Unleash the Power of The Press

Client News

Boomers Thriving After the Pandemic

During the early part of the pandemic into early 2021, Baby Boomers, particularly those over 60, had a good reason to be concerned. Beyond being more vulnerable to COVID, many experienced isolation and heightened anxiety due to very uncertain times. On Wednesday, June 30, 4 to 5:30 p.m. EDT, Hey Boomer Podcast Host and Certified Professional Coach Wendy Green will offer a virtual event–Boomers Thriving After the Pandemic—to help Boomers adjust to the challenges and opportunities of a post-pandemic world.

Green has brought together a panel of authors, experts and thought leaders in a special virtual event to help Boomers chart their next steps. The panel includes:

Helen Dennis, a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging and new retirement;

John Tarnoff is a career transition coach, speaker and author, who helps late career professionals transition to meaningful and sustainable second-act careers beyond traditional retirement;

Dr. Sara Zeff Geber is an author, certified retirement coach, and professional speaker on retirement and aging.
For more detailed info on the panelists, you can go to the registration page.

The cost to register is $59. Ten percent of the proceeds will support Meals on Wheels Greenville. Ten percent of the proceeds will support The Walk to End Alzheimer’s. To register, click here.

Boomers Thriving After the PandemicRead More

Car Seat Safety Event at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield on June 26th

Families from Marshfield and surrounding towns are invited to a Car Seat Safety Event at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, 37 Proprietor’s Drive in Marshfield, on Saturday, June 26, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This is a free event.

The Car Seat Safety Event would serve to inspect car seats installed in vehicles and correct any errors in installation.

“Statistics have shown that car seats that have been properly installed have saved many children during car collisions,” explained Massachusetts State Police Trooper Jessie Barbosa who is a certified Car Seat Technician.

Trooper Barbosa and her team would also take the time to educate families in car seat safety, whether their car seat may have been recalled, and whether the car seat they have is right for the age and weight of their child.

“The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield is an essential community connection for many families and provides critical services and information,” said Jim Bunnell, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. “This educational event will help to ensure that children are safe when traveling in a vehicle.”

An Impaired Driving Awareness table, organized by the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, will be set up during the event as well.

This event is presented by the Massachusetts State Police, the Marshfield Police, the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, and the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield.

For more information about the Club, visit www.bgcmarshfield.org

About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  The Club serves families with children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old, and provides critical services the community needs to support children and families over the short- and long-term. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582.

Car Seat Safety Event at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield on June 26thRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Alisa DeLage as Chief Programs Officer

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has appointed Alisa DeLage, MSW, LCSW as Chief Programs Officer. She is a resident of Berkley, MA.

Ms. DeLage is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been with OCES for six years. In her new role as Chief Programs Officer, Ms. DeLage oversees all consumer-facing programs and staff.

Alisa DeLage, MSW, LCSW

Previous to her promotion, Ms. DeLage was the Home Care Program Manager overseeing that program’s supervisors, care managers and operations.

Ms. DeLage holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bridgewater State University, as well as a Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development.

She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). In addition, Ms. DeLage is on the Brockton Visiting Nurse Association’s Board of Directors and the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth’s Community Benefits Advisory Committee. 

Ms. DeLage is passionate about supporting older adults as they age in place, and assisting older adults and individuals with disabilities transitioning from a hospital, rehab, or nursing home back to a community setting.  Prior to her work with OCES, Ms. DeLage’s primary roles were with children and families as they navigated the foster care and adoption systems in Massachusetts. She is now an adoptive parent as well. 

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

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Alisa DeLage as Chief Programs OfficerRead More

The Remodeling Company of Beverly, MA Honored with Regional Contractor of the Year Award

The Remodeling Company, a full-service residential remodeling firm specializing in universal design and aging-in-place remodeling solutions for residents in the Greater Boston area, has been honored with the 2021 Regional Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award.

