABA services for children over age three, beginning in January 2019. BCI’s new 7,200 square foot space consists of five classrooms, a main area, gym and outdoor play yard, with the capacity to serve 30 to 45 children in their onsite program.

Britney Catron, M.A., BCBA, LABA has been promoted to Regional Director of Greater Springfield to supervise, train and provide oversight of all onsite and offsite programs.

Catron holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and received her Master’s degree in Education in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Bay Path University in 2014. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the state of Massachusetts. She began her career at BCI in 2011 as an ABA therapist prior to becoming a BCBA for BCI’s Worcester location.

BCI has a team of five BCBAs in Springfield, including Marcy Schulz, M.A., BCBA, LABA who is the Assistant Director of Early Intervention ABA Services. Schulz has a lengthy career with BCI and has significantly contributed to establishing ABA services in Central Massachusetts and obtaining new Early Intervention contracts.

“There is significant demand in this area for BCI’s specialty Early Intervention services, which include assessment, clinical design, consultation and transition to school,” said Schulz. “Essentially, we work with families to identify goals and then assist their children with learning new skills to achieve important milestones in their social development.”

“Our ABA services for children age 3 and older will open in January of 2019. We are excited to provide insurance funded, center-based programs as well as Early Intervention and home-based services,” said Catron.

To learn more about BCI’s Early Intervention services in Springfield, call 508-363-0200 or visit  https://bciaba.com/how-we-can-help/specialty-early-intervention-services/.

About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central 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. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com.

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com

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Behavioral Concepts Appoints New Assistant Director in Tewksbury Office to Oversee Northeast Region

Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts continues to branch out.

BCI is meeting the need for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) providers in the area by providing specialty Early Intervention ABA services to families throughout the greater Lowell area, through their temporary office at 1501 Main Street, Units 29-30, in Tewksbury, MA.

Katherine Law, BCBA, LABA, a resident of Dracut, MA, has been promoted to Assistant Director and leads the Early Intervention services for the greater Lowell area. Prior to her promotion, Law was a Behavior Analyst in BCI’s Fitchburg office, where she provided Early Intervention services to children under age three and insurance-funded ABA services to all school aged children.

Previous to BCI, Law was an ABA therapist and Behavior Analyst providing Early Intervention services at the May Institute in Western Massachusetts. Law received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a certificate in Developmental Disabilities and Human Services from University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a Master of Arts in ABA from Westfield State University. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the state of Massachusetts. She is a member of Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT).

“Our focus is on growing BCI’s Early Intervention services and increasing the number of referrals from Early Intervention agencies in the area,” said Law. “Our goal is to expand our services to children age three and up.”

BCI’s Early Intervention services are designed to assist infants and toddlers (birth to age three) in making significant strides in their development. Early Intervention services include assessment, clinical design, consultation and transition to school. They are targeted, evidence-based, tailored to a child’s needs, and usually provided in the home. BCI is a partner agency and receives Early Intervention referrals from the Department of Public Health for children under age three with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

BCI is already providing Early Intervention services to 50 families in the greater Lowell area, and there is a wait list for ABA services for children over age three. BCI is looking to site an ABA center in 2019, which will enable them to expand their offerings to include center-based insurance-funded ABA services that families can elect to have for children age three to 22 years old.

“During intake, families often express they would like to remain with the same provider that they began with, to ensure a seamless transition from Early Intervention to ABA over age three,” noted Law.

BCI accepts most major insurance plans operating throughout Massachusetts as well as Mass Health.

To learn more about BCI’s Early Intervention services in the greater Lowell area, visit https://bciaba.com/how-we-can-help/specialty-early-intervention-services/

About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central 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. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com.

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com

Behavioral Concepts Appoints New Assistant Director in Tewksbury Office to Oversee Northeast RegionRead More

Preserving the Voices of the Past. Free Needham-based seminar outlines Oral History techniques on January 23.

You’ve heard many of your parents’ stories. But have you recorded them for your children and their children?

A free, objective and educational seminar will provide some insight and tips on the simple and practical art of capturing your own family’s oral history. The seminar will be held on Wednesday, January 23, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the education and training center of FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston, 109 – 123 Highland Avenue, Suite 301, Needham, MA  02494 (directly across from Panera Bread and next door to Petco).

There is ample, free parking both in the front and rear of the office building. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

The workshop will be led by Marjorie Turner Hollman, a personal historian who loves the outdoors, has helped produce and edit personal histories as well as local trail guides, Easy Walks in Massachusetts (2nd edition), and More Easy Walks in Massachusetts.

She has conducted numerous interviews for the Library of Congress Veterans Oral History project. Her multiple workshops have been presented at area and regional conferences and she was a professional storyteller for fifteen years. A freelance writer the past 20 years, she has been published in local, regional, national, and international publications, and was the New England Chair of the Association of Personal Historians from 2012-2016.

This hands-on workshop offers the opportunity to practice some simple interviewing skills using sample interviewing questions. Learn some very basic things to consider when recording a story, and practice ways of eliciting compelling stories from those you interview. By sharing your life experiences, and helping others share their stories, you can provide a unique local perspective on family, state, national, and world events.

