Client News

The Remodeling Company Founder Named Chair of “Beverly For All”

February 24, 2022 // by admin

Gary Mofﬁe, CGR, CAPS, UDCP, founder of Beverly, MA based The Remodeling Company, has been appointed as committee Chair for the “Beverly For All” program. Moffie is a resident of Beverly.

Beverly Main Streets has embarked on a new program called “Beverly For All”. Moffie, who is on the Board of Directors for Beverly Main Streets, is currently working on developing a program that would make the city of Beverly more accessible and open to everyone – from senior citizens to people with disabilities to families with children. In recognition of Moffie’s vision and commitment to aging in place and universal design, the nonprofit has named Moffie as Chair for the “Beverly For All” committee.

Mofﬁe is a Certiﬁed Graduate Remodeler (CGR) and Certiﬁed Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) who is also certified by National Association of The Remodeling Industry (NARI) as a Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP). He founded and oversees The Remodeling Company, an award-winning, full-service residential remodeling ﬁrm serving residents in the Greater Boston area.

“We are dedicated to creating functional, inviting spaces that meet the needs of everyday life,” noted Moffie, who is an authority on universal design and aging in place. “Essentially, universal design increases accessibility, improves safety and convenience, while also looking aesthetically pleasing.”

Among numerous factors that are addressed through universal design are fall prevention, enhanced visibility, and challenges pertaining to dexterity. Visit The Remodeling Company’s website for more information about universal design and aging in place: https://theremodelingco.com/aging-in-place/

About Beverly Main Streets
Promoting and enhancing Beverly’s downtown economic vitality, cultural and historic resources, and quality of life, Beverly Main Streets is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, visit, https://www.bevmain.org.

About The Remodeling Company
Founded in 1998, The Remodeling Company is a preeminent full-service residential remodeling ﬁrm in the Greater Boston area. Led by Gary Mofﬁe, CAPS, CGR, UDCP, The Remodeling Company is dedicated to creating ideal living spaces to accommodate and enhance their customers’ lifestyles. The company specializes in universal design projects that meet the needs of everyday life while also enabling homeowners to age in place.

Over the years, The Remodeling Company has been honored with numerous awards including National Association of The Remodeling Industry’s (NARI) 2021 Regional Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award, Remodeling magazineʼs Big 50 Contractors, and Qualiﬁed Remodelerʼs Top 500 Remodeler list every year since 2003. Other awards include: Best of Houzz Service in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020; BRAGB 2018 Prism Gold Award for “Best Historical Renovation”; and Boston Home 10th Anniversary “Best Suburban Residence – A Colorful Past”.  The Remodeling Company is a member of the National Association of Home Builders, The Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston, the National Association of The Remodeling Industry and the Professional Remodeling Organization of New England. For more information, visit https://www.theremodelingco.com

The Remodeling Company Founder Named Chair of “Beverly For All”Read More

In response to labor rate reimbursement hearing, many Auto body shop owners reach breaking point. Small family businesses at the brink of collapse.

February 22, 2022 // by admin

BOSTON, MA — In response to a state house hearing on labor rate reimbursed for collision repairs, more than 29 Massachusetts auto body shop owners voiced concerns about the collapse of their small family businesses. Many noted their frustration and may take action, including removing themselves from a corrupted referral list system maintained by insurance companies.

The Special Commission on Auto Body Labor Rates held the four hour plus hearing on the topic recently on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. Forty-six Massachusetts auto body shop owners were scheduled to express their concerns about unsustainably low reimbursement rates that were artificially set by insurance companies.

Brian Bernard, owner of Total Care Accident Repair in Raynham, one of the independent collision center owners, said the $40-per-hour reimbursement rate is the lowest in the nation and falls far short of covering the body shop owners’ labor, equipment, training and repair costs. As a result, many consumers have to pay the difference out of pocket, he said.

Bernard said the labor reimbursement rates paid by Massachusetts auto insurers have stayed the same for 11 years. The rates only moved $10 in nearly 34 years. Since 1988 the labor rate has increased $10 will the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has increased 137.7%, $71.30 and insurance premiums have increased 254%.

