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Two at Rodman CPAs Receive Master’s Degrees

Rodman CPAs, a full service tax and accounting firm serving small, mid-market, and multi-generational companies throughout the greater Boston area, recently announced two of the firm’s accountants have earned master’s degrees.

Jeffrey Biesadecki, a Certified Public Accountant and Tax Supervisor at Rodman CPAs has received a Master’s degree in Taxation from Bentley University. Biesadecki oversees the accounting staff responsible for tax preparation, tax planning and compliance for individuals and business entities. Biesadecki is a CPA licensed in Vermont and a member of the Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants (VTCPA). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Rhode Island and is a resident of Stow, MA.

Marc Scribi, an Experienced Associate at Rodman CPAs, has earned an MBA from Suffolk University. Scribi is responsible for audits, reviews and compilation services, as well as preparing corporate, partnership, and individual tax returns. He specializes in software company audits. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from University of New Hampshire’s Whittemore School of Business and Economics. He is a resident of Waltham, MA.

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.

Two at Rodman CPAs Receive Master’s DegreesRead More

21 Volunteers Honored at Talking Information Center’s Awards Ceremony

Jim Bunnell with volunteers Norm Blair of Marshfield, Nick Guarda of Middleboro, Christine Knapp of Duxbury, Herb Robinson of Marshfield, and Elizabeth Schmellick of Canton who were recognized for five years of service.

The Talking Information Center (TIC) recognized 21 volunteers for their years of dedicated service at their Annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast and awards ceremony held last month.

TIC, the award-winning nonprofit reading service and the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, which broadcasts 24-hours a day to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise print impaired listeners throughout the state, honored their Marshfield studio volunteers at a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast held at, and sponsored by, the Village at Proprietors Green Assisted Living Facility in Marshfield, MA.

In an awards ceremony following the breakfast, State Representative James Cantwell presented the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award to volunteers recognized for volunteering more than 100 hours in one calendar year. Elizabeth Schmellick, a resident of Canton, Cathleen Maye of Marshfield, Judy Picariello of Marston Mills, Maryanna Abren and Ann Cavanaugh of Middleboro, Joe Best of Randolph, and Corinne DItalia of Weymouth were honored with a personalized certificate, official pin, and a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States.

Award pins were presented to volunteers with 5, 10, 20 and 25 years of service. Those recognized for five years of service include Elizabeth Schmellick of Canton, Jay Clare of Carver, Christine Knapp of Duxbury, Melissa Bristol of Kingston, Norm Blair, Herb Robinson and Fred Tilley of Marshfield, Nick Guarda of Middleboro, and Pat Cotta of Plymouth.

Stan Troupe of Hanson was recognized for 10 years of service. Pat Flaherty of Duxbury was recognized for 20 years of service. Trish Garnett of Marshfield, Marcia Babcock of Norwell and Philip Drosdik of Pembroke were recognized for 25 years of service.

“TIC simply could not operate without the generous support of our volunteers and we are so grateful to every one of them,” said Jim Bunnell, Executive Director.

TIC wishes to thank guest speakers Representative Cantwell, Colleen Ferguson, Executive Director of Village at Proprietors Green, Susan Romboldi, a longtime TIC listener, Christine James of WATD-FM and TIC Board Chair, and Lorraine Bottelli, TIC Volunteer Coordinator.

TIC 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. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families.

To view a Marshfield Community Television’s video of TIC’s Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, visit  https://vimeo.com/215228795.

The Hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network

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 and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind oversee 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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Behavioral Concepts, Inc. Appoints New Director at Worcester Location

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, has appointed Candice Colón-Kwedor, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LABA, as Director of Professional Development and Research.

Dr. Colón-Kwedor specializes in the assessment and treatment of severe challenging behavior in children and adolescents and has more than a decade of experience providing consultative services and clinical services in the private school and residential setting.

In her new role as Director of Professional Development and Research at BCI, she will oversee the training curriculum for, and the professional development of behavior therapists and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). She will also oversee therapist level in-service trainings and internal BCBA level continuing education events, as well as BCI’s new research initiative.

In addition to serving as BCI’s Director, Dr. Colón-Kwedor serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Endicott College. For seven years previous to BCI, she served as Clinical Director and Senior Clinical Director at the May Institute’s May Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities in Randolph, MA. Her role involved the supervision of clinical directors, assistant clinical directors and behavior specialists as well as the oversight of school wide ABA clinical services for approximately 160 residential and day students.

