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Plymouth School Superintendent to bike from Washington, DC, to Plymouth, MA, to raise funds for education.

Dr. Gary Maestas, Plymouth Public Schools superintendent
Dr. Gary Maestas, superintendent of Plymouth Public Schools

PLYMOUTH, MA…

It’s no secret that the cost of providing a quality education has increased. It’s also no secret that federal and state aid to school districts like Plymouth has been reduced. Deciding that the current level of funding was just not going to be enough, Plymouth Superintendent Gary Maestas, Ed.D., had an idea. He would raise money for Plymouth students by riding a bicycle from Washington, DC, to Plymouth, MA, giving birth to the DreamRide. Through DreamRide, Dr. Maestas’ goal is to raise $100,000 in donations for the Plymouth Education Foundation, the premier, non-profit organization established to support and enhance the education of the students and citizens of the Town of Plymouth.

Beginning June 6, Dr. Maestas, accompanied by a DreamRide Team comprised of students, teachers and a nurse, will bike approximately 600 miles from DC to Plymouth over a seven-day period. While the primary goal will be to raise funds via sponsorships, the DreamRide has many layers and opportunities for growth and learning.

“Sure, the goal is to raise money, specifically $100,000, but we’re just as interested in setting an example for students,” said Maestas. “When faced with a problem or challenge, I want students to learn to think outside the box.”

Dr. Maestas will record daily video reports/blogs from the road. In addition, his progress will be recorded via GPS online as will his heart rate and other vitals. The video/media element of the DreamRide will provide a number of educational and curriculum opportunities both for the crew working the ride and students back home in Plymouth. Those include: 

  • Health and Wellness – How to train, eat and prepare physically and mentally for a physical challenge.
  • Math – Problem solving, charting and estimating Dr. Maestas’ progress.
  • Social Studies – Historical and geographical aspects of sites visited along the route.
  • Science – Weather, mechanics of bicycle, drag coefficients, and more.
  • English Language Arts – Literacy, and much more.
  • Community involvement – How getting involved with your community can help students and their families accomplish incredible things.

Proceeds from the DreamRide will go directly to the Plymouth Education Foundation (www.plymoutheducationfoundation.org), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that solicits, manages, and distributes funds for educational purposes and activities that may not otherwise be funded.

In addition to raising $100,000, the DreamRide is also looking for sponsors to underwrite expenses associated with the seven-day ride. Serious Cycles of Manomet has donated a SPECIALIZED bike for the ride. In addition, Serious Cycles Owner Seth Lawrence is training two students as repair technicians for the ride. Other sponsors to date include Jordan Hospital, First Student Bus Company, and the Plymouth and Brockton Street Railway Company.

“We are honored to support education in Plymouth through Superintendent Gary Maestas’ journey to raise funds for the education foundation and to promote general health and wellness awareness in the community,” says Jordan Hospital President Peter Holden. “As the region’s leading provider of healthcare, we are committed to working with Gary and the community to ensure that the DreamRide is a success—and I look forward to riding with him from Boston to Jordan Hospital in Plymouth.”

“The DreamRide is about much more than ‘Dr. Maestas’ getting on a bicycle and hopefully getting himself in good enough condition not to fall apart somewhere in New Jersey,” said Maestas. “It’s about people caring about the education our children are receiving and wanting something better.”

For complete information on the DreamRide, including sponsorship and volunteer information, please visit www.dreamride.us or contact Mrs. Nicole Manfredi, DreamRide Director at (781) 831-0731 or nsmanfredi@aol.com.

Plymouth School Superintendent to bike from Washington, DC, to Plymouth, MA, to raise funds for education.Read More

Old Sandwich Road Race seeks volunteers for June 2011 race.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

The Old Sandwich Road Race (OSRR), part of which takes place on America’s oldest road—Old Sandwich Road in Plymouth—is looking for volunteers for the 2011 race, to be held on June 4 and June 5.