Additionally, advanced technology has resulted in cars becoming far more complex and expensive to repair. Additional training and equipment have forced Massachusetts auto body shop owners to invest far more to get paid less. The low labor reimbursement rates have burdened many consumers with out-of-pocket repair costs despite paying high insurance premiums, Bernard said.

“It’s tremendously unfair to consumers who pay thousands of dollars in premiums to have their insurance companies tell them they’re not going to cover the cost of their repairs. We’ve done our best to bring attention to this issue, but at this point we need to make it clear to insurers and consumers that we cannot do this work at the current reimbursement rates,” Bernard said.

Those who also noted concerns and others who were scheduled to speak during the hearings on the 25th included Tom Ricci, Body & Paint Center of Hudson, Inc., Hudson, MA; David Brown, DeLuca Auto Group, Haverhill, MA; Matthew Ciashcini, Full Tilt Auto Body, West Hatfield, MA; Matthew Penacho, Mike’s Auto Body, Fall River, MA; Russell Oagles, Jr., Five Star Collision, Fall River, MA; Edward Lutz, Alden GMC, Fairhaven, MA; Jack Bazarbachian, Sako Auto Body, Medford; Jim Marshall, Marshall’s Auto Body Experts, Billerica, MA; Brian Bernard, Total Care Accident Repair, Raynham, MA; Bill Spellane, Spellane Auto Body, Inc., Worcester, MA; Mary T. Jean, American Auto Body & Repair, Inc., Leominster, MA; Don Dowling, Marblehead Collision, Marblehead and Swampscott Collision, LLC, MA; Molly Brodeur, Al Brodeur’s Auto Body Inc., Marlboro, MA; Steven Nemeth, Acme Automotive Center, Inc., Northhampton, MA; Andre Marcoux, Western Mass Collision, W. Springfield, MA; Jerold Seigel, Webster Auto Body, Somerville, MA;

Gary Cloutier, Cloot’s Auto Body, Westfield, MA; Jerold Siegel, Webster Auto Body, Somerville, MA; Jeff White, North Andover Auto Body, North Andover; Doug Begin, Vendetti Motors, Franklin, MA; Al Correia,

A.P.C. Auto Body, Inc., Dartmouth, MA; Kathy Andrus, Precision Autocraft, Inc., Sheffield, MA; Joshua Fuller, Fuller Automotive Service, Inc., Auburn, MA; Paul Tuscano, Auto Body Builders Inc., Middleton, MA;

Christopher Zammito, Check Collision/Toyota of Dartmouth, Mattapoisett, MA; Roy & Adrianna Landivar, 508 Auto Body LLC, Worcester, MA; Bill Cavanaro, Cohasset Collision, Cohasset, MA; Dan Wenzel, Wenzel’s Auto Body, Inc., Pocasset, MA; Kevin Gallerani, Cape Auto Body & Service, Plymouth, MA; JR Force, Repairs Unlimited, Georgetown, MA;David Shepard, Shepard’s Automotive Center, Newburyport, MA; Tony Dupuis, Ac cidental AutoBody Inc., Cataumet, MA; Brian Stone, Balise Collision Repair, Springfield; Jeb Balise, Balise Collision Repair, Springfield; and Rob Delgallo, Factory Collision & Restoration F.C.R. Inc., Weymouth, MA.

In general, collision shop owners from throughout Massachusetts urged the commission to support legislation, such as H.1111, that would increase the hourly rate over a two-year period and then tie the rates to regional price indexes moving forward.

“We’re hoping the commission leads the way in bringing Massachusetts into line with other states so that consumers are treated fairly, and auto body shop owners are reimbursed at rates similar to their peers across the country. The labor rates today in Massachusetts are absurd and unsustainable,” Bernard said.

For more information about Special Commission on Auto Body Labor Rates, bill # H.1111, please contact Lucky Papageorg, Massachusetts Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, www.aaspma.org.

