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Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) launches online enrollment

WORCESTER, MA…

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently unveiled an online enrollment function on its website, www.bciaba.org.

The new feature enables applicants to start the enrollment process by providing basic contact and insurance information online. That includes parent/guardian information, patient information (including diagnosis, with space for additional details) and insurance information (ID, Policy/Group, co-pay, deductible, etc.). Once completed, the form can be securely submitted online.

“There aren’t many children, ASD or not, who want to get in the car, travel for several minutes and then sit around and watch their parent or guardian fill out paperwork,”  said BCI Founder Dr. Jeffrey Robinson. “The new online enrollment gives parents and guardians the option to fill out the initial paperwork in the privacy of their own home without making the trip.”

Adds Robinson, “This is not to say we don’t encourage people to visit and check us out in person. But for convenience sake we wanted to give them that option.”

Based in Worcester, Mass, currently at 170 Goddard Memorial Drive and soon-to-be relocated to 345 Greenwood Street in Worcester, and with offices in Mansfield and West Boylston, Mass., BCI provides much needed services to children with autism and their families. BCI instructional programs are delivered using discrete trial training, task analysis, and systematic prompting procedures implemented by ABA therapists who have successfully completed pre-service training, on-site, and quarterly evaluations by their clinical supervisors.

Instruction is provided across a variety of domains, included by not limited to: Activities of daily living, functional and augmentative communication, functional academics and community outings and safety awareness. Social skills groups with peer models are also offered as part of BCI’s services. A heavy emphasis is placed on generalization and maintenance of skills, in addition to family training, so that families may implement the supports and carry-over skills in the home.

BCI accepts Harvard-Pilgrim, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Behavioral Health, Tufts, Aetna and coverage from other major health care providers.

For complete information, visit http://bciaba.org or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.

About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)

Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to the unique needs of the individuals BCI works with. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize student potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.

BCI’s main care center is located at 170 Goddard Memorial Drive, in Worcester, Massachusetts. BCI operates its BASICS services at 100 Hartwell Street in West Boylston, Mass. The BASICS program is a sub-contract arrangement between Behavioral Concepts, Inc. and the Central Massachusetts Special Education Collaborative. BASICS provides services to children aged 7-22 with autism and maladaptive behaviors. BCI’s Corporate Offices are located in Mansfield, Mass.

For complete information, visit http://bciaba.org or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.

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Sweater care for fall

HANOVER, MA…

In most parts of the United States, the advent of fall brings on the beginning of sweater season. While a wonderful way to keep warm on a crisp autumn morning, sweaters also present a number of challenges when it comes to cleaning. To keep your sweater clean and prolong its life expectancy requires a conscious effort. One slip can literally be the end.

“Because sweaters are made from so many different types of fibers and fabrics, it is always recommended that you read the instructions on the care label before cleaning them by hand, by machine, or by dry cleaning,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company based in Hanover, Mass. “People often have the mistaken impression that caring for sweaters is tricky and difficult. It’s actually fairly simple, particularly if you wash your sweaters by hand.”

Hand washing is a fairly easy process and does not take long. You can use baby shampoo for a gentle wash.

First, turn your sweater inside out to protect the outside surface fibers from pulling. Fill the sink with tepid or warm water, add a small amount of natural detergent (the baby shampoo) and mix in lightly but not enough to create suds. Place the sweater in the water and gently push it under until it is completely wet.

“You want to let it soak for 20 minutes. This will allow the water and detergent to penetrate all the fibers of the sweater,” said Dubois. “You also want to avoid kneading or rolling the sweater around. Too much handling while the sweater is wet can cause stretching and pulling.”

Let the soapy water out of the sink and run fresh tap water over the sweater until all bubbles are gone. Allow the sweater to drain for a few minutes and squeeze very lightly. Lay the sweater out flat on a towel and roll the towel. Press to remove the excess moisture.

To dry, place your sweater on a towel on a flat surface and reshape it gently – button cardigans, roll collars into place, and straighten sleeves. Let your sweaters dry overnight laying flat on a towel. Turn over, reshape, and leave to dry. Drying time can take up to 72 hours depending on the thickness of the sweater and the humidity in the air.

“Not every sweater must be washed by hand. The care label on the sweater will tell you whether your sweater can be machine washed or dried,” said Dubois. “Sweaters that can be machine or hand washed should either be tumble dried at low temperatures or laid flat to dry. If you must dry your sweater on a clothes line, place a pair of pantyhose through the arms of the sweater and pin the hose, rather than the cuffs, to the line.”