“The response in our first year was tremendous with more than 500 participants. For our second year, we’ve upped the ante and added a 5k, in addition to the half marathon, the Entergy 10k and the Kids Classic,” said Craig Valentine Brenner, OSRR race director. “What that means is that in addition to probably more participants, we’re going to need a lot more volunteers to help out.”

Volunteers are needed for race planning, fundraising and race weekend activities ranging from registration, water stations, security and more. If interested, send an e-mail to info@oldsandwichroadrace.com with “Volunteer” in the subject line or visit www.oldsandwichroadrace.com and click on the volunteers link.

The 2011 Old Sandwich Road Race will take place over the course of two days, Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5. The Saturday race will feature the Kids Classic and a new addition to the Old Sandwich Road Race, the OSRR 5k. Sunday’s main events include the OSRR Half Marathon, which takes place on Old Sandwich Road, and the Entergy 10k, beginning at Plimouth Plantation. All races end at Plymouth South High School.

“Volunteers are really the backbone of any race of this nature,” said Brenner. “Based on the initial registrations, the Old Sandwich Road Race is really on the verge of becoming a destination race. If you’re a runner, or used to be a runner, or just somebody who wants to help out a race that’s trying to raise money for a worthy cause, you couldn’t ask for a better race to be a part of,” said Brenner.

All profits from the 2011 Old Sandwich Road Race will go to The Home for Little Wanderers’ Baird Center School, located in Plymouth.

The Baird Center School is a year-round residential and day school treatment program for youth aged 10-18 with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, educational and psychiatric issues. Adding yet another historical element to the Old Sandwich Road Race, The Home for Little Wanderers is the nation’s oldest non-profit child and family service agency, with roots dating back to 1799.

For complete information on the Old Sandwich Road Race, you can visit the Old Sandwich Road Race Web site at http://www.oldsandwichroadrace.com. Selected by Runner’s World, as “one of the five races not to miss in 2010”, The Old Sandwich Road Race also has pages on Facebook and Twitter. If you or your company is interested in sponsoring next year’s race, please contact Craig Valentine Brenner at 617-680-4230 or info@oldsandwichroadrace.com.

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A small craft advisory… G-Force Shipping announces water sport division.

HANOVER, MASSACHUSETTS…

Over the past few years, water sports like paddle boarding and kayaking have seen exponential growth. For small to mid-size dealers and distributors, the increased demand breeds logistical challenges that can impact profits if not handled correctly. In response to the specialized needs of paddleboard, kayaks and other small craft companies, G-Force Shipping, a third-party logistics provider based in Hanover, MA recently announced the formation of a new water sports division.

“Small craft items like kayaks and paddle boards create some shipping challenges based on their length and their composition,” said Gordie Macfarlane, president of G-Force Shipping. “With our new water sports division, small shops and dealers have a dedicated shipping department/freight consultant and more than 80 carriers at their disposal on our Web site to help tailor a shipping solution to best meet their needs.”

G-Force’s Bob Howard will lead the Water Sports Division. The benefits that new division provides small craft companies include:

  • Direct Point A to Point B shipping – Many smaller companies will deal with one shipping company and in some cases are unaware that said shipping company subcontracts the shipment. This can create delays and major confusion in the event of a claim. With more than 80 carrier partners, customers can select the best shipping service available for that specific lane along with the confidence that their shipment – from point-of-pick-up to point-of-delivery – will be handled by the same carrier.
  • Avoiding costs based on size – Many shipping companies charge extra based on length. With G-Force’s knowledge of the industry, customers can avoid those extra charges by using carriers that do not penalize for additional length. G-Force can also recommend the companies known for following best practices when boxing shipments.
  • Coordinating warehousing – G-Force can arrange warehouse accommodations as a means for companies to reduce costly cross-country deliveries and longer delivery times (e.g. arranging warehousing for a Florida-based company in the Midwest for west coast deliveries).
  • Direct consultation services – G-Force’s knowledge of the pricing and capabilities of more than 80 carriers is a resource that is available to Water Sports customers.
  • Cost savings – G-Force customers spend more than $100 million with its carrier partners. G-Force can often leverage that fact to provide optimal savings. Typically, G-Force can save its water sports customers in the 15 percent range.