Dr. Colón-Kwedor received a Doctoral degree in Behavior Analysis from Western New England University and a Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) and Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the state of Massachusetts.

She serves on the Board of the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT) as Member at Large. She is a member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) and the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT). For the past six years, Dr. Colón-Kwedor has volunteered at the annual convention for APBA.

Dr. Colón-Kwedor’s research has been published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. She is also a contributing author to a BCBA supervision reference manual and has served as a guest reviewer for The Analysis of Verbal Behavior and Behavioral Interventions.

She is a resident of Upton, MA.

About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)

Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to meet the unique needs of their clients. BCI’s goal is to maximize individual potential, increase independence and enhance clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.

BCI provides center- and home-based services through health insurance and is an approved provider of Specialty ABA Services for Early Intervention in Central Massachusetts. BCI’s main care center, located at 345A Greenwood Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers intensive treatment for young children aged 3 to 6 years of age, an after-school program for all school aged children and a weekend social skills program. BCI offers similar services at a second location at 207 Authority Drive in Fitchburg, MA. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.

For complete information, visit http://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, call (508) 363-0200.

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Fruit Gallery Collection re-launched by Master Gourmet Packaging, Inc., Hanson, MA. “Contains” great versatility for specialty food markets, online stores and fancy food purveyors.

Harmony White

HANSON, MA…

Farmers market and Specialty food retailers and others can struggle with “presentation” and, in particular, gift baskets and boxes. Master Gourmet Packaging, Inc. of Hanson, MA offers the “Fruit Gallery Collection” an alternative gift box solution, made in the USA.  The new collection offers attractive fruit design tops and plain bottoms which are eco-friendly.

From fruit, small jar gourmet items to specialty baked items, the Fruit Gallery Collection helps organize, protect and display your gift items. “We are delighted to bring our innovative solutions to the edible gift giving trade,” noted Julie Gainey, second generation servicing the specialty packaging industry.  Now gourmet food retailers across the USA can compete with the larger companies on short runs and at affordable prices.” Top and bottom sets cost as little as $4.53 per set.

Gift giving food operations now can save on labor costs with simple assembly, save on packaging costs because Fruit Gallery Collection is both a gift box and shipping box in one. Companies can offer year-round gift giving, approach seasonal and holiday gift giving with confidence, adapt to online and in-store sales requests and customize the program with a creative label and card program.

The Fruit Gallery Collection includes two custom design options – Harmony White and Harmony Kraft. Each set is made with vent holes for circulation, 100 percent recycled fiber and is also recyclable.  Harmony White features flexographic print on sturdy Clay White 200 Test Corrugated and Harmony Kraft on sturdy Natural Kraft 200 Test Corrugated.

To enhance the gift box, accessories include Jiffy Pads, Dividers, Dry Wax Tissue “Paper Pock-its”, gift card and a ribbon bow.

“From store display to online product pages to catalogs, many are overwhelmed by product options,” noted Julie Gainey, owner of Master Gourmet Packaging, Inc.  “Products need to be shown in multi-faceted retail space and gift options to assist in consumer awareness and retain your ROI by not sacrificing profit. We collaborate with customers to go outside the box, no pun intended.  Great products and great packaging can motivate trial orders and establish life-long buying patterns. That is our goal.”

Master Gourmet Packaging, Inc. is a one-stop shop for shrink film and equipment, bags for food packaging and retail, bows, boxes, shred, tissue, containers and more. Along with every product one could possibly need for impressive and talked about packaging, experienced and enthusiastic packaging consultants help you achieve that look on budget and on time.

The original business was started in 1973 by the father of current owner Julie Gainey.  The dedicated staff of family members and friends has over 40 years of experience servicing the food and beverage gift giving industry.

Master Gourmet Packaging, Inc. sales office is located at 824 E. Washington St. Hanson, MA 02341 and warehouse is located at 65 North Main St. Brockton, MA, 02301.  For more information, call (800) 227-5381 or visit www.MasterGourmetPackaging.com.

