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A Saturday morning social. Behavioral Concepts, Inc., a child autism services company, adds weekend social skills groups to its offerings.

WORCESTER, MA…

Having a child with autism can present many challenges. One of them is finding programs that can teach your child developmental and social skills. The second is finding programs that your health insurance covers. Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently launched a Saturday morning social skills program that’s covered by all the insurance carriers who work with the Worcester-based firm.

“We’re delighted to have a program like our Saturday morning social skills program that provides the children with the training needed, but in an environment where they can interact with peers and develop those skills,” said Dr. Jeffrey Robinson, BCI founder and director. “That our insurance carriers see the value in the program and want to make it available to their customers is just icing on the cake.”

BCI accepts Harvard-Pilgrim, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Behavioral Health, Tufts, Aetna, Fallon and coverage from other major health care providers for the social skills program.

The social skills program is a three-hour session on Saturday mornings, from 9:30 to 12:30. In addition to instruction from BCI clinicians, the sessions include interaction with other children who serve as role models for BCI students involved in the social skills program.

“The role model students provide a critical element to the social skills program. They give our students a chance to see appropriate behaviors—waiting your turn, raising your hand—in an activity-based setting,” said Robinson. “The other critical part is that we have a very high instructor to student ratio, typically three students per instructor. That gives instructors the chance to utilize the peer models for appropriate skills and reinforce the good behaviors.”

There is no age limit for the social skills program. BCI accepts all major insurance companies or private pay at a rate of $35-$50 per hour depending on the student/staff ratio your child needs. Parents or guardians interested in this program for their students can call (508) 363-0200. For complete information on BCI, visit http://bciaba.org.

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.

A Saturday morning social. Behavioral Concepts, Inc., a child autism services company, adds weekend social skills groups to its offerings.Read More

Peter Tedeschi of Tedeschi Food Shops speaks at Groundhog Day Advertising and Business Expo

What could be more “convenient” and appropriate? The current patriarch of Tedeschi Food Shops, Peter Tedeschi, will be the keynote speaker the third annual South Shore Ad Club’s Groundhog Day Advertising and Business Expo.
The event will be held just prior to Groundhog Day on Thursday, January 31, 3 – 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 929 Hingham Street (Route 228), Rockland, MA.
The free event is focused on helping connect regional businesses with advertising and business resources. Peter Tedeschi of Tedeschi Food Shops will reveal the secrets of his South Shore-based success at 5:30 p.m.
Tedeschi Food Shops is a proud and omnipresent tradition on the South Shore and beyond. The company was founded in 1923 by Peter’s grandfather Angelo and has grown to 200 stores.
The Groudhog Day expo’s exhibit hall – featuring advertising service providers and other business services – will be open from 3 – 7 p.m. More than 50 exhibitors will share the latest in advertising/marketing tools and techniques. A cocktail and networking reception will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. and feature free, light appetizers and a cash bar.
Exhibit/booth space is limited to the first 50 respondents. Exhibitor fee is $99 for South Shore Ad Club members and $149 for non-members. Exhibitors will be provided with a six-foot banquet table, wireless Internet access and table skirts.
About The South Shore Ad Club
The South Shore Ad Club is a non-profit organization committed to the personal and professional development of communications professionals located south of Boston. It’s the club’s mission to improve, strengthen and advance career goals through learning and networking opportunities; and to serve as a resource for local and Boston-area businesses requiring marketing, advertising, public relations and/or communications services.

To reserve booth space, contact Michael Johnson, (781) 927-9332, or visit www.SouthShoreAdClub.com.

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VoiceNation Launches “Operation Give Back”

The staff at VoiceNation donated 146 gifts in their “Operation Give Back” program that ensures local children living in shelters or in need of assistance receive gifts this holiday season.

VoiceNation, the industry leader in live answering and virtual receptionist services, has launched Operation Give Back, a program to ensure local children living in shelters and those in need of assistance receive gifts this holiday season.

VoiceNation’s president Jay Reeder provided each of his employees with resources to support a child. Each employee was provided with an informational packet for a child, which included the child’s holiday wish list and the funds to purchase gifts.

VoiceNation donated 146 gifts to four organizations within the local community to support 22 children, ranging in age from 17 months to 16 years old.

“Operation Give Back is our way of making the holidays brighter for children living in shelters and in need of assistance. We consider it an enormous privilege to give to others,” explained Reeder.
About VoiceNation
VoiceNation is America’s telecommunications leader for virtual PBX, voicemail and innovative Next Generation call centers. Named a “Top Provider in Industry” by PC World, VoiceNation provides live answering service and call center solutions utilizing the latest in proprietary technology to deliver high quality call answering services at the lowest cost to their customers. In this way, VoiceNation enables business of all sizes to compete in the marketplace with 24-hour availability that adapts to any situation.

Founded in 2002, VoiceNation is a privately-held company that serves more than 40,000 customers including FEMA, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Dell, AIG and the U.S. Coast Guard. The company also provides qualified non-profit, tax-exempt charities with access to voicemail, faxmail and other specialized communication services at reduced cost through their Care2Call outreach program.  To learn more about VoiceNation, visit http://www.qualityansweringservice.com.

