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Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Cafe Rolling Out the Bagels for Project Graduation

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, a growing fast casual dining establishment with four locations in Connecticut, is rolling out bagels for Project Graduation.

Project Graduation is an all-night alcohol- and drug-free celebration for graduating high school seniors that provides them with an entertaining, safe and memorable experience. Fundraisers and donations support Project Graduation along with support from parents, local businesses, individuals and organizations.

Between Rounds donates hundreds of bagels for Project Graduation events and in the past, has supported Manchester High School, East Catholic High School, Bolton High School, Glastonbury High School, South Windsor High School and other schools with bagel donations.

“We wholeheartedly support Project Graduation which honors graduating seniors in a safe, substance-free celebration,” explained Jerry Puiia, co-founder of Between Rounds. “We’ve been providing bagels for Project Graduation for a number of years now.”

Project Graduation organizers for local schools within their market area are encouraged to contact Jerry Puiia at Between Rounds corporate office in South Windsor to arrange for bagel donations – (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-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 www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Nutrition Workshops on June 11th and 14th

“Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes” (BKDD) week is June 9-15, 2018 and Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, will hold two fun and educational nutrition workshops.

OCES has joined the coalition of Old Colony YMCA and more than 40 other area organizations in this weeklong event dedicated to raising diabetes awareness through workshops, seminars and events.

Nutrition Workshops

On Monday, June 11, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., OCES joins Brockton Council on Aging to present “That’s a Handful?! Portion Size Matters” workshop at Brockton Adult Day Health Center, 764 N. Main Street in Brockton. Donna-Marie Forand, Healthy Living Program Coordinator at OCES and Dorothy Slack, RN of Brockton Council on Aging will the lead this fun workshop where you measure food portions to test your guesses.

On Thursday, June 14, 2018, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., OCES will present “Healthy Eating at the Dollar Store” workshop at Training Resources of America, 231 Main Street #302 in Brockton. Can you purchase items at a discount store and still maintain healthy eating habits?  Yes, you can, and this workshop shows you how to make informed choices. Patricia Livie, Outreach and Education Specialist and Donna-Marie Forand, Healthy Living Program Coordinator at OCES will lead this workshop.

Family Fun Walk & Expo

BKDD kicks-off on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at 8:00 a.m. with the Leo MacNeil Family Fun Walk at the Massasoit Community College Campus in Brockton. Following the morning walk, a number of health care providers and community-based organizations will share information about nutrition and healthy living at informational booths during Signature Healthcare’s Health & Wellness Expo, held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the college. Fitness, cooking demonstrations, local vendor exhibits, raffles and screenings also will be offered at the Expo.

All events are free and open to the public.

“Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes is a family-friendly event that offers screenings, fun activities and numerous opportunities to learn more about making healthy lifestyle choices, taking steps to prevent diabetes and living a healthier life,” said Christine McLaren, Community Programs Director at OCES.

For more information about OCES’ workshops and other events during BKDD week, visit https://forhealthycommunities.com/bkdd

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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Rodman CPAs Announces New Staff

Ethan Bergeron

Rodman CPAs, a full-service tax and accounting firm serving small and mid-sized businesses throughout the greater Boston area, has hired Ethan Bergeron as Receptionist/Administrative Assistant. He is a native of Gloucester and resident of Woburn, MA.

In his new role at Rodman CPAs, Bergeron will provide administrative support to accounting and tax team members which includes the Green Team, the firm’s specialized renewable energy and clean technology practice.

Bergeron graduated in 2015 from Columbia College Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA with a Bachelor of Arts in Producing and Business Entertainment, and went on to work as an Event Assistant at YouTube Space LA. Upon his return to Massachusetts and prior to joining Rodman CPAs, Bergeron was the Office Manager at RE/MAX Destiny in Jamaica Plain for nearly two years where he was responsible for managing day-to-day operations, training staff, and providing administrative support to realtors.

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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No LinkedIn is NOT a panacea. Still there is no silver bullet.

The next client? Warm prospects are the Holy Grail. But how do you find them, court them and onboard them?

Many lead generation sources have disappointed and under-performed.

But what if you were seen as “the authority”?

What if you were “editor” approved and receiving third-party credibility from achieve press coverage?

What if you received free coverage from a trade/niche publication that directly targeted your audience?

“Public relations gets new prospects to raise their hands for more details. Before they call they are already enthusiastic about our story and business model,” noted Kevin Dubois of Lapels Dry Cleaning.

Between Rounds Bagel Café’s Jerry Puiia asserted, “Publicity has not only generated warm leads but supports existing stores as well.”

How do you create news?

In a nutshell, news and coverage is about –

  • Taking a bow for community outreach
  • Rolling out a new product, service or way of doing business
  • Touting a new key staffer
  • Celebrating a new location (and coaxing interest from prospects from concentric regions)
  • Announcing capital raised
  • Alerting of milestones (Examples – #s served, # lifestyles transformed, # Dreams attained)
  • Industry tips (Seasonal and more)

The challenge is to identify and develop newsworthy opportunities that can be merchandised to the press in the form of news releases, preferably on a twice-monthly or more frequent basis to keep your name in front of your various audiences.

