Client News

Dighton, MA subdivision, Stoney Ridge Estates, completes first model home

February 22, 2016 // by admin

photo of Fairfield-Stoney RIdge — Fairfield-Stoney RIdge

DIGHTON, MA and SOUTH EASTON, MA …

Stoney Ridge Estates, LLC and Stonebridge Homes, the builder/developer and construction manager respectively for Stoney Ridge Estates, recently announced the opening of the new sales office at the 60-lot subdivision in Dighton, MA. The new office is located at 2 Waterford Circle (GPS 1590 Pine Street, Dighton, MA) and will be used as both a sales office and for open house tours for those interested in the Fairfield model.

Stoney Ridge Estates offers convenience and affordable luxury living. Located just minutes from Route 24, right off Pine Street in Dighton, Stoney Ridge Estates is commutable to both Providence and Boston.

Offering five different home styles ranging from 1,762 square feet to 2,384 square feet, Stoney Ridge Estates’ stylish colonial homes and beautiful ranches cater to many types of households—families, empty nesters, first-time home buyers looking to start a family, etc.

Each home in Stoney Ridge Estates utilizes gas heat and is certified energy efficient. Features of every home in the subdivision include: two-car garage; a designer kitchen with granite countertops and ceramic tile flooring; recessed lighting.

Stoney Ridge Estates offers 60 luxurious home sites that are enveloped with glorious woodlands. In addition, residents will admire the splendid curb appeal at the subdivision’s entrance, which is decorated with plentiful flowering shrubs and perennials. There’s also a recreational park for residents to enjoy on warm, sunny days and sidewalks to stroll.

To view floor plans, please visit Stoney Ridge Estates’ website, www.stoneyridgedighton.com. For more information, including open house hours, or to make an appointment for a tour of Stoney Ridge Estates, please call JoAnn Drabble of ABR, at 508-930-1711 or joannedrabble@comcast.net.

About Stonebridge Homes, Inc.:

For more than 25 years, Stonebridge Homes and its team, based in South Easton, Massachusetts, have built and managed the construction of many residential communities throughout Massachusetts, including Tanglewood Estates in Easton, Mass; Stoney Ridge Estates in Dighton, Mass (www.stoneyridgedighton.com); The Pines in Dighton, Mass (www.thepinesdighton.com); and Briggs Landing in Westport, Mass. More recently, Stonebridge Homes has focused on building and managing construction in towns in southeastern Massachusetts, including Dighton, Easton, Foxboro, Lakeville, Norfolk, Norwell, Norton, Pembroke, Rockland, West Bridgewater and Westport. The styles of these communities have varied from imaginative condominiums to custom single‐family homes designed by its in-house architect whose specialty is customizing dream homes that provide space and luxury to households of all sizes. Each development is built with the same commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Stonebridge Homes, Inc. is an active member of the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston and the National Association of Home Builders.
For more information, please visit www.stonebridgehomesinc.com or call 508.230.2300.

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OCES Receives over $5K in Donations to Emergency Fund during #GivingTuesday campaign

February 17, 2016 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, received a total of $5,145 in donations to their Emergency Fund during their #GivingTuesday campaign.

In an effort to raise money for their Emergency Fund, OCES ran a #GivingTuesday campaign from December 1st through December 31, 2015. This fund helps low-income older adults and people with disabilities with needed support that cannot be addressed through the use of any other resources.

“The success of this campaign to raise money for OCES’ Emergency Fund demonstrates the power we all have to change the world around us,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “Through the generosity of our supporters, we are able to help provide such things as heat, food, and life-sustaining medications to older adults and people with disabilities who are most in need in our communities.”

We thank everyone who gave during this campaign! All too often, low-income older adults and people with disabilities encounter problems that can jeopardize their ability to maintain independence, dignity and well-being. OCES’ Emergency Fund is used to assist with fuel, utilities, short-term emergency shelter, medical transport, medications, hot water heaters, food and other needs.

Through OCES’ Emergency Fund, several hundred low-income older adults and people with disabilities have received assistance, including a 79-year-old widow, living in her own home with her disabled daughter, who had run out of oil; OCES helped purchase heating oil for them.

If you were unable to donate during December, don’t worry, you can give at any time. Visit www.ocesma.org and help us to continue providing assistance to older adults and people with disabilities so they can remain safe and at home.

