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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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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.

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

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.

Brockton and Plymouth Organizations “March Against Elder Abuse” in JuneRead More