In response to labor rate reimbursement hearing, many Auto body shop owners reach breaking point. Small family businesses at the brink of collapse.Read More

Saving money is making money. Free webinar outlines how to reduce costs in your business.

February 19, 2022 // by admin

Getting better pricing for your cell phones, utilities, copier lease, shipping and health insurance could be a game changer for your business. But how do you find and negotiate those money savings?

The Cost Reduction webinar outlines the many costs in your business – from supply chain to service providers – and the process in implementing significant change.

The free Cost Reduction webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, March 9, 9 – 10 a.m. To RSVP, please visit https://conta.cc/3gXoWGf.

Expert panelists for the complimentary webinar include Alex Weatherall and Todd Chipman. Weatherall is an executive with Expense Reduction Analysts (ERA), an international consultancy specializing in cost reduction. Additionally, he is a small business owner and manages an oil company and convenience store West of Boston. Chipman has over 15 years of public accounting experience with the regional firm of John T. Chipman & Company LLP with offices in both Norwood and Franklin, Massachusetts. Steve Dubin of PR Works, a Public Relations and Marketing firm based in Plymouth, MA will moderate the discussion.

The business community is encouraged to attend. The event is sponsored by three leading organizations including My Pinnacle Network which hosts monthly meetings for business-to-business professionals at five locations throughout Massachusetts including Braintree, Mansfield, Needham, Pembroke, and Westborough; South Shore Networking Professionals which connects business people monthly at locations throughout the South Shore; and Rockland Trust, offering a wide range of banking, investment, and insurance services to businesses and individuals through retail branches, commercial lending offices, investment management offices, and residential lending centers located in Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as through online, mobile and phone banking.

Please RSVP for the event at https://conta.cc/3gXoWGf.

Or call My Pinnacle Network at 781-582-1061.

Saving money is making money. Free webinar outlines how to reduce costs in your business.Read More

LocsDetox Launches New Signature Product

February 8, 2022 // by admin

LocsDetox, an all-natural hair care brand specifically made for dreadlocks, or “locs” and natural hair, has announced a new signature product.

LocsDetox has launched their White Tea and Rose Water Detox Soak, which is a detoxifying product infused with Green Tea, Eucalyptus Oil, Ginger and other premium ingredients that helps remove excess odor, lint and tough residue from locs.

Available in three sizes, 8 ounces, 16 ounces, and one gallon, the Detox Soak is formulated for natural hair and locs to intensely cleanse beyond a regular shampoo wash and leave hair feeling softer, lighter and refreshed.

LocsDetox Founder and CEO Ebony Richards had searched for a healthier solution to maintain her and her son, Malachi’s locs. Little did she know that her endeavor would one day transform into a brand. Frustrated with the lack of variety of detox soak products that were currently on the market for locs, Ebony and her son began researching various ingredients that would aid in the most optimal care for their beautiful strands. Within their home, they mixed quality blends enriched with extreme restorative properties to keep their locs rejuvenated and healthy.

According to Richards, “Mousse, gels and shampoo – they all contribute to hair and scalp build up. As a concerned mom, I had searched for an effective, healthier solution to maintain my family’s locs and was frustrated with the lack of variety of detox soak products currently on the market. With dedication and a lot of research and development – LocsDetox was born.”

Hair salons and Natural/Health food stores interested in LocsDetox wholesale product, email info@locsdetox.com. For more information or to order the product direct, visit the online store at locsdetox.com

About LocsDetox
Entrepreneur Ebony Richards had searched for a healthier solution for maintaining natural hair and dreadlocks, or locs. This endeavor transformed into a brand. Founded in Charleston, South Carolina in 2020, LocsDetox is an all-natural hair care brand offering products formulated to deeply cleanse and detox. LocsDetox quality blends are enriched with extreme restorative properties to keep locs and natural hair rejuvenated and healthy. LocsDetox products are sold wholesale to hair salons catering to clients with locs and natural hair, as well as to natural/health food stores. They also sell direct to consumers via online store – https://locsdetox.com

LocsDetox Launches New Signature ProductRead More

Patently true. The Armoire home grow system receives U.S. Patent approval.