News releases are often the catalyst to more expansive feature coverage.

In addition to sharing your news releases with both the traditional press and online media, this original content should be repurposed to social media, your website’s newsroom and/or blog.

Are you ready for warm leads?

No LinkedIn is NOT a panacea. Still there is no silver bullet.Read More

Call for Sponsors – Worcester School for Students with Autism to Hold First Golf Tournament

“Achieve” First Annual Golf Tournament to benefit 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, will be held on August 20, 2018 at Blackstone National Golf Club. Sponsors are needed.

CABI is pleased to announce their first annual fundraising golf tournament at the Blackstone National Golf Club located at 227 Putnam Hill Road in Sutton, MA. The tournament will be scramble type, and there will be a golf clinic option with the Club Pro as well as a variety of contests including chipping, putting, longest drive, and more. A dinner reception at the clubhouse, complete with silent auction and raffle, will round out the evening.

The golf tournament is the non-profit school’s major fundraiser of the year. Investing in a sponsorship and participating in the event will help CABI continue to deliver on their commitment to providing the best-practice behavioral and educational programming to children and young adults with autism. CABI believes that every child, given the right tools, resources, and environment, has the potential to achieve the possible and live a more independent and fulfilling life.

Sponsorship opportunities include: Dinner Sponsor $5,000; Breakfast Sponsor $2,500; Margarita Hole $1,500; Community Supporter $1,000; Driving Range or Putting Green $500; and Tee Partner $250.

Companies that have committed to sponsoring Achieve to date include: Behavioral Concepts (BCI) of Worcester, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Body Armor, Gerardo’s Bakery, 1st-String Embroidery & Graphics, J.R. Grady & Sons and Leonard, Mulherin & Greene, P.C.

To become a sponsor or to register as a golfer, visit www.cabiautism.org/achievegolf2018

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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Brockton and Plymouth Organizations “March Against Elder Abuse” in June

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month and Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, will be leading two marches in an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse.

OCES invites the public, civic leaders, health workers and community supporters to join them in “March Against Elder Abuse” walks, which will be held in Brockton and Plymouth in June.

Brockton March

On June 14, 2018, OCES and the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) will hold a March Against Elder Abuse beginning at 12 p.m. at the Brockton COA, 10 Father Kenney Way. Participants will march down Main Street to OCES’ office and return to the COA for a special lunch with guest speakers.

RSVP to Jasmine Ramirez, 508-584-1561 ext. 338 or to the Brockton COA 508-580-7811 by June 7th.

Plymouth March

On June 21, 2018, OCES and the Center for Active Living (formerly known as Plymouth Council on Aging) will hold a March Against Elder Abuse in Plymouth. The march begins at 11 a.m. at the Center for Active Living, 44 Nook Road. Participants will be transported to the Plymouth waterfront to march, then will be transported back to the center for a lunch with guest speakers.

RSVP to Jasmine Ramirez, 508-584-1561 ext. 338 or to the Center for Active Living 508-830-4230 by June 14th.

“In fiscal year 2017, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs received 30,739 reports state-wide,” said Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “We encourage the community to march with us as we strive to raise awareness and work together to help prevent elder abuse.”

Last June, more than 175 participants joined OCES, the Brockton COA and Plymouth Center for Active Living in two marches during Elder Abuse Awareness Month.

This year’s March Against Elder Abuse events are sponsored by HarborOne Bank, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz, Roche Bros., Shaw’s, The Rotary Club of Brockton, Papa Gino’s, Brockton Police, Plymouth Police Relief Association (PPRA), the Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center and the Plymouth Center for Active Living.

Both events will be held rain or shine.

Raising Awareness

Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or neglect. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, family members comprise the majority of abusers. Additionally, research indicates that individuals with dementia are at even greater risk for elder abuse.

“OCES helps elders who have been victims of neglect or harm from a caregiver. When there is a report made to the Elder Abuse Hotline, an OCES Protective Services Worker is assigned to investigate the report, provide support, and if needed, share information about resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance,” explained Kourtz.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million, or one in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. Experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23 cases go unreported.

Witnesses to elder abuse, or those who see symptoms of elder abuse, should report it to their local protective services program or call the state’s Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275.

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.

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Rodman CPAs Announces New Associate

Maria Lowden

Rodman CPAs, a full-service tax and accounting firm serving small and mid-sized businesses throughout the greater Boston area, has hired Maria Lowden as Associate. She is a resident of Brighton, MA.

Lowden, who served as an intern at Rodman CPAs last year, returns to the firm as an Associate. In her new role, Lowden will be responsible for reviews, audits and preparation of financial statements for clients in a variety of industries.

