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Back Bay Plumbing Company’s New Leader Continues Exceptional WOW service

wintersVans1Winters Home Services, an award-winning home services business providing plumbing, heating, cooling, drain cleaning and air quality services, announces the continuation of a solid brand, formerly known as Hub Plumbing & Mechanical, in the Back Bay area.

Under the leadership of licensed Master Plumber Tim Flynn, Winters Home Services, which recently merged with Hub Plumbing, carries on the tradition of signature customer service. Experienced teams of licensed technicians provide the same personal service and attention to detail, such as protecting the homeowner’s floors by covering their work boots with stain-resistant booties, and arriving on time and smartly dressed in crisp, clean uniforms. In addition, to ensure credibility, a bio of a technician prior to the appointment including his field experience and photo is sent to the customer.

With a large fleet of trucks, extended customer service hours including Saturday and Sunday service calls as well as 24/7 emergency service, Winters capably meets all the plumbing and home service needs of Back Bay residents. Winters assists residential customers with sewer/drain clogs, garbage disposals, water heaters, water filtration, steam and hot water boilers, thermostats, leaky faucets, tub valves, gas pipes, appliance installation, outside hose faucets, and HVAC service.

“Having faithful, life-long customers means a lot to us, so we shower every customer with WOW service – our gold standard treatment,” said Flynn.

Giving Back

Dedicated to supporting the community, Winters is a sponsor of the Duckling Day Parade annual Mother’s Day event and a partner of the Friends of the Public Garden, a non-profit organization that works to protect and improve Boston’s first public parks: the Boston Common, Public Garden, and Commonwealth Avenue Mall. The company is an ongoing supporter of events at Club Café and a proud supporter of the LGBT community.

About Winters Home Services

Founded in 1994, Winters Home Services is an award-winning service company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in plumbing, heating, cooling, drain cleaning and air quality services. Offering 24-hour emergency services and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, the company focuses on high quality workmanship and consistent world-class customer service. Winters Home Services promises to fulfill the needs of every customer with a sense of urgency, ensuring comfort, safety and well-being.

Winters Home Services is one of the largest residential plumbing companies in the greater Boston-area with a large fleet on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians. For more information, call (617)-776-5950 or visit wintershomeservices.com

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Traveling Chef Whips Up Delicious Meals at Two Congregate Meal Sites

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, offers themed specialty meals prepared by the “Traveling Chef” at two congregate meal sites in August.

OCES’ congregate meal sites provide hot, nutritious noontime meals Monday through Friday to older adults age 60+. Congregate meal participants will enjoy several upcoming themed specialty meals.

“A Taste of Italy” will be held at Brockton Council on Aging (COA) at Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center, 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton on August 12, 2014 at noon. Reservations required.

“BBQ Chicken Lunch” will be held at the Commercial Club, 1 Neilson Ave, East Bridgewater on August 21, 2014 at noon. To reserve a seat, call the East Bridgewater COA at 508-378-1610 by August 14th.

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.

“Anyone age 60 or older is encouraged to attend a congregate meal site where they can enjoy delicious meals, social interaction and fun activities,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Congregate meal menus are published in local newspapers and in COA newsletters. A sample menu may be requested by calling OCES at (508) 584-1561 or visiting the website at 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 179 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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Daniel J. Gniadek, CPA, MST Joins Rodman & Rodman P.C. of Newton

Daniel J. Gniadek, CPA, MST
Daniel J. Gniadek, CPA, MST

Daniel J. Gniadek, a Certified Public Accountant, has recently joined Rodman & Rodman, P.C. as Supervisor. Based in Newton, MA, Rodman & Rodman is an independent accounting and tax firm with a Renewable Energy and Cleantech specialty practice serving clients throughout the U.S.

In his new role, Mr. Gniadek will oversee the accounting staff who are responsible for tax preparation and tax planning for individuals and entities.  For three years previous to Rodman & Rodman, Mr. Gniadek was a Senior Tax Accountant in the personal financial management and income tax planning division of Summit Financial Corporation in Burlington. His experience also includes serving as a Tax Associate at BNY Convergex Group and BDO USA, LLP of Boston.