January 25, 2022 // by admin

Founders Vincent Bitetti and Eric Robichaud always thought they had created a very different and unique home grow cabinet in The Armoire. The U.S. government has agreed and issued an official patent, US 11,083,139 for The Armoire, an heirloom furniture-inspired look, child proof lock, ergonomic design and even your most judgmental and disapproving aunt would not suspect that you are growing cannabis in your living room, home office or den.

“We are delighted to have the government concur that The Armoire is unique,” notes Bitetti and added, “and we are equally enthusiastic to have our intellectual property safeguarded from being knocked off. The real winner is the cannabis aficionado who can benefit from The Armoire and predictably grow an impressive yield of 3-5 ounces of dried, hand-crafted flower in as little as 60 days with minimal effort and expertise.”

Robichaud asserted, “The patent demonstrates the measurable, definable difference of our home grow cabinet versus home grow tents and other gadgets. Vincent and I have put over four years of blood, sweat and tears into developing a turnkey environment that makes cannabis cultivation easy and fun.”

The patent was filed by Matthew Miller of MG Miller Intellectual Property Law LLC, a leader in cannabis law.

The flagship product of Green Goddess Supply, The Armoire requires less than two minutes of care daily to garner an impressive yield of 3-5 ounces of dried, hand-crafted flower in as little as 60 days, with no prior experience necessary.

Measuring just over four feet tall (50”) and just over 2 feet wide (25”), The Armoire is an impressive size and arrives essentially set up and ready to grow. Sturdy and solid, it can be unboxed and up and running in about 30 minutes, so that even the cannabis curious can start growing immediately on day one. If you can water a house plant once a day, then you can now grow clean, healthy, top shelf bud quickly and easily, with no experience necessary.

The Armoire is available in three finishes – Black, Cherry and Barn Board (aka “Shabby Chic”). The models are currently priced at $1,595 MSRP.

Equipped with a high quality Australian carbon scrubber and 12 spectrum and high PAR, low-heat proprietary LED lighting, The Armoire inhibits mold, odor and pests. As a closed system, it is extremely quiet and also makes it difficult for pests to gain access. Childproof magnetic locks ensures that no one accidentally opens the cabinet.

Each Armoire comes with 90 days of complimentary concierge support. Live and experienced cultivators answer questions and trouble shoot, if necessary.

About Green Goddess Supply

Green Goddess Supply is a “cultivation to consumption” cannabis lifestyle brand offering a line of high-quality products to grow, store, prep and consume hemp flower and cannabis products. The company sells direct to consumers at MSRP through its website, and also offers wholesale and distributor accounts to brick and mortar storefronts and industry distributors. Green Goddess Supply strives to exceed expectations and delight customers with quality products and amazing customer service.

The Armoire is a trademark of Green Goddess Supply. Green Goddess Supply is a privately held company headquartered in Boston, MA with additional distributions centers in Los Angeles, CA; Long Island City, New York and Pooler, Georgia. For more information about Green Goddess Supply, visit the website at https://www.GreenGoddessSupply.com/

Patently true. The Armoire home grow system receives U.S. Patent approval.Read More

Moving Dynamic or Static Loads – Emerson Bearing Boston Rolls Out Motion Transmission Components to Solve a Variety of Challenges

January 21, 2022 // by admin

Emerson Bearing, a Boston, MA-based bearing company catering to niche markets nationwide and the sister company of Action Bearing which serves the New England market, has expanded their bearing line of motion transmission components known as Track Rollers.

Track rollers, which are also referred to as idler rollers, are motion transmission components designed to work with all varieties of tracks. They see use in conveyor systems, cam drives, and a wide range of similar material handling systems. Among its many applications, track rollers can be found in robotic welders, assembly and paint line conveying systems, automated storage and retrieval systems, and fracking equipment.

Critical to Track & Rail Operations
Regardless of the material or machine, these components play a critical role in track and rail operations. When selected, employed, and maintained properly, they facilitate system operations, allowing for greater speed and efficiency.

