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Old Colony Elder Services Receives MA Emergency Relief Grant to Provide Emergency Shelf Stable Food for Meals on Wheels Recipients

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

The Massachusetts Emergency Relief Grant Program awards grants to be used in the development, implementation and expansion of emergency relief programs in the Commonwealth of MA.  Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, has been awarded a $3,450 grant for their Shelf-Stable Meals emergency program.

The Massachusetts Emergency Relief Grant enables OCES’ Nutrition Department to help support the purchase of shelf-stable foods for home delivered meals consumers through their Meals on Wheels program. These consumers are usually living alone; have limited mobility; are unable to prepare their own meals; and in most cases, are unable to meet their dietary needs and are forced to make compromises. The shelf-stable food packets are delivered to participating consumers at least three to four times a year, to ensure that they will have food stored on hand in case of an emergency situation or inclement weather (snow storm, hurricane) prevents home delivery of their meals.

“The Meals On Wheels program is essential to these individuals, as they would otherwise not get a nutritious daily meal. With this grant, we can ensure that seniors will have an emergency supply of shelf stable foods on hand in the event of a storm or emergency situation,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Bayada Home Health Care and CBS EcoMedia were the sponsors for this grant.

About OCES Nutrition Program

OCES’ Nutrition Program is designed to enrich older adults’ quality of life by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals at congregate meal sites and through home delivered meals (Meals On Wheels). Congregate meal sites provide hot, nutritious noontime meals, Monday through Friday, at meal sites located at local Councils on Aging (COA) and/or at local housing authorities. The Meals On Wheels program serves individuals age 60 and over who are unable to prepare their own meals or get to a congregate meal site.

Meals are planned by a Nutritionist and meet one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for major nutrients. The meals do not feature high sodium foods and no salt is added. Low-fat milk is provided.

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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 190 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro’s Christopher Sullivan receives First Justices’ Award for pro bono work

Christopher Sullivan, Esq.
Christopher Sullivan, Esq.

BOSTON, BRAINTREE AND QUINCY, MA…

Christopher Sullivan, a partner at Quincy, MA-based Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. was recently awarded the First Justices’ Award for Pro Bono Publico Excellence. He received this honor based on his commitment to pro bono publico legal assistance in furtherance of providing access to justice for the poor and low-income individuals across southeastern Massachusetts.

Over the past (time period), Sullivan has donated more than 1,000 hours of his legal services to individuals in Barnstable and Plymouth counties.

“Even though we pride ourselves on Boston-caliber legal representation at fees you will only find outside the city, we realize not everyone who needs a lawyer can afford to retain one. Christopher is one of several attorneys at our Firm who takes that to heart and will work pro bono for certain cases,” said Paul Barbadoro, a partner at Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. “We’re proud to have Christopher as part of the Firm and applaud First Justices for recognizing his efforts with this award.”

At the Firm, Attorney Sullivan assists clients in the areas of elder and Medicaid law, estate planning and administration, general probate matters, probate litigation, guardianships, conservatorships and adoptions, including representations of same sex families. He also advises and counsels clients on issues related to asset protection, probate of wills and contested estates, estate and tax planning matters.

Sullivan received his juris doctorate from Suffolk University Law School. He also holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. Prior to becoming an attorney, Sullivan was a court clerk at the Norfolk Probate and Family Court. He is admitted to practice before all state courts in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and State of New Hampshire.

“As a court clerk, I saw many people who were either underrepresented or had no representation at all. I vowed that when I became an attorney that offering pro bono services would be part of my practice. I’m proud of the fact I’ve been able to keep that vow. Being recognized for that effort with the First Justices’ Award is icing on the cake,” said Sullivan.

In addition to his pro bono work, Sullivan has been the chairman of the Bench Bar Committee at Norfolk Probate and Family Court since 1999. In that role, he has worked with the court and the Norfolk Bar Association to organize the volunteer Lawyer for the Day program at Norfolk Probate and Family Court, as well as Attorneys Representing Children (ARC), a volunteer program to represent the child in court proceedings such as custody etc.