The National Association of The Remodeling Industry’s (NARI) CotY Awards are the premier awards for the remodeling industry. The National award which is given out one time per year recognizes excellence in remodeling as demonstrated in forty-eight different categories.

The Remodeling Company has been named NARI 2021 Regional CotY Winner for Region 1 Northeast for Residential Interior $100,000 to $250,000, for the project located in Boston, MA.

The Remodeling Company’s objective for the project was to remodel the city condominium into a more sensible space, opening it up for better flow, more storage, and modern day living. The scope involved remodeling the kitchen, common bathroom, foyer and living room/office area built-ins.The condo is now filled with natural light, ample storage, exceptional woodworking (including a custom-made wood beam in the kitchen) and plenty of ease to move about. 

NARI received 435 entries, valued at over $128 million, and The Remodeling Company’s project stood out as the best in the category and region. NARI 2021 CotY Awards presentation was held on April 30, 2021.

According to Gary Moffie, CGR, CAPS, president of The Remodeling Company, “We are incredibly proud to be among such an elite group of remodeling contractors to win in 2021. A CotY Award is a distinguished honor, joining the ranks of the best in the remodeling industry.”

For more information about NARI and CotY Awards, visit https://www.nari.org/Recognition-Center/CotY/Regional-Winners

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, CGR, CAPS, The Remodeling Company is dedicated to creating ideal living spaces to accommodate and enhance their customers’ lifestyles. The company specializes in universal design in remodeling and additions that create functional, inviting spaces 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 such as 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 North Shore Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit https://www.theremodelingco.com

The Remodeling Company of Beverly, MA Honored with Regional Contractor of the Year AwardRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Launches Lawn Sign Campaign for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – June 15th

In an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, is holding a special lawn sign campaign in June.

June 15th is  World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. 

In Massachusetts, 34,812 reports of elder abuse were made in the year 2020.  Nationally, up to five million older adults are abused every year, and the annual loss by victims of financial abuse is estimated to be at least $36.5 billion according to the National Council on Aging.  Seventy nine percent of the five million cases, go unreported. OCES’ call-to-action is for the community and organizations to lift up their voices – and those of older adults – and raise awareness about elder abuse. OCES encourages the community to make a difference and display a lawn sign for the month of June, 2021 to educate others about who to call to report elder abuse.

OCES is creating a number of lawn signs with various sayings to raise awareness, such as “You can make a difference” and “See Something Say Something – Report Elder Abuse 1-800-922-2275”.

To obtain a lawn sign, community members can contact the Brockton Council on Aging (508) 580-7811, Plymouth Center for Active Living (508) 830-4230 or OCES (508) 584-1561. Those who are picking up a sign will be provided with a designated pick-up time. 

Special Banner Raising in Brockton

Join OCES and Mayor Sullivan on June 15th at noon at 144 Main Street in Brockton, MA as he raises the awareness banner in honor of older adults for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Community members can bring awareness to the campaign by displaying a lawn sign at a local business establishment or personal residence.

Sharing on Social Media 

Anyone displaying a sign is encouraged to photograph themselves near the sign, or simply take a photo of the sign alone, and share it on OCES’ Facebook page @OCESMA. This further helps to raise awareness of this important issue of elder abuse. Use the hashtags #ElderAbuseAwareness #LiftingUpVoices #WEAAD when posting the pictures. Follow OCES on Facebook at @OCESMA for more information.  

“Even in these challenging times, with social distancing, we can still work together to collaborate as a community and build awareness for this important issue,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, Protective Services Director at OCES.

For questions, email the OCES team at lmullin@ocesma.org or tkourtz@ocesma.org

Recognizing Elder Abuse

Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or neglect. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million older adults are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. One in 10 Americans age 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. Common risk factors for elder abuse are social isolation, poor physical health and dementia. 

