Client News

OCES Holds Food Drive for Three Charities

January 26, 2016 // by admin

OCES staff Rose Lynch, Tremeda Martin, Charlie Mills, Kerry Phelan, Vicky Rateau and Cathy Whitney organize food donations for distribution.

Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, recently held a Food Drive for three charities in their service area – My Brothers Keeper in Easton, Father Bill’s & Mainspring in Brockton, and Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless in Kingston.

OCES’ Food Drive was held among their 235 employees the week before Christmas. More than 300 non-perishable food items were collected and distributed among the three charities.

Every year, OCES holds a holiday food drive for a different organization in an effort to provide support to those most in need. Last year, OCES’ donated more than 140 pounds of food to South Shore Community Action Council (SSCAC) in Plymouth.

To learn more about the three charities, visit their websites at www.plymouthareacoalition.org, helpfbms.org, and www.mybrotherskeeper.org.

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 27 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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Rodman CPAs Offer QuickBooks Seminar on February 10th

January 26, 2016 // by admin

Rodman CPAs Advanced QuickBooks Pro Advisers

Rodman CPAs, a full service tax and accounting firm catering to small and medium-sized companies throughout the greater Boston area, will offer a “New Year Checklist” QuickBooks Seminar on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at their office at 2 University Park, 51 Sawyer Road, Suite 610 in Waltham, MA 02453.

This seminar is the second in Rodman CPAs’ monthly seminar series and will be held in the firm’s classroom. Advanced QuickBooks Pro Advisers Kathy Parker CPA, Leah Shanahan CPA, Janine O’Connor EA, and Christine McGoldrick will lead the 90-minute seminar. Topics that will be covered include: preparing for the new year; what’s new in QuickBooks 2016; tips and tricks in QuickBooks; budget preparation; sales/use tax and backup procedures.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The seminar runs from 7:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. followed by 15-minute question and answer session. Refreshments will be provided by Café 51.

Rodman CPAs has been a member of the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program since 1999. Having provided hundreds of small to mid-size companies with training and consulting, Rodman CPAs QuickBooks team provides superior services and expertise to meet the accounting software installation, setup, and training needs of businesses.

The fee for the QuickBooks seminar is $45. Registration is now open. To register, visit Rodman CPAs’ Eventbrite page https://www.eventbrite.com/e/quickbooks-seminar-series-new-year-checklist-tickets-20628372016.

About Rodman & Rodman CPAs

Founded in 1961, Rodman & 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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Family Dental Group of Paxton launches Smiling Neighbor program

January 25, 2016 // by admin

Dr. Nikhil Lavana, DMD of Family Dental Group of Paxton

PAXTON, MA…

Over the last dozen years, Family Dental Group of Paxton has focused its practice on improving the smiles of it’s patients. With it’s new Smiling Neighbor program, Family Dental Group is recognizing people in the local community who through their own generosity and acts of kindness have made their fellow citizens smile.

“There’s nothing that gives a dentist more pride and satisfaction than seeing one of their patients smile. It’s one of those gifts you wish other people could experience,” said Dr. Nikhil Lavana, DMD, who owns and operates Family Dental Group of Paxton with his wife Dr. Archana Lavana, DMD. “With the Smiling Neighbor program, we’re looking to recognize those people in our community who through their charitable endeavors bring smiles to people’s faces.”

The Smiling Neighbor award will be given out on a quarterly basis to citizens of the greater Paxton area going above and beyond the call of duty for their fellow citizens. The winner of the Smiling Neighbor will have the choice of receiving a $50 gift card to Black & White Restaurant in Spencer, MA or an Oral B Pro 5000 complete with Bluetooth timer, four different brush heads, charger and a travel case; a $250 value).

People can nominate a Smiling Neighbor by sending an e-mail of 200 words or less to officemanager@paxtondentist.com. Please remember to include your name and telephone number as well as the name and telephone number or e-mail of the person they are nominating. Nominations can also be sent to Family Dental Group of Paxton, 581 Pleasant Street, Paxton, MA 01612.