Fruit Gallery Collection re-launched by Master Gourmet Packaging, Inc., Hanson, MA. “Contains” great versatility for specialty food markets, online stores and fancy food purveyors.Read More

A+ for StaticStop’s newest ESD product. FreeStyle ESDPlus improves look, comfort and static control capabilities

Freestyle ESDPlus swatches

AVON, MA…

When shopping for ESD flooring, buyers will often sacrifice style for substance. It’s far more important for ESD flooring to minimize the impact of static electricity, right? StaticStop’s newest product, FreeStyle ESDPlus, offers improved aesthetics with a polyurethane/ceramic finish that’s as attractive and easy to maintain as it is effective in addressing static electricity.

“ESD floorings typically have tiny black dots as part of the surface pattern. That has nothing to do with aesthetics but is a byproduct of making an ESD tile,” said Thomas Ricciardelli, president of SelecTech, Inc., parent company of StaticStop a leader in the manufacture of innovative flooring products from recycled materials. “With ESDPlus, we’ve been able to design a tile without the dots that can address the trend towards smaller devices generating greater static electricity while offering an attractive looking tile that’s also far more comfortable to stand on for long periods of time.”

StaticStop’s FreeStyle ESDPlus comes in six attractive styles: Summer Sky; Coastal Fog; Moss; Night Sky; Sand Box; and Quarry Sand. Additionally, each ESD Plus tile comes with a polyurethane finish pre-applied, while other ESD floors require finishes to be field-applied and re-furbished regularly.  Consequently, StaticStop’s FreeStyle ESD Plus™ finish looks better longer and is far easier to maintain.

StaticStop’s FreeStyle ESD Plus™ employs a patented interlocking technology for easy installation without messy glues or adhesives. That enables new flooring to be installed with little or no down time.

“StaticStop’s FreeStyle ESD Plus™, with its polyurethane finish, gives you the benefit of a floor that mitigates the impact of static electricity, looks great and is easy to maintain. And with our interlocking technology, areas of the floor that experience more use can be replaced individually as needed,” said Ricciardelli. “.”

StaticStop’s FreeStyle ESD Plus™ is made from mostly recycled materials that are 100 percent recyclable. These materials create a static-controlled environment that’s perfect for industries that significantly utilize electronics and sensitive data like electronics manufacturing, communications, aerospace, biotech, healthcare industries, and other high-tech industries.

StaticStop’s FreeStyle ESD Plus™ is manufactured to provide a durable and long-lasting floor covering under a range of temperature and exposure conditions and is backed by a 10-Year limited warranty against wear. To request samples and a copy of ESD flooring binder, please call 508-583-3200 or visit www.selectechinc.com.

About Static Stop

Static Stop is a division of SelecTech, Inc., which was founded in 1993 with the mission of creating valuable products from scrap plastics. The company has become a leader in the manufacture of flooring products from recycled materials and uses one million pounds of recycled materials annually. Their products are made with up to 100 percent recycled content, are 100 percent recyclable and installed without adhesives making them some of the “greenest” and most cost-effective flooring products available. The unique interlock system on SelecTech’s flooring products enable them to be installed at a much lower cost, without a lot of costly downtime, which provides significant value to customers.

Selectech’s ESD flooring division, Static Stop™, is a full service ESD flooring products and services provider. Static Stop manufacturers patented interlocking ESD flooring products including Freestyle ESD™ and Selectile ESD™ interlocking tiles. They also offer a full service line of ESD flooring including ESD Vinyl Tile, ESD Carpet Tile, ESD Epoxy Coatings and ESD Cleaning and Finishing products.

Using state-of-the-art technology and innovative product design, SelecTech created the top performing Place N’ Go residential flooring products, which are available at Home Depot. They are also the creators and manufacturers of the renowned commercial and industrial FreeStyle Flooring™ and BioLock™ products. SelecTech is a vendor partner of Health Care Institute (HCI), an International Facility Management Association (IFMA) alliance partner and Starnet, an international flooring contractor cooperative. The company is headquartered at 33 Wales Avenue, Suite F in Avon, MA. For more information about SelecTech, visit http://www.selectechinc.com.

A+ for StaticStop’s newest ESD product. FreeStyle ESDPlus improves look, comfort and static control capabilitiesRead More

Cheers. Moby Dick Brewing Co spouts new life into New Bedford, MA downtown with help from South Coast Improvement.

South Coast Improvement Company (SCI), a design-build general contractor serving New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, recently completed construction on the Moby Dick Brewing Company in New Bedford, MA.