Lowden graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Lasell College in Newton, MA in 2017 and recently earned a Master of Science in Accounting from Northeastern University. While an undergrad, she was Vice President of the Accounting and Finance Club from January 2016 to May 2017, and provided tax return assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. She completed internships at Entercom Boston as well as Rodman CPAs.

Lowden is currently preparing for the CPA exam. She is a member of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs (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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TIC Honors 37 Volunteers at Awards Ceremony

TIC board member Peter Brown, Senator Patrick O’Connor, State Representative James Cantwell, TIC’s Assistant Executive Director Anna Dunbar and Executive Director, Jim Bunnell

The award-winning Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service broadcasting 24-hours a day to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise print impaired listeners throughout the state, recognized 37 volunteers at their Annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast and awards ceremony held last month.

TIC honored their Marshfield studio volunteers at a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast held at the Village at Proprietors Green Assisted Living Facility in Marshfield, MA. Senator Patrick O’Connor and State Representative James Cantwell were in attendance.

The prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award was presented to nine volunteers with 100 hours or more of service in one calendar year: Patricia Smudin of Bridgewater; Maureen Murphy of Cambridge; Joanne Salines of Hanover; William Zirpolo, Steven Virta, Norman Blair, Joan Dowd, Eric Joseph and Maryellen Mastriani of Marshfield.

Award pins were presented to volunteers with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service.
Ann Collins of Duxbury; Melissa Bristol and Matthew Donohue of Kingston; James Curran, Angeline Graham, Doug Haskell of Marshfield; Susan Allison of Stoughton; Melanie Donovan of Weymouth were recognized for five years of service.

Lisa Reddie of Cohasset; Lynne Walsh of Duxbury; Carol Friedman of Hingham; Maryanna Abren and Ann Cavanaugh of Middleboro were recognized for 10 years of service.

Patricia Smudin of Bridgewater, Tim Horan of Marshfield and Joseph Best of Randolph were recognized for 15 years of service.

Rosemary Dobie of Humarock; John Daley, Marylou McLean, Joan Shea, Eugene Spriggs of Marshfield and Tom McBride of Newton were recognized for 20 years of service.

Those honored for 25 years of service include Maureen Murphy of Cambridge; Susan Johnson of Duxbury; Michelle Bubbins of Plymouth and Jeremy Slack of Weymouth.

Deb Gustafson of Plymouth was awarded for 30 years of service, and Renee Donohue of Kingston for 35 years of service.

TIC presented the first annual “Volunteer of the Year” award to Eric Joseph, for his innovative involvement and contributions to TIC, including going above and beyond in the creation of the TIC Radio and Podcast Players as well as his dedicated commitment to monthly Radio and Podcast Players productions and reading the Wall Street Journal.

Following the volunteer awards presentation, TIC recognized Representative Cantwell (prior to leaving his post) as a longtime TIC Supporter and Advocate.

“We’re very grateful to have so many dedicated volunteers,” said Jim Bunnell, TIC’s Executive Director. “Supporting TIC through volunteering supports more than 30,000 listeners who are striving for their independence along with a thirst for knowledge and connection to current events that otherwise would not be available.”

Operating with the help of more than 600 volunteers statewide, TIC broadcasts 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 as well as special programming geared toward military veterans and their families.

Celebrating 40 Years
In 2018, TIC celebrates 40 years of delivering accessible information to those who need it. 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.

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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Harbor Mortgage Explores “Using Housing Wealth to Age in Place” at Senior Celebration Expo May 22nd

Chris Downey

Chris Downey, president of Harbor Mortgage in Braintree, will lead and moderate a seminar exploring “Housing Wealth to Age in Place” on May 22, 2018 at the 26th Annual Senior Celebration event at Lombardo’s in Randolph, MA.

Senior Celebration, hosted by South Shore Senior News, is a one-day free event for mature adults focusing on lifestyle and health which will be held 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Harbor Mortgage’s 45-minute Housing Wealth breakout session begins at 10:45 a.m.

Rounding out the panel will be Doug Beck, Certified Financial Advisor, Tailwind Wealth Management, Hingham, MA; Elder Law Atty. John O’Connor, O’Connor & O’Connor, LLC, Braintree, MA; and Patti Schiappa, Housing Wealth Advisor, Harbor Mortgage Solutions, Inc., Braintree, MA.

Using housing wealth in retirement planning

The informative panel discussion will explore the various ways that senior homeowners can preserve and protect, lower costs, and safely utilize housing wealth for a more secure retirement. Topics will include the important differences between a traditional Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) and the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), the unique FHA government insured home equity credit loan developed for senior homeowners, 62 and older.

“There are safe and appropriate ways for senior homeowners to use housing wealth to augment their retirement needs, and our expert panel aims to help them gain a better understanding of their options,” explained Downey.

Harbor Mortgage offers Housing Wealth Management Seminars to COAs, fraternal organizations and business groups throughout Eastern Massachusetts. The seminars are moderated panel discussions including qualified experts in senior financial, legal, in-home care, and other special needs confronting seniors.

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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