“My shipments typically consist of one to four stand-up paddleboards. The one element that stands out for me is the customer service of  Bob Howard.  He is very professional, very quick in getting back to me on shipping quotes, and provides the lowest prices,” said Mitzi Archer, owner of Yolo Board L.L.C. in Santa Rosa, Florida. “After obtaining quotes from five freight brokers over the years, I am currently using G-force exclusively.”

In addition to its services tailored toward water sports companies, G-Force Shipping provides all its customers an easy-to-use, Web-based shipping utility, www.GForceship.com, which delivers instant quotes and multiple carrier choices in seconds. There’s no long-term commitment. Access to a free on-line account or a toll free number is all G-Force customers need. The only fees associated with an account are those directly connected to the shipping costs.

For more information, please call 877-7-GFORCE or visit www.gforceship.com.

More carriers, more choices, more savings.

G Force Shipping and Consulting, Inc. is a non asset based third-party logistics provider based in Hanover, Massachusetts. Through its Web site, www.gforceship.com, G-Force provides its customers with direct access to quotes from more than 70 carriers on LTL, FTL and small parcel shipments. In addition to helping customers find the right shipping company at the right price, G-Force offers white glove service that includes 24/7 customer service, freight consulting services, online warehouse management capabilities and much, much more.

For more information, visit www.gforceship.com or call 877-7-GFORCE (877-743-6723).

A small craft advisory… G-Force Shipping announces water sport division.Read More

Ensure Cupid Hits the Mark this Valentine’s Day – Tips from eLove’s Paul Falzone

Paul A. Falzone, matchmaking expert and CEO of eLove, the fastest growing matchmaking firm in the country with over 50 matchmaking offices nationwide and home offices in Norwell, MA and Los Angeles, CA, shares tips with men on what women generally want.

Whether you’ve been dating for weeks, years or you’ve already tied the knot, Falzone offers men insight into what women want in general, to help ensure Cupid hits the mark this Valentine’s Day or any other day.

Here are Falzone’s tips on what women want:

A man who listens.

A man who comes to the rescue. You’re an everyday hero if you can stop her dishwasher from leaking, fix her email problems or get rid of that big spider in the house.

A man who can ‘fry the bacon up in the pan’. Even the most talented female cooks don’t enjoy making meals all the time. If you can cook – do so. If you can’t, dine out.

A man who tells her what he thinks or how he feels. If you think she looks beautiful, makes you laugh, impresses you or you really enjoy being with her – tell her.

A man who is willing to share responsibility. Whether it’s the responsibility of taking care of a home or children, or of nurturing your relationship with each other.

“These are some general tips for men to consider to ensure Cupid hits the mark on Valentine’s Day or any other day for that matter. Be her Valentine all year long. All the ‘little things’ really do add up because she DOES notice them. Yes, your sweetheart will love receiving two dozen long stemmed red roses for Valentine’s Day, but you know what? She’ll also appreciate your other efforts. These are a few ways you can show her you care about her,” explained Falzone.

eLove is all you need

eLove, the next evolution in dating, has arrived. eLove is the first “life stage company” within the dating industry to provide different levels of dating services, from internet to traditional matchmaking, based on how serious singles are about meeting their soul mate. Never before has a dating service catered so completely to everyone regardless of their age, sex, or relationship goals. With over 50 matchmaking offices in 23 states and an online dating network of more than three million singles worldwide, eLove is everything that singles have been wishing for whether they are looking for casual dating or a serious, committed relationship.

