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Two Teachers Promoted at Worcester School for Students with Autism

Erica Soucy

The Center for Applied Behavioral Instruction (CABI), an accredited, private special education day school for students with autism spectrum disorder and challenging behaviors in Central Massachusetts, has appointed two Head Teachers.

Erica Soucy, a resident of Worcester, and Jenna Olson, a resident of Spencer, have been promoted.

Ms. Soucy joined CABI as a Behavioral Instructor and has been with the organization for a year and a half. She has been promoted to Head Teacher, supporting four students between the ages of 13 to 16 years old. Ms. Soucy holds a Bachelor’s degree from Rivier University in Nashua, NH and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Special Education/Severe Special Needs at Fitchburg State University.

Jenna Olson

Jenna Olson joined CABI nearly two years ago as a Behavioral Instructor. She has been promoted to Head Teacher and supports five students ranging in age from 17 to 20 years old. Mrs. Olson received a Bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Special Education/Severe Special Needs at Bay Path University in Sturbridge, MA.

CABI’s teacher to direct staff to student ratio is 1:4:8. This 1:2 ratio ensures that their students are maximally engaged in academic content throughout the school day. To learn more about curriculum and classroom instruction, visit http://www.cabiautism.org/educational-approach.html.

About CABI

The Center for Applied Behavioral Instruction (CABI) is a private elementary and secondary school that addresses the needs of students with autism spectrum disorder and challenging behaviors. CABI provides an educational option utilizing scientifically based educational treatment for children and young adults with significant educational and behavioral needs. The center is located at 345 Greenwood Street, Suite 3 in Worcester, MA. For more information, visit the website at http://www.cabiautism.org or contact the school directly at (508) 363-0201.

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Harbor Mortgage President Rides for Pan-Mass Challenge

Chris Downey, president of Harbor Mortgage in Braintree, is set to ride in the 39th Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) on August 4 and 5, 2018.

This will be Downey’s second year riding the PMC annual bike-a-thon that raises money for life-saving cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Downey will be part of Team Willett Power, captained by Bruce McCutcheon, who lost his first wife to ovarian cancer.

Last year, their 12-member team raised $150,000 and their goal is to raise the same amount this year. The team will be riding from Wellesley to Provincetown, a total of 163 miles.

Downey has been training every week on team rides. Currently, Team Willett Power meets in Duxbury at 6:30 a.m. and bikes approximately 45 miles per ride, and this will soon increase as they approach the event date.

“I became involved because, frankly, I should have been involved a long time ago. Most everyone has their own personal experience with cancer in some manner, it would be difficult to find someone who has not been impacted by this horrible disease,” explained Downey. “My wife had breast cancer and recently celebrated her 10th year of remission. We are very fortunate and owe much to this incredible community that was able to cure her. To that end, the Pan-Mass Challenge is the most well-run and efficient means of fundraising I know of; literally every dollar raised goes directly into research.”

To make a donation to Team Willett Power, visit http://pmc.org/egifts/CD0269

About the PMC

In 2017, there were 6,200 riders and the PMC gave a record gift of $51 million to Dana-Farber. The PMC donates 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

For more information about PMC, visit https://www.pmc.org

Harbor Mortgage Solutions, Inc. is a family-owned, residential mortgage company serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Recognized as a leading housing wealth management authority, Harbor Mortgage is dedicated to serving the unique home financing and often complex needs of senior homeowners, while also promoting those needs among consumers, professional advisors, state legislators and industry regulators.

Harbor Mortgage (NMLS #2846, MA-MB2846, and RI 20041821LB) is located in Braintree, MA. For more information, contact 781-843-5553 or visit HarborMortgage.com.

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Getting the Bugs out of your Barbecue. Removing backyard bugs and enjoying the bounty of the season.

With summer temperatures soaring and Independence Day around the corner, New Englanders are taking to their lawns to play, relax, cookout, and get together with neighbors. Trees and shrubs accented by cool grass underfoot serve as the perfect space for such seasonal occasions. Unfortunately, unwanted guests like mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests may be crashing the party.

The solution to infestation is multi-faceted.

