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Having a Bear of a time getting football tix? DirectBuy of Chicago North and DirectBuy of Lake County host raffle for football tickets.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

Are you ready for some football? If so, we’ve got your ticket – two tickets actually – to be a part of the action, as DirectBuy of Chicago North and DirectBuy of Lake County are celebrating the football season by raffling off two tickets to the Chicago Bears versus St. Louis Rams game on December 6, 2009.

“Chicagoland residents love their football and their Bears,” said Mark Perry, DirectBuy of Lake County’s Managing Partner. “We’re really looking forward to this month-long celebration of what’s truly become America’s pastime: the game of football.”

Fans who attend an Open House at either DirectBuy of Chicago North or DirectBuy of Lake County will automatically be entered into the drawing and also receive a piece of authentic NFL apparel, while supplies last. The promotion officially kicked off on October 27 and runs through November 26, with the winner being announced on November 30, 2009.

“In this part of the country, football is a bit more than just a game. It’s an event, a happening. Unfortunately, not everybody has access to or can afford to buy tickets,” said Brent Gilliland, Managing Partner at DirectBuy of Chicago North. “We set up this special raffle to celebrate the Bears’ promising start to the 2009 season and to give fans an opportunity to be a part of what we hope will be a very successful year for them.”

While the raffle itself will award two tickets to a Bears game to some lucky fan, DirectBuy also offers everything else football fans could possibly need to watch the game from home — flat screen TVs, recliners and home theater seating, even kegerators for your den or entertainment room — at direct insider prices from your favorite brand names. In addition, each DirectBuy club employs product specialists and designers who can help members create the “man cave” or entertainment room that works best for their home.

Fans can also enter by sending their name, address, phone number and e-mail address on a 3 x 5 index card to DirectBuy, Attn: Mike Georgeff, 8450 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410.

For more than 38 years, DirectBuy clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories by purchasing from over 700 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers. With several convenient locations in the greater Chicago area (Chicago, Gurnee, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Tinley Park), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. The DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 160 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuycares.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 Stonington Ave Ste. 150, Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Lake County, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Having a Bear of a time getting football tix? DirectBuy of Chicago North and DirectBuy of Lake County host raffle for football tickets.Read More

100 South Shore Seniors on Home Care Wait List according to Old Colony Elder Services

DATELINE: PLYMOUTH COUNTY AND AVON; EASTON AND STOUGHTON, MA…More than 1,000 seniors are on the Home Care wait list for services thanks to state budget cuts already incurred this year in the elderly home care program. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) of Brockton, one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts explained that the waiting list was imposed on September 8th and forty one days later, more than 1,000 people are waiting. Mass Home Care says that cuts already implemented will push the waiting list up to as many as 6,000 people by the end of June 2010.

Cutbacks this year have already been made to the Home Care and Enhanced Community Options programs. These programs are essential because they help seniors maintain their independence and enable them to live in the least restrictive setting, usually their own home.

“We are very disappointed over the large number of seniors who need home care and cannot get it. The typical home care client is an elder who needs help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating and/or walking. With cuts to home care, often their only other choice is a nursing home,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. As of today, due to the waiting list criteria, OCES is unable to provide services to approximately 100 elders.

“It is ironic that the door to nursing home care is wide open, but the door to home care has been slammed shut for hundreds of seniors,” said Al Norman, Executive Director of Mass Home Care.

Based on the 2006 “Equal Choice” law that Mass Home Care wrote, seniors and individuals with disabilities are supposed to be given a choice of where they wish to receive services – at home or in an institution; most people prefer their own home. Because of these budget cuts, many seniors now have the choice of nursing home care or a waiting list.

Norman added, “The hits we’ve already received have a taken a toll on very vulnerable seniors. It’s fiscally short-sighted to cut the programs that keep people out of the more expensive levels of care. In a budget crunch, this is precisely the time to keep home care open, and divert people away from institutions.”

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  OCES touches the lives of approximately 16,000 people a year. They have 140 employees and operate 20 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. 

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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. 