The session will be augmented by Wendy Adlerstein, LSW, who has more than 20 years of experience in working with seniors. She holds a B.A. from Clark University, in Psychology with a concentration in Sociology and Human Services. In addition to her Massachusetts License in Social Work, Wendy holds a Certificate in Gerontology from the Worcester Consortium Gerontology Program.

She is a member of the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA), formerly the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. Finally, Wendy is a Certified Dementia Practitioner® in good standing from the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners.

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

About FirstLight Home Care

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://tinyurl.com/y94qjrkz.

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/

 

 

Preserving the Voices of the Past. Free Needham-based seminar outlines Oral History techniques on January 23.Read More

Scituate High School Student Brooke DuBois wins the 2018 Quell Foundation Achievement Award

Brooke Dubois

SCITUATE, MA and NORTH FALMOUTH, MA…

Brooke DuBois, a Scituate High School Junior and president and CEO of The Doghouse (https://theofficialdoghouse.com), a non-profit that helps support dogs around the country  in need of medical care, recently received the 2018 Quell Foundation’s Achievement Award. Based in North Falmouth, Mass., the Quell Foundation is a national non-profit devoted to reducing the number of suicides, overdoses and incarcerations of people with mental health illness.

“The Quell Foundation encourages people to share their stories while increasing access to mental health services and providing a pipeline of future mental health care professionals with scholarships,” said Kevin Lynch, CEO of The Quell Foundation. “Brooke has been an active supporter of the Foundation’s mission. That includes raising nearly $8,000 as a member of Team Quell at the Falmouth Road Race, running every year since 2015. She has also been instrumental in aiding the organization in raising over $35,000 for this year’s Race for Peace of Mind.”

Lynch added, “When you couple that effort with her academic performance, numerous community service endeavors and her non-profit to raise money for dogs in need of care, Brooke is a very worthy recipient of the Foundation’s Achievement award.”

A junior at Scituate High School, Brooke maintains a 4.3 GPA and is an active soccer player at South Shore Select Soccer Club for the last 10 years at an elite level. In addition to the Quell Foundation, she has led clothing drives over the last two years to raise funds for Big Brother Big Sister. Brooke also volunteers for Our Sisters and Brothers Keeper Foundation, which benefits the homeless and mentally ill on the streets of Boston.

In 2017, Brooke created The Dog House (https://theofficialdoghouse.com), a website that allows customers to purchase clothing with The Dog House logo. The profits go to save dogs around the country suffering and in need of medical care (https://www.facebook.com/TheOfficialDogHouse/ and https://www.instagram.com/officialdoghouse).

Brooke received her award at the Quell Foundation’s Masquerade Ball held in Newport, Rhode Island. The third annual event was hosted by actor John O’Hurley, an actor best known for his role on Seinfeld and hosting The National Dog Show.

After receiving her award Brooke spoke in front of more than 400 people on the day to day stress that teens endure.

“Anxiety, depression, and suicide is on the rise because teens live with the day-to-day stress of academics, athletics, social media, and feeling safe in their own schools,” said Brooke. “It’s my goal to help lead the effort, along with the Quell Foundation, to decrease teen anxiety, depression and suicide.

The entire speech can be found on the Quell Foundation Facebook page at facebook.com/thequellfoundation. For more information on The Doghouse, visit www.theofficialdoghouse.com. For more information on the Quell Foundation, visit http://thequellfoundation.org/.

Scituate High School Student Brooke DuBois wins the 2018 Quell Foundation Achievement AwardRead More

Rodman CPAs Announces New Associate

William Tetreault

Rodman CPAs, a full-service tax and accounting firm based in Waltham, MA and serving small and mid-sized businesses throughout the greater Boston area, has recently hired William Tetreault as an Associate in the Tax Department.

In his new role, Tetreault will be responsible for preparation of federal and state tax returns for pass through entities, corporate and individual clients.

Tetreault holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Lasell College in Newton, MA. After completing an internship, Tetreault served as a Staff Accountant for two years at Morris & Morris P.C. of Needham prior to joining Rodman CPAs.

Tetreault is a member of Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA).

About Rodman CPAs

Rodman CPAs provides tax advisory, accounting, and business strategy to small and mid-sized emerging and established businesses.  Named one of the largest accounting firms in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal, Rodman CPAs offers an innovative and strategic approach with the personal touch of a smaller regional CPA firm. For more than 50 years, Rodman CPAs has been specializing in customized accounting and tax solutions that improve business performance, processes, financial operations, and information technology.

The firm serves as a true business partner, helping clients perform and succeed during each stage of the business lifecycle. As domain experts in alternative energy, the “Green Team” at Rodman CPAs works with renewable energy producers and businesses throughout the U.S. offering tax advisory, financial, accounting services, and Investment Tax Credit (ITC) studies.

Rodman CPAs is an independent member firm of BDO Alliance USA, which enables them to expand services to clients by accessing the resources of BDO USA, LLP and other Alliance members, ensuring greater flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. For more information, visit http://www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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