The best defense against indoor and outdoor pests is to proactively address problem areas on the property through redesign and treatment. Lawn Doctor of Hanover’s Tom Norton attests, “the first step to mosquito prevention is removing standing water around your property like old tires, wheelbarrows, and puddle areas.”

If an infestation is already present more aggressive treatments are available. Once, the pests are eradicated, maintaining a healthy lawn and performing regular treatments will stave off any new invaders.

In sports central Massachusetts we know that even on our home court sometimes the best offense is defense. In pest control this wisdom can be applied to your epic rivalry with mosquitoes, ticks, ants, crickets, spiders, and other creepy crawly nuisances that may end up inside your home by taking preventative measures before infestation occurs. Norton notes, “The best defense from indoor infestations is to treat the actual foundation of the house. At Lawn Doctor Hanover we call it Home Pest Barrier.” The treatment is effective and easy. It’s performed on the outside of the house, no product will be introduced inside the home, and it can be performed while you’re at work – or at the beach.

Mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests are more than annoying. These pests can harbor disease and pose a health risk to people and pets. Preventing this threat in your backyard can be achieved through prevention and maintenance. As mentioned previously, locating stagnant water sources is one of the most effective ways to deter the infestation of mosquitoes. Landscaping should have proper drainage to prevent puddling as well. In addition, maintaining healthy lawn, trees, and shrubs is essential to outdoor pest prevention.

Norton recommends, “Regular maintenance including inspection, disease treatment, insect treatment, fertilization and application of micronutrients will promote overall health and prevent mosquitoes and ticks.” These tasks can be performed by the homeowner or by a service like Lawn Doctor of Hanover.

If you are already slapping yourself in an effort to squash problem mosquitoes and picking ticks off you and loved ones, do not worry. There are still measures that can be taken to drastically reduce or eradicate existing populations of mosquitoes and ticks on your lawn. Norton attests, “There are safe and proven products available to address mosquitoes and ticks through-out all stages of their life cycle.” The effectiveness of these products is often attributed to their application technique and schedule. Consult a lawn care professional before your start spraying.

Lawn Doctor is focused on working in harmony with the science of nature. Every service is designed to boost natural growth. This goes beyond the use of simple, green products. The company’s proprietary technology allows its lawn professionals to precisely measure and apply the optimum blend of nutrients and weed control – doing the right thing for your lawn and the environment.

A healthy lawn creates oxygen, removes dust and dirt, and filters water passing through its roots leaving pollutants behind and many more benefits. Lawn Doctor of Boston, the South Shore, and Cape Cod is a local, family owned and operated business.

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

 

Getting the Bugs out of your Barbecue. Removing backyard bugs and enjoying the bounty of the season.Read More

Old Colony Elder Services Offers Award-Winning Program at Duxbury COA beginning in July

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, has announced the next session of the award-winning “A Matter of Balance” program which will be presented at the Council on Aging, 10 Mayflower Street, Duxbury.

Many older adults experience concerns about falling and as a result restrict their activities. OCES will address these concerns at “A Matter of Balance”, an eight-session program at the Duxbury COA. Classes will be held from 9 am to 11 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 17 to August 9, 2018.

Primma-Latise Murry and Donna-Marie Forand, and Pat Livie of OCES’ Healthy Living Department will co-lead the classes, which are designed to help participants minimize the impact of falls and increase activity levels.

A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based program that emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. Older adults participating in the program learn how to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

To learn more about A Matter of Balance program, visit www.ocesma.org or contact OCES at 508-584-1561.

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.

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Placemat Projects Spread Cheer to Hundreds of Meals on Wheels Recipients in Brockton

This summer, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Meals on Wheels recipients in Brockton will receive a very special placemat along with their nutritious meal delivery, thanks to the efforts of Gilmore Elementary School and the Common Threads Quilting group of the Christ Congregational Church (CCC) in Brockton.

The placemats, which are all unique handmade pieces of art, will not only brighten up the delivery of nutritious meals, but also become part of the socialization, friendly smile, and wellness check for many Meals on Wheels consumers living alone.

