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Local Volunteers Awarded at Appreciation Luncheon

Left to right:  Rita Pope, Mary Beth Ryan from Plymouth Center for Active Living accepting the award on behalf of Edward Sore, Sandra Ivers, John Durnan, Mike Pauley, Donna Blaschke, John Melchin, and Lindsey Snyder from OCES’ Money Management Program accepting the awards on behalf of Ellen Jacobs and Ellen Lash.

BRIDGEWATER, BROCKTON, DUXBURY, EASTON, KINGSTON, MIDDLEBORO, PEMBROKE, PLYMOUTH, MA… 
 
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, honored volunteers at a special luncheon and awards ceremony held at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, MA.
 
A total of 130 attendees attended the appreciation luncheon.
 
“It is through the unwavering support of all of our volunteers that many OCES programs and Community Service Partner programs are better able to assist those in need,” said Armindo Rocha, OCES’ Volunteer Programs Manager. “We recognize and thank all of our generous volunteers for their tremendous dedication to helping others and our communities.”
 
Armindo Rocha and Cidalia America, OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator, hosted the appreciation luncheon and presented awards. 
 
OCES presented the Make a Difference Award to 12 outstanding volunteers in recognition of their dedication to helping others and making a meaningful impact in the community: 
 
Tom Adduci, Bridgewater Meals On Wheels (MOW) volunteer; Ellen Lash, Ellen Jacobs and John Durnan volunteers for OCES’ Money Management Program (MMP) in Brockton; Mike Pauley and Sandra Ivers, Brockton MOW volunteers; Beth Kelley and Bob Kelley, Duxbury MOW volunteers; Rita Pope, Easton MOW volunteer; Donna Blaschke, Middleboro MOW volunteer; John Melchin, Pembroke MOW volunteer; and Edward Sore, Plymouth MOW volunteer.
 
OCES had the pleasure of having Mark Grossman give a brief statement on behalf of Abbott Care, the premiere sponsor.
 
Volunteering for OCES
With the help of more than 550 Nutrition Program volunteers, OCES serves 2,600 meals every weekday as part of its MOW services. MMP volunteers, assist older adults and individuals with disabilities with bill paying, reconciling bank statements, balancing checkbooks, and in special cases negotiating debt with creditors. Volunteers also serve on the OCES Board of Directors, participate in the MMP Advisory Board, and contribute to many other important efforts. 
 
OCES’ is proud to have a Volunteer Center in Plymouth which serves as a central resource for volunteers and service partners offering volunteer opportunities in Plymouth County. Prospective volunteers can talk one-on-one with volunteer program staff who can assist them in their search for volunteering opportunities that fit their skills and interests. The Volunteer Center is equipped with computers for researching volunteer opportunities as well as brochures and other literature from organizations seeking volunteers.
 
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit https://ocesma.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities
 
About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org

Local Volunteers Awarded at Appreciation LuncheonRead More

LEARN Behavioral Opens Doors of New Autism Learning Center in Victorville, CA.

No Waitlist and Flexible Hours for Inland Empire Families­­

VICTORVILLE, CA… Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to announce the opening of its new Victorville Learning Center at 15450 W Sand Street, Victorville, CA 92392. 
 
AST is Victorville’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children ages 2-10 years. The new Victorville Learning Center provides Early Intervention, center-based ABA therapy, in-home ABA therapy, school-based services, parent education and Social Skills Programs.
 
The Victorville Learning Center is a member of the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce.
 
“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families by expanding our services to Riverside and San Bernadino counties,” said Hayley Peck, M.A., BCBA, Senior Clinical Director. “We value being a part of the Inland Empire community and look forward to helping find success for every child in our care.” 
 
Key Features of the Victorville Learning Center:
 
-Large facility which includes an indoor gross motor area for physical and social development.
-ABA therapy, which includes a classroom-like environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.
-Center-based services in Victorville, an area where there is minimal access to services. 
-Assent-based learning, child-focused, and parent education as part of therapy.
-No waitlist and flexible treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules.
-Serving children 2-10 years old with personalized therapy plans.
-Conveniently located and easily accessed via I-215 and I-15 for families in the region.
 
The center is now enrolling new clients based in Victorville, Hesperia, Adelanto, Oak Glen, Apple Valley, Phelan, Pinion Hills, Oro Grande, Helendale, and Lucerne Valley with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.
 
