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Nurses are year-round heroes. OCES celebrates nursing contributions.

With 2020 designated as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, and National Nurses Week celebrated May 6th to May 12th, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, recognizes the essential care and contributions that nurses provide to the communities they serve every day.

“Nurses are central in the delivery of care and are on the front line in nearly every healthcare setting, from hospital to health care service agency,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “The role of nurses is essential and expansive, and the need for nurses continues to increase. OCES recognizes the vital contributions of our nurses and provides them with ongoing support and resources.”

OCES has been serving the community for 46 years and currently has a team of more than two dozen nurses who assist older adults and people with disabilities thrive in the community by helping to meet their long-term personal and health goals.

OCES’ registered nurses provide care to older adults through their Home Care (HC) program and Adult Family Care (AFC) program. OCES nurses conduct overall assessments of individuals which includes health and welfare, medical conditions and limitations, fall risk, the need for personal care, formal and informal supports, clinical eligibility for various program, among other needs, then draws from community resources and programs to help provide specific services needed. There is a tremendous collaborative effort between the various disciplines at OCES and with providers in the community.

OCES is continuously looking for talented individuals who support their core values to join their growing nursing team.

Long continued, “We recognize and celebrate the contributions of nurses, particularly during this incredibly challenging time in history. Their dedication to helping others not only strengthens our communities, but makes the world a better place. Nurses everywhere deserve our deepest appreciation.”

For more information about OCES, visit www.ocesma.org

The Year of the Nurse

2020 marks the bicentenary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. In recognition of the contributions of the founder of modern nursing, the World Health Organization has announced 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife. To learn more, visit https://www.who.int/news-room/campaigns/year-of-the-nurse-and-the-midwife-2020

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

Nurses are year-round heroes. OCES celebrates nursing contributions.Read More

Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield Receives 700+ lbs. Seafood Donation to Help Families in Need

When the 40th edition of Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America had to be rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, State Representative Patrick Kearney and suppliers quickly stepped up and arranged for the seafood to be donated to families and children in need.

More than 700 pounds of prepackaged restaurant-grade flash frozen Trident Seafood (originally earmarked for the Expo) was donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield to serve families who would benefit. The seafood included pollock, fillet, shrimp and lobster, which are ingredients many families use in stir fry recipes, stews, and fish tacos. The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield divided the seafood donation, half of it was distributed to 40 local families and the other half to Quincy Community Action Program’s food center for distribution to families in need.

The Boys & Girls Club would like to thank the seafood suppliers, along with Representative Kearney, Jack McGinnis from JD Transport, Charlie DiPesa from F.J. O’Hara & Sons, Inc., Julie Johnson and Steve Meneely from the Marshfield Food Pantry, Chuck Haddad from Haddad’s Ocean Café in Marshfield, and Dan Burke, Boys & Girls Club Board member, for their assistance in coordinating the donation.

“The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield works alongside the Marshfield Food Pantry and Marshfield School Department and has become a food distribution site that serves hundreds of families and children throughout the area,” Jim Bunnell, CEO Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. “Representative Kearney connected with us for assistance in getting this generous donation to families who would benefit. We’re extremely grateful to everyone involved who worked with us in this essential mission to support local families. We will do whatever it takes to meet the needs of kids and communities.”

Serving the Needs of Children & Families during COVID-19 Pandemic

The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield is committed more than ever, to ensure that members, families, and communities have the resources and support they need to navigate these uncertain times. Although the Club is closed for onsite programming until further notice, they are still providing services and doing critical work to help youth, families and communities. These services include:

– Distributing meals and essential supplies to kids

– Providing affordable childcare support to first responders, healthcare workers, and essential staff

– Providing tutoring and age appropriate counseling support

– Supplying access to virtual programming

To learn more about the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield or to access virtual programming, visit https://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.  

Currently, the Club serves hundreds of families with children ranging in age from 6 to 18 years old, providing afterschool, vacation week and summer programs, as well as youth athletics, teen, social recreational and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582.

Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield Receives 700+ lbs. Seafood Donation to Help Families in NeedRead More

Newly approved Massachusetts bill streamlines HECM/Reverse Mortgage counseling via telephone and online video. Seniors can now access Housing Wealth during COVID-19.

A new law signed by Governor Charlie Baker simplifies the “counseling” requirement associated with most HECM/Reverse Mortgage loans.  The new bill, signed by the governor April 24, 2020, opens the door for telephone and virtual online video counseling to take place during the COVID-19 crisis.  

Previously a face to face meeting between borrower and counselor was required. Given the “social distancing” recommendations this had become impossible.