NEW BEDFORD and MARION, MA…

The first thing you might notice is the large windows and inviting outdoor seating.  You might also start humming a sea chanty as you take in artifacts of New Bedford’s historic whaling and fishing history and authentic artwork and photography. It’s all part of the allure of the new Moby Dick Brewing, Co.

The 4,300-square-foot Moby Dick Brewing Co., built by South Coast Improvement of Marion, MA, recently opened diagonally across the intersection from the New Bedford Whaling Museum at the intersection of Union and Water streets in the city’s historic district.

The cozy bistro includes a small retail area for memorabilia, pub-style menu items and a 10-barrel brewery operation behind the bar area.  One hundred seats welcome patrons to enjoy hand-crafted brews and simple dishes with a local flair – including salt cod chowder, sweet potato and apple soup and pan-seared scallops. The beers boast grain-to-glass goodness and include different references to Herman Melville’s epic novel such as Ishm-ale Ale, Stove Boat Dry Irish Stout and Simple Sailor American Lager.

“We are delighted to bring this landmark pub and all its historic texture to the region,” noted Tom Quinlan, CEO of South Coast. “We enjoyed working closely with the investors to deliver a showcase and tribute the area’s salty charms.”

The investment team for the $1.3 million project included David Slutz; Maureen Sylvia Armstrong, CEO of the Sylvia Group in Dartmouth; Peter Kavanaugh, owner of Brownell Boat Stands in Mattapoisett and president of La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries in Dartmouth; Richard Lafrance, CEO of Lafrance Hospitality, which operates the New Bedford Fairfield Inn & Suites and White’s of Westport, among other hotel and restaurant holdings; and Bob Unger, principal of Unger LeBlanc Inc. Strategic Communications.

Kevin Caldwell, of Caldwell Architectural Associates in New Bedford, was the project’s architect.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell noted, “The brewery is another significant addition to the downtown.  That is a very prominent corner and this new business will really stand out.”

Based in Marion, Mass. and with an office in Reading, Pennsylvania, South Coast Improvement Co is a recognized leader in providing building and renovation services to a client base of senior living, healthcare, institutional and retail clients. For more information, please call 508-748-6545 or visit www.southcoastimprovement.com.

About South Coast Improvement Company

South Coast Improvement offers a range of design, construction and management services across a variety of sectors—interiors as well as exteriors—including office buildings, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, commercial properties, assisted living facilities, and residential communities.  South Coast Improvement’s services include: Preconstruction analysis; Construction management; General contracting; Design/build services;  Capital improvement; Building envelope improvements; and Interior renovations.

For more information, visit www.southcoastimprovement.com or call 508-748-6545.

Cheers. Moby Dick Brewing Co spouts new life into New Bedford, MA downtown with help from South Coast Improvement.Read More

Apollo Safety of Fall River Awarded Deer Island Plant Contract

Apollo Safety, Inc., providers of gas detection products and services for hospitals, government operations and other organizations, has recently contracted as the gas detection equipment provider for Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Apollo Safety will provide the MWRA with all new equipment and portable gas detection instruments for the Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. The equipment, which includes 75 new gas detectors from one of the largest brands in the country, Industrial Scientific, is valued at $120K.

“These negotiations have been going on for several years now and we are very pleased to have been awarded the contract,” said John V. Carvalho III, Apollo Safety’s president. “The Deer Island Sewage Treatment Plant removes pollutants from wastewater originating in homes and businesses in 43 greater Boston communities. Gas detection systems at the plant are imperative to employee and public safety. The systems alarm at the first sign of trouble, such as carbon monoxide or other toxic gas.”

Gas Detection Systems

Apollo Safety’s offerings include a wide variety of portable and stationary gas detection systems suitable for large institutions, including brands such as Industrial Scientific, RAE Systems, RKI, MSA and Honeywell. These systems are available for purchase or rental at weekly or monthly rates. Rental equipment is certified to NIST standards and is guaranteed for the entire rental period.

Apollo Safety also utilizes wireless gas detection systems, which report directly back to a command post miles away at the first sign of trouble. The wireless systems provide the ability to check gas levels in real-time, with the security of knowing that headquarters has access to the same readings.

For more information about the company’s gas detection systems or to schedule a consultation, call 800-813-5408 or visit www.apollosafetyproducts.net.

About Apollo Safety

Founded in 1995, Apollo Safety, Inc. has grown to become the leading safety and technical services equipment provider in New England. As experts in gas/toxic leak prevention and detection, Apollo Safety goes beyond simply installing gas detection systems, to provide regular maintenance and monitoring (testing) of the systems to ensure they are continually in optimal working order.