About AST
AST, part of the LEARN Behavioral network, is one of the nation’s leading providers of compassionate autism care. The Victorville Learning Center is AST’s fourth center-based ABA therapy location in the Inland Empire, with existing Learning Centers in Riverside, Menifee, and Temecula, CA.
 
For more information or to enroll a child at the Victorville Learning Center, call (866) 727-8274 or visit https://autismtherapies.com/locations/inland-empire
 
About LEARN Behavioral
LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder. With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of research-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.


 

LEARN Behavioral Opens Doors of New Autism Learning Center in Victorville, CA.Read More

Raising awareness of elder abuse at “March Against Elder Abuse” event held in Brockton. Second March to be held in Plymouth on June 26. 

Left to Right: Teresa Kourtz, OCES Protective Services Director and AGE Secretary Robin Lipson

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… More than 150 participated in the March Against Elder Abuse on Thursday, June 12, 2025 that began at the Brockton Council on Aging (COA), 10 Father Kenney Way, proceeded down Main Street to OCES’ office, then returned to the COA.
  
The one-mile march was an effort to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of elder abuse and promote a safer, more supportive environment for older adults in the community. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) held the event in partnership with the Brockton COA, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.
 
“The March Against Elder Abuse, which is centered around World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, is an opportunity to increase awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “Thank you to everyone who participated in our Brockton March and to those who have joined the movement to take the lead against elder abuse. We must continue to work together to raise awareness of this critical issue.” 
 
Robin Lipson, Secretary of Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE) offered opening remarks at the event. Jonathan Fielding, Regional Manager of AGE, Mayor Robert Sullivan, City of Brockton; Alfred DeGirolamo, Office of Senator Michael Brady; State Representative Rita Mendes, Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald, State Representative Michelle Dubois, Brockton Fire Chief Brian Nardelli, Alisa DeLage, OCES Chief Programs Officer, Anna Dee, OCES Chief Operating Officer, and Mark Grossman, AbbottCare Director of Marketing were also in attendance.
 
After the march, a luncheon was held which included special guest speakers Joseph McDonald, Plymouth County Sheriff; Robert Sullivan, Brockton Mayor; Janice Fitzgerald, Brockton COA Director; Robin Lipson, Secretary of AGE, Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director and Kathy Kats, AbbottCare.
 
The “Pat Foley Advocacy Award” in memory of Pat Foley, a longtime OCES employee, volunteer and advocate, was presented to Firefighter Peter Reardon, of the Brockton Fire Department. 
                                                                              
Kourtz continued, “Elder abuse is known as a ‘silent problem’. It is estimated that only 1 in 14 cases are reported, which is why raising awareness of elder abuse, and its signs are so very important.”
 
Join the Movement
A second March Against Elder Abuse will be held in Plymouth on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 11am to 2pm beginning at the Tavern on the Wharf, 6 Town Wharf, Plymouth. The one-mile march will be followed by a light lunch. Sign-in begins at 10:30 am. Anyone interested in participating in the March down Main Street (in downtown Plymouth) can register for free by visiting: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/brzkg8s?mode=preview&source_id=11acad85-5e3d-4587-a47b-48e8c4cd883d&source_type=em&c=
  
In addition to participating in March Against Elder Abuse events, you can get involved by sponsoring these initiatives, sharing educational materials within your networks to raise awareness, or making a donation to support OCES’ Protective Services Department in its efforts to advocate for and assist older adults.
 
This year’s March Against Elder Abuse events are proudly sponsored by AbbottCare, Inc.  For more information about the sponsor, please visit https://www.abbottcare.com/. Thank you to all our sponsors; Plymouth County District Attorney, Home Health Resources, Inc., Bluestone Bank, HarborOne Bank, Plymouth County Sheriff, Rotary Club of Brockton, and Almeida & Carlson Insurance. 
 
Recognizing Elder Abuse
According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence, 43,617 elder abuse reports were received during Fiscal Year 2024.
 
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; neglect; self-neglect; and financial exploitation. 
 
OCES’ Protective Services Program staff works with older adults, or their designees, to prevent, eliminate, or remedy situations involving elder abuse. When a report is made to the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) and the Older Adult resides in our service area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation by a Protective Services Worker is necessary.
 
If you have concerns, please contact your local Protective Services Agency. To report elder abuse, contact the Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275.
 