A Day Dedicated to Giving Back

#GivingTuesday is observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Fueled by the power of social media and collaboration, #GivingTuesday connects individuals, communities and organizations around the world and provides a platform for them to encourage the donation of time, resources and talents. Visit www.givingtuesday.org to learn more.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and 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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Networking is a necessity – Tips on making it less painful. Free seminars in Braintree and Plymouth.

February 15, 2016 // by admin

Nervous about networking? Frustrated about your networking results? Uncertain about how to follow up? Going to a lot of networking events or participating in referral networking groups and wondering if it’s a waste of time? Most people are not comfortable with networking, yet they stevewsj understand that networking can be the straightest line to their next client.

The “Networking is a necessity” seminar will provide actionable, practical tips of how to effectively work a room, network strategically, and build relationships that lead to new business. Business professionals can choose from two dates and two locations for this presentation. The seminar is free.

The seminar will be held Wednesday, March 16, 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., at the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, 134 Court Street, Route 3A, Plymouth, MA 02360. The second option is the following Wednesday, March 23, 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., 25 Braintree Hill Park, Suite 200, Braintree, MA 02184.

Panelists include Steve Dubin, founder of My Pinnacle Network, a grou
p of six business to business networks and PR Works, a full service marketing firm based in Plymouth, MA and Ken Cheo, President of Our Sales Coach based in Braintree, MA, helping small business owners and select salespeople double or triple their sales faster.

Networking tips and tactics will include how to work a room, how to stand out in a crowd, how to manage the exchange of business cards, how to select someone to talk with, how to get a prospect to open up, how to disengage, how to pick the right events, planning ahead, and how to follow up and take effective next steps.

Although the seminars are free, seating is limited to 20. Please RSVP to Steve Dubin, SDubin@MyPinnacleNetwork.com, 781-582-1061.

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Paxton dental practice celebrates National Tooth Fairy Day with ice cream?

February 11, 2016 // by admin

: Family Dental Group of Paxton’s Charleen Astle (right) with Friendly’s Manager Janet Lauziere.

PAXTON, MA and HOLDEN, MA…

For most children and their parents, the celebration for losing a tooth involves a visit from the Tooth Fairy and some monetary reward. Left out of the equation is the person who cares for your children’s teeth: your dentist. That’s why the Family Dental Group of Paxton will celebrate National Tooth Fairy Day, February 28, with the Friendly’s restaurants of Holden, Mass.

Family Dental Group of Paxton, located at 581 Pleasant Street in Paxton, will donate 100 toothbrushes and assorted dental goodies to Friendly’s customers under the age of 12 who visit the 1060 Main Street location for dinner on February 28.

“It may seem kind of an unusual alliance, but an occasional sweet like ice cream isn’t the end of the world as long as you are consistently taking care of your teeth,” said Dr. Nikhil Lavana, DMD, who owns and operates Family Dental Group of Paxton with his wife, Dr. Archana Karkhanis-Lavana, DMD. “That means brushing, flossing and regular checkups at the dentist.”

In addition to toothbrushes, the gift bags given will include Care to Share Card, which entitles patients to a $1.00 Exam and bite-wing x-ray with a dental cleaning. The Care to Share Card can be used by any member of the family, not just the kids.

“On behalf of our younger customers, we’d like to thank Family Dental Group of Paxton for their generous donation of the toothbrushes and the coupon for the exam. It’s a great reminder for kids and their families to brush their teeth and get regular checkups at the dentist,” said Janet Lauziere, manager Friendly’s in Holden.

As part of his Tooth Fairy Day, Family Dental Group of Paxton will also hand out Friendly’s coupons to younger patients the week of February 28. There is, however, one stipulation for children taking coupons: you must brush after every meal.

“You are never too young to start taking proper care of your teeth,” said Dr. Lavana. “With all the studies linking dental hygiene or lack thereof to serious conditions, it’s critical for everybody to take better care of their teeth.”

For more information on Family Dental Group of Paxton, visit www.paxtondentist.com or call 508-755-2905 to schedule a consultation.