Sullivan is also active in his hometown of Hanover, Massachusetts, where he is a volunteer with the Hanover Council on Aging, the Hanover Foundation for Educational Enrichment, and the Hanover Youth Athletic Association. In addition, he is a volunteer member of the Corporate Council of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Planned Giving Advocate for New England for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

About the Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C.

Founded in 1995, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. is a full-service law firm located in Quincy committed to providing every client with personal attention and superior legal service at reasonable rates.

The firm’s attorneys provide legal advice and counsel to individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, the South Shore and metro Boston areas.  Led by five partners with a combined 100+ years of experience, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro’s 15 attorneys practice in the following areas: litigation, tax, trust and estate planning, real estate, zoning and land use, corporate law, finance, criminal defense, immigration law, election law, and divorce and family law.  Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro also offers a Speaker’s Bureau on topics of tax, estate planning, small business law and corporate law.

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. is headquartered at 300 Crown Colony Drive, Suite 500 in Quincy, MA.  For more information, contact (781) 848-9610 or visit their website at http://www.bbb-lawfirm.com.

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Falconi Energy Expands HVAC Services

Falconi_vertical logo red smallFalconi Energy, a leading supplier of quality fuels and heating and cooling services based in Southborough, MA, has expanded their services to provide natural gas heat equipment installation and service.

Falconi Energy has been providing fuel to residents and businesses since 1935. The company has diversified to provide gas and oil fired heating and domestic hot water system installation and service, as well as air conditioning installation and service. Now, customers throughout the MetroWest/Worcester area can call on Falconi Energy’s expert licensed technicians to install and service their natural gas systems.

The company offers Service Plans which helps customers save on fuel costs and includes an annual system tune-up, on-call 24/7 emergency service, a 30 percent discount on parts and labor and a safety check.

“We’re a one-stop-shop that provides fuel as well as equipment installation and service. At Falconi Energy, we go beyond simply recommending quality equipment. We strive to understand the customer’s objectives first, such as fuel efficiency or other home comfort considerations. Then, we recommend a system that makes modern technology and control work for the customer,” explained Jim Falconi, owner.

He continued, “Homeowners can save quite a bit on their annual energy costs simply by installing qualifying, up-to-date heating and cooling systems. Mass Save® offers a number of energy saving programs which includes incentives and rebates on equipment installations and more. ”

To learn more about products and services offered, visit www.falconienergy.com.

Falconi Energy – The Home Comfort Experts

Since 1935, Falconi Energy (formerly known as Falconi Brothers) has been providing fuel to residents and businesses in Southborough and beyond.  Owned and operated by the Falconi family for three generations, Falconi Energy, has become a major force in the home comfort industry.

Falconi Energy is a leading supplier of premium heating oil and other quality fuels as well as a full-service heating and cooling company. Falconi Energy offers gas, propane, and oil fired heating and domestic hot water system service and installation, as well as complete HVAC service and installation. Their staff of 20 and modern, well-maintained fleet of delivery trucks, service vans, and installation vehicles, enable them to serve thousands of customers in the MetroWest/Worcester area.

Falconi Energy caters to customers in Southborough and surrounding communities including Ashland, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Framingham, Grafton, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Sudbury, Upton and Westborough. The company is located at 29 Boston Road, P.O. Box 301 Southborough, MA 01772. For more information, visit http://www.falconienergy.com or contact (508) 485-0377.

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Apollo Safety expands tech services division

John V. Carvalho III
John V. Carvalho III

FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS…

Apollo Safety, Inc. a veteran-owned, Fall River, Mass.-based company specializing in safety products and services, recently announced its intent to expand its technical services division in 2015. The expansion will include additional technical services staff to upgrade coverage in the greater Boston area.

“Our gas monitoring equipment and monitoring services are very much in demand at colleges and universities, hospitals and medical facilities. Boston has more of those than any other area in New England,” said John V. Carvalho III, president of Apollo Safety, Inc. “We’re looking to hire more techs of all skill levels to give us even better coverage in the greater Boston area.”