If after your knitted sweater dries you need to take out wrinkles, turn the garment inside out and put a damp cloth between the iron. Never iron 100% acrylic yarn – it flattens and stretches the yarn fiber forever. Steam acrylic garments to remove any wrinkles.

“If you do not feel comfortable with this method or are worried you might damage your sweater, the safest thing to do is take it to your local dry cleaner,” said Dubois. “It may cost more but you are fairly certain to get back an unharmed, clean sweater.”

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience over the past 10-plus years.  Using the latest technology in equipment and cleaning solution, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners around to be able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Lapels  environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes. At Lapels you can see, feel and smell the difference.

Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and a full service on-site tailor.

Lapels offers its 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 and the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 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), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe, Delhi, Rayville, Winnsboro), Massachusetts (Abington, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Franklin, Hanover, Marshfield, Natick, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick, Freehold and Verona), Ohio (Liberty Township), Oklahoma (Oklahoma City), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Forest Village); Texas (Brownsville). Additional locations are coming soon to Austin, TX, Cedar Park, TX, and Needham, MA.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning 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 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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Plymouth resident Barbara Wilson joins Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C.

Plymouth resident Barbara Wilson recently began with the law firm of Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. as a paralegal
Plymouth resident Barbara Wilson recently began with the law firm of Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. as a paralegal

BOSTON, BRAINTREE AND QUINCY, MA…

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C., a dynamic full-service law firm with a team of attorneys advising individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, the South Shore and metro Boston areas, recently hired Plymouth resident Barbara Wilson as a paralegal.

Utilizing her expertise in estate planning and corporate law, Wilson will assist Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro’s team of attorneys in corporate matters, probate and family law matters and litigation cases.

“We’re delighted to add Barbara to our staff here at Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro,” said Paul Barbadoro, a partner at the Firm. “While we specialize in small businesses with a concentration on Boston’s South Shore, Barbara, with her experience in other parts of the country and abroad, brings a perspective that will be invaluable to our attorneys and clients.”

A native of Zimbabwe, Wilson received her certification from Dominican Convent Business College in 1989. Upon emigrating to the United States in 2000, she worked for the law firm of Dowling Aaron, Incorporated in Fresno, California.  Prior to relocating to Massachusetts, Wilson served as a judicial assistant to Chief Judge Anthony Ishii of the Eastern District Court in Fresno, California.  Barbara’s tenure with the federal court afforded her opportunities to work and train in Washington, D.C., and she quickly developed a love for the East Coast.

“I’m thrilled to be back on the East Coast and to be working for a firm that’s as ingrained in the community as Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro,” said Wilson. “Everything has been wonderful so far and I’m looking forward to this exciting next chapter of my life and career.”

Wilson resides with her two sons in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

About the Firm

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) 202-6929 or visit their website at http://www.bbb-lawfirm.com.

Plymouth resident Barbara Wilson joins Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C.Read More

A “round” for the brewer! Emerson Bearing announces Brewer’s Division

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Emerson Bearing a Boston based bearing company catering to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) markets throughout the world recently announced its formation of a Brewer’s Division as part of its efforts to supply bearings and related products to the packaging and food processing industries.

Emerson Bearing’s Brewer Division features bearings for several key parts of the brewing process: mixing, bottling/canning, seaming, labeling and any part of the process involving conveyance. Emerson Bearing also sells a number of related products as part of its offering for brewers, which includes: stainless steel mounted units, roller chains, adhesives and sealants, cam followers, rod ends, thrust bearings, control bearings and needle roller bearings.

“The advent of microbreweries has created a very competitive market of businessmen who are passionate about the beer they brew and how it’s received by consumers,” said Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing, Inc. “We’ve been able to assist local brewers like Boston Beerworks and the Mass Bay Brewing Company, makers of Harpoon, to keep the production lines moving by offering dependable parts and service. We’re looking forward to bringing that same level of customer satisfaction to other brewers nationwide.”

Emerson Bearing Marketing Specialist Mike Quinn is responsible for the Brewer’s Division. He can be reached by e-mail at mquinn@emersonbearing.com or by calling  1.866.995.8760.