About Family Dental Group of Paxton

Located at 581 Pleasant Street in Paxton, The Family Dental Group of Paxton offers: comprehensive examinations; cosmetics; crowns (in just one visit with no messy impressions); teeth whitening with ZOOM; laser dentistry (no needles!); partial and full dentures; root canals; inlays/onlays; extractions; crown lengthening; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

The Family Dental Group of Paxton accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. Family Dental Group of Paxton accepts all major credit cards and offers credit card financing plans.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 508-755-2905. For more information, visit www.paxtondentist.com.

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Westport, MA subdivision, Briggs Landing, opens new sales office

February 10, 2016 // by admin

photo of briggs landing sales office — The new sales office as Briggs Landing in Westport, MA.

WESTPORT, MA…

Stonebridge Homes, the builder for Briggs Landing, recently announced the completion of a new model home at the 90-lot subdivision located off Tickle Road in Westport, Massachusetts. The new model home, the Compton, is located at 35 Devol Avenue and will be used as the Briggs Landing sales office. The new home has also been staged for use during open house tours.

“The Compton is a very popular one-level model at several of our other subdivisions. It offers significant space and luxurious amenities. We’re delighted to showcase this model both during tours and as our sales office,” said Stonebridge Homes Site Manager Joe Chaves.

The Compton, a 1900-square-foot home with a two-car garage, is one of several models available at Briggs Landing. The others include: The Beacon, The Clarendon, The Dartmouth, The Fairfield, The Hudson Grand, the Marion and The Westport.

All home styles available at Briggs Landing feature energy-efficient, quality construction and luxurious amenities, such as hardwood floors and granite countertops. All models are equipped for natural gas heating.

In addition to the comfort of luxury living, Briggs Landing offers convenience. A short commute to Providence, Rhode Island (within 30 minutes to the capital building), New Bedford and Fall River, the Tickle Road location is within close proximity to the beaches of Westport and walking distance to South Watuppa Pond.

“The luxury home models available at Briggs Landing are well suited to a variety of lifestyles and households of all sizes, including but not limited to: empty nesters, newlyweds, single parents and blended families. Briggs Landing also offers an alternative for those who may have grown tired of the limited inventory of existing homes in today’s real estate market,” said Rami Itani, business manager for Stonebridge Homes.

To view floor plans, please visit Stonebridge Homes’ website, www.stonebridgehomesinc.com, and click on the home page link for Briggs Landing.

For more information or to make an appointment for a tour of Briggs Landing, please call Mel Antonio at 508‐728‐2656.

About Stonebridge Homes, Inc.:

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Rodman CPAs “Green Team” to Showcase Renewable Energy Practice At Solar Power PV Conference and Expo

February 8, 2016 // by admin

Rodman CPAs, a full service tax and accounting firm with a specialized renewable energy and clean technology practice serving “green” clients throughout the U.S., is set to engage attendees at the Solar Power PV Conference and Expo, February 24-25, 2016, at the Westin Boston Waterfront in Boston.

Steve Rodman CPA MST, president, along with partners Kathy Parker CPA MST and Thomas Astore CPA JD, Mark Vitello, supervisor and Katherine Bautze, marketing director will be on hand at booth number 214 to speak with attendees. Rodman CPAs provide solar energy producers and other businesses that pursue energy efficiency initiatives with expert counsel and services in renewable energy tax accounting and business strategy. Rodman, Parker and Astore are recognized experts in renewable energy accounting and have been guest speakers at numerous Cleantech industry conferences and forums.

Cleantech companies involved in solar, wind, biomass, waste-to-energy, and energy efficiency projects rely on Rodman CPAs to provide them with a sustainable financial roadmap through expert partnership/corporate structuring for optimal tax benefit; grant qualification assistance and auditing; ongoing advisory services for federal, state and local tax incentives; and specialized strategic financial planning and management.

Rodman CPAs is a charter member of the Mass Solar Coalition, as well as members of Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA), New England Clean Energy Council (NECEC) and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

For more information about the expo, visit www.events.solar/pvconferenceexpo/.

About Rodman CPAs

Founded in 1961 and named one of Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for, Rodman CPAs provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies throughout New England and beyond. The team specializes in improving business performance, business processes, operations, information technology, finance, and change navigation. Rodman CPAs provides companies with a sustainable financial roadmap through expert partnership/ corporate structuring for optimal tax benefit; grant qualification assistance and auditing; ongoing advisory services for federal, state and local tax incentives; and strategic financial planning and management.