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A generous advocate. Law Offices of John C. Manoog makes donation to Children’s Cove

John C. Manoog III, principal of the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III.

HYANNIS, AND PLYMOUTH, MA…

The holidays are a time for giving. For many business owners that means more than buying gifts for family and friends but giving back to the communities in which they do business. In that spirit, The Law Offices of John C. Manoog III recently made a $500 donation to the Children’s Cove Center, The Cape and Islands Advocacy Center.

Children’s Cove is a Barnstable County agency dedicated to helping the Cape & Islands communities respond to allegations of child abuse in ways that are effective and efficient and put the needs of child victims of abuse first. Children’s Cove is a freestanding, child-friendly facility designed to ensure that victims of child sexual abuse and their non-offending family members have access to support and services in a safe, respectful, and compassionate environment.

“For families torn apart by instances of child sexual abuse, the holidays can be an extremely difficult time of year,” said John C. Manoog III, a personal injury attorney and principal of the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III. “We wanted to donate to the Children’s Cove to help make the holidays a little brighter for residents of the center and to let people at the agency know their work is appreciated by the community.”

As one of 11 Child Advocacy Centers in Massachusetts, Children’s Cove is an accredited agency through the National Children’s Alliance that provides coordinated and comprehensive services to child victims and their family members. In 2009, Children’s Advocacy Centers around the country served over 254,000 child victims of abuse, providing victim advocacy and support to these children and their families.

“You can’t undervalue the services Children Cove provides,” said Manoog. “I encourage all Cape business owners to reach into their pockets this holiday season and donate to this very worthy cause.

Donations to Children’s Cove can be made directly from their website at http://www.childrenscove.org.

About The Law Offices of John C. Manoog III 

The attorneys at The Law Offices of John C. Manoog III specialize in helping clients  recover their losses in all types of personal injury cases including automobile accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, dog bites, wrongful death, product liability, construction site accidents, as well as obtaining the benefits needed in workers compensation cases. The Firm also offers criminal defense services for clients. Initial consultation is free. The Law Offices of John C. Manoog III has two locations, 450 South Street in downtown Hyannis and 18 Main Street Extension in Plymouth center for added convenience.

For more information, visit www.manooglaw.com or call toll-free 888-262-6664.

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Plymouth North students hit the high notes as Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s Driven Students of the Month for December

Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac
Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac General Sales Manager Joe Wilkerson, seated, leads the pizza toast with the members of Northern Lights, an a cappella singing group from Plymouth North High School. Northern Lights was recognized as the Tracy Driven Students of the Month. The group is led by Dave Grossman, music teacher at Plymouth North.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

For several years, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac conducted a “Driven Student” program recognizing the achievements of local high school students inside and outside the classroom. The Plymouth dealership recently jumpstarted the program, honoring the 20 Plymouth North High School (PNHS) students that make up the a cappella singing group Northern Lights.

Directed by David Grossman, a music teacher in his first full year at Plymouth North, Northern Lights formed at the beginning of the school year and has already performed at the PNHS Pep Rally, Festival of Trees, and PNHS Winter Concert.

“For a group that just started together in September, the kids have come a long way in a very short amount of time,” said Grossman. “That comes from a combination of talent, hard work and being open to teaching. The students in Northern Lights are all that and more and we’re honored that Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac chose us as the opening act for the Driven Student program this year.”

For being chosen as the Driven Students of the Month, the group received a pizza party courtesy of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac. In addition to pizza and refreshments, each student also received a Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac drink koozie.

Yet it was the attendees who received the real treat as the group performed for Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac Sales Manager Joe Wilkerson.

“After that performance, I feel like we should have brought some ice cream, too. They were that good,” said Wilkerson. “Seriously, we’re delighted to bring back the Driven Student program and I can’t think of a better way to kick off than program than this group of students.”

Members of Northern Lights include: Shaelyn Helminiak, Rebecca Levy, Sarah Serrilla, Jaclyn Mennonna, Mackenzie Levangie, Merin English, Maria D’ambrosio, Veronica Cavanaugh, Jordan Brocklesby, Julia McBride, Conor Hurley, Kyle Blagg, Christian Hatfield, Eli Hovey, Shawn Westcott, Danny Osborne and Kevin Johnson.

For more information on Northern Lights and upcoming performances, you can visit their Facebook page at Facebook.com/northernlightsacappella,

Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s Driven Student program recognizes Plymouth high school students for their performance and achievements in and out of the classroom. Awarded on a monthly basis, recipients are selected by faculty and advisors at the student’s given school.

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 (508) 830-0101.

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King Collision earns Factory Certified designation

PEMBROKE AND PLYMOUTH, MA…

King Collision Centers, a family-owned and operated collision repair center, recently earned Factory Certified Collision Repair Facility designations from Acura, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Honda, Infiniti, Jeep, Nissan, Volkswagen and Volvo. King Collision Centers is the only collision repair center in the greater Plymouth area to hold designations from all these auto manufacturers.