The Emerson Bearing Difference
In a proud tradition, the same families that started the company in 1957 keep Emerson Bearing rolling by specializing in bearings for OEM and MRO markets across the country. Emerson Bearing has a staff of 22 and a 23,000 square foot facility to provide bearings ranging in size from 3mm to tunnel-boring 15-foot-diameter giants.

Emerson Bearing offers customers a one-stop shopping experience. With an online product catalog with over 3 million bearings; a vast inventory of bearings; worldwide sourcing; a fixed price program; a knowledgeable staff dedicated to delivering; same day shipping and 24/7 service, Emerson Bearing has become the leading provider of bearings to OEM and MRO markets in the U.S. Emerson Bearing maintains headquarters at 201 Brighton Ave. Boston, MA. For more information, contact 617-782-1400 or toll free, 800-225-4587, email info@emersonbearing.com or visit www.emersonbearing.com.

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Sweet stain removing strategies for post-Halloween messes

HANOVER, MA…

Halloween creates lasting memories for kids of all ages—trick or treating, scary or not-so-scary costumes, parties. For the person in the household who does the laundry, those memories can be permanent in the form of candy stains on costumes and other clothing. That can make salvaging a costume for the next kid to wear an extreme challenge.

“You can spend a significant amount of money on a Halloween costume with the thought that another family member can use it next year. A candy stain can change all that,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning. “Fortunately, most candy stains you can get out without paying a dry cleaner to salvage the costume or the piece of clothing, furniture or a rug.”

To remove candy stains from such materials as acetate, burlap, rayon, rope, silk, triacetate, wool, synthetic or wool carpet, Dubois recommends the following steps:

  • Scrape to remove as much of the excess as possible
  • Using light strokes with a dampened pad and working outward from the center of the stain, sponge the stained area with warm water.
  • Apply a wet spotter with a few drops of white vinegar added.
  • Let it stand as long as any stain is being removed. Press down on the stain with a clean absorbent pad every 5 minutes. Keep the stain moist with the wet spotter and vinegar.
  • When you observe that no more of the stain is being removed, flush with water.
  • If any stain remains, repeat the process, using rubbing alcohol instead of the wet spotter and vinegar. (Do not use the alcohol treatment on acetate or triacetate.)
  • When the stain is removed, rinse well with water to remove all sugar.
  • On carpeting, blot the excess liquid with an absorbent pad. Then apply a carpet stain remover and allow to dry.

For removing candy stains from materials like acrylic fabric, cotton, linen, modacrylic, nylon,
olefin, polyester or spandex, you want to take a different approach using the following steps:

  • First, soaking or launder the item in warm sudsy water.
  • If the stain persists, resoak the fabric, adding a few drops of ammonia to the soaking solution. Let the fabric soak for 30 minutes and rinse thoroughly with water.
  • Next, soak in a solution of 1 quart warm water and 1 tablespoon white vinegar for 1 hour (30 minutes for cotton and linen).
  •  Rinse well and dry. If stain persists, apply rubbing alcohol (do not use on acrylic or modacrylic) to the stain and brush gently with a soft brush.
  • Keep the stain moist with alcohol and blot occasionally. Continue as long as any stain is being removed. Rinse well with water. Dry clean as soon as possible if the stain remains.

“Halloween can be a lot of fun but you want to remember it for the great time you had and not the clothes, carpeting or furniture that got ruined,” said Dubois. “These simple steps can help preserve the wonderful Halloween memories and the item that might have otherwise been a casualty of your Halloween fun.”

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience over the past 10-plus years.  Using the latest technology in equipment and cleaning solution, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners around to be able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Lapels  environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes. At Lapels you can see, feel and smell the difference.

Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and a full service on-site tailor.

Lapels offers its 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 and the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

For complete information on the 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), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe, Delhi, Rayville, Winnsboro), Massachusetts (Abington, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Franklin, Hanover, Marshfield, Natick, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick, Freehold and Verona), Ohio (Liberty Township), Oklahoma ) Oklahoma City), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Forest Village); Texas (Brownsville). Additional locations are coming soon to Austin, TX, Cedar Park, TX, and Needham, MA.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning 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 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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Meet 50 B2B professionals at a night of Speed Networking

Make the acquaintance of 50 B2B professionals at an evening of  Speed Networking, sponsored by My Pinnacle Network, the monthly B2B networking group that creates an extended sales force for you.