The firm has a specialized renewable energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice, known as the “Green Team” which serves renewable energy clients throughout the U.S. The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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You don’t have to “like” your boss. Proposed social media privacy bill answers some questions in the workplace

February 8, 2016 // by admin

Attorney Tim McNamara of McNamara & Yates.

SANDWICH, MA…

When you work for a company, you represent that company. No one disputes that. Where that line begins and ends becomes a bit been hazy for many employers and employees when it pertains to social media. Senate bill 2063, passed by the Massachusetts Senate and under review by the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee, attempts to clarify several areas where social media use for work and personal part ways.

The bill states that it is unlawful for an employer to require an employee or applicant to provide user names and passwords for a personal social media account. The same goes for requiring an employee to connect on a social media site (e.g. Facebook friend; follower on Twitter; connect on LinkedIn. The bill also prohibits employers from taking or threatening adverse action against an employee or applicant for refusing to provide social media contact info or connect with their personal social media account.

“For my small business clients, this bill represents another factor to be wary of when training and/or disciplining their employees and developing an employee handbook,” said Attorney Timothy McNamara of Sandwich, MA-based law firm McNamara & Yates.

The bill’s authors, including Senator Cynthia Creem of Newton, introduced the law as a way to curb what they perceive to be oppressive practices by those in authority. There had been cases of this type of abuse at secondary schools, colleges and universities where student athletes were, at times, forced to become friends with coaches on social media so coaches could monitor the networks. That’s why language in S2063 also addresses this issue in a school setting as well, prohibiting schools, teachers, coaches, etc. from requesting a student’s social media user name and passwords; as well as prohibiting adverse action for refusing.

Yet as it pertains to businesses, does the proposed bill go too far?

“How likely is an employer to ask/demand user names and passwords or require you to be a Facebook friend? It seems unlikely, but one never knows and this new legislation will make that abuse illegal. The bill does raise the question about what control, if any, should an employer have over what their employees post on their personal social media,” said McNamara. “Many would be quick to say ‘none’, but what if an employee posts racial epithets, politically controversial opinions, or even disparaging remarks about the company itself on a social media page? Can a business use that as grounds for disciplinary actions or dismissal? Regardless, it’s a near certainty that the public’s attitude towards that employer would be immediately affected.”

Adds McNamara, “It’s an interesting question and another great example why companies need to be very careful in wording social media policies in their employee handbook and to have that reviewed by an attorney.”

Initially entitled S2054, S2063 was passed by Massachusetts State Senate in November 2015. There is no timetable for the House Ways & Means Committee to conclude review of S2063.

For more information on how S2063 could impact your business, you can call McNamara & Yates, P.C. at call 508-888-8100.

“Social means business” – About McNamara & Yates

Founded in 2004, McNamara & Yates, P.C. is a full-service law firm specializing in business law, estate planning, guardianship, Medicaid planning probate law and bankruptcy. Based on Cape Cod at 128 Route 6A in Sandwich, Massachusetts, McNamara & Yates are committed to providing every client with personal attention and superior legal service at reasonable rates.

For more information, contact (508) 888-8100 or visit their website at http://www.cape-law.com.

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How do you protect your nest egg? Free panel discussion at the John Curtis Library Hanover

February 3, 2016 // by admin

Some jest – “When did my 401K turn into a 201K?” But market volatility and your nest egg is no laughing matter.

Recent and drastic shifts in China’s economy as well as concerns over plummeting oil prices and ongoing turmoil in the Middle East have investors worried about their financial future – from college funding to retirement planning.

A panel discussion entitled “Market volatility – how do you protect your nest egg?” will address that topic. The free presentation will include seasoned, regional financial experts including Betsy Vallone of Essential Asset Management based in Norwell, MA; Bob Leonard of Rodman CPAs located in Waltham, MA; and Attorney James Tierney, Law Offices situated in Duxbury, MA.

The discussion, including time for questions and answers, will be held February 24, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at John Curtis Library, 534 Hanover Street (Route 139), Hanover, MA 02339. Light refreshments will be served. To RSVP, please call (781) 569-4914 or email betsy.vallone@essential-am.net.

Families, small business owners, people in transition and those in retirement who are generating income are encourage to attend and learn strategies to protect their financial future.