For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

100 South Shore Seniors on Home Care Wait List according to Old Colony Elder ServicesRead More

How to create your dream green home

ORLANDO, FL…

Outside of Barry and Susan Sitkoff’s home sits six cans of recyclables and one bag of trash, however; their passion for living green goes far beyond their curb appeal. As a hydrogeologist at NASA, Susan walks the walk of an environmentalist, routinely performing environmental cleanups and assessments as part of her job. So when it came time for Barry and Susan to build their new home, green was the natural direction—it was just a matter of how.

“Green homes are healthier, safer, more comfortable and cost less to operate,” said Susan Sitkoff. “They connect people to the land and community around them.”

In May of 2008, the Sitkoffs officially began the process of building their dream green home. It started by attending a green building workshop at DirectBuy of Orlando South where they learned about the different green construction methods and products available. Having already researched retail pricing for their green products, the couple saw the significant cost savings they would experience with a DirectBuy membership and sought membership that same day.

“For the most part, everybody wants to live greener, but there’s a cost associated with that,” said Brian Cohen, owner of DirectBuy of Orlando South. “At DirectBuy, our members are buying directly from the manufacturer. That can result in significant savings on green products up front so you can run your home more efficiently and save on energy costs on the back end.”

With the assistance of DirectBuy’s product specialists, the Sitkoffs made their purchases with quality and efficiency in mind and created a “greener than green” dream home. Here’s what went into their dream green home:

Walls – Constructed with Eco-Block, an insulated concrete form containing three inches of foam on the outside, three inches of foam on the inside and a solid three-inch concrete core. Building with ECO-Block can save homeowners up to 50 percent on energy cost. Eco-Block has other significant benefits, including: reduced noise transmission; resist the growth of mold or mildew; can be built to any seismic or hurricane-storm standard; and has an up to a four-hour fire resistive rating.

Attic – A closed cell foam was installed on the roof deck while an AC feed and return were installed in the attic without roof vents to prevent energy loss and allow the Sitkoffs to use their attic as living space – something that is virtually unheard of in Florida.

Windows – Double-pane, Low E windows were installed throughout the house. Double-pane windows (not to be confused with double-hung windows) have two panes of glass, and can reduce heat loss by 50 percent or more. In addition, the Low E glass used (the E stands for emissivity) minimizes the impact of direct sunlight by reflecting heat back to its source. The Sitkoffs further reduced the impact of direct sunlight by designing their home with north and south facing patios.

Garage Door – A steel-back insulated garage door with R-15 insulation was used to provide excellent thermal performance. R-15 high density insulation consists of more fibers per square inch, resulting in a higher R-value per square inch in less space than standard insulation products.

Toilets and Faucets – The Sitkoffs installed low-flow toilets, showerheads and faucets  that should reduce water usage by 50 percent.

Water Heater – A gas on-demand water heater was installed instead of the typical hot water heater that continuously heats the water in the tank. A tankless hot water heater, like the one installed, can reduce energy usage while making hot water available by turning on the tap.

Appliances – Their gourmet kitchen was equipped with all Energy-star rated appliances, including a 48-inch dual fuel (electric oven gas range) with a six-burner top and a warming drawer to provide heat with less power than the oven to keep food at a perfect temperature.

Lighting – All of the lights have dimmers or Eco-bulbs. Eco-bulbs have the following benefits:  

  • High power factor means less distortion on the electricity network
  • Last up to twice as long as other energy-saving bulbs
  • Reduce green house gas emissions
  • 15,000 hour life – the equivalent of either 14 standard bulbs or three average energy-saving bulbs.
  • Recyclable packaging
  • Very low amalgam content used in production

Flooring – Carpeting with recycled content was installed, as well as natural stone (travertine floors and bathroom tile with granite countertops for the kitchens and bathrooms). Natural stone flooring and tile are sustainable choices that will last many lifetimes.

The Sitkoffs completed their dream green home in June of 2009. Since moving in, they spend $100-$150 less a month on electric than their neighbors with the same size home.

“We might have spent a little more to build green but in the long-run, we will save substantially,” said Barry Sitkoff.

And the greening of their dream home is far from over.

“The next thing on our list to buy is an energy rated washer and dryer that will reduce power usage even more,” said Susan Sitkoff. “And the next big project will be installing rain barrels to capture rainwater to use for irrigating our planned greenhouse. We will continue to look to DirectBuy for all our green products.”

