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More than 80 in Attendance at The Grand Re-Opening of OCES Volunteer Center in Plymouth

PHOTO CAPTION:  Nicole Long, CEO of OCES; Representative Mathew Muratore; Amy Naples, Executive Director of Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce; Armindo Rocha, OCES’ Volunteer Programs Manager

PHOTO CREDIT: Denise Maccaferri Photography

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA…More than 80 were in attendance for Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Volunteer Center Grand Re-Opening event held Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

OCES’ Volunteer Center, located at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth, serves as a central resource for Plymouth County volunteers as well as for local agencies offering volunteer opportunities. 

The Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce supported OCES with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony, which was followed by an Open House with tours and refreshments. Attendees included: Senator Susan Moran and Representative Mathew Muratore along with Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce’s Board Directors and Ambassadors, Representatives from AmeriCorps and many current volunteers.

“We’re thrilled to have such a wonderful turnout at our event and delighted to officially welcome the community back to our Volunteer Center in Plymouth,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “Thank you to all our dedicated volunteers, Senator Moran, Representative Muratore, The Plymouth Chamber, AmeriCorps Representative Rob Glazier and the business community for your support. Working together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of so many.”

Expansive Volunteer Network 
OCES has a significant volunteer base. With offices in Brockton and Plymouth, OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County and surrounding areas in Massachusetts. 

Volunteers are integral to OCES’ Meals on Wheels Program, Money Management Program and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Plymouth County, which is part of the Americorps Senior network of programs for individuals aged 55+.

“Our volunteer network supports many important programs that meet the needs of thousands of individuals in our community. We’d like to thank AmeriCorps and all our volunteers who generously give their time and effort to help others,” said Armindo Rocha, Volunteer Programs Manager at OCES. Rocha coordinated the Grand Re-opening event with Cidalia America, OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator along with the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce. 

In addition, OCES recruits volunteers and connects them with community service partners. OCES finds volunteers to meet their specific needs of community service partners such as South Shore Habitat for Humanity, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, local food banks, Veterans service agencies and others.

At OCES’ Volunteer Center, prospective volunteers can talk one-on-one with Volunteer Program staff, who can assist them in their search for volunteering opportunities that fit their skills and interests. The Volunteer Center is equipped with computers for researching volunteer opportunities as well as brochures and other literature from organizations seeking volunteers. The Volunteer Center also serves as a designated space for volunteers to work together on specific projects, such as “Letter Writing to Troops” for National Days of Service and Remembrance.

There are many different outreach opportunities for volunteers of all ages, from high school and college students to retirees. Volunteers can choose an opportunity that best fits their schedule.  OCES has the ability to “match” volunteers with organizations one-on-one. 

The Volunteer Center is open Tuesday through Thursday, from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. Appointments are not required. 

To learn more about OCES’ Volunteer Center and volunteer opportunities, visit 
ocesma.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities

About OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Media, OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

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5 Spring Tips for a Better Lawn This Year.

Every lawn has great potential.  And with a little effort a lush lawn can welcome your family, friends and neighbors.

Here are some tips from Lawn Doctor, the guys and gals with 50 years of serving their neighbors with invaluable insight to maintain the home’s greenest asset.

1. Clean-up. Some years are worse than others, but a general clean-up will benefit your lawn in many ways. Too much debris can suffocate the lawn and prevent the emergence of new growth. Raking up even just a few sticks and leaves not only helps get the lawn looking better instantly but it gives you the opportunity to inspect your lawn thoroughly and assess any issues.

2. Rake. Raking to clean up is great, but if you have a thick layer of thatch, you may have to rake a little more thoroughly. Thatch is the layer of decomposing plant material that sits on the surface of the soil. When it accumulates and gets compacted it can prevent the roots of your grass from getting water, fertilizer, oxygen and other nutrients.

3. Manage the moss. Every winter your lawn will stop growing and go into winter dormancy. Meanwhile, moss continues to grow. In the early spring, moss often looks worse than it is. Once the turf starts to grow moss will become less noticeable. Under some conditions, such as heavy shade or habitually moist areas, moss will naturally grow thick and dense. In this case, moss can only be handled by removing it manually with a rake or dethatcher. To help prevent moss and control the spread of it, we recommend a heavy calcitic lime application in the spring and, depending on the soil pH, sometimes again in the fall. Seeding in the fall and proper nutritional care and maintenance can keep the moss from coming back.