OCES Protective Services Program staff works with older adults or their designees to prevent, eliminate or remedy situations involving emotional, physical or sexual abuse, neglect by a caregiver, financial exploitation and/or self–neglect. When there is a report made to the Elder Abuse Hotline, and the elder resides in our catchment area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation is necessary by a Protective Services Worker.

If you have concerns, please contact your local Protective Services Agency. If you are looking to file a report on elder abuse, please contact the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) at 1-800-922-2275.

To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/

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

Old Colony Elder Services Launches Lawn Sign Campaign for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – June 15thRead More

Wisconsin Early Autism Project Opens New Location in Oak Creek and Is Now Hiring

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 140 E. Rawson Avenue, Suite 201, Oak Creek, WI 53154.

A ribbon cutting ceremony with WEAP’s leadership team was held Tuesday, May 4, 2021, and representatives of the South Suburban Chamber of Commerce welcomed the company.

Wisconsin Early Autism Project opens the doors of their new Oak Creek center with a  grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on May 4, 2021.
[Left to Right]  Doug Milinovich, President of South Suburban Chamber of Commerce; Brooke Marcellis, Clinical Director of Total Spectrum; Heather Bania, Clinical Director of WEAP; Linda Klotz, BCBA and Assistant Clinical Director of WEAP.
 

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. Oak Creek is WEAP’s sixth location in Wisconsin. To meet significant demand for their services in the area, WEAP continues to add to the Oak Creek team. The company intends to hire more than a dozen full- and part-time Behavior Technicians.

WEAP is the sister company of Total Spectrum, another autism provider that is part of LEARN Behavioral. Oak Creek’s leadership team comprises clinical staff from both companies and is led by Clinical Directors Heather Bania of WEAP and Brooke Marcellis M.Ed., BCBA, LBA of Total Spectrum.

WEAP’s clinicians provide individualized, evidence-based programs in the client’s home, at their learning centers, and in the community and/or school. Their applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy services include diagnostic services, home services, special skills group services, and teleABA (telehealth) services. 

“Research has shown that children with autism can make significant and life-changing gains through early comprehensive treatment that is based upon the principles of applied behavior analysis,” said Bania. “We are dedicated to meeting the needs of young children with autism and families in Milwaukee County through our comprehensive treatment program at our new Oak Creek location.”

With locations in Altoona, Brookfield, Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee and Oak Creek, WEAP is one of LEARN Behavioral’s autism providers in the Midwest—and part of a national team of providers spanning 15 states and the District of Columbia. For more information about WEAP, visit www.wiautism.com

About LEARN Behavioral

LEARN Behavioral specializes in using contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) to personalize treatment for children and young adults with autism. With clinical insights refined through decades of service to the autism community, we support more than 5,000 clients across 15 states and the District of Columbia through brands that include AST, BACA, WEAP, BCI, Total Spectrum, Trellis, and SPARKS. Our team consists of more than 30 doctoral-level clinicians, 450 Board Certified Behavior Analysts®, 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 and on their website at www.learnbehavioral.com/allautismtalk.

Wisconsin Early Autism Project Opens New Location in Oak Creek and Is Now HiringRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Hingham Resident as Chief Operating Officer

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has promoted Anna M. Dee to Chief Operating Officer. She is a resident of Hingham, MA.

For two years prior to her promotion, Ms. Dee held the position of Business Improvement Director at OCES. In her new role as Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Dee will oversee the business operations of OCES, establishing goals and priorities for the agency. She will ensure adherence to policies set by the Board of Directors and report to the Chief Executive Officer Nicole Long. 

Ms. Dee’s previous experience includes 12 years at State Street Corporation, Boston, MA., where she held numerous positions – the most recent being three years as Assistant Vice President, Project Manager focusing on corporate initiatives.

Anna M. Dee
Anna M. Dee

Ms. Dee holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine.

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

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Hingham Resident as Chief Operating OfficerRead More

Boston Solar Recognized with 2021 Guildmaster Award

Boston Solar of Woburn, MA has been recognized with the 2021 Guildmaster Award from GuildQuality for demonstrating exemplary customer service within the residential construction industry.