Apollo Safety is currently recruiting service technicians of all levels for gas detection instrumentation and systems. Technicians perform and provide calibration, repair, installation, troubleshooting and documentation of instruments and process control systems and equipment, as well as being expected to interpret electrical schematics, I/O wiring and panel drawings.

“All our technicians are factory-trained for both portable and stationary gas detection systems,” said Carvalho. “We also have our own proprietary training program with five levels of certification.

Salaries for technicians are competitive with health benefits available for full-time staff. To apply, interested parties should send a resume and cover letter to John V. Carvalho III, Apollo Safety, Inc., 57 Walnut Street, Fall River, MA  02780. Resumes and cover letters can also be e-mailed to John@apollosafety.com.

For more information on Apollo Safety products and services, please call 800-813-5408 or visit www.apollosafety.com.

About Apollo Safety

Apollo Safety has been serving the safety industry since 1995 and is an efficient, trusted company that minimized potential liability for its customers while ensuring a safer public.   Apollo Safety specializes in gas detection products and services for portable and stationary systems. That includes gas detector sales and support for most major brands of gas detection device manufacturers. Apollo Safety also provides service in a “state of the art” in-house service center, as well as offering on-site support with factory-trained technicians for both portable and stationary gas detection systems.

Veteran-owned, Apollo Safety, Inc. is trusted by facilities managers, building owners, landlords, universities, hotels, institutions, and government operations. 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).

Apollo Safety’s corporate headquarters is located at 57 Walnut Street in Fall River, Massachusetts. For more information on Apollo Safety products and services, please call 800-813-5408 or visit www.apollosafety.com.

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Look here! The most commonly overlooked deductions by small business owners

Paul Dion CPA
Paul Dion CPA

MILLBURY, MA…

As a small business owner, there are a number of tax deductions available to you. In fact, the deductions are one of several strong arguments for starting your own business—particularly a home-based one. Yet even with that as part of your mindset, many small business owners do not take advantage of all the deductions that are available to them.

“There are certainly enough challenges for small business owners so it certainly behooves entrepreneurs to be fully aware of the benefits,” said Paul Dion CPA, a Millbury, MA-based accountant who specializes in working with small business owners. “A store owner wouldn’t leave the day’s receipts unattended on the counter, right? Many small business owners are figuratively doing the same thing by not knowing what they can and cannot deduct.”

Adds Dion, “Many times business owners think they can’t deduct something because they have not seen it on some list of acceptable items to deduct. The IRS rules state that to be deductible the item should be an ‘ordinary and necessary’ business expense. If the item is an expense of conducting your business and not lavish it most likely is deductible and fits the ‘ordinary and necessary’ rule.”

Dion notes home office deduction is one of the more overlooked. In fact, of the 23.4 million returns filed by sole proprietors for tax year 2011, only 7.6 million filers claimed a home office deduction, representing 32 percent of eligible filers. Says Dion, “Many people who operate businesses out of their homes are fearful of audits. This is nonsense. Home office deductions are legitimate deductions that the IRS is well aware of.”

Startup costs are another overlooked deduction. For many new businesses, they start calculating expenses once they open their doors for business. Research costs, mileage looking for locations or  Business owners are able to deduct up to $5,000 in startup expenses before opening your doors for business in your first year.

Inventory is another thing that small business owners may be able to deduct. Typically, a business with inventory uses the accrual method of accounting and subtracts inventory items from the cost of goods sold, which reduces the amount of income recognized on the sales. Under a special rule, however, certain small businesses can use the cash method of accounting and opt to treat inventory items as materials and supplies, which are currently deductible.

Some of the more common deductions overlooked by small businesses include: accounting fees; bank fees; interest payments; self-employment taxes; health insurance premiums; and carryover costs.

“Most small business owners have a decent idea about what is deductible and what is not. There are a number of things that are deductible that might not consider—like bank fees or interest payments. That’s why whether you’re just starting your business or been open for 20 years, it’s important to work with a tax professional to ensure you maximize your deductions,” said Dion.