4. Fertilize. In the early spring, you’ll notice that your grass is pale green, gray or even yellow, depending on the variety of grass you have. As it comes out of dormancy, it will naturally green up. To bring it back to life faster and see it grow greener you should have a lawn care program. First, start with a high nitrogen fertilizer with other essential nutrients as well as weed control and crabgrass preventative. This service will wake your grass right up and make it look like winter never happened!

5. Prevent crabgrass. It may seem too soon to be thinking about crabgrass but it is imperative to get this pre-emergent onto your lawn ASAP. The secret to lawn care program is TWO applications of pre-emergent. Two applications means double prevention and longer lasting effects. Do not underestimate the importance of premergent!

A little lawn effort goes a long way.

Lawn Doctor is a local, family owned and operated business serving Eastern Massachusetts. Over 50 years of serving neighbors with invaluable insight on maintaining the home’s greenest asset.

Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your lawncare routine or create one from scratch, contact the experts at Lawn Doctor, located at 800 Franklin St, Hanson, MA 0234. For more information about Lawn Doctor, visit http://www.lawndoctor.com/ or call 800-831-1319.

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Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café New Location in Bassdale Plaza, East Windsor CT

MANCHESTER, EAST WINDSOR, SOUTH WINDSOR, TOLLAND AND VERNON, CT… 
Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, the unique bagel shop and bakery café, has grown to five locations in Connecticut with the addition of their newest location in East Windsor at Bassdale Plaza. 

Between Rounds is proud to announce their new location which is nestled inside Farm Town Gas Station at Bassdale Plaza, 148 North Road, East Windsor CT. The new location offers a “grab and go” limited menu which includes Between Rounds’ signature fresh bagels, cold cut sandwiches, fresh ground and brewed hot and iced coffee, lattes, cappuccino, cold brew, and frozen drinks.

Between Rounds’ East Windsor location is independently owned and operated by Bilal Ali, a resident of Vernon, CT. A seasoned business owner, Ali owns the Bassdale Plaza, the Farm Town Gas Station, a Krispy Krunchy Chicken location (also located within Farm Town Gas Station) and the In N Out Convenience store in East Windsor. 

Ali was drawn to a Between Rounds franchise store after trying their bagels, which he found to be delicious and a very high-quality product. Mornings have become the busiest time at Farm Town Gas, as patrons stop in to pick up breakfast from Between Rounds. Ali noted that he’s currently working on integration with Door Dash and Grubhub, and his plans for the future include adding a Between Rounds drive-thru.

Ali’s sister-in-law, Bushra Mustafa of Vernon, manages the Between Rounds East Windsor location. She has also managed the Farm Town Gas Station since its inception nearly five years ago. Mustafa has significant business operations experience gained from managing Ali’s convenience store and gas stations for more than a decade.

Mustafa trained with Between Rounds franchisor, Jerry Puiia, and was impressed with the business model. 

“This was a different experience for me. I ran the convenience store and gas stations for 10 years, but through Between Rounds training, learned new methods and key business tips,” explained Mustafa. “Between Rounds’ business model is great and it’s having a positive impact on the gas station business as well.”

Franchisor Jerry Puiia explained, “Ali and Bushra have significant retail ownership and management experience and they are a terrific fit for our organization. We’re thrilled about the new location at Farm Town Gas Station, which we feel will do very well. Patrons on the go can pick up their favorite Between Rounds bagels and coffee while they fill their gas tanks in the morning, and stop in to pick up Krispy Krunchy Chicken for lunch or dinner. Between Rounds and Krispy Krunchy Chicken locations are both inside the gas station and really complement each other.”

A grand opening ceremony for Between Rounds and Krispy Krunchy situated in the Farm Town Gas Station was held with East Windsor Chamber of Commerce, State Representative Carol Hall, East Windsor’s First Selectman Jason Bowsza and Selectman Keith Yagaloff in attendance.

Between Rounds East Windsor is open Monday – Saturday 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Sunday 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. For more information, call (860) 370-5108 or visit betweenroundsbagels.com.

Between Rounds Locations
The East Windsor location is Between Rounds’ second independently owned location within a gas station. The first is located at Citgo Express Gas Station on Merrow Road in Tolland. In addition to the East Windsor and Tolland gas station locations, Between Rounds has a Café (and corporate headquarters) in South Windsor, as well as Cafés in the Vernon Circle Shopping Center and at the Plaza at Buckland Hills in Manchester.

The family-owned Between Rounds has been in business for more than three decades and is the brainchild of brothers Jerry and Joseph Puiia, who are Staten Island, NY natives. The Puiia hallmark is manufacturing and selling their own bagels, which sets them apart from other cafés.