“We are delighted that seniors, age 62 plus, can now move forward with HECM/Reverse Mortgages and receive the financial security and flexibility they need,” noted George Downey, CEO of Harbor Mortgage based in Braintree, MA and a board member of the National Reverse Mortgage Leaders Association, who championed the bill along with a coalition of other stakeholders including the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association.

The new legislation was part of the “An Act providing for a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 Emergency” bill H4647.

Downey continued, “Home equity, recognized now as ‘housing wealth’, has become an important and valuable resource to improve financial planning and extend retirement security. If, how, and when to use it is a key question. Every situation is different and the options are increasing as new programs emerge to meet the changing times.”

Home and condominium owners interested in learning more about their options may contact Harbor Mortgage at 781-843-5553, or visit HarborMortgage.com.

About Harbor Mortgage

Harbor Mortgage Solutions, Inc. is a family-owned, residential mortgage company serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Recognized as a leading housing wealth management authority, Harbor Mortgage is dedicated to serving the unique home financing and often complex needs of senior homeowners, while also promoting those needs among consumers, professional advisors, state legislators and industry regulators.

Harbor Mortgage (NMLS #2846, MA-MB2846, and RI 20041821LB) is located in Braintree, MA. For more information, contact 781-843-5553 or visit HarborMortgage.com.

Newly approved Massachusetts bill streamlines HECM/Reverse Mortgage counseling via telephone and online video. Seniors can now access Housing Wealth during COVID-19.Read More

April is National Occupational Therapy Month.

Adaptable of Middleboro, MA helps visually impaired individuals function at the highest level by providing accessible websites.

During National Occupational Therapy Month, Adaptable digital accessibility service celebrates Occupational Therapy (OT) practitioners and their role in helping visually impaired individuals carry out a number of daily tasks – from preparing meals to paying bills online. Whether teaching an individual a new skill or modifying the environment with adaptive equipment, OT practitioners help individuals carry out important activities. 

Adaptable is a service recently launched by Middleboro, MA-based Shotgunflat, Inc., which helps organizations of all types and sizes ensure that the information found on their websites, apps, and other digital resources are accessible to everyone regardless of vision, hearing, physical and cognitive ability. 

“Essentially, OT practitioners help individuals function at the highest level possible,” explained Mike McKenna, president of Shotgunflat. “For example, an OT practitioner can help a visually impaired individual complete their grocery shopping online by modifying the environment with adaptive tools so they can use technology. But, if that grocer’s website in itself is not accessible, then the adaptive equipment won’t work. That’s where we come in. Adaptable makes websites and apps accessible, which ensures that the adaptive equipment that these individuals are using will actually work when they visit a website to shop.” 

As many as one in five Americans may not be able to use a website because of a disability. Many people with disabilities rely on adaptive tools to use technology. For example, a visually impaired user can utilize a screen reader to help browse a website. If a website is not programmed to meet today’s accessibility standards, adaptive tools will not work correctly, and the user will be left at a disadvantage.

“There are many businesses and organizations that are falling short because they simply haven’t built a website that is accessible. This means that even when an individual has the adaptive tools, they wouldn’t necessarily work,” noted McKenna.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, and website accessibility complaints are on the rise. Currently there are thousands of cases nationwide. Adaptable is stepping up to implement best practices for ADA online compliance. With nearly two decades of website design experience, the parent company, Shotgunflat, is helping companies get ahead of the curve and avoid costly liability.

Adaptable follows a specific set of guidelines that are considered the industry standard and are available to web developers to ensure that the information on a website is accessible to people with visual impairment or other disabilities. 

Adaptable works with businesses and others to analyze their current digital accessibility status, formulate a remediation plan, execute the required changes, and monitor the product going forward to ensure that companies remain compliant over time. 

Adaptable is currently offering a free website audit to businesses, non-profits and other organizations.

To arrange for a free website audit, or to learn more about Adaptable, contact Chris Herlihy at 781-801-5803 or ch@adaptablelab.com or visit www.adaptablelab.com

About Adaptable

Adaptable is a service of Shotgunflat, Inc.  Since 2002, Shotgunflat has been designing and building compelling websites and apps for small businesses and non-profits, as well as marketing, branding, PR and advertising agencies across the U.S. The firm’s comprehensive suite of services includes Adaptable digital accessibility, web design and development for enterprise, and website maintenance and support. 