Mr. Gniadek holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bryant University in Smithfield, RI and a Master of Science in Taxation from Northeastern University in Boston. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA).

He is a resident of Braintree, MA. In his free time, he enjoys playing hockey and golf.

For three consecutive years, Rodman & Rodman has been named one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in Accounting Today.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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Newton Tax Firm Outlines Sales Tax Holiday Rules for August 16th & 17th

Thomas Astore CPA JD
Thomas Astore CPA JD

Rodman & Rodman, P.C., an independent accounting and tax firm based in Newton, MA, outlines the rules that will be in effect for Massachusetts’ Sales Tax Holiday Weekend on August 16-17, 2014.

“The Commonwealth of Massachusetts will not be collecting the 6.25 percent sales tax on non-business purchases of $2,500 or less made by individuals” explains Thomas Astore, CPA, JD, and Partner at Rodman & Rodman, P.C. “Business purchases and purchases made by corporations remain taxable. Massachusetts businesses open during this weekend and selling taxable items of tangible personal property are required to participate in this sales tax holiday.”

Rodman & Rodman outlines items that are eligible as well as those that are excluded from the Sales Tax Holiday:

Business purchases are excluded, which also means any purchase made with a business check or business credit card.

All services are excluded. Only tangible purchases are eligible. Airline tickets and sporting events are considered services.

Motor vehicles (which include ATVs and small motorcycles), motorized boats, telecommunications services (including prepaid calling arrangements and cards), gas, steam, electricity, tobacco products and meals are excluded from the sales tax holiday. But, telecommunications equipment (cell phones and related items for personal use) is eligible.

Any single item with a price that is in excess of $2,500 is excluded. If the single item’s price exceeds $2,500, it will be taxed in full. For example a $3,000 plasma TV will be taxed on the entire $3,000 sale price.

When more than one item is purchased at the same time, and each item has a price of $2,500 or less, then all of the items may be rung up on one receipt and all the items are tax-free.

There is no sales tax on clothing unless the sale price exceeds $175. For an article of clothing exceeding this amount, the $175 will be deducted from the price and the remaining amount will be taxed.

If a store coupon or discount provided by a retailer or manufacturer reduces the sales price of the item, the discounted sales price determines whether the sales price is within the sales tax holiday price threshold of $2,500 or less.

Prior sales and lay-a-ways do not qualify for the tax-free status under any circumstances.

Special order items such as furniture are eligible so long as they are ordered and paid in full on the sales tax holiday weekend, and the cost of each item is $2,500 or less, even if delivery is made at a later date.

Internet purchases are exempt from sales tax as long as they do not exceed $2,500 (and meet other criteria) and are made and paid for on August 11 or 12, Eastern Standard Time.

For specific tax questions contact Rodman & Rodman, P.C. at (617) 965-5959.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves “green” clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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How to pay off debt the smart way

Paul Dion CPA
Paul Dion CPA

MILLBURY, MA…

Between mortgages, car loans, credit cards, and student loans, most people are in debt to one degree or another. While everybody would like to be debt-free, for most people it’s a matter of managing debt better since you are likely to have some type of debt most of your life—particularly if you own a home. Yet most people don’t know how to manage debt so they can actually reduce their debt to eventually be close to debt-free.

“You don’t need to shell out your hard-earned money because of exorbitant interest rates or always feel like you’re on the verge of bankruptcy,” said Paul Dion, a Millbury, MA-based CPA who works with individuals and small business on tax strategies. “It is possible to pay off your debt while at the same time saving money so you can pay that debt off even faster.”

Dion recommends first assessing the depth of your debt. Write it down using pencil and paper or use a spreadsheet like Microsoft Excel. You can also use a bookkeeping program such as Quicken. Include every instance you can think of where a company has given you something in advance of payment, including your mortgage, car payment(s), credit cards, tax liens, student loans, and payments on electronics or other household items through a store.