Puiia continued, “Between Rounds offers brand recognition, proven operations and plenty of training and support which is a recipe that ensures success.”

Franchise Opportunities
For those who are looking to be their own boss and take charge of their career, Between Rounds’ offers several different franchise opportunities, from a traditional store opportunity to Kiosk Gas Station and Convenience Market program to an Area Developer Program.

Franchisor Jerry Puiia explained, “A Between Rounds franchise offers the appeal of a locally-owned, community gathering place; renowned bagels and coffee and other signature fare; as well as excellent unit financial performance and wholesale distribution opportunities.”

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-onsite 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.

Between Rounds locations include East Windsor, South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland, CT. Franchise and wholesale opportunities are available. Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT. For more information about their unique franchise offerings, contact (860) 291-0323 or visit https://betweenroundsbagels.com

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Recognizing the signs of roller bearing damage. Emerson Bearing Boston shares tips on when to replace roller bearings.

BOSTON, MA… It can be difficult to know when to replace your roller bearing since the amount of time between the initial damage and when the bearing becomes unserviceable can differ significantly. 

Emerson Bearing, a Boston, MA-based bearing company catering to niche markets nationwide and the sister company of Action Bearing which serves the New England market, shares tips for recognizing the signs of roller bearing damage and the need for timely replacement.

High-speed bearings can be destroyed in seconds. Low-speed bearings can take months to break down. Early diagnosis of a damaged bearing is essential so that the bearing can be replaced before it fails completely, at which point it can also damage the machine and other components.

Look for these common reasons for roller bearing damage:

Handling damage – Damage caused by rough transport or installation often exhibits as denting or nicking; raised metal due to contact with roller edges.

Cage damage – Bearings that were dropped or incorrectly installed often result in cage damage. When this occurs, rollers tend to skew and bind, and the cage ring gets obstructed during operation or installation.

Preload/overload damage – Excessive bearing preload or overload can damage roller bearings in different ways. Preload settings that are too tight could also lead to cone bore contraction. Full race width fatigue spalling can occur due to heavy loads that create a layer of lubricant and high temperatures.

Deformations – Roller bearing deformations can occur in several different ways. Excess heat can cause metal flow, which can result in rib face deformations in the bearing cones. Deformation can cause rollers to skew and the bearing to lock up entirely.

Fatigue spalling – This is a type of damage to the metal surface. Inclusion spalling results from oxides or other hard inclusions in the steel of the bearing. Point surface spalling occurs because a raised surface or debris exceeds the thickness of the bearing lubrication film. In both types of spalling, the metal will begin breaking away from the raceway.

“By identifying early indications of damage, bearings can be replaced during regular roller bearing maintenance, which ultimately prevents costly, unexpected downtime due to bearing failure,” said Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing. “Machines should be monitored for unusual noise, vibration, and temperature and the causes of these symptoms should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage to the system.”

Inventory Matters
As an industry-leading bearing supplier with over six decades of experience, Emerson Bearing has a reputation for distributing high-quality roller and ball bearings. Emerson is proud to carry leading brands such as BOWER, FAG, FERSA, IKO, INA, NACHI, NSK, NTN, RBC, TORRINGTON, URB, and ZNL. 

With over four million bearings in stock at multiple price points, Emerson Bearing has the largest inventory of bearings on the East Coast under one roof in their 30,000 square foot warehouse. The company serves 16 major markets and their team of experts can assist with bearings and related products for specific industrial and manufacturing applications. To speak with a Marketing Specialist or request a quote, contact 800-225-4587 or visit EmersonBearing.com.

About Emerson Bearing 
For more than six decades, Emerson Bearing offer customers a one-stop shopping experience. With an online product catalog with over 3 million bearings – ranging in size from 3mm to tunnel-boring 15-foot-diameter giants; a vast inventory of bearings; worldwide sourcing; a fixed price program; a knowledgeable staff; same day shipping and 24/7 service, Emerson Bearing Boston has become a leading provider of bearings in the U.S., and its sister company Action Bearing, which serves the New England market, maintains headquarters at 201 Brighton Ave. Boston, MA. For more information, visit EmersonBearing.com and ActionBearing.com in the New England market or call 800-225-4587.
 

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College Admissions 101 Workshop for high school students and their families at Plymouth Public Library on March 20

PLYMOUTH AND RAYNHAM, MA… A College Admissions 101 Workshop will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, from 7:00 – 8:45 p.m. at Plymouth Public Library Main Branch, 
132 South St. Plymouth MA 02360. There is no cost to attend.