“Most collision centers will have one or two members of their staff, usually technicians, complete this kind of training and then promote themselves as certified by the car manufacturer,” said Bruce King, owner of King Collision Centers. “At our centers, every technician and all our administrative staff have successfully completed the rigorous factory-approved training from these vehicle manufacturers. That means every one you come in contact at King Collision has been approved by your automobile’s manufacturer.”

Training is one part of the certification process. The facility itself must meet certain standards as it pertains to specialized equipment. Both King Collision Centers in Plymouth and Pembroke met all the specialized equipment requirements needed to receive the Factory Certified Collision Repair Facility designation from the aforementioned vehicle manufacturers.

“Getting into a car accident, whether it was your fault or not, is bad enough. Bringing your damaged automobile to a collision repair facility that doesn’t have the training or the equipment to repair your vehicle safely, correctly and to your complete satisfaction makes a bad situation worse,” said King. “Having all our people attain this designation gives our customers a level of comfort, confidence, and peace of mind knowing that their vehicle will be restored to pre-accident operation, safety and value by factory-trained technicians using their vehicle manufacturers approved equipment and procedures.

Anyone Can Remove Dents – King Collision Centers Removes Doubts

Founded in 1984, King Collision Centers provides superior collision repair and extraordinary customer care to thousands of clients south of Boston. King Collision is dedicated to earning customers for life and their team of professionals’ help clients through the collision repair process every step of the way – from coordinating a rental vehicle; providing accurate damage appraisal; assisting with the insurance claim process and ensuring that the vehicle is returned to pre-accident operation, safety and value.

King Collision Centers was voted “Best Collision Repair” by Market Surveys of America and they have been selected to participate in the Repair Shop Referral Programs of 20 different insurance companies.

King Collision Centers are located in Pembroke and Plymouth, MA. For more information, visit KingCollision.com or contact 508-747-2005.

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Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) hires Worcester resident Christine Apostol as clinical coordinator

BCI’s Christine Apostol

WORCESTER, MA…

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently hired Christine Apostol as a clinical coordinator. Apostol comes to BCI from the Cambridge Public School system as a behavioral specialist.

As a clinical coordinator at BCI, Apostol will write programs for skills development, behavioral support programs and other developmental services for more than a dozen BCI clients in Central Massachusetts who are living with autism. Those programs can consist of social skills, community safety skills, academic and pre-academic skills, classroom participation, health and ADL skills.

“Christine’s experience working in the Cambridge public school system, as well as her previous time in the Action public school system, make her an invaluable addition to our team of ABA clinicians,” said BCI Founder and Director Dr. Jeff Robinson.

A Worcester, Mass. native and current resident, Apostol holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Northeastern University, where she also earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in special education. Apostol is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and is a member of the Berkshire Association for Behavioral Analysis and Therapy (BABAT) and the Massachusetts Association for Applied Behavioral Analysis.

“What’s great about working at BCI is the clinician to student ratio. It enables you as a clinical supervisor to provide more individual attention and that greatly benefits the student,” said Apostol.

Based in Worcester, Mass 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 BHC works with. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize student potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of live 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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Old Colony Elder Services Offers 7 Tips for Caregivers this Holiday Season

According to the National Family Caregiver Association’s website, 29 percent of people in the U.S. provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or an aging family member or friend and at least 20 hours per week are spent providing care (Caregiving in the United States; National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP; November 2009).

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit corporation serving seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County, offers 7 Tips for Caregivers this holiday season:

1. 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.

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

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

4. Reach out to others for professional support if needed.

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

6. 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.

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

“The holidays can be a stressful time of year, but more so for caregivers. Many family caregivers are spouses, some of whom have their own health issues. Others are daughters and sons, more than half of whom are trying to hold down a job and take care of their own children as well. It’s very important that caregivers take care of themselves in order to avoid burnout and remain physically and emotionally healthy,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director.

About OCES

Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers in 23 communities in Southeastern Massachusetts: Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman. The organization’s 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. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac launches Toys for Tots Drive.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac recently announced it will hold a Toys for Tots drive at the dealership located at 137 Samoset Street in Plymouth. Tracy Chevrolet will be accepting donations up until December 19 for the drive on behalf of Cape Cod and the Islands Toys for Tots chapter.

“Many of us got into this business because we had an interest in cars as little kids, probably from receiving a toy car or truck for Christmas,” said Jeff Tracy, president of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac. “Every kid should have that special gift at Christmas. With this drive, we’re hoping to make that happen for a child whose family may not be able to afford a gift.”

Donations to Toys for Tots must be new, unopened items. Toys donated must not be gift-wrapped. Wrapped items will have to be opened prior to being accepted as a donation. Toys collected for this drive will be distributed to families in need in the greater Plymouth area.

Interested parties can drop off gifts at the dealership during normal business hours: Sunday, 11am to 4pm; Monday through Thursday, 8:30am to 8pm; Friday, 8:30am to 6pm; and Saturday, 8am to 5pm.

“There’s no better way to express gratitude for what you have by helping out those who have not been as fortunate,” said Jeff Tracy, president of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac. “We encourage everybody to stop by the dealership and make a contribution to the drive.”

For more information on Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac, visit www.tracymotors.com.

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.

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