Record the day the debt began and when it will end (if possible), the interest rate you’re paying, and what your payments typically are. Next, add it all up–as painful as that might be. Try not to be discouraged! Remember, you’re going to break this down into manageable chunks while finding extra money to help pay it down.

“It’s really a matter of identifying and addressing the high-cost debts first. That usually means credit cards. You don’t need to cut those up, just don’t use them,” said Dion. “Then you want identify the card with the highest interest and pay off as much as you can every month. Pay minimums on the others. When that one’s paid off, work on the card with the next highest rate.”

Dion recommends doing whatever you can to retire debt. That includes taking on a second job and using that income only for higher payments on your financial obligations. Or substituting free family activities for high-cost ones and selling high-value items that you can live without (e.g. Do you really need the 800-channel cable option or that satellite dish on your roof? You’ll be surprised at what you don’t miss.

“As you save and make payments you are not only retiring your debt, but building a stellar credit rating. If you ever move or buy another car, you’ll want to get the lowest rate possible. A blemish-free payment record will help with that,” said Dion. “One thing you never want to do is miss a payment, especially when you are paying off credit cards. Credit card companies can be quick to raise interest rates because of one late payment. A completely missed one is even more serious.”

For more information and guidance on retiring debt, you can call Dion for a complimentary initial consultation at 508-853-3292.

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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Sponsorship opportunities for 4th annual Run for Faith

The Run for Faith takes place on August 24 at 8:30am at Plimouth Plantation.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

The Run for Faith recently announced the availability of sponsorship opportunities for new corporate sponsors for the fourth-year event, which will take place on Sunday, August 24 at 8:30am at historic Plimouth Plantation.

The Run for Faith offers several layers of sponsorship opportunities, which includes: Hummingbird Sponsorship ($2500); Song Sparrow Sponsorship ($1000); Red Robin Sponsorship ($500); and the Chickadee Sponsorship ($250). Each sponsorship contains different levels of exposure for businesses; the greater the sponsorship amount, the greater exposure for your company.

“Businesses in the community have really responded to the Run for Faith in our four years. Our family has been part of the Plymouth business community and many fellow business owners knew my mother and wanted to help,” said Matthew Romboldi, Run for Faith organizer and son of Faith Marcia “Marcy” Romboldi, in whose memory the race is held. Faith lost her battle to ovarian cancer in 2010.

Adds Romboldi, “More and more sponsors have come on board because the money we have raised has gone to several very worthy causes, including scholarships for Plymouth high school students and the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care and ovarian cancer research.”

In its brief history, the Run for Faith has donated more than $15,000 to the Dana Farber’s Yawkey Center for Cancer Care, $15,000 in scholarships to graduating Plymouth North and Plymouth South high school students, and $6,000 to the Plymouth Public Library. With the 4th annual Run for Faith set for Sunday, August 24, organizers are counting on year four of this four-mile race to break previous fundraising efforts and new sponsors are a significant part of that endeavor.

Those interested in being a sponsor can contact Matt Romboldi at 508-400-0751 or email info@runforfaithplymouth.org.

The four-mile Run for Faith race loop captures spectacular views of Cape Cod Bay, the Eel River and scenic horse farms. The course features rolling hills and unmatched history.  Water stations are plentiful and the event is professionally timed by Spitler Racing Systems. There is also a Stroller Division, so runners can run with their young children.

The Run for Faith is a gold member in the Bayside Runner Racing Series. The entry fee is $25 – which will once again go to scholarships for Plymouth high school students, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, the Plymouth Public Library and other Plymouth charities and non-profits. Runners can register at www.runforfaithplymouth.org.

Prizes will go to top finishers, male and female, and awards will be given to top finishers for various age groups. Post-race “light refreshments” will include bananas, oranges, bagels, muffins and scones.  To amuse younger family members, a jumpy house will be available. A number of vendors will be on hand to sell their wares before and after the race.

The Run for Faith is organized by Run for Faith, Inc., which is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to commemorate the special life of Faith “Marcy” Romboldi who gave so much of herself to both individuals and the community.