To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://elderjustice.usc.edu/weaad-home/
 
About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

Raising awareness of elder abuse at “March Against Elder Abuse” event held in Brockton. Second March to be held in Plymouth on June 26. Read More

LEARN Behavioral Opens New Autism Learning Center in Lawrence, MA. Ribbon-Cutting to be held on June 23

No Waitlist and Flexible Hours for Essex County Area Families­­
 
LAWRENCE, MA… Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to announce the grand opening of its new Lawrence Learning Center with a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on June 23, 10:00 am at 360 Merrimack Street, Suite 132, Lawrence, MA 01843. 
 
BCI is Lawrence’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children ages 2-6 years. The new Lawrence Learning Center provides diagnostics, Early Intervention, center-based ABA therapy, and in-home ABA therapy. 
 
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held with the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce, and attendees will have an opportunity to tour the facility and meet the leadership team.
 
“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families by expanding our services throughout Essex County,” said Meghan Van Nostrand, Ph.D., LABA, BCBA-D, Senior Regional Clinical Director. “We value being a part of the Lawrence community and look forward to collaborating with fellow organizations and professionals to help find success for every child and adolescent in our care.” 
 
Key Features of the Lawrence Learning Center:
 
– Large facility which includes an indoor gross motor area for physical and social development as well as space for family treatment guidance and assessment.
– ABA therapy, which includes a classroom-like environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.
– Center-based services in the city of Lawrence. There are very few ABA centers in Lawrence. 
– No waitlist and flexible treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules.
– Serving children 2- 6 years old, with personalized therapy plans.
– Conveniently located and easily accessible by public transportation for families in the region.
 
The center is now enrolling new clients based in Andover, Beverly, Boxford, Gloucester, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lynn, Methuen, North Andover, Peabody, and Salem, MA as well as in Atkinson, Hampstead, and Derry, NH with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.
 
About BCI
BCI, part of the LEARN Behavioral network, is one of the nation’s leading providers of compassionate autism care. For more than 20 years, BCI has been delivering evidence-based services, helping children with autism find success and reach their unique potential.
 
The Lawrence Learning Center is BCI’s fourteenth center-based ABA therapy location, with existing Learning Centers in Beverly, Brockton, Fitchburg, Framingham, Lowell, New Bedford, Newton, Springfield, Taunton, Wilmington, two locations in Worcester, MA, and a location in Nashua, NH.
 
For more information or to enroll a child at the Lawrence Learning Center, call 508-363-0200 or visit https://bciaba.com/locations/lawrence
 
About LEARN Behavioral
LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder. With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of research-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.

LEARN Behavioral Opens New Autism Learning Center in Lawrence, MA. Ribbon-Cutting to be held on June 23Read More

Honoring Service of Military  Chaplains on the 250th birthday of the United States Army

Chaplains of wide background of faith groups have served the soldiers of the US Army since Day 1 in 1775. They have been in the trenches and on the battlefields alongside the soldiers they served at every step of the fight.

“As we commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States Army, I call on President Trump to approve the long-overdue update to the Chaplain’s Hill monuments at Arlington National Cemetery, so we can add names of chaplains who died in Korea, Vietnam, Cold War, Iraq and Afghanistan not already presented”

That’s Capt. (R) Doyle Dunn USN, Executive Director, National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces (NCMAF), who adds,

“This will stand as a meaningful and powerful tribute honoring the legacy of chaplains across generations, from all branches of our military—those who faithfully served both God and country, those who gave their lives in that sacred service.”

A long-standing effort to add 81 names to the Protestant and Catholic Memorials on Chaplains Hill on Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery led by NCMAF has been endorsed by many national veterans and military support organizations. NCMAF’s membership is comprised of nearly 150 religious organizations who endorse military and Veterans Affairs chaplains. Captain Dunn noted:

“This is a non-partisan project with bipartisan support and two Congressional legislative actions  calling for it to be done. It is time for the President to approve this tribute slated for Arlington National Cemetery”

The enhancement of the Chaplains Hill Memorials has been endorsed by the American Legion Executive Committee, the Association of the US Army, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Navy League Council of NY.

Congress included specific direction in the National Defense Authorization Acts of 2021 and 2022 signed by President to update the Chaplains Hill Monuments. This legislation received staunch support from both sides of the aisle.  The bills provided authority for NCMAF authority to upgrade these monuments.