The Speed Networking event takes place on Tuesday, December 3, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Neighborhood Club, 27 Glendale Road, Quincy, MA 02169 (Caution – This is impressive old mansion, but is tucked away in a residential neighborhood. Believe your GPS.)

Free admittance for My Pinnacle Network members; $19 for nonmembers. Attendance is first to register, first admitted and there’s a maximum capacity of 200.

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.

Please respond ONLY via this automated RSVP system.  Also, please do NOT forward this personal invitation, this is a private event.

Register today!

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SelecTech on display at ABX; company’s BioLock technology recognized by ArchitectureBoston Expo for innovation

AVON and BOSTON, MA…

Earlier this year, SelecTech launched its BioLock technology through its FreeStyle line of commercial flooring products to provide its healthcare division with an interlocking conductive flooring powerhouse that is essential to health care organizations utilizing electronic data. The breakthrough technology used to create the recyclable FreeStyle BioLock and FreeStyle BioLock ESD flooring line was recently selected by the ArchitectureBoston Expo (ABX) to be part of its exhibit on innovation at the upcoming conference being held  November 19-21.

Taking place at the Boston Convention Center and Exhibition Center, ABX will feature 30 new and innovative products that have been in the marketplace for three years or less. BioLock was selected to be one of these 30 products.

“As a company based in the greater Boston area, ABX is a can’t-miss trade event in the region for us,” said Thomas Ricciardelli, president of SelecTech Inc. “To have our product featured at an event of ABX stature is a great honor and one we’re quite proud of.”

With its patented interlocking system—including patented recycled composite underlayment with interlocking tabs– FreeStyle BioLock products require no adhesive or special tools to install. The homogenous, color-through and durable tiles feature a urethane/no-wax finish for easy maintenance.

Made from 70 percent recycled materials, FreeStyle BioLock products are 100 percent recyclable.

“In addition to the green component, FreeStyle BioLock products completely bypass the need for adhesives and floor prep to install or replace flooring.” said Ricciardelli. “Visitors to the ABX Innovation Pavilion will see firsthand how BioLock products dramatically reduce installation times because old flooring can be left in place and machinery and furniture do not have to be completely moved or removed for installation.”

ABX is one of the largest events for the design and construction industry in the country, and the largest regional conference and tradeshow. Drawing 95 percent of its attendance from New England, ABX’s regional reach is its greatest strength. Attendees hold on to their money (no airline fees, hotel costs or meal expenses) and spend their time building relationships and networks around physical proximity and the likelihood of follow-up work.

To learn more about SelecTech products, including the FreeStyle and FreeStyle ESD flooring products, visit http://www.selectechinc.com. For information about the ABX conference, visit www.abexpo.com.

About SelecTech, Inc.

SelecTech, Inc. was founded in 1993 with the mission of creating valuable products from scrap plastics. The company has become a leader in the manufacture of flooring products from recycled materials and uses one million pounds of recycled materials annually. Their products are made with up to 100 percent recycled content, are 100 percent recyclable and installed without adhesives making them some of the “greenest” and most cost-effective flooring products available. The unique interlock system on SelecTech’s flooring products enable them to be installed at a much lower cost, without a lot of costly downtime, which provides significant value to customers.

Using state-of-the-art technology and innovative product design, SelecTech created the top performing Place N’ Go residential flooring products, which are available at Home Depot. They are also the creators of the renowned commercial and industrial FreeStyle, FreeStyle BioLock, FreeStyle ESD and StaticStop ESD flooring lines.

SelecTech is a vendor partner of Health Care Institute, an International Facility Management Association (IFMA) alliance partner. The company is headquartered at 33 Wales Avenue, Suite F in Avon, MA. For more information about SelecTech, visit http://www.selectechinc.com.

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Gratitude behind Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac food drive. Plymouth automobile dealership to hold canned good drive for month of November to support local food pantries

Jeff Tracy, president of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac

PLYMOUTH, MA…

For the second year in a row, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac has teamed up to fight hunger with the South Shore Community Action Council’s Greater Plymouth Food Warehouse to host a canned food drive at the dealership’s 137 Samoset Street (Route 44) location. The drive will take place during the month of November and all donated goods will go to the Greater Plymouth Food Warehouse, which provides food to more than 30 emergency food pantries and soup kitchens in the greater Plymouth area.