The College Admissions 101 Workshop will be held in the library’s Craft Room and led by Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, founder of Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) of Raynham, MA.

Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore

The free workshop is geared towards high school Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors and their families. Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore offers helpful insight and will cover topics including:

–    Choosing a college/university that is a good match for the student’s interests, lifestyle and budget
–    Getting the best financial package and maximizing merit scholarship dollars 

Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore helps focus effort on colleges that academically, socially and financially are most appropriate, which puts the student in the best position to succeed in school itself as well as beyond in their career. 

Seating is limited. To register for this event, visit https://conta.cc/3V97t36

High school students and parents/guardians who are unable to attend the workshop may arrange for a complimentary consultation by emailing nod@personalcollegecounseling.com.

About PCCI
Founded by Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq. who has been practicing law for over 30 years, Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) provides high school students (and parents/guardians) with one-on-one guidance throughout the entire college preparation process. Virtual services as well as in-person services are available. PCCI is based in Raynham, MA. For more information or to arrange for a complimentary Parent/Student Personal College Consultation, contact (508) 622-5250, email nod@personalcollegecounseling.com or visit the website at personalcollegecounseling.com

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Baseball dad launches fundraising tour of MLB stadiums to honor fallen son

MLB’s Nike RBI program to receive funds from Jackson Yelle Family Foundation as part of Eastham, MA man’s tribute to his son.

DATELINE: EASTHAM, MA…

photo of Jackson and Scott Yelle.

Many people have done tours to visit all 30 Major League Baseball (MLB). Few have the purpose—more like a mission–of Scott Yelle as he continues the tour he began with his late son Jackson in an effort to raise funds for the Jackson Yelle Foundation and MLB’s Nike Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program.

Jackson Yelle, a baseball player at Elon University in North Carolina, was struck by a hit-and-run driver on April 30, 2023. He was 21. The Yelle family formed the Jackson Yelle Family Foundation, 501(c)3 non-profit organization, to put good into the world by giving to causes Jackson would care about.

“Jackson had a zest for life and baseball. I can’t think of a better way to honor him than by finishing our tour of all 30 MLB stadiums—we had visited 12—and helping other young men and women grow through the game he loved, baseball,” said Scott Yelle, a sales and marketing consultant and charter boat skipper from Eastham, Massachusetts. “On March 31, I’ll be in Texas and will donate the first $1,000 check to the Nike RBI program and begin a three-month odyssey to visit the remaining stadiums.”

The Nike RBI program supports the development of young men and women through baseball and softball. Since its inception, the Nike RBI program has served approximately two million young people. Many Nike RBI alumni having played in MLB, including Jackie Bradley, Jr. (Kansas City Royals), Hunter Greene (Cincinnati Reds), Alek Thomas (Arizona Diamondbacks), and Dominic Smith (Washington Nationals).

After opening night in Texas, Yelle will attend and make $1,000 donations in the following cities: Miami (April 1); Tampa Bay (April 2); Philadelphia (April 3); Atlanta (April 6); Cincinnati (April 7); Pittsburgh (April 8); Toronto (April 9); Seattle (May 13); Arizona (May 14); Los Angeles (May 15 and 16th); Milwaukee (June 2); Chicago (June 4 and June 6); St. Louis (June 7); Kansas City (June 8); and Detroit (June 9).

As part of the donation ceremony at each stadium, Scott Yelle will wear a special t-shirt with an MLB logo and that of the Jackson Yelle Family Foundation with the number on the back representing the number that stadium represents on the tour. MLB has also arranged for Scott to be on the field at many of the stadiums for batting practice.

“This is a dream come true, Jackson’s dream,” said Yelle. “I welcome and invite friends, family, and baseball fans to visit me at the game. And if you can’t make it, you can follow the stadium tour on our website’s blog, Instagram and Facebook.”

To donate, visit the Foundation’s website at https://jacksonyelle.com/. Donations beyond the $18,000 will go towards the Jackson Yelle Family Foundation’s efforts to support causes that provide resources/financial support to help young people “live their best lives” #justlikejackson.

“We—my wife Andrea and daughter Lexi—can’t thank MLB, our wonderful Board of Directors, donors and everybody else who have been so supportive,” said Scott. “I can’t wait to get to Texas and get this thing started. Jackson would have loved it.”