Apollo Safety provides portable, stationary and wireless gas detection systems, sales and support for most major brands of gas detection device manufacturers, as well as service in their “state of the art” in-house service center. The company also provides on-site support with factory-trained technicians for both portable and stationary gas detection systems.

Apollo Safety is a member of the National Safety Council, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Association (RIAFC) and the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts (FCAM) and is trusted by facilities managers, building owners, landlords, universities, hotels, institutions, government operations and others throughout the region. A small veteran-owned business (SVOB), Apollo Safety is located at 57 Walnut Street in Fall River, Massachusetts. For more information, call 800-813-5408 or visit www.apollosafetyproducts.net.

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Rodman CPAs President Appointed to BDO Alliance Advisory Council

Steve Rodman, CPA, MST, CVGA, President of Rodman CPAs, has been appointed to serve on the Alliance Partners’ Advisory Council (APAC) for BDO USA, LLP. Rodman CPAs, an independent member of BDO Alliance USA, is a full service tax and accounting firm serving small, mid-market, and multi-generational companies throughout the greater Boston area.

Steve Rodman has been appointed to APAC for a three-year term and serves as part of the representative group of senior leaders amongst their CPA and Business Resource Network (BRN) member Alliance Firms across the U.S. APAC provides input to BDO USA, LLP relative to the BDO Alliance USA Program. The overall goal of APAC involvement is to provide personal knowledge, insights and information to BDO for the purpose of enhancing the value of the BDO Alliance USA Program to its members. APAC provides input that is based on members’ personal experience with the Alliance as well as the experience of their firms.

“I am honored to serve on BDO Alliance’s advisory council,” noted Rodman.

To learn more about BDO Alliance USA, visit www.bdo.com/about/bdo-alliance-usa.

VOP Practitioners

Rodman CPAs provide a full suite of services to better position companies for improved, sustainable profits and growth. The Rodman team is comprised of Certified Value Opportunity Profile (VOP) Practitioners who provide “actionable consulting” to assess the entire business enterprise and determine quality and risk ratings and current business value. Rodman’s VOP methodology and process have a proven record of success. The process encompasses the extensive review of eight fundamental business areas and the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for long-term sustainability and growth. To download the firm’s VOP white paper, visit rodmancpa.com/business-consulting.

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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Bridgewater Savings Bank Supports OCES’ Money Management Program

Joseph W. Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Bridgewater Savings Bank, along with Ashley Flynn, Mortgage Loan Processor (far right), present a donation to OCES Money Management Program representatives Lynn Smith (far left) and Teresa Kourtz. Photo courtesy Bridgewater Savings Bank

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 recently received a $500 donation from Bridgewater Savings Bank for their Money Management Program (MMP).

April is Financial Literacy Month and Bridgewater Savings Bank is supporting, and striving to create greater awareness about OCES’ MMP, which provides fundamental money management assistance to older adults, enabling them to maintain independence.

OCES’ MMP assists older adults and individuals with disabilities with managing their household finances. The MMP serves individuals with limited income who are at risk of losing their independence due to their inability to pay rent, food and utility bills on a timely basis. MMP volunteers help these individuals by establishing a budget for them, organizing their mail, helping them write checks to pay their bills and balancing their checkbook.

Joseph W. Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Bridgewater Savings Bank is an active volunteer for many organization including OCES’ MMP.  His dedication to community service represents one of the core values of Bridgewater Savings Bank.

“We are very grateful to Bridgewater Savings Bank and Joseph Mitchell for their support of OCES’ Money Management Program,” said Nicole Long, CEO.

How to Help

The need for MMP services continues to grow. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that over 25 million Americans aged 60+ are economically insecure – living at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level ($29,425 per year for a single person). This population struggles with rising housing and health care bills, diminished savings, and job loss.

There are a number of ways to support OCES’ MMP: By making a donation to the program (visit ocesma.org for details); by volunteering to be an MMP volunteer; or by referring a consumer in OCES’ service area who might need some help.

MMP volunteers are needed in all 23 towns that OCES serves. Volunteers receive extensive training from OCES and must adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines. MMP volunteers make home visits at least once a month to help keep track of program participants’ income and expenses.

To learn more about OCES’ MMP, visit 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 has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

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