Topics will include an outline of safer investment options, simple measurement tools to keep investments on track, alternatives to traditional investing and strategies for paying yourself first.

The panel discussion is sponsored by Essential Asset Management (EAM) of Norwell, MA. The firm was founded in 2011 and provides a full array of planning and investment related services to meet clients’ specific needs and goals. From portfolio management and retirement planning, to estate planning and tax efficient investing, the firm’s investment advisors work closely with clients, engaging and encouraging ongoing feedback, in the creation of a holistic financial plan. Steve Daglio and Betsy Vallone are co-owners, principals, and partners of the fee-based investment advisory firm serving families and individuals throughout the South Shore. The husband and wife team have a combined 26 years of experience working in financial services, providing investment strategies for individuals, small businesses, institutions, and even other financial advisors.

Essential Asset Management, LLC is located at 167 Washington Street, Norwell, MA 02061. For more information, visit www.essentialassetmanagement.net.

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Lapels Dry Cleaning of Wakefield holds grand opening

January 27, 2016 // by admin

Lapels Dry Cleaning of Wakefield owners Kevin Dao, Kevin Dao, Lien Tang and Thanh Tran pose with members of the Wakefield-Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce. Lapels Dry Cleaning of Wakefield celebrated its grand opening on January 9.

WAKEFIELD, MA and HANOVER, MA…

Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company headquartered in Hanover, Massachusetts, recently hosted a grand opening celebration on January 9 at its new location at 959 Main Street in Wakefield.

The ribbon-cutting took place at an afternoon reception. Representatives and members of the Wakefield-Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce were also on hand to welcome the owners and staff of Lapels Dry Cleaning of Wakefield.

“The support from new customers and the business community has been wonderful,” said Kevin Dao, one of the owners of Lapels Dry Cleaning of Wakefield, along with Lien Tang and Thanh Tran. “Lapels Dry Cleaning has been very well received at our existing location in Boston (Boston Trilogy). Today’s turnout and response makes us feel even better about our decision to open a store here.”

In addition to the ribbon-cutting and refreshments, guests received a tour of the store and dry cleaning plant as well as a Welcome package (featuring a VIP dry cleaning bag). Guests also took part in a raffle for a $100 Visa card, a $75 Lapels Dry Cleaning gift card and a $50 Lapels Dry Cleaning gift card.

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience over the past dozen years. Part of that effort includes a partnership agreement with GreenEarth®, the dry cleaning industry’s only non-toxic cleaning alternative for its newer locations like Lapels Dry Cleaning of Wakefield. Using these kinds of solutions and the latest technology in equipment, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Their environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes.

Lapels Dry Cleaning also sets itself apart with its customer service. Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and alteration services.

Lapels offers it’s customers Automatic Rewards earning them credit towards free dry cleaning for every dollar they spend, Loyalty Programs, a VIP Program which eliminates the need to wait in line, the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service and FREE Home Delivery to all its customers. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

Lapels Dry Cleaning of Wakefield is open Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm; Saturday 8 am to 5 pm; and Sunday, 12 pm to 3 pm.

For complete information on Lapels Dry Cleaning, please visit www.mylapels.com.

Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners
Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Arizona (Gilbert, Chandler, Phoenix, Scottsdale), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Florida (Fleming Island, Orange Park) Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe, Delhi, Rayville, Winnsboro), Massachusetts (Abington, Allston, Bedford, Boston, Boston Seaport, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Hanover, Hingham, Kingston, Marshfield, Martha’s Vineyard, Natick, Needham, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Waltham, Wakefield, Wellesley, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Michigan (Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield), Mississippi (New Albany, Tupelo, Pontotoc), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick), Ohio (Liberty Township), Oklahoma (Edmond, Oklahoma City), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island), Texas (Bee Cave, Brownsville). Additional locations are coming soon to Tampa, FL, Braintree, MA, Boston, MA, Cambridge, MA, Stoughton, MA, and Oxford, MS.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has received a number of accolades in the franchise world. That includes being ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Lapels has also achieved acclaim in the dry cleaning industry. Lapels Dry Cleaning CEO Kevin Dubois is the co-author of Entrepreneurial Insanity in the Dry Cleaning Business, sold on Amazon.com.
Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

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