For a free consultation and planning tips for the coming tax year, please call Paul Dion CPA at (508) 853-3292. For more information, you can also visit www.pauldioncpa.com.

ABOUT PAUL DION, CPA

Beyond simple “bean counting”, Paul Dion, CPA and associates work side by side and speak in common English to help clients fully understand their tax situation and take proactive steps to pay the least amount of tax legally allowed while minimizing the risk of an audit.  Clients save money and sleep well as night.

Business services include small business accounting, payroll, cash flow management, strategic business planning, new business formation, internet controls, QuickBooks, part-time CFO, bank financing, succession planning and non-profit organization direction.

For a free book, more information or a complimentary consultation, please visit www.PaulDionCPA.com or contact Paul Dion CPA, via Info@PaulDionCPA.com or (508) 853-3292.  Offices are conveniently located at 22 West Street, #6, (Felter’s Mill), Millbury, MA  01527.

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Marshfield Expert CPA John Topham to Co-Host Show on WATD

John Topham, CPA
John Topham, CPA

John Topham, CPA, a founding partner of Damon, Topham & Company, tax specialists based in Marshfield, MA, will appear as a co-host on Attorney Mark Greene’s “So What About That Law!” show on WATD 95.9 FM.

Topham recently co-hosted the law show with Greene, who is Principal Attorney at Mark Greene & Associates Attorneys & Family Counselors of Hanover, MA. The show broadcasts live every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. Topham previously spoke about tax issues regarding divorce and separation, which may be accessed online by visiting https://soundcloud.com/sowhataboutthatlaw/so-what-about-that-law-november-23-2014.

Topham will discuss a wide range of tax related topics with Greene on the fourth Sunday of every month through June 2015. Topham’s next two scheduled broadcasts are December 28, 2014 and January 25, 2015.

Topham is a CPA registered in Massachusetts, and head of the Business Development team. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants. He has been the financial editor for the “New England Movers Magazine” and has authored numerous other articles. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from Bentley College.

According to Topham, “There is no shortage of tax issues that may be addressed. To give you an example, since we are coming in to tax season, we’re often asked what business expenses are deductible? Business expenses must be ordinary and necessary and paid or incurred in carrying out required employment activities or duties. Key deductions would be auto and travel, meals and entertainment and miscellaneous employee business expenses. Miscellaneous employee business expenses would include high tech items such as laptops, smart phones, routers and Bluetooth devices.”

He continued, “The Sunday show is a great educational resource for tax and legal issues and we encourage folks to tune in.”

About Mark Greene & Associates

Mark Greene & Associates, Attorneys & Family Counselors of Hanover is a multidisciplinary firm providing: wills, trusts and estate planning; divorce and family law; real estate law; probate and elder law. The firm is located at Jacobs House, Assinippi Village at 2048 Washington Street, Suite 3 (route 53) in Hanover. For more information, visit www.markgreenelaw.com.

About Damon, Topham & Company

Damon, Topham & Company is a full service multi-disciplined firm that has been serving the South Shore for more than 20 years. Damon, Topham & Company provides auditing, accounting and taxation services as well as business valuation, estate, individual and corporate tax planning, consulting and financing solutions. Damon, Topham & Company, LLC, is located just off Route 139, 475 School St., Suite 8, Marshfield, MA. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.damtopcpa.com.

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10 Honored at Old Colony Elder Services Staff Meeting

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, recognized 10 employees for their years of service in a ceremony held at OCES.

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES, thanked all staff and presented several staff with award certificates and gifts honoring their years of dedicated service. Staff recognized were: James Mileski for 35 years of service; Lorraine Wanat and Glenda L. DeVincentis for 25 years; Edna Gordon, Sharon A. Sheehan, Richard J. Alvarnaz and Sara M. Gassett for 15 years; and Jane F. Riley, Elizabeth A. Morrill and Juanita Timson-Brown for 10 years.

“Our staff members are deserving of recognition as their contributions help us to reach our goals each year. We appreciate their hard work, dedication and commitment,” said DiGiorgi.