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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South Coast Improvement, Co. wins Harvard museum project

January 22, 2016 // by admin

CAMBRIDGE, MA, and MARION, MA…

South Coast Improvement Company (SCI), a design-build general contractor serving New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, was recently awarded renovation projects at the Harvard Museum of Natural History at 26 Oxford Street on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, MA.

The projects will feature the creation of student suites within the open space in the Comparative Zoology section of the museum. Each suite will include desk/workstation with data links and updated furniture.

The other renovation will involve converting open space in Suite B23 into office space for museum staff.

South Coast Improvement Company will begin these renovations on February 1 with a completion date anticipated in the spring. The two renovation projects cost a total of approximately $600,000.

“The goal of renovations at educational and institutional facilities like the Natural History Museum is to create an exceptional final product and cause minimal disruption to staff and students in the process,” said Tom Quinlan, president of South Coast Improvement Company. “Fortunately, we have a lot of experience with these kinds of projects and we can’t wait to get going.”

Some recent South Coast Improvement projects at schools and universities include work at Milton Academy, Boston College and MIT.

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 institutional, senior living, healthcare, 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, health care 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.

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Back to shoveling

January 22, 2016 // by admin

RHODE ISLAND…

Perhaps no other activity gets a chiropractor’s phone ringing than shoveling snow in the winter months. While chiropractors gladly take those calls and treat patients injured shoveling snow, it’s far preferable to treat people who are not in distress.

“It is very easy to strain your back while shoveling snow for any number of reasons. It’s cold. Many times it’s early and you’re body is not awake or loose. Most of all, it’s not an activity people do every day,” said Dr. Michael Gottfried, president of the Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island and chiropractic physician at Aquidneck Chiropractic in Middletown, Rhode Island. “All of this makes for a perfect storm for back issues and more serious issues, like heart attacks.”

Dr. Gottfried recommends paying close attention to weather forecasts. If you have to shovel to get your vehicle out to get to work, give yourself extra time and shovel as early as you can when the snow is lighter. Be sure to do some warmup stretching for muscles that aren’t used to the shoveling motion.

When you shovel, push the snow straight ahead. Don’t try to throw it to the side. Walk it to the snow bank and avoid sudden twisting and turning motions. Always remember to bend your knees to lift when shoveling. Let the muscles of your legs and arms do the work, not your back.

It’s also important to take frequent breaks to avoid overdoing it. And if you feel chest pain or feel tired or have shortness of breath, don’t try to work through it, you may need immediate emergency medical help.

“Your overall condition is often the biggest determinant of whether or not shoveling is risky for you. If the only exercise you get is shoveling snow, you are setting yourself up for problems. If you exercise regularly, eat right and take other preventative measures, such as regular chiropractic treatment, you are probably less likely to injure yourself while shoveling snow,” said Dr. Gottfried.

If you are not currently seeing a chiropractor and want to explore how chiropractic can benefit your overall condition before and after shoveling, you can utilize the “Find A Doctor” feature on the Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island’s website, www.richiro.org.

About Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island (CSRI)

Founded in 1918, CSRI is one of the oldest chiropractic associations in the United States and represents more than 25 percent of the chiropractic physicians in the Ocean State. In addition to providing a regional voice for chiropractors in the business and legislative arenas, CSRI also helps educate the general public on the benefits of chiropractic. Those all-natural benefits can include relief from headaches, asthma, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel, colic, and stress, just to name a few. Olympic ski champion Picabo Street, NFL legend Jerry Rice and Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman are but a few notable celebrities who have embraced chiropractic.

The Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island is located at 1272 West Main Road, Building 2, Middletown, RI 02842. For more information, call (401) 207-0700 or visit www.RIchiro.org.