“We’ve always believed that being in business was about being part of the community. As part of the community, we feel it’s important to help out those who might be going through a bit of a tough time,” said Jeff Tracy, president of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac. “We encourage everybody to stop by the dealership and make a contribution to the drive.”

As an added incentive, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac is taking $10 off an oil change for customers who come in with canned goods to donate. Customers simply need to present their canned goods when they check in for an oil change and the $10 will be deducted. Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, that can be a savings between 15 and 30 percent.

Containers for the food drive will be located throughout the Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac showroom. All canned goods and other non-perishables are welcomed and accepted.

“Last year’s drive generated 385 pounds of food, which equates to 296 meals. We can’t thank Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac enough for stepping up once again to host a food drive during this critical time of year,” said Steve Bailey, of South Shore Community Action Council. “The winter months and the holidays always present challenges in getting food to the people who need it. We’re hopeful that Tracy’s customers and people in the area will get in the spirit of the Thanksgiving season and give generously to this drive.”

That kind of generosity is nothing new for Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac. Since its founding in 1992, the dealership has been involved in a number of charitable endeavors. That includes supporting The Driven Student Recognition for students at Plymouth North and South High Schools, the Boys & Girls Clubs, and many more.

For more information on Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac, visit www.tracymotors.com. To learn more about the South Shore Community Action Council, visit their website at www.sscac.org.

So easy at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac
For more than 80 years and three generations of dealers, the Tracy family has made it so easy for customers on the South Shore and greater Plymouth area to purchase new and used automobiles. Since its beginnings in 1992, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac has emphasized first-rate customer service and straightforward, bottom-line pricing with fair trade-ins every time–without the games or gimmicks you find at other dealerships. For more information on new and used trucks and automobiles, you can go to www.tracymotors.com or stop by the dealership, conveniently located at 137 Samoset Street, just off exit 6 on Route 3. For more information, or to make a service appointment, you can also call (800) 640-2884.

About South Shore Community Action Council, Inc.
Since 1965, South Shore Community Action Council has provided a range of critical services to low-income individuals and families on the South Shore of Massachusetts, and has toiled to combat the root causes of poverty in those communities. By strengthening and coordinating existing efforts, its mission is to eliminate poverty along the South Shore by affording everyone in need the opportunities for education, training and work; to live with dignity; to contribute to the full extent of their capabilities; and to participate in the workings of our society.

Gratitude behind Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac food drive. Plymouth automobile dealership to hold canned good drive for month of November to support local food pantriesRead More

My Xander Bogaerts story

Xander Bogaerts

I liked Xander Bogaerts before I ever saw him play.

It was up in Portland last year. I was with my stepson and father-in-law. We had attended an autograph session for my stepson’s birthday. Each player had their own table. The most popular were Jackie Bradley, Jr. and Xander Bogaerts, who had just been called up to the Sea Dogs the week before.

One autograph seeker, a 60-year-old “collector” tried to strike up a conversation with Xander and impress him with his baseball knowledge. If you have attended any of these sessions before, you know the type. They carry a binder full of signed baseball cards, each preserved in plastic to ensure their future value. Rising minor league stars are their primary targets.

Well, this gentleman was looking to impress the Sox rising star with his baseball knowledge.

“You know, if Xander was your last name, you’d be the first player in major league history to have a last name that started with an X.”

“Fascinating,” said Xander without changing expression.
On paper, this might sound rude. In person, you had to admire the 19-year-old who got what was going on and responded in a way that most of the people in line would have loved to.

In short, you got the feeling this kid might be different.

That was confirmed that night when we saw Xander play for the first time. First at-bat, home run. And it wasn’t that he hit a home run but they way he did it. The 19-year-old turned on a fastball like nobody I’ve seen since Jim Rice.

At the start of this baseball season, I made a slap bet with my stepson that Xander would be up to Pawtucket by July 4. He took the bet mistakenly thinking I meant Boston Red Sox. Turns out, I wasn’t too far off. The kid made it to Pawtucket by June and was in Boston in August.

Simply put, the kid is the real deal.

What’s the networking pointer? Well, it’s not to be disrespectful to the people who help pay your salary (as much as I thought the comment was fitting). But it does have to do with being genuine in your elevator pitches.

Don’t overpromise. Don’t exaggerate your capabilities or try to impress for the sake of impressing. Be real. Be who you are. People will see that and respond accordingly.

Go, Sox!

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