From automotive assembly, food and beverage production and metal processing to pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, shipbuilding and wood products – there are many industries employing track rollers.

Track rollers are available with outer ring running surfaces or cylindrical (or flat) outer ring running surfaces. While the ideal variety of track roller varies depending on intended use and application, the outer ring running surface is widely considered the gold standard.

Operating in Extreme Temperatures & Other Special Features
Emerson Bearing offers four configurations of track rollers: Plain O.D.; Flanged O.D.; V-Groove and U-Groove. Custom designs and special features for track rollers include: Crowned profiles; Double-flange rollers; Non-metallic construction materials (e.g., urethane, nylon, etc.); Specialty plating (e.g., zinc, chrome, etc.); Specialty seals and lubricants; Operating temperatures ranging from -30–225 °F; and Special seals and lubrication provisions, which allow for operations in extreme temperature environments from -40–325 °F.

“Track rollers are specifically designed to handle applications with a combination of axial and radial loads,” explained Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing Boston. “It’s important to note that when selecting a track roller, there are several key factors to consider, including the type of load being moved, how the load will be applied, and the motion requirements and restrictions.”

Emerson Bearing serves 16 major markets and their team of experts can assist in selection of the right track roller for its specific application and requirements. To speak with an Emerson Bearing expert, contact 800-225-4587 or visit EmersonBearing.com.

About Emerson Bearing Boston
Founded in 1957, Emerson Bearing Boston specializes in bearings for niche markets nationwide. The company provides solutions to a variety of industries including: aggregate, concrete, mining, machine tools, electric motor repair, marine, material handling, metal processing, packaging, food processing, paper converting, printing, wind/power generation, recreation, heavy construction, robotics, automation, transportation, wood products, wastewater treatment, pump, compressor and oil field.

Emerson Bearing Boston offers customers a one-stop shopping experience. With an online product catalog with over 3 million bearings – ranging in size from 3mm to tunnel-boring
15-foot-diameter giants; a vast inventory of bearings; worldwide sourcing; a fixed price program; a knowledgeable staff; same day shipping and 24/7 service, Emerson Bearing Boston has become a leading provider of bearings in the U.S. They are the sister company of Action Bearing, which serves the New England market, and maintain headquarters at 201 Brighton Ave. Boston, MA. For more information, visit www.emersonbearing.com or call 800-225-4587.

Moving Dynamic or Static Loads – Emerson Bearing Boston Rolls Out Motion Transmission Components to Solve a Variety of ChallengesRead More

Go to the head of the class. Free webinar demystifies College admissions.

January 18, 2022 // by admin

Finding the right fit for each student and the best financial package.

RAYNHAM, MA… Overwhelmed by college applications, FAFSA and the enormity of the college admissions task? This is often the biggest challenge of a lifetime from many families.

A free webinar entitled “Go to the head of the class – Demystifying College Admissions” is scheduled for Wednesday evening, February 2, 2022. 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. The complimentary virtual event is led and sponsored by Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, founder of Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI); Patricia Regan, Vice President and Financial Consultant, RT Investment Services; and Mohamad Omran, Owner and Center Director, Mathnasium of Marshfield and Plymouth, MA.

There is no charge for the online event, but event will be limited to 50 people and reservations are required. Please RSVP to: https://conta.cc/3Kc3DOx

Topics will include how to find a college/university that is a good match for your student’s interests, lifestyle and budget; how to maximize merit scholarship dollars; how to find other financial resources including home equity, 529 plans and other strategies; managing math requirements/challenges; and how to track all important deadlines for testing, applications and forms.

Who should attend? High school students, including freshman, sophomores and juniors and their families. The earlier in the college application process the better.

Wisconsin Early Autism Project Opens New Location in Oshkosh

January 12, 2022 // by admin

The Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP), part of LEARN Behavioral, a national organization of providers serving children with autism and other special needs, has recently opened the doors of their new Learning Center at 2905 Universal Street, Oshkosh, WI 54904.