In 2011, the National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces (NCMAF) led the effort to obtain Congressional approval to erect a monument to Jewish chaplains on Arlington Cemetery section two dedicated on Oct. 24th with nearly 1000 on hand for dedication

NCMAF then proposed to upgrade the Protestant Memorial with a granite headstone, replacing a crumbling concrete headstone and making a new bronze plaque that included the majority of the chaplain’s names who died in service not already named.

Several names of Catholic chaplains who died in service during Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts are also proposed to be added to the Catholic Chaplains Monument.

The project will be entirely paid for by private sources.

This committee has diligently, respectfully, and repeatedly presented plans to Arlington National Cemetery officials, without receiving approval to proceed.  Yet, no action has been taken to update the monuments.

NCMAF has the financing and materials to update the monument at no cost to the Government or Arlington Cemetery. It would replace the aging concrete Protestant Chaplains Monument with a new granite piece in the same shape and size as the current one. The Dignity Memorial Company has agreed to donate the new granite monument and provide installation.

The National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces (NCMAF) is the umbrella organization for 150 U.S. faith groups and the professional clergy representatives who endorse Military and V.A. chaplains. It has erected several monuments on Chaplains Hill in Arlington National Cemetery honoring chaplains who have perished while in our Nation’s service. During the last 75 years, monuments were placed to honor Roman Catholic and Jewish chaplains, reflecting the ongoing sacrifice of these warriors of faith. For more information about the NCMAF, visit the organization’s website https://www.ncmaf.com/ or the Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/NCMAF .

Honoring Service of Military  Chaplains on the 250th birthday of the United States ArmyRead More

LEARN Behavioral Opens Doors of New Autism Learning Center in Riverside, CA. No Waitlist and Flexible Hours for Riverside County Families

RIVERSIDE, CA… Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to announce the opening of its new Riverside Learning Center at 6235 River Crest Drive, Suite O/P, Riverside, CA 92507. 

AST is Riverside’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children ages 1-12 years. The new Riverside Learning Center provides center-based ABA therapy, in-home ABA therapy, school-based services, after school and weekend services, Social Skills Programs, and parent education.

The Riverside Learning Center is a member of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce.

Bri Waterbury, M.A., BCBA, Regional Clinical Director for the new location said, “We value being a part of the Inland Empire community and look forward to providing individualized support to help find success for every child in our care.” 

Key features of the Riverside Learning Center:

•    An indoor gross motor area for physical and social development.
•    ABA therapy, which includes a classroom-like environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.
•    Hybrid schedule, weekend and after-school services.
•    No waitlist and flexible treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules.
•    Serving children 1-12 years old with personalized therapy plans.
•    Conveniently located and easily accessed via I-215 for families in the region.

The center is now enrolling new clients based in Banning, Corona, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Palm Springs, Riverside, San Jacinto, and Temecula with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.

About AST
AST, part of the LEARN Behavioral network, is one of the nation’s leading providers of compassionate autism care. In addition to the Riverside Learning Center, AST has center-based ABA therapy locations in Victorville, Menifee, and Temecula, CA.

For more information or to enroll a child at the Riverside Learning Center, call (866) 727-8274
or visit https://autismtherapies.com/locations/inland-empire

About LEARN Behavioral
LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder. With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of research-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.

LEARN Behavioral Opens Doors of New Autism Learning Center in Riverside, CA. No Waitlist and Flexible Hours for Riverside County FamiliesRead More

Big Y Honors Between Rounds with “Bakery Partner of the Year” Award

L-R: Micheal D’Amour, President/CEO, Big Y; Nicole Schneider, Senior VP of Retail Operations/Customer Experience, Big Y; Jerry Puiia and Joseph Puiia, founders of Between Rounds; John Fraro, VP of Fresh Foods, Big Y; and Steve Nordstrom, VP of Center Store, Big Y.

MANCHESTER, EAST WINDSOR, SOUTH WINDSOR, TOLLAND AND VERNON, CT… 
Between Rounds, the unique bagel shop and wholesale bagel supplier, has been honored as “Bakery Partner of the Year” by Big Y, one of the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New England.
 
Since 2017, Between Rounds has been providing their own locally-made signature bagels to Big Y Supermarkets. 
 