As part of their “Kicking Off Kindness” and Peace Rally, the children at Gilmore Elementary School in Brockton created over 500 pieces of placemat art that will be delivered to OCES consumers who are part of the Meals on Wheels program. The placemats are cheerful and colorful, with many containing words of encouragement such as “Kindness is always a Good Choice”, “Keep Calm and Be You”, “Play Happy”, and “It’s A Wonderful Time of the Year to be Kind, Joyful and Healthy”.

The Common Threads Quilting group of CCC in Brockton exudes compassion and caring through the creation of 500 quilted placemats for OCES’ Meals on Wheels recipients. The CCC’s mission is creating a beloved community, and the Common Threads Quilting members have been doing so for more than 10 years. In addition to the quilted placemats for those receiving Meals on Wheels, they craft gorgeous quilts for church members who might be ill, or for newborns in neonatal intensive care ward, and many others.

“Old Colony Elder Services is thankful for these wonderful, thoughtful placemat works of art to share with our Meals on Wheels community,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES.

With the help of more than 450 volunteers, OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, delivers more than 1,600 meals each week to Meals on Wheels recipients in their service area.

Long continued, “The Meals on Wheels program is essential to many older adults who are homebound, unable to prepare meals, manage their grocery shopping or able to attend one of our community dining sites. Through Meals on Wheels, they receive a nutritious meal daily, as well as a friendly visit and safety check. We believe that each of these handmade creations will find a very special place in the kitchens – and hearts – of our Meals on Wheels recipients.”

The colorful placemats will be distributed by OCES’ Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers in June, July and August.

OCES Nutrition Program

More than 11,000 older adults participating in the Massachusetts Elderly Nutrition program responded to a statewide survey (Fiscal Year 2017 Satisfaction & Outcomes) which assessed the impact and quality of meals provided at Community Dining sites or delivered to their homes, known as “Meals on Wheels”.

OCES’ Satisfaction Survey results substantiate that their program helps with food security, provides significant nutrition, health and wellness benefits, while also providing a safety check and reducing isolation. Additionally, 82 percent reported satisfaction with the meals – rating them excellent or good. For full results of the survey, visit https://www.ocesma.org.

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.

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More than 150 Marched Against Elder Abuse in Brockton. Community Activists Recognized.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton-based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, joined forces with the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) to “March Against Elder Abuse”. On June 14th, over 150 members from the community and the two organizations marched down Main Street in Brockton in an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse.

June is designated as Elder Abuse Awareness Month by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations.

Joining the COA and OCES in the effort were Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz, Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter, and sponsors the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, HarborOne Bank, Papa Gino’s, the Rotary Club of Brockton, Sign Design, Roche Brothers, Shaw’s, and the Plymouth Police Relief Association.

Community Activists Awarded
After the march, participants gathered at the Brockton COA where Janice Fitzgerald, Director of Brockton COA and Teresa Kourtz, Director of Protective Services at OCES sharedinformation on how to assist elders in need and answered questions. A representative from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs also participated in the event. Awards were presented to activists in the community who have supported efforts around this issue, including Aguinaldo “Nato” Fonseca, Vice President and Business Development Officer of HarborOne Bank, Officer Anthony Giardini from the Brockton Police Department, and SignDesign.

Last year, OCES’ Protective Services Department received close to 2,000 reports of suspected elder abuse and financial exploitation. Types of abuse include physical, verbal, sexual and financial. When there is a referral made to OCES by Centralized Intake at the Elder Abuse Hotline, a Protective Services Worker investigates the report, provides support, and if needed, information about resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.

Citations commemorating Elder Abuse Awareness Month were presented by Mayor Bill Carpenter from the City of Brockton, State Representative Gerard Cassidy from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Congressman Stephen Lynch from the U.S. House of Representatives.

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to share information and spread awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. As individuals, and working together, we can make a difference,” noted Susan Willis, ASAP Program Director.

Teresa Kourtz of OCES advises, “Help us shine a light on elder abuse. If you see something, say something.”

If you know, or suspect, that an elder is being mistreated or neglected, call the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.

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.

More than 150 Marched Against Elder Abuse in Brockton. Community Activists Recognized.Read More

Is your website secure?