Since 1971, DirectBuy clubs across North America have helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. In addition, each DirectBuy club employs product specialists and designers who can help members create the home of their dreams.

DirectBuy Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s unique business model.  The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise. 

To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 38 years, DirectBuy has been showing hundreds of thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the United States, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in Canada .

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuycares.com.

How to create your dream green homeRead More

Agent group expects a flurry of filings from improperly classified workers… Allstate ‘independent contractor’ agents turn to IRS to clarify their status.

GULFPORT, MS….

For most, Independence Day occurs on July 4. For Allstate agents who believe they’ve been misclassified as ‘independent contractors,’ the hope is that day will  come much sooner as dozens, if not hundreds, of Allstate agents file IRS Form SS-8 to determine whether they are independent contractors as Allstate proclaims, or have been misclassified all along.

The filings come on the heels of a recent petition drive started by an unidentified Allstate agent. The National Association of Allstate Agents (NAPAA)—a non-profit group representing the rights of more than 13,000 Allstate agents—published the petition in its most recent quarterly magazine. In the same publication, the group also published a hypothetical, example of the IRS Form SS-8.

“We prepared this hypothetical example based on the information we gathered from Allstate agents over a period of several years,” said Jim Fish, NAPAA’s executive director. “We believe that agents are being deliberately misclassified and we intend to expose this injustice in any way we can.”

In 2000, Allstate Insurance converted the majority of its sales force from employee to independent contractor status. With the change in status, many of those agents anticipated liberation from the requirements of being an Allstate employee. Now, almost a decade later, Allstate agents are still waiting for their independence, hence the interest expressed by a number of Allstate agents in filing an IRS Form SS-8.

“We anticipate the IRS and President Obama will receive thousands of petitions, said Fish, “When the SS-8 forms are filed, we expect that Allstate’s behavior will be heavily scrutinized by the IRS. If nothing else, this intense scrutiny may change Allstate’s behavior for the better.”

Allstate agents certainly aren’t the first independent contractors to be treated like employees without the accompanying benefits. In 2007, after filing a class action lawsuit demanding parity with employee drivers, current and former FedEx independent contractor drivers were elated when Judge Robert Miller of the U.S. District Court in Northern Indiana certified them as a class. This action has opened the door to similar cases involving independent contractors who are treated like employees.

“It was reported that the IRS plans to audit more than 6,000 companies for employment tax issues. We’re hoping the volume of Allstate agents filing SS-8 forms and the simmering discontent among agents over the misclassification issue will help push Allstate to the top of the IRS list, so we can finally resolve this long-standing problem,” added Fish.

For more information on the National Association of Professional Allstate Agents, you can visit their Web site at www.napaausa.org or call (877) 269-3474.

About National Association of Professional Allstate Agents (NAPAA)

Based in Gulfport, Mississippi, NAPAA is a non-profit organization whose members are predominantly insurance agents under contract with Allstate. In addition to offering a variety of benefits and services, NAPAA further serves its members by acting on their behalf and speaking with a distinct and unfettered voice on a wide range of issues. To contact NAPAA, please visit its Website at www.napaausa.org or call (877) 269-3474.

Agent group expects a flurry of filings from improperly classified workers… Allstate ‘independent contractor’ agents turn to IRS to clarify their status.Read More

Rodman & Rodman CPA to Hold “Selling Your Business – A Legal Perspective” Seminars

BOSTON, BRAINTREE AND NEWTON, MASS… Rodman & Rodman, P.C., Certified Public Accountants and Business Strategists will offer a “Selling Your Business – A Legal Perspective” seminar on Tuesday, October 27th from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at their Newton office and on Tuesday, November 10th from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at their Braintree office. These seminars are FREE, but registration is required.

Jeffrey P. Hart, Founding Member of the Boston law firm Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers will lead the seminar. Hart will be discussing the legal processes of selling a business, covering all of the major steps with insight and advice.

Topics which will be discussed include:

· Use of Outside Consultants

· Valuation

· Nondisclosure Agreement

· Structure

· Letter of Intent

· Due Diligence

· Asset Purchase Agreement

Hart concentrates his practice in the areas of taxation, business law and estate planning. Earlier in his career, Jeff practiced as a Certified Public Accountant in the tax division of an international accounting firm where he gained expertise addressing the business and tax issues facing closely held businesses and high net worth individuals.