eLove’s Matchmaking Service offices are located in: Arkansas (Bentonville, Fort Smith, Little Rock); California (Los Angeles, Palo Alto, Sacramento, Walnut Creek, San Diego, Santa Rosa, Westlake); Connecticut (Glastonbury, Stamford); Illinois (Chicago, Downers Grove, Normal, Schaumburg, Rockford); Indiana (Carmel, Ft. Wayne); Kansas (Overland Park, Wichita); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Massachusetts (Newton, Norwell, Shrewsbury, Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms);Minnesota (Edina); Missouri (Springfield, St. Louis); Nebraska (Lincoln, Omaha); New Jersey (Iselin, Saddle Brook); Nevada (Las Vegas); Ohio (Cincinnati); Oklahoma (Oklahoma City, Tulsa); Pennsylvania (Mechanicsburg, Philadelphia); Rhode Island (Warwick); South Carolina (Greenville); Tennessee (Memphis, Franklin); Texas (Austin, San Antonio); Virginia (Falls Church, Richmond); Wisconsin (Appleton, Elm Grove, Madison).

For more information on eLove, visit www.elove.com.

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Verbal Branding speaks loudly to the New England Franchise Association (NEFA), March 8

Author and founder of the theory of “Verbal Branding” Stephen Melanson will speak on the topic to the New England Franchise Association (NEFA) on Tuesday, March 8, Doubletree Hotel 550 Winter Street, Waltham, MA.
Melanson is the author of “Jaw Branding” and his second book “Verbal Branding INSTEAD!” will be released this year. Melanson challenges many conventional theories of branding, sales, and marketing. His core theory is that all members of an organization – from the janitor to the CEO – should understand and then be able to convey why they are “different and better” than the competition in 5 seconds or less.
The evening includes a cocktail and networking session beginning at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 7:00 p.m., and then the presentation from Melanson. The entire business community is urged to attend. Membership in the NEFA is NOT required. Reservations are required. Registration Fee is $50 per person and includes dinner. NEFA Members receive $10.00 off.
“The traditional elevator pitch simply doesn’t work – making the average consumer suspicious – and must be replaced with an entirely different mindset and tactic”, says Melanson. He added, “Verbal Branding applies uncommon simplicity to “manage” what a consumers’ remembers and creates a more valuable offers in the market. Well known examples are ‘Volvo, safe and reliable’. Or Geiko, ‘Give us 15 minutes, we’ll give you 15 percent.’ Great Verbal Branding is direct, honest, and moves action both internally and externally.”
His background also includes being a trained non-practicing Psychotherapist, professional tennis player, and on-air talk radio host. Stephen Melanson is the President of Melanson Consulting based in Arlington, MA.

“In working with advertising agencies and marketing companies over the past 25 years I’ve endured a lot of verbal posturing and techno speak. Verbal branding is a refreshing answer to today’s marketing noise and makes marketing messages more authentic and understandable ,” commented Steve Dubin, President of the New England Franchise Association and founder of PR Works, a full-service public relations firm based in Kingston, MA. He continued, “Stephen Melanson is an entertaining and dynamic speaker who quickly shows business audiences how to completely shift their view of the marketing process.”

About NEFA
New England Franchise Association (NEFA) is the trade organization for franchisors and franchisees in the region, with over 150 members. The mission of NEFA is to bring franchise executives, franchisees and vendors together to share ideas for success.
Franchising more than ever before, has an unprecedented opportunity to make a major positive impact on the future New England economy. In a 2001-05 study conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoppers on behalf of the International Franchise Association (IFA) found that in New England over 875,000 jobs are a result of franchising, the total output is over 100 Billion dollars a year, and there are over 35,000 franchise establishments in the six New England States.
To reserve your seats, please contact New England Franchise Association via the organization’s website www.NEFranchise.org, email: info@NEFranchise.org, or by calling Barbara Arena, 781-294-2244.

Verbal Branding speaks loudly to the New England Franchise Association (NEFA), March 8Read More

eLove’s Paul Falzone shares Valentine’s Day Tips in New England Fine Living

“While Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a day for lovers, it can be a source of frustration for many couples. For women, it can be especially frustrating because their significant other doesn’t put much thought into the day or, worse, labors through Valentine’s Day plans as if it’s another chore on the dreaded “honey-do” list. That’s why many women have adopted a “take charge” approach to Valentine’s Day to recapture the spirit of the day…”
Read full article:
http://bit.ly/eURQhw

eLove’s Paul Falzone shares Valentine’s Day Tips in New England Fine LivingRead More

Emerson Bearing featured in OEM Off Highway

Emerson Bearing has been featured in OEM Off Highway.