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Executive Office of Elder Affairs Secretary Visits Belair Towers in Brockton

January 20, 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, welcomed Alice Bonner, Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs to Belair Towers in Brockton on December 8, 2015.

Secretary Bonner has been touring agencies caring for older adults across the state to learn firsthand about local efforts supporting older adults in the community. During her visit at Belair Towers she met with the Belair Tenants Association and approximately 40 residents, along with Thomas Thibeault, Executive Director of Brockton Housing Authority; Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director; and other staff members from these agencies.

A round table question and answer session provided Secretary Bonner an opportunity to hear about the access to services provided by OCES at Belair Towers, which includes supportive housing, regular and Caribbean congregate meals and the English as a Second Language program. Belair residents were also able to share their concerns about personal safety and building security in light of recent national and world events.

“We had a tremendous turnout and were able to garner very good feedback about access to our programs during the Belair round table session,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director.

About OCES

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Investment Advisor Betsy Vallone Joins Norwell, MA Financial Services Firm

January 15, 2016 // by admin

Betsy Vallone, Investment Advisor and Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI), joins her husband, Steve Daglio, at their financial services firm, Essential Asset Management (EAM) in Norwell, MA.

Ms. Vallone, a Norwell resident and co-owner and principal of EAM, is returning from maternity leave to take an active role in the firm as an Investment Advisor and educator. Ms. Vallone will provide clients with tailored financial advice and services based on their specific goals, concerns, and requirements. She will also lead financial education workshops that are focused on women and investing, which will cover the fundamentals in financial planning and more.

“Essentially, we help local families achieve financial security for their retirement years. We also provide specialized advice and services to women and others who are impacted by sudden wealth or other significant life-changes such as divorce, a new job or a new baby,” explained Ms. Vallone.

A seasoned Investment Advisor with nearly a decade of experience, Ms. Vallone holds Series 65 and Life, Accident and Health insurance licenses and has certification as a financial education instructor from the National Financial Educators Council. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Fairfield University in Connecticut and has continued graduate studies at Bentley University. She is currently a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) candidate and will sit for the CFP exam in July 2016.

Ms. Vallone’s vast experience includes serving as a Financial Planning Consultant at Fidelity Investments and as a Retirement Consultant at TIAA-CREF, to working in high tech at Oracle and Hubspot before leaving the corporate world to run her own successful dog training business.

She is a member of the South Shore Women’s Business Network.

To learn more about EAM or to schedule a consultation with the husband and wife financial services team, visit www.essentialassetmanagement.net.

About the Firm

Founded in 2011, Essential Asset Management (EAM) 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.

__________________________________________________________

Investment Advisory Services offered through Bay Colony Advisors, a Registered Investment Advisor. Clearing, custody or other brokerage services provided by Fidelity Brokerage Services, LLC. Members NYSE, SIPC. Office of supervision: 91 Main Street Suite 308 Concord, MA 01742. Phone 978-369-7200. Steven Daglio and Betsy Vallone are Investment Advisor Representatives of Bay Colony Advisors. Advisory Services offered to residents of: Connecticut, Florida, North Carolina and Massachusetts. Bay Colony Advisors and Essential Asset Management, LLC are not affiliated.

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Dozens of families benefit from VoiceNation’s “Operation Give Back”

January 14, 2016 // by admin

Caitlin Redd and Alea Pizzaro of the VoiceNation team wrap gifts for 65 children.

VoiceNation, the industry leader in live answering and virtual receptionist services, made the holidays brighter for 27 local families through their “Operation Give Back” outreach program.

Now in its fourth year, Operation Give Back is the name given to VoiceNation’s outreach effort to help ensure local children living in shelters and those in need of assistance receive gifts during the holiday season.

VoiceNation worked with Jackson County Family Connection in Jefferson and Georgia CALLS in Buford to provide holiday gifts for 65 children, ranging in age from three months to 17 years old. The gifts included BMX bicycles, arts and crafts, clothes, shoes and many different toys.