Light refreshments will be served.

To register, contact Jen or Ann at (617) 965-5959 or by email at jen@rodmancpa.com

Rodman & Rodman, P.C.

Founded in 1961, Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies throughout New England. With a focus on strategic planning, Rodman & Rodman goes beyond traditional accounting services and takes a proactive approach when serving clients to increase, preserve and sustain clients’ financial net worth.

From business valuations, taxation, audits, fraud detection and prevention services and succession planning to a variety of accounting IT services including software selection, implementation and training, the team at Rodman & Rodman serves as comprehensive advisors to clients. For individual clients, the company offers personal advisory services such as planning for real estate transactions, obtaining financing, estate planning and retirement planning as well as planning for college education. Rodman & Rodman Certified Public Accountants are located at 3 Newton Executive Park in Newton and 25 Braintree Hill Office Park in Braintree, Mass. For more information, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

Rodman & Rodman CPA to Hold “Selling Your Business – A Legal Perspective” SeminarsRead More

Senior Staff at Hackler Associates Obtains ERPA Designation

BOSTON AND LEOMINSTER, MA…

William R. Hackler, CLU, QPA, QKA, APR, president and founding partner of Hackler Associates, Inc. and his son, William D. Hackler, QKA, Managing Partner at the company, have recently received designation as Enrolled Retirement Plan Agents (ERPA).

Hackler Associates provides corporations with full service retirement plan administration and consulting. Both William R., and William D. Hackler have been approved by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to practice before the IRS on certain retirement plan issues.

Very few retirement plan administrators hold this designation and to obtain it, the Hacklers passed two comprehensive exams given by the IRS. Both were eligible to take the exams because of their thorough knowledge of Tax Code requirements that apply to qualified plans and the ethical requirements under Circular 230 for practicing before the IRS.

The IRS has established that only those authorized to practice before the IRS can sign the a Power of Attorney form including attorneys, certified public accountants, actuaries, appraisers and enrolled agents. As a result of this IRS procedural change, retirement plan professionals must also have this designation. With the ERPA designation, the Hacklers will continue to communicate with the IRS regarding retirement plan audits.

About Hackler Associates

Founded in 1974, Hackler Associates provides full-service employer sponsored retirement plan administration and consulting to corporations. The company’s experienced and knowledgeable team of six assists employers in the design, implementation, administration and communication of a wide range of retirement plans that promote corporate goals and objectives, control costs and give employees a sense of security. Services offered by the company include: plan design and implementation; Defined Contribution Plan recordkeeping and administration; Defined Benefit Plan actuarial services and administration and annual compliance testing and government reporting.

Hackler Associates is located at 975 Merriam Avenue, Suite 200 in Leominster. For more information, contact 978-847-0140 or visit the website at http://www.HacklerInc.com.

Senior Staff at Hackler Associates Obtains ERPA DesignationRead More

Back to the drawing board on your kitchen remodel… A “chalkboard” and exhaust fan can enhance your kitchen remodel.

CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK…

Remodeling your kitchen is one of the more expensive home improvement projects you can undertake. It’s also a project that recoups more of its cost at resale than most others. According to DirectBuy of Buffalo, there are some extra touches you can give your kitchen remodel to further maximize the value of your new kitchen.

For example, many new kitchen remodels include wall space painted with chalkboard paint. This gives families a great space to keep important lists, and dates, especially since chalkboard paint is easily cleaned with an eraser or damp cloth. 

“The kitchen has become the hub of activity and an information center for the household. So, rather than force a dry erase board into a spot, creating an area from the get-go is a far more convenient approach,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo. “In addition to being a message board for the family, it can also be the wall area where it is finally okay for little Jimmy to draw his favorite pictures.

Adding an exhaust fan to your kitchen is another nice touch to a kitchen remodel. Exhaust fans not only help eliminate obnoxious smells from your kitchen; they can be a beautiful design accent as well. 

“Most exhaust systems are available in different materials such as wood or stainless steel which can coordinate nicely with your cabinetry or countertops,” added Klinger. “So in addition to getting rid of unwanted smells from last night’s seafood dish or the peas you accidentally burned, you further accentuate the beauty of your remodel.”