Faith, or “Marcy” as she was known by her friends and family, was a teacher, member of the Red Hat’s Society, Sweet Adeline’s, and Daughters of the American Revolution. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2008. Marcy’s ability to fight this vicious disease with incessant might and unsurpassed grace will never be forgotten and surely serves as inspiration to those who were close. Mostly, Marcy will be remembered for her acts of kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness. Many will remember her for her two best accessories- a lovely hat and a radiant smile!

For more information, please visit www.runforfaithplymouth.org, or email info@runforfaithplymouth.org. You can view the course online at: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/42074524.

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SCI Underwriting Management announces Property, Auto, Crime and Cyber Liability products for Aging Service industry clients.

Rob Jurgel, president of SCI Underwriting Management, LLC
Rob Jurgel, president of SCI Underwriting Management, LLC

SCITUATE, MA…

SCI Underwriting Management, LLC, a managing insurance agency with a focus on the aging service industry, recently announced the availability of four new products: Property (Ultimate Cover), Nursing Home Auto Coverage; Crime Coverage Form PI-ULT-009; and Nursing Home Cyber Security Liability Benefits. These four new products supplement SCI’s other offerings for the aging service industry market, which includes Personal and General Liability.

“During our brief history, we have developed a niche for offering insurance products to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, continuing care retirement communities and other care providers that serve the aging service industry.  The focus of the facility continues to be on “tougher to place” aging service accounts.  To better serve our current client base and attract prospects, we have added coverage where there is also a need at facilities of this nature,” said Rob Jurgel, president of SCI Underwriting Management, LLC.

The Ultimate Property Cover Program (UC) provides a very broad cause of loss coverage form for both real and personal property. This form was designed to cover property risks with above average protection and construction. The UC was designed with flexibility in mind; it can be extended to include simplified language Inland Marine and Crime coverage’s.

Nursing Home Auto Coverage covers owned auto including transportation of residents; non-owned/hired auto; hired car physical damage; and rental reimbursement for private 
passenger vehicles. Garage keepers liability coverage is also available. Minimum liability limits are $1,000,000 and minimum physical damage deductibles are $500/$1,000.

Crime Coverage Form PI-ULT-009 provides automatic limits of $5,000 each for Money and Securities Inside the Premises, Money and Securities Outside the Premises, and Money Orders and Counterfeit Paper Currency.  Any of these limits can be increased for additional premium.  There is also a $25,000 limit for Kidnap and Ransom-Extortion. The form also provides options for adding coverage for Forgery or Alteration, Computer Fraud, or Employee Dishonesty for additional premium.

Nursing Home Cyber Security Liability includes a number of important coverages, including coverage for damages to third parties caused by a breach of network security; coverage for loss resulting from administrative or operational mistakes; breach of privacy coverage, which includes damages resulting from alleged violations of HIPAA, state, and federal privacy protection laws and regulations; and coverage for expenses resulting from a breach of consumer protection laws.

“To get these four coverages, many of these facilities have to approach four different companies. And if they have had more than their share of claims, they can be shut out or pay an extremely high premium,” said Jurgel. “SCI not only provides one-stop shopping for these coverages but with our team of risk professionals, we can pinpoint problem areas and help that facility minimize risk.”

SCI Underwriting’s risk management services include Professional Liability Risk Assessment, and a One-Day Focused Consulting Review. SCI’s other risk management offerings include and AssistLine hotline for subscribing clients to obtain answers to questions and resource information related to risk reduction; Online Learning and an Incident Reporting Event Management service.

For more information, please visit www.sciunderwriting.com or call 781-378-1050. 

SCI Underwriting: More than Insurance, Solutions

Based in Scituate, Massachusetts, SCI Underwriting Management LLC is a Managing General Agency that focuses on accounts in the Aging Services Industry. Primarily backed by Lloyd’s of London, SCI offers a variety of insurance coverage for Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, Independent Living, Continuing Care Retirement Communities, as well as Home Health. Part of their services includes risk assessment and risk management to target potential liabilities and minimize risk.

For information, please visit www.sciunderwriting.com or call 781-378-1050.