In addition to donating via https://jacksonyelle.com/ or Venmo (Scott-Yelle-4), you can make a check payable to “Jackson Yelle Family Foundation” and send to Jackson Yelle Family Foundation PO Box 86, North Eastham, MA 02651.

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Grand Re-Opening of OCES Volunteer Center in Plymouth on March 20th

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA…Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Volunteer Center Grand Re-Opening at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth will be held Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce will co-host the event with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. 
 
Chamber of Commerce members, community service partners, volunteers, prospective volunteers and all community members are invited to attend the free open house. Light refreshments will be served. To RSVP for the event, either visit the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce at plymouthchamber.com or OCES at ocesma.org.
 
With offices in Brockton and Plymouth, OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County and surrounding areas in Massachusetts. 
 
OCES’ Volunteer Center serves as a central resource for volunteers as well as for local agencies offering volunteer opportunities. 
 
Prospective volunteers can talk one-on-one with Volunteer Program staff who can assist them in their search for volunteering opportunities that fit their skills and interests. The Volunteer Center is equipped with computers for researching volunteer opportunities as well as brochures and other literature from organizations seeking volunteers. The Volunteer Center also serves as a designated space for volunteers to work together on specific projects, such as Letter Writing to Troops for National Days of Service and Remembrance.
 
Volunteers are integral to OCES’ Meals on Wheels Program, Money Management Program and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Plymouth County, which is for individuals age 55+ and is part of the Americorps Senior network of programs.
 
“OCES’ volunteers help support many individuals in need through programs such as Meals on Wheels and Money Management,” explained Brenda Carrens, Community Programs Director. “OCES also helps community service partners find volunteers to meet their specific needs. For example, OCES recruits and matches volunteers for South Shore Habitat for Humanity, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, local food banks and Veterans service agencies, and many other Community Service Partners are part of OCES’ RSVP of Plymouth County.”
 
To learn more about OCES’ Volunteer Center and volunteer opportunities, visit 
ocesma.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities

About OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Media, OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

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The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield announces new summer camp experience. Registration now open for Summer Camp Warsofsky 2024

MARSHFIELD, MA … Registration is now open for Summer Camp Warsofsky, the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield’s newly named summer camp for fun-filled adventures and lifelong memories in a wellness driven environment. 
 
Offering a traditional camp environment that is welcoming and accessible to all, the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield’s goal is to give every camper an opportunity for a successful camp experience – making new friends, trying new activities, becoming more confident and having fun.
 
Led by a dedicated and caring staff team, Summer Camp Warsofsky is a 10-week program which will be held June 17 – August 23, 2024 and is geared towards youth ages five to 14. Camp hours are 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Families can take advantage of weekly or daily options as well as an extended hour option from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
 
New Camp Options
Sports, arts, swimming, outdoor adventure, STEM, new games and more are on the traditional day camp schedule at Summer Camp Warsofsky. New camp options include:
 
– Lower Camp Half and Full Day options are for children ages 5-6. Lower Camp Half Day runs from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and is a shorter version of the Club’s traditional day camp. Groups of five will be led by their counselors and participate in a variety of on-site activities.
 
– Middle Camp for ages 7-8 is a traditional day camp of on-site activities.
 
– Upper Camp for ages 9-11, is traditional day camp that provides older children the option of creating their own camp experience. Working with their counselors, campers “map out” their day/week to schedule activities, themes and special events.
 
– Volunteer Camp is a program specifically designed for ages 12-14 who want to develop their leadership skills in working with children and have the potential in the future to return as a staff person. Activities include assisting with camper group management and the set-up, clean-up and running of activities, on-site team building, off-site community volunteering, field trips and more. Interested “candidates” will be asked to submit an essay about why they are interested and then have an “interview” with Camp leadership and participate in basic training.
 
– Excursion Camps are for ages 7-14 and combine travel off-site for a special excursion for part of the day along with traditional on-site camp activities. A Golf excursion at Green Harbor Golf Course is offered for ages 7-11 the week of June 24-28, 2024. A River Adventure of kayaking, swimming and exploring for ages 12-14 is offered July 8-12, 2024 and July 29-August 2, 2024.
 
– R.A.M.S. Camp allows children with developmental or other challenges to participate in camp activities alongside their peers with varying levels of support. There is special focus on helping R.A.M.S. campers improve their social-emotional skills, community skills, life skills, recreation and leisure skills in a fun, safe and supportive environment with specially trained staff.
 