Jim Smith

This month, we have a special guest columnist: Jim Smith from Blarneystone Internet Services, LLC. His column below addresses the next Google deadline, July 1, for the “Not Secure” label for websites without SSL certificates:

Is your website secure?

From phishing to countless other online scams there is an ever-increasing need for improving Internet security.

Google has put off the deadline several times, but July 1,2018 appears to be the date when they will finally implement a new listing ‘Not Secure’ in the address bar of all websites that have not obtained an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. This could strongly deter visitors from ‘Not Secure’ websites and impact commerce. It is estimated that as many as one third of all websites will receive this admonishment. That’s why Blarneystone Internet Services, recently developed a compliance solution.

It is easy to tell if your website is on a secure server. Open your website in Chrome. In the address bar if it shows a locked padlock with the word “Secure”, your website is secure. If you see an exclamation point or “Not Secure”, your website is in need of a secure certificate.

The new security requirement coincides with the release of Google’s search engine Chrome version 68. The new regulation impacts all websites that include any kind of text input such as login panels, contact forms, search bars, etc. SSL is standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and browser. The SSL link ensures that all data passed between the two remain private.

Blarneystone will obtain the SSL certificate for website owners. This service includes certifying the owner of a domain name; purchase of a certificate; activation of the certificate; installation of the certificate; and instructions on updating the website to use HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure) the encryption used for protecting highly sensitive transactions like online banking and online shopping. Cost for the service is $150. We will also update the certificate annually for $150.

“In July, not having an SSL certificate will become a deal breaker for many online shoppers and for good reason,” noted Jim Smith, founder and director of Blarneystone Internet Services. “Internet shoppers not only crave a depth of product choice, great pricing and fast shipping, but armor-clad security. This is another solid step in that direction.”

Please contact us at (800) 801-3996 or drop a line for more information.

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Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Announces New Website

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, a growing fast casual dining establishment with four locations in Connecticut, has recently launched a new generation of their website, betweenroundsbagels.com.

Between Rounds’ new website, now in its third generation, has been redesigned by Noah Vertefeuille, an independent website developer based in Manchester, CT.

The new mobile-responsive site’s layout has been improved and the clean, well thought out design includes new food and beverage imagery which gives the website depth and warmth, while highlighting menu options and creating a memorable experience for visitors.

New and improved components include a career section with an online employment application, an informative blog, a fun facts and children’s activities page, newsletter opt-in, and site menu links that are clear and available.

“We are very pleased with the sleek new design, which is bold, well-organized and extremely user-friendly,” explained Jerry Puiia, co-founder of Between Rounds. “Visuals of our breakfast, lunch and catering options are enticing and it is much easier for visitors to navigate through our site using any device. Best of all, with this platform, we can continue to build onto the site. Future site enhancements may include an online ordering system.”

For more information, visit betweenroundsbagels.com.

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-on site 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 and franchise opportunities are available. Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT. For more information about grocer partnership or their unique franchise offerings, contact (860) 291-0323 or visit betweenroundsbagels.com.

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The South Shore’s Low Vision Group to Meet June 18th at TIC

Talking Information CenterThe South Shore’s Low Vision Group will hold its second meeting on Monday, June 18, 2018.

Talking Information Center (TIC) of Marshfield, MA, has teamed up with the Marshfield Council on Aging, Duxbury Senior Center, Kingston Council on Aging, and the Plymouth Center for Active Living to host an ongoing collaborative Low Vision Group on the South Shore.

Individuals with low vision and those who know someone with low vision are invited to attend the Low Vision Group which will meet at TIC, 130 Enterprise Drive in Marshfield on Monday, June 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Scott Krug, president of New England Low Vision and Blindness, will be the guest speaker. The topic of discussion is Technology. A light lunch will be provided.

Anyone who is unable to attend the support group may tune in to TIC’s live broadcast of the Low Vision Group at noon on that day. Visit TIC’s website www.ticnetwork.org or contact 781-834-4400 to learn about the many ways to listen to TIC.

To reserve a seat at the Low Vision Group, or if you are in need of transportation to the group on June 18th, RSVP to your local Senior Center or Council on Aging.

This event is sponsored by New England Low Vision and Blindness. For more information visit www.nelowvision.com.

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 600 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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