A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony with WEAP’s leadership team was held Wednesday, December 15, 2021. The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce and the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce welcomed the company during the ribbon cutting. The event had a Winter Wonderland theme and refreshments and tours of the center followed the ribbon cutting ceremony. To add to the festivities, Santa Claus was onsite for pictures with families.

WEAP’s Oshkosh team is led by Clinical Director Kerry Hoops, MA, BCBA along with Assistant Clinical Directors Jamie Schuh, BCaBA and Brittney Wallin, Managing Behavior Analyst. The Oshkosh location serves children and families throughout the counties of Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Outagamie, Waupaca, Waushara, and Winnebago.

WEAP is the first provider of autism services in Wisconsin. With more than 25 years of clinical research and practice, WEAP is a world-renowned leader in early comprehensive behavioral treatment for young children with autism. To meet significant demand for their services in the area, WEAP continues to add to the Oshkosh team. The company intends to hire additional full- and part-time behavior technicians.

WEAP’s clinicians provide individualized, evidence-based programs in their Learning Centers, in client’s home and community, and in schools. Their applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy services include diagnostic services, home services, special skills group services, and teleABA (telehealth) services.

For more information about WEAP Oshkosh, visit https://wiautism.com/locations/oshkosh/

WEAP also has locations in Brookfield, Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Oak Creek. For more information about WEAP, visit www.wiautism.com

About LEARN Behavioral
LEARN Behavioral specializes in using contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) to nurture the unique potential of children and young adults with autism. With clinical insights and best practices refined through our decades of service to the autism community, we support more than 5,000 clients through brands that include WEAP, AST, BACA, BCI, Total Spectrum, Trellis, SPARKS, and Priorities ABA. Our team consists of more than 30 doctoral-level clinicians, 450 board certified behavior analysts® (BCBAs), and 4,000 behavior technicians who share a common mission: to find success for every child in our care.

“Connecting the Autism Community One Podcast at a Time”
LEARN Behavioral provides valuable insight and information from inspiring individuals in the autism community through their unique All Autism Talk podcast found on Spotify, Apple, Blog Talk Radio, Google Podcasts, and on their website at www.learnbehavioral.com/allautismtalk.

Wisconsin Early Autism Project Opens New Location in OshkoshRead More

Special Holiday Meals Delivered to Seniors at Wareham COA, Agawam Village and Redwood Park

December 28, 2021 // by admin

Special holiday meals were provided to 175 older adults at the Wareham Council on Aging (COA) and at Agawam Village and Redwood Park Housing Authority locations on Thursday, December 23rd.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns, thanks Covanta and their staff for providing these special holiday meals and also volunteering to deliver them alongside OCES to older adult consumers in their Nutrition program.

“Food insecurity is an important issue facing many older adults. We are grateful to Covanta and their amazing team for their generous donation and delivery of holiday meals that helps make the season even more special,” said Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer at OCES.

Nutrition Program
OCES’ Nutrition Program, which consists of Meals on Wheels, Community Dining, and Grab & Go meals, is critical to many older adults. Through OCES’ Nutrition Program, hundreds of nutritious meals are delivered each day to adults age 60+ living within 23 communities in greater Plymouth County. These “Meals on Wheels” are essential, nutritionally-sound and satisfying meals planned by a nutritionist. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, the meals are delivered to individual homes. For many of OCES’ most vulnerable older adults and individuals with disabilities, the delivery is not only a delicious meal, it is often the only social contact of the day. A connection to the community through Meals on Wheels is also a safety check to make sure these individuals are okay.

Our Meals on Wheels and Community Dining menus are published in COA newsletters and on OCES’ website at https://www.ocesma.org/nutrition-menu/. For more information about Meals on Wheels or Community Dining, call OCES at (508) 584-1561.

About Covanta
Powering Today. Protecting Tomorrow.
With locations in Massachusetts and beyond, Covanta’s mission is “To build a safer, cleaner, more prosperous world by ensuring no waste is ever wasted.” To learn more, visit https://www.covanta.com

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Special Holiday Meals Delivered to Seniors at Wareham COA, Agawam Village and Redwood ParkRead More