DirectBuy carries everything you need for a kitchen remodel at prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, each DirectBuy club employs product specialists and designers who can help members create the kitchen that works best for their home.

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, New York, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 716-684-1400 or visit

www.directbuy-buffalo.com.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Buffalo area since 2005. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 716-684-1400, or visiting www.DirectBuy-Buffalo.com. 

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Back to the drawing board on your kitchen remodel… A “chalkboard” and exhaust fan can enhance your kitchen remodel.Read More

Calumet City resident Belinda Skarwecki celebrates 35 years with DirectBuy of Tinley Park

TINLEY PARK, IL…

Before Belinda Skarwecki started working as a bookkeeper for DirectBuy in 1974, the world was a different place. Richard Nixon had yet to resign from office. Not everybody had a color television. There was still no such thing as a free agent in baseball. Yet in celebrating her 35th anniversary with DirectBuy, Skarwecki knows that one thing still holds true: the numbers don’t lie.

“As a bookkeeper, the numbers must always add up. So even though it might not feel like 35 years, the calendar tells me otherwise,” said Skarwecki.

Skarwecki began with DirectBuy while still in high school, working as an assistant to the company’s bookkeeping department at the previous location in Calumet City. Under the tutelage of the company’s bookkeeper at the time, she acquired a skill that’s served her well over 35 years.

In fact, Skarwecki’s longevity with the company is only trumped by DirectBuy of Tinley Park Owner Ed Sell—even topping the service time put in by Ed’s wife I.J., who started with the company 29 years ago. “We hit it off right from the beginning,” adds Skarwecki.

Ms. Sell concurred, “We look at Belinda as a member of our family who also happens to do our books. That’s the kind of relationship we have and we’re very thankful to have her with us.”

That loyalty has been repaid by both sides as Skarwecki remained with the company when it relocated from Calumet City to its current location at 18400 S. 76th Avenue in Tinley Park, Illinois. And when a back condition limited her traveling ability, she and I.J. arranged for her to work from home.

“You don’t spend 35 years of your life with a company for no reason. Ed and I.J. have been wonderful to me and it’s very gratifying to see how the company has grown over the years and how many lives it’s been able to positively impact,” said Skarwecki. “I’m looking forward to many more years with DirectBuy.”

Skarwecki still resides in Calumet City with her husband Marvin.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of Tinley Park Estates offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design, delivery and installation services.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The five DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 160 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuychicago.com/. 

Locations of the five DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Gurnee, 4081 Ryan Rd. #107, Gurnee, IL; DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 N. Stonington Ave Ste. 150 Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 Avondale, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 Highgrove Ste. 136 Naperville, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

 

Calumet City resident Belinda Skarwecki celebrates 35 years with DirectBuy of Tinley ParkRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Holds Senior Wellness Fair at Belair Towers

More than 30 residents of Belair Towers attended a Senior Wellness Fair to learn more about maintaining their good health. The event was hosted by Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) of Brockton, one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The event, which offered free screening services and advice for residents of the senior housing complex, was sponsored by the American Physical Therapy Association of Massachusetts (www.aptofma.org) and participants included the Sears Hearing Aid Center of Brockton (www.searshearing.com/).

Residents were able to have their balance checked and tested by a physical therapist and learn what they could do to improve their balance. Postural Screens taught the residents about ways to improve their posture and reduce postural back pain. Blood Pressure Checks were conducted and residents learned how staying active could prolong their healthy years. Electronic Hearing Tests and Video Otoscope Ear Inspections were conducted on-site by the Sears Hearing Aid Center.

To better inform the residents about balance and fall reduction, a presentation entitled “Don’t Let the Fall Get to You” was presented by Peter Crimmins, PT of the American Physical Therapy Association of Massachusetts.

“We were very pleased with the turnout for our Senior Wellness Fair. Residents were able to obtain valuable information about their current health while also gaining a better knowledge of how to stay well,” explained Nicole Welch, LCSW, Program Development Manager at OCES.

About Belair Towers

Belair Towers, with 269 apartments, is located at 105 Belair Street in Brockton. Belair, which is managed by the Brockton Housing Authority, is one of Old Colony Elder Services’ nutrition and congregate meal sites that is open to the public.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of 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.

The agency has 140 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Holds Senior Wellness Fair at Belair TowersRead More