How it Works

VoiceNation receives referrals from agencies that are working with families in need. VoiceNation provided their employees with funds to purchase gifts along with Operation Give Back profile folders of the children in need, which include the child’s age, gender, holiday wish list and preferences, such as their favorite color, clothing size, favorite activities, and hobbies.

“Many participants in Georgia CALLS’ re-entry program are working hard to become CEOs of their own lives and to do better by their families, but are still in need of assistance. They are amazed at the outpouring of support from anonymous donors,” explained Mark Mobley, Executive Director of Georgia CALLS.

“Our Operation Give Back program has become a highly sought after volunteer initiative here at VoiceNation. As our staff learns about the children in need, they feel a connection to them and are incredibly enthusiastic about the gifts they purchase for them,” explained Jay Reeder, the company’s president. “Operation Give Back is a tremendous opportunity to support children and families in need within our community while spreading holiday cheer.”

VoiceNation’s Employee Volunteer Program provides ample opportunity for every staff member to volunteer and work towards a cause they feel passionate about on a local, national, or global scale.

About Jackson County Family Connection

The mission of Jackson County Family Connection is to improve the well-being and health conditions of families through a collaborative system of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual supports. For more information, visit www.jcfamilyconnection.com or call 706-367-3021.

About Georgia CALLS

Georgia CALLS, a program in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Transition, Support & Reentry, the Georgia Department of Corrections and Phillips Transitional Center, is transforming mindsets, growing leaders and building entrepreneurs, one life at a time. Utilizing a powerful combination of exclusive job/life skills training, paid work experience in the call center, intensive case management services, and optional discipleship classes, participants in the Georgia CALLS program develop their character, explore their own entrepreneurial dreams, and in turn give back to their own communities. Georgia CALLS works to make a lasting community impact by cultivating entrepreneurs and mentoring participants to be the CEOs of their lives. For more information about Georgia CALLS, visit www.gacalls.org

About VoiceNation

VoiceNation is a leading provider of 24-hour live answering services and call center solutions. Named “Top Provider in Industry” by PC World, VoiceNation is positioned as a knowledge leader with innovations in pricing, service, and proprietary open source technology.

Over 50,000 businesses worldwide, including Comedy Central, Delta, Dunkin’ Donuts, Rolls Royce, and StateFarm trust VoiceNation as their professional telephone answering service. Founded in 2002, VoiceNation is a privately-held company that invests heavy emphasis in staff development and community outreach opportunities. To learn more about VoiceNation, visit www.qualityansweringservice.com.

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Waltham Accountant Places in Top Quarter of World’s Toughest Mudder Competition

January 14, 2016 // by admin

With the same grit and determination required during tax season, Justin Horr, Staff Accountant at Rodman & Rodman CPAs, a full service tax and accounting firm catering to small and medium-sized companies throughout the greater Boston area, completed the World’s Toughest Mudder® 24-hour race held November 14-15th at Lake Las Vegas, Nevada.

Placing 219 overall among approximately 1280 participants, Horr did well in the Male Division 20-24 year-old, placing 9th and completing 10 laps, 50 miles total in 24 hours, 28 minutes and 4 seconds. He was among 28 male and female contestants from Massachusetts.

Horr, a resident of South Easton, MA and native of Granby, CT, competed alongside his aunt, Nicole Perry of Simsbury, CT, who finished 4th in her age group.

World’s Toughest Mudder is an extreme 24-hour obstacle course challenge where athletes are tested to their physical and mental limits competing for Worlds Toughest Mudder title and prizes, while also fundraising for a charity or cause.

“This race, at this magnitude, required a lot of preparation. You have to be ready to tackle different challenges. The course changes in the middle of the night, and you have to adapt,” explained Horr. “It’s almost as stressful as tax season – which is a marathon, not a sprint – where you have to be mentally prepared.”

Horr will be participating in Tough Mudder New England and Spartan Sprint Race in 2016.