Club Campus Highlights
The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s air-conditioned facility includes a gymnasium and activity rooms and is set on an expansive campus that includes an outdoor pool, splash pad, multi-purpose courts, Molly Pavilion, Ninja course, mini skateboard ramp, playing fields, playground and swings.
 
Summer Camp Warsofsky is open to families throughout the South Shore. To view all camp options in full and to register, visit bgcmarshfield.org and click on Summer Camp Warsofsky 2024.
 
The Club also offers financial assistance programs. For more information, email membership@bgcmarshfield.org.
 
About Camp Warsofsky
Long-standing supporters of the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield, the Warsofsky’s passion for providing unique out of school opportunities for the children of the South Shore prompted a summer family partnership unlike any other in Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield’s history. 
 
About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield
The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  The Club serves families with children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old, and provides critical services the community needs to support children and families over the short- and long-term. For more information, visit their website bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582.

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New Logo and Website for OCES in Celebration of their 50th Year

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County and surrounding areas in Massachusetts, is Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration in 2024.
 
In anticipation of their 50th anniversary, OCES re-emphasized their vision, mission and core values which reflect their growth, expertise and ongoing dedication to the people, staff and communities they serve. 
 
Nicole Long, CEO, shared the agency’s vision, “OCES aspires to be a culturally diverse and inclusive agency that removes barriers, creating equity for all by empowering individuals and communities to thrive, age in place, and reach their highest potential.”
 
Aligned with their vision is OCES’ Mission statement: Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community.
 
OCES’ has also established Core Values reflecting their commitment to CARE:
– Commitment to staff, consumers, and the community
– Accountability, collaboration, and adaptability
– Respect, decency, and concern for others 
– Equity, justice, and inclusion for all
 
In consideration of the agency’s vision, mission and core values, the nonprofit has refreshed their logo and launched a new generation of their website, ocesma.org, to appeal to and better serve all of their audiences. Intuitive navigation and sophisticated design ensure a user-friendly experience. The new site features videos, news/events, educational articles, awards/recognition, and a “Get Involved” page for volunteers, job seekers and service providers. OCES’ comprehensive services and programs are well-defined on the site and include Adult Family Care, Behavioral Health, Caregiver Support, Community Housing Options, Elder Abuse/Protective Services, Health Insurance and Budget Guidance, Life Planning at Any Age, Nutrition, and Services at Home. For individuals or families seeking services we offer an online form called “Getting Started” to help start the process. The site was developed by Bright Cloud Studio based in Westfield, MA.
 
OCES is dedicated to creating better futures for those they serve and communities at large. OCES has grown to 243 full-time and 26 part-time employees, with 23 members on their Board of Directors. Their leadership team includes Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer; Anna Dee, Chief Operating Officer; Alisa DeLage, Chief Programs Officer; Rob Buckel-Gillis, Human Resources Director and Yolanda America, Finance Director.
 
Milestones
Founded in 1974, OCES continues to grow and evolve. There have been many milestones over the years including: the creation of the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force; the establishment of the first Supportive Housing Program in Brockton; and the formalization of an Internship Program with Bridgewater State University – all of which continue today. In 2013, the first annual Elder Abuse Awareness event was held in Brockton. In the years that followed, Healthy Living Workshops, Buried in Treasures Workshops, Caregiver Support and other programs have been established. OCES opened a second office at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth featuring a dedicated Volunteer Center for volunteer recruitment for OCES as well as for other nonprofits, schools, and agencies in Southeastern MA.  
 
“In 2023, OCES served more than 25,287 older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County, providing them with essential services that increase independence and improve quality of life,” said Alisa DeLage, Chief Programs Officer.
 
Earlier this year, OCES expanded their Behavioral Health services with a new Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT). EMHOT provides behavioral health and wellness supports to older adults and people with disabilities who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care. To further increase the reach of the program, OCES has launched a 50th Anniversary fundraising campaign with a goal to raise $50K in support of expansion of the Behavioral Health and Wellness Programs.
 
According to Nicole Long, CEO, “OCES is at the forefront – providing essential services, creating awareness of critical issues, and serving as an important resource for older adults, people with disabilities, families, caregivers, and the larger community. We are dedicated to, and passionate about helping others and improving lives.”
 
Join in celebrating the 50th anniversary by helping to make a difference with a donation to the campaign in support of OCES’ Behavioral Health and Wellness programs. 
 
To make a donation online, visit www.ocesma.org and click on the Donate button.  Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301. 
 
OCES is recognized as a tax-exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code.
 
About OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Media, OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve 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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