“It’s a tremendous honor to receive this award,” said Jerry Puiia, co-founder of the family-owned Between Rounds. “Our partnership with Big Y has really evolved over the years. It began with just a handful of stores and now we provide our bagels to all 75 Big Y Supermarkets in Connecticut and Massachusetts. We look forward to expanding our bagel flavor offerings and continuing to serve our locally-made signature bagels to Big Y’s customers well into the future.”
 
Between Rounds was recognized at Big Y’s award luncheon held at the Marriott Hartford/Windsor which honored local partners from every department. The “Bakery Partner of the Year” award was presented to Between Rounds founders and brothers Jerry and Joseph Puiia along with Chris Puiia, the son of Jerry Puiia who is also a future third-generation owner. 
 
“We’re proud to have Between Rounds at Big Y Foods as a local retail partner and are honored to award them our 2024 Bakery Local Partner of the Year,” said John Sheehan, Bakery Sales Manager at Big Y. “This partnership reflects our commitment to investing in local businesses, building strong relationships, and growing together through trust, innovation, and mutual support. What began as a small rollout in select stores has now expanded into six delicious flavors available at all 75 of our supermarket locations.”
 
Sheehan continued, “Between Rounds has worked with us to help minimize pain points for our stores and has partnered with us to develop new flavors, helping us consistently introduce fresh and exciting varieties for our customers. It’s been a pleasure working with the Puiia family over the last 8 years. As a fellow local, family-owned business, we deeply value partnerships that strengthen our community.”
 
For more information about Big Y, visit https://www.bigy.com
 
Between Rounds Wholesale Bagels
The family-owned Between Rounds has been in business for over three decades and is the brainchild of brothers Jerry and Joseph Puiia, Staten Island, NY natives. Between Rounds has five corporate and franchised bakery café and bagel shop locations in Connecticut and is a wholesale bagel supplier to more than 100 grocery retailers in the state and beyond.
 
The Puiia hallmark is manufacturing and selling their own bagels, which sets Between Rounds apart from other cafés. Between Rounds has wholesale bagel partnerships with independent, family-owned and multi-location grocery retailers, innovative dairy delivery services, hospitality groups, and others in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Made from the same family recipe for over 35 years now, Between Rounds signature bagels are consistent and meet their wholesale partners’ high-quality standards. All the bagels are locally-produced at Between Rounds state-of-the-art South Windsor, CT headquarters and are delivered fully baked and packaged to their wholesale partners.
 
For more information about Between Rounds’ unique wholesale and franchise offerings, contact (860) 291-0323 or visit https://betweenroundsbagels.com

Big Y Honors Between Rounds with “Bakery Partner of the Year” AwardRead More

Home Care Service Providers Concerned by Stalled FY25 Supplemental Funds

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shares deep concern as critical funding for home care services remains stalled in the legislature awaiting final approval and passage. 

OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts.

First proposed by Governor Healey in a supplemental budget filed in early April, this $60 million allocation would alleviate the considerable fiscal challenges being confronted by ASAPs across the state due to substantial deficits in key home care accounts and ensure that the ASAPs are provided with the funding necessary to purchase home and community-based services, according to Mass Aging Access (formerly known as Mass Home Care).

As the ASAP network awaits further legislative action, a $60 million deficit for the final month of FY25 puts ongoing home care services at risk and creates severe cash flow issues going into FY26.

“We are grateful for the months of conversations with our partners in the Executive Office of Aging and Independence and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services that pushed this funding out of the Governor’s office,” said Betsey Crimmins, Executive Director of Mass Aging Access. “However, our network remains extremely concerned by the compounding challenges caused by the current budget deficit. Our member agencies must continue to provide the critical services individuals need each and every day, while also making payments to our home care agency partners who employ the direct care workers – but this is not sustainable without additional cash flow. We urge immediate passage of this funding to ensure that ASAPs can continue to provide services and pay their providers without interruption.”

“We are very concerned that home care services which include home delivered meals, personal care, homemaking and behavioral health programs may be jeopardized without additional funding,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “These are vital daily services that support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities in our communities.”

OCES joins with Mass Aging Access in the call for urgent passage of the $60 million in supplemental funding to the home care purchase of services line-item that would reduce unnecessary strain and challenges for essential home care providers across the state. These services are proven to be a fraction of the cost for nursing home stays that maintain the dignity, independence, and safety of Massachusetts’ older adults. This funding is key to the continued stability, consistency, and reliability of these key providers and services.