Maureen Hennessy, OCES’ HR Manager also addressed employees during the event. The staff enjoyed refreshments, which included celebratory gourmet mini cupcakes from OCES’ small business neighbor, Mmm Licious Cupcakes of Brockton.

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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 190 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Offers Tips for Family Caregivers During the Holiday Season

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance-National Center on Caregiving, 29 percent of the U.S. adult population cares for someone who is ill, disabled or aged.* The National Alliance for Caregiving reports that there are approximately 66 million unpaid caregivers providing chronic and long-term care to family members.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, shares essential tips with family caregivers to help them through the busy, and often stressful, holiday season:

Be kind to yourself.  Caregiving can be very hard work; take time to appreciate the loving care you provide.  Know that every day you are doing the best you can.

Take care of yourself.  Make and keep your own doctor’s appointments and other appointments that help to keep you well.

Remember to ask for help.  People will often be happy to assist if they know what is needed; Caregivers need a break too.

Reach out to others for professional support if needed.

Set limits for what you are able to do; no one can do everything.

The best decisions are joint decisions. When possible, include the person for whom you are caring in matters that will affect him or her.  This helps to reduce conflict and can lead to better outcomes.

Do your best to remain optimistic. This will help to lift everyone’s mood.  When difficulties arise, know that this too, shall pass.

“The majority of caregivers are family caregivers – spouses, daughters or sons caring for aging loved ones or those with chronic or disabling health conditions. The typical family caregiver often juggles caregiving with the responsibilities of a full-time job and a family,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. “Family caregivers are at significant risk for burnout, and that risk increases during the holiday season. It is imperative that they take care of themselves, so they remain physically and emotionally healthy while they provide essential caregiving services.”

Caregiver Appreciation Brunch

In recognition and appreciation of family caregivers, OCES held a Caregiver Brunch at OCES last month for caregivers who participated in the Powerful Tools for Caregivers workshops. Each caregiver who participated in OCES’ Family Caregiver Support group was presented with a proclamation scroll signed by Governor Deval Patrick, as well as a $25 gift card and a cooking/caregiving book. Caregivers were also able to network with one another and share commonalities of their caregiver experiences.

OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program can assist caregivers in locating resources to help them including local support groups.  In addition, the Healthy Living Department at OCES offers workshops on many aspects of self-care. For more information about these programs and others, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.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 located 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 individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 190 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

*The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP (2009), Caregiving in the U.S. National Alliance for Caregiving. Washington, DC. – Updated: November 2012.

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Between Rounds Rolls Out Giant Party Bagel for Holiday Celebrations

Between RoundsBetween Rounds, the unique bakery café and bagel shop with locations throughout Connecticut has rolled out their Giant Party Bagel, just in time for holiday celebrations.

Perfect for holiday and office parties, New Year’s Eve gatherings, birthdays and football games, Between Rounds’ Giant Party Bagel is sure to please everyone.

The Giant Party Bagel is a two-pound bagel comprised of a delicious selection of fresh premium Boar’s Head brand deli-meats and cheeses, and completed with a garlic bagel chip-filled center.  The Giant Party Bagel may be created in custom designed shapes and logos to make an event extra special.  The Giant Party Bagel is sliced into 16 pieces.

According to Between Rounds founder Jerry Puiia, “We have the ability to shape the bagel into your desired design.  Our mouth-watering Giant Party Bagels make it easy to satisfy a hungry crowd.”

The Giant Party Bagel “rounds out” Between Rounds catering services. Whether it’s a small get-together or a large corporate event, Between Rounds Catering can help take the stress out of event planning. Delivery is available and corporate accounts are available.

Delicious Holiday Treats and Gifts

Between Rounds unique giftware
Between Rounds unique giftware

New this season – Between Rounds offers decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate and White Chocolate Coffee, which pair well with the bakery’s bagels, muffins and other sweet treats.

Between Rounds offers holiday wrapped Cookie Platters and holiday giftware including mugs, ornaments, frames and more. Gift cards are also available.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware.  Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available.

For more information about Between Rounds, visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

 

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