Boston Solar markets, designs and installs residential and commercial solar, as well as energy storage and EV chargers throughout Massachusetts. The company is dedicated to providing superior products, exceptional customer service, and the highest quality workmanship in residential and commercial installations throughout the state. With 4,500+ residential and commercial solar installations completed, Boston Solar has become the most experienced local solar installer. 

This is the fourth consecutive year that Boston Solar has received the Guildmaster Award.

The annual Guildmaster Awards celebrate service excellence within their network of home builders, remodelers, and home service professionals. Each year, they give special recognition to the members who consistently demonstrate exceptional customer service. In order to receive the award, a Guildmember must – at a minimum – achieve both a 90 percent recommendation rate and a 50 percent customer response rate. 

Award-winning solar company

Boston Solar was named a 2020 Top Solar Contractor in Massachusetts by Solar Power World for the fifth consecutive year.  Boston Solar is a rooftop contractor and their ranking was based on installs in the residential market. The company has also been recognized in Boston Business Journal’s “Largest Clean Energy Companies in Massachusetts” List for 2020.

“We’re honored to receive the 2021 Guildmaster Award and very proud of this distinction,” said Daniel Mello-Guimaraes, Co-founder and CEO of Boston Solar. 

To learn more about GuildQuality and the 2021 Guildmaster awards, visit https://www.guildquality.com/blog/2021-guildmaster-award-winners

About Boston Solar

Locally owned and operated, Boston Solar has installed more than 30 megawatts (MW) of solar, powering thousands of homes in Massachusetts, since its founding in 2011. 

For the fourth consecutive year, Boston Solar has been honored with the Guildmaster Award from GuildQuality for demonstrating exceptional customer service within the residential construction industry. For five consecutive years, Boston Solar has been recognized as a Top Solar Contractor by Solar Power World magazine. The company has also made Boston Business Journal’s “Largest Clean Energy Companies in Massachusetts” List. Boston Solar is a member of Solar Energy Business Association of New England (SEBANE). The company is headquartered at 55 Sixth Road, Woburn, MA 01801. For more information, call David Remillard at Boston Solar, 617-858-1645 ext. 225 or visit https://www.bostonsolar.us

Boston Solar Recognized with 2021 Guildmaster AwardRead More

A blooming partnership between Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield and Seaside Gardeners of Marshfield

The center island and community garden at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield has taken root and begun to grow thanks to the efforts of the Seaside Gardeners of Marshfield and the Keystone Club.

Last year, the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s Keystone Club helped the Seaside Gardeners transfer plants from an island that they were converting to predominantly native plants, and beautify the Club’s center island. Seaside Gardeners shared their expertise, teaching Boys & Girls Club members about plants and providing tips for the Club’s community garden.

The Seaside Gardeners, the oldest garden club in the town, returned to the Boys & Girls Club in April to start seedlings and this month to work on the community garden with the kids. The Club’s gardening program involves youth from Kindergarten to grade 12, with the teens getting involved as staff, but learning from the adults. This summer, the community garden will be part of the Club’s summer camp program, and the children will help tend it. Along with that, a specialty cooking camp will be offered, which will use food grown in the garden.

“The children have been very enthusiastic about planting the seeds, watering them and watching them grow,” said Linda Hughes of Seaside Gardeners of Marshfield. “Many children express how much fun they are having and can’t wait to harvest their crops.”  

“We are very excited about our partnership with the Seaside Gardeners and expanding on enrichment and STEM activities through our outdoor classroom gardens,” noted Jim Bunnell, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. The Club has applied for grants to expand the educational program and is currently seeking other funding opportunities. 

About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  The Club serves families with children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old, and provides critical services the community needs to support children and families over the short- and long-term. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582.

A blooming partnership between Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield and Seaside Gardeners of MarshfieldRead More