About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 

Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org

Home Care Service Providers Concerned by Stalled FY25 Supplemental FundsRead More

“Keeping it Fresh” with Ovtene. Introducing the Future of Sustainable Food Packaging.

Goni, the general manager at Salumeria Italiana in Boston, slices prosciutto and places it in a tidy single layer on customized ByOvtene deli package system. Once a row is complete, the film sides are brought up to neatly cover the meat – and keep it fresher, longer – before the product is folded in thirds and their label attached.

MARION, MA… Food packaging, in general, is not a glamorous item or a trending topic. Until now.

Introducing Ovtene, the next generation of sustainable food packaging solutions.

Designed to keep food fresher for a longer period of time, Ovtene is the first food packaging to restrict the growth of bacteria.
Traditional plastic alternatives are made of 100 percent polyethylene.

Ovtene food packaging has a unique physical structure primarily composed of calcium carbonate and other trace minerals. This reduces the amount of plastic used by 60 percent while conserving resources and reducing waste. Ovtene food packaging is 100 percent recyclable, BPA free, and no trees or water are used in manufacturing.

“Ovtene packaging technology is inspired by nature to extend the quality and characteristics of food products,” explained Salvatore Giglia, Principal. “Ovtene creates a microclimate for food, similar to that of an eggshell. Essentially, it creates a barrier from second level bacteria which ensures the food has a longer shelf life.”
Ovtene is FDA and USDA compliant. The innovative packaging is breathable, yet repels water and grease. It is also washable and reuseable. Ovtene extends the life of deli meats, cheeses, fresh meat, seafood, produce and baked goods.

Created by a collaboration of three food science universities in Italy, Ovtene food packaging meets Europe’s strict regulations. Ovtene is a company based in Italy, with recent expansion to the U.S. and a North America base in Marion, MA.

ByOvtene deli package system
ByOvtene deli package system

Ovtene caters to retailers, distributors and consumers buying direct. Ovtene offers products for all major requirements of food packaging counters – available in a variety of shapes, sizes, thicknesses, sheets, rolls or bags. Custom print options showcase professional brand. Utilized by many specialty and gourmet food markets, delis, retail locations, fish markets and bakeries, Ovtene’s packaging options include Ovtene Rolls, OvteneZero Sheets, BYOVTENE Deli Sheets and Retail Ovtene Bag and Sheets.

Sharon Jorgensen, Principal and Vice President/North American operations noted greater savings and less food waste for consumers who use Ovtene packaging. “A family of four may save an average of $3,500 annually by choosing Ovtene to store their deli items and other perishables. Ovtene extends the shelf life which essentially reduces food waste due to premature spoilage. Not only that, Ovtene packaging is washable, reusable and 100 percent recyclable, thereby reducing packaging waste.”

She continued, “For example, Ovtene’s state-of-the-art food packaging keeps Parmesan fresh for six to nine months. Prosciutto, smoked salmon, gourmet butter and organic foods stay fresher, longer.”

ByOvtene deli package system folded
ByOvtene deli package system

Award Nominee
BYOVTENE, one of Ovtene’s revolutionary food packaging products, has been nominated for this year’s Deli Business Innovation Award. BYOVTENE, which in Italian, means “try Ovtene”, is a revolutionary film specifically designed to maintain the organoleptic characteristics of food.

BYOVTENE trifold deli systems require minimal counter space and the patented box is specifically designed to distribute individual smooth sheets for quick, simple and efficient wrapping of a variety of deli foods. The innovative packaging film maintains the integrity of deli, cheese and smoked fish items even as it is wrapped and unwrapped repeatedly by the consumer.

Deli Business magazine awards will be announced at the Specialty Food Association’s Fancy Food Show held June 29-July 1, 2025 at Javits Center, New York City. Learn more about the awards and cast your vote by visiting https://delibusiness.com/next-gen-deli/

About Ovtene
More than 150 million sheets and bags of Ovtene® are used each day in Italy, Europe and North America in supermarkets, grocery and specialty stores, delis, butchers, fish markets, bakeries, florists, restaurants, retailers and food producers. Ovtene sustainable food packaging is 100 percent recyclable and keeps food fresher, longer through its unique physical structure. To learn more about Ovtene’s unique products and wholesale or retail options, visit https://ovtene.com.

“Keeping it Fresh” with Ovtene. Introducing the Future of Sustainable Food Packaging.Read More