SCI Underwriting Management announces Property, Auto, Crime and Cyber Liability products for Aging Service industry clients.Read More

Lyman Orchards is Newest Grocery Partner of Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café

location imageRecognizing the high quality of Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café’s baked-fresh-daily bagels, Lyman Orchards has recently become a grocery partner and will offer Between Rounds signature bagels at their Apple Barrel Market.

Lyman Orchards’ Apple Barrel Market, located at 32 Reeds Gap Road in Middlefield, CT is renowned for their fruit orchards and delicious seasonal and traditional pies. The market will now offer a variety of Between Rounds bagels in their bakery line.

“Lyman Orchards is a Connecticut institution – recognized as the 12th oldest family-owned business in America. We’re honored that our bagels will hold a premiere position in the Apple Barrel Market,” said Jerry Puiia, co-owner of the Between Rounds franchise. Between Rounds is the brainchild of brothers Jerry and Joe Puiia, who are Staten Island, NY natives.  Between Rounds current locations include South Windsor (corporate headquarters), Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.

Grocery Retailers Carrying Between Rounds Bagels

For more than 20 years, Highland Park Markets, which has stores in Suffield, Farmington, Manchester, Coventry and Glastonbury, has been carrying Between Rounds bagels as their privately labeled brand, but switched to the Between Rounds brand name two years ago.  West Side Marketplace in Rocky Hill has been carrying the signature brand for four years. Geissler’s stores, which are located in Agawam, Bloomfield, East Windsor, Granby, Somers and South Windsor, have been carrying them for almost a year and the family-owned Gardiner’s Market in South Glastonbury has just started carrying Between Rounds products.

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.

Between Rounds is expanding. Traditional full-store and kiosk franchise opportunities are available. In 2013, the company was selected as a Military Friendly Franchise®, which places Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café in an elite group and is testimony to the company’s commitment to supporting military veterans interested in franchise opportunities.

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.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com

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Florence resident Mark Goggins appointed to Nonotuck Resource Associates Advisory Board

Mark Goggins
Mark Goggins

FLORENCE, MA…

Since 1972 Nonotuck Resource Associates has helped transform the lives of hundreds of people with intellectual and physical disabilities by offering the personalized service of shared living and Adult Family Care (AFC) services. Nonotuck’s Board of Directors has played a significant part in creating and maintaining the values that help guide the development of services for the ever increasing need for families for these non-traditional, value based programs. That Board recently added Florence resident Mark Goggins.

“The Nonotuck Board of Directors provides a clear voice to our organization that offers insights and leadership to its employees.” said George H. Fleischner, CEO of Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc. “Mark will be an excellent addition to the Board. With his background as a loan advisor, he brings in-depth knowledge of the business world and finances to the table that will be a huge benefit to the Board.”

Currently, Goggins is a senior loan advisor at Mortgage Master, Inc. in West Springfield, Massachusetts. He previously worked as a loan originator for Applied Mortgage Services, Inc. in Northampton, Massachusetts. Goggins holds the following licenses: NMLS #19008, MA Lender License MC5019, and MA LIC #ML019008.

“I’ve known George for over 15 years and have long been an admirer of Nonotuck’s work,” said Goggins. “I’m delighted to be asked to serve on the Board and to help this company continue the important services we provide.”

Goggins is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and hold a bachelor’s degree in political science. Married, he resides in Florence with his wife Rebecca and their daughters McKenna and Brynn.

For complete information on Nonotuck Resource Associates, including office locations, you can visit www.nonotuck.com or call Nonotuck’s main office at 413-586-5266 x104.

Caregiving with Love –  Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc.

Founded in 1972 by a group of parents who had the courage and foresight to seek community care for their loved ones, Nonotuck has since helped transform the lives of hundreds of people with intellectual and physical disabilities by providing the personalized service of Shared Living and Adult Family Care.  Each day Nonotuck addresses the ever increasing demand from families for these non-traditional, value based, in home services with love and care.  If you are interested in finding out more about this unique service and our locations please visit www.nonotuck.com or call 413-586-5256 x 104.

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