“Emerson Bearing, a Boston based bearing company catering to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) markets nationally and internationally, has recently launched a new Marine Division to specifically cater to the Marine Spares industry and Port Authorities.” Read full article: http://bit.ly/gJ1P6s

Emerson Bearing featured in OEM Off HighwayRead More

Bringing the heat…Hanover, Mass.-based Pilgrim Propane opens for business

Geswell family
Pilgrim Propane is a family-owned and operated business.

HANOVER, MA…

Some things just go together. Silver and gold. Salt and pepper. Bacon and eggs. In the contracting world, one of those combinations is heating and plumbing and propane gas. Hence E.J. Geswell Plumbing & Heating LLC’s recent announcement of its new sister company Pilgrim Propane.

“We’ve been in the heating and plumbing business for 25 years and propane is an integral part of many of the installations we do. For example, gas logs and fireplaces, heating for indoor and outdoor pools and home heating systems in general,” said Ed Geswell, Jr., Pilgrim Propane owner. “Being able to supply the propane for the people we do installations for allows us to ensure the smooth operation of those installs, plus continue the relationship with those customers.”

In operation since early last year, Pilgrim Propane serves all of Plymouth County and parts of Norfolk and Bristol counties.  In addition to installations, Pilgrim Propane leases 50- to 1,000-gallon propane tanks and will fill tanks up to 1,000 gallons.

As part of the launch of the new company, Pilgrim Propane is offering a new customer special of $25 off of a fill up of 30 gallons or more.

“Propane has become a very popular and affordable way to heat your home,” said Geswell. “We’re positively thrilled to bring this additional service to our existing customer base and to other South Shore homeowners who heat their homes with propane.”

A 34-year resident of Hanover, Geswell holds an MBA from Suffolk University and an undergraduate degree from Boston College. He owns and operates both family businesses with his son Edward J. Geswell, III.  

For propane orders or more information about the company and possibly installing propane at your home, please call 781-878-5518 or visit www.pilgrimpropane.com.

About Pilgrim Propane & E.J. Geswell Heating & Plumbing, LLC

Based in Hanover, Massachusetts, Pilgrim Propane is a propane gas provider serving Boston’s South Shore region, including all of Plymouth County and parts of Norfolk and Bristol counties. Pilgrim Propane’s sister company, E.J. Geswell Heating & Plumbing, LLC, is a full service plumbing and heating company. In addition to servicing propane-based heating systems, E.J. Geswell installs heating systems, air conditioning systems, water heaters, room heaters, gas logs and fireplaces. In addition, they offer 24/7 service on gas and oil burners and furnaces.

For more information on Pilgrim Propane, please visit www.pilgrimpropane.com.

Bringing the heat…Hanover, Mass.-based Pilgrim Propane opens for businessRead More

Old Colony Elder Services appoints Kelly Walsh as Geriatric Support Services Coordinator

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) which serves residents in 23 towns in the greater Brockton and Plymouth areas, has recently appointed Kelly Walsh as Geriatric Support Services Coordinator.

In her new role as Geriatric Support Services Coordinator, Ms. Walsh will assist elders in gaining and retaining their ability to live independently in their own homes. She will conduct home visits and assessments as well as coordinate the necessary long term support services that will help ensure that elders remain living safely and independently at home in the community. Ms. Walsh will also be responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the services provided and maintaining communication between nurses and the community resource coordinators.

Ms. Walsh recently graduated from Bridgewater State College and holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Her experience includes six years serving as a Sales Representative for Jordan’s Furniture in Avon.

Ms. Walsh is a native and resident of Brockton.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit 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, their families and caregivers in 23 towns 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 provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

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