An innovative leader in accessibility compliant websites and apps for retail, dining, internet and other industries, Adaptable is based at Shotgunflat headquarters in Middleboro, MA. For more information about Adaptable, contact 781-801-5803 or visit https://www.adaptablelab.com

April is National Occupational Therapy Month.Read More

Accessibility and Liability. Adaptable Digital Accessibility Service in Middleboro, MA Announces Legal Division

During this time of uncertainty, many businesses have begun to refocus their efforts on marketing and other strategies amid slow-down. As such, now is the time for law firms to consider their own liability and take action to ensure their firm’s website accessibility.

Adaptable, a digital accessibility service based in Middleboro, MA, has recently announced a new Legal division which caters specifically to law firms. Adaptable helps businesses and organizations of all types and sizes ensure accessibility for their websites, apps, and other digital resources. 

“Website accessibility is an often-overlooked aspect of building, maintaining and owning a public-facing website,” said Chris Herlihy, EVP of Adaptable. “ADA website accessibility complaints are on the rise and not having an accessible website can have some serious ramifications. Our new division was set up to help law firms ensure that the information found on their website is accessible to all users, regardless of ability.”

Case in Point
Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. recently faced and lost an ADA-based website accessibility lawsuit—the first of its kind. Lawsuits against businesses with inaccessible websites are on the rise, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and fines.

Meeting Accessibility Standards
As many as one in five adults in the U.S. have some type of disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. Many people with disabilities rely on adaptive tools to use technology. For example, a visually impaired user can utilize a screen reader to help browse a website. If a website is not programmed to meet today’s accessibility standards, adaptive tools will not work correctly, and the user will be left at a disadvantage.

Adaptable is stepping up to implement best practices for ADA online compliance and helping companies get ahead of the curve and avoid costly liability.

Services provided by Adaptable’s legal division include: 
– Analysis of current digital accessibility status
– Formulation of a remediation plan
– Execution of the required changes
– Ongoing monitoring going forward to ensure that the firm remains in compliance.

Herlihy continued, “We assist law firms by focusing on the accessibility of their digital properties so they can continue to concentrate on their core business. Our legal division provides them with an essential solution for attaining and maintaining website accessibility compliance.”

Adaptable is offering a free website audit to law firms.

To arrange a free website audit, contact Chris Herlihy at 781-801-5803 or ch@adaptablelab.com or visit  www.adaptablelab.com

About Adaptable
Adaptable is a service of Shotgunflat, Inc. Since 2002, Shotgunflat has been designing and building compelling websites and apps for small businesses and non-profits, as well as marketing, branding, PR and advertising agencies across the U.S. The firm’s comprehensive suite of services includes Adaptable digital accessibility, web design and development for enterprise, and website maintenance and support. 

An innovative leader in accessibility compliant websites and apps for retail, dining, non-profit, education, high-tech and other industries, Adaptable is based at Shotgunflat headquarters in Middleboro, MA. For more information about Adaptable, contact 781-801-5803 or visit https://www.adaptablelab.com

Accessibility and Liability. Adaptable Digital Accessibility Service in Middleboro, MA Announces Legal DivisionRead More

Abington Resident Named New Quality and Contracts Director at OCES in Brockton

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has promoted Joelle Bellotti to Quality and Contracts Director. She is a resident of Abington, MA.

Joelle Bellotti

In her new role at OCES, Bellotti will report directly to Diana DiGiorgi, Chief Operating Officer at OCES. She will oversee the Quality and Contracts department and staff.  For two years prior to her promotion, Bellotti served as Contracts Manager overseeing more than 60 plus service provider contracts, provider audits and handling any issues with providers, OCES’ staff and consumers. 

Bellotti began her career at OCES in 2014 serving as a Care Manager in the Home Care Program for one year prior to being promoted to Home Care Program Supervisor. She was promoted again in 2017 to Contracts Manager.

Bellotti is a member of OCES’ Home Care Aide Council Board of Directors.

Bellotti holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Psychology from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH. She is a native of Abington, MA and graduate of Cardinal Spellman High School. 

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.

Abington Resident Named New Quality and Contracts Director at OCES in BrocktonRead More

Got your back during Covid-19. Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island offers help finding care during the pandemic.

In deference to patients suffering from pain and severe discomfort, Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island, representing over 60 chiropractic doctor offices throughout the Ocean State, underscore that many offices are open by appointment or via Tele-Health during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

“Many of our chiropractic physicians are available to patients for emergency treatment,” noted Michael Zola, President of the Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island.  He added, “Many offices remain open for several reasons. One, as chiropractors we want to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits that may expose our patients to Covid-19.  Two, our colleagues are uniquely trained and qualified to provide the spinal manipulation that can help reduce pain and expand range of motion.  Three, the health of our patients  is our first priority.”

Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island encourage all chiropractors to follow the strictest guidelines of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RI DOH).

Many insurance providers cover video/telemedicine at this time. Consumers should double check with their provider regarding coverage.

To talk with a chiropractic physician regarding your health concerns, please contact your chiropractic physician or  the Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island main number – (401) 207-0700. 

Got your back during Covid-19. Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island offers help finding care during the pandemic.Read More

Lawn Dilemma: To seed or not to seed.

Contrary to conventional thought, spring lawn seeding is NOT recommended.  That’s right, Lawn Doctor experts encourage you to wait on seeding.

There are three reasons why you shouldn’t see in the Spring.

First, seed is very slow to germinate in the spring due to cooler soil temperatures according to Tom Norton, owner of Lawn Doctor.  “Even fast- growing perennial ryegrass will take 3-4 weeks when planted in April.” Secondly, Spring is the biological time for turf to reproduce and therefore expends its energy on the production of seed and top growth and not root development. “Turfgrass knows that spring is time to reproduce. It focuses all of its resources on growing tall, green shoots and seed heads instead of a root system. All the water in the world will not be enough to protect your grass from summer stress if it doesn’t have a developed root system.”

Third reason?

Weeds, weeds, weeds! The most important, time-sensitive thing you can do for you lawn is apply a weed and crabgrass preventative, AKA preemergent. If you seed, you cannot apply pre-emergent, and if your grass can’t make it through the summer, it’ll be overtaken by crabgrass. You’ll end up seeding in the fall again anyway. Even if you watered and fertilized faithfully, odds are, you’ll still end up with patchy, bare areas after the crabgrass recedes in the fall. 

Lawn Doctor is a local, family owned and operated business. Over 50 years of serving their neighbors has provided their team with invaluable insight as how best maintain your home’s greenest asset.

Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your lawncare routine or create one from scratch, the experts at Lawn Doctor can get you on track. For more information about Lawn Doctor, visit http://www.lawndoctor.com/or call 800-831-1319.

Lawn Dilemma: To seed or not to seed.Read More

Girlfriend, can we talk? Is selling a dirty word? Woman to woman. Our Sales Coach now offering Sales Training and Coaching specifically for women.

Is the sales environment different for women?  Of course it is.  From expectations to safety.

Thus, led by Christine McIntyre, Our Sales Coach, a Braintree, MA-based firm is offering a new service for women by women.  The initial live virtual training series begins this Spring and runs for 16 weeks.

“Women can approach sales in different ways than their male counterparts. That’s why we are offering a sales training and coaching program exclusively for women,” outlined Christine McIntyre. She continued, “We believe an environment with just women will help them build confidence, develop better skills, adopt an empowering attitude and change their behaviors in ways that will produce faster results.”

Sales is a great career path for women and there are many who have become top producers.  Some become executives, CEOs or successful entrepreneurs.  A sales career offers flexibility and  opportunities for unlimited growth.  Regardless of one’s role in business, sales skills are necessary for advancement.  The success of any business resides in the ability to continuously increase sales production.

There are many coaching, leadership, management training programs for women.  Sales training opportunities for women are typically two hour workshops, one day boot camps or just coaching programs. They offer worthwhile advice and mentorship, but aren’t the type of programs that will produce transformative results.  This is a comprehensive training and coaching program with real solutions for women responsible for revenue growth in their firms.

The series begins with lead generation:

  • Develop a focused market strategy
  • Know how to get the attention of your ideal target
  • How to differentiate
  • Know when to reach out
  • What prospecting channels will work for you
  • Get clarity on your formula for success
  • Develop a system to keep yourself accountable
  • Know what and how to track

Next segment addresses the sales process

  • Building trust
  • Controlling the sales process
  • Finding the compelling reasons to do business
  • Getting commitment
  • Managing the decision process
  • Getting to decision makers
  • Uncovering the budget
  • Successful presentations
  • Handling objections
  • Negotiating
  • Time management

Participants will receive training and one-on-one coaching on each of these things on a weekly basis so they have the time and ability to apply what they have learned. The goal is to change your behavior and teach you the skills to overcome barriers and self-limiting beliefs.

Our Sales Coach helps very capable professionals exceed their business development goals and reduce stress. Clients include service providers, business owners and select salespeople. Sales goals are guaranteed.  Our Sales coach develops a sales strategy and execute a sales process that makes sense for your business and provide coaching and training that ensures success.

For more information about Sales Training and Coaching specifically for women or other programs, visit OurSalesCoach.com or call (781) 930-3220.

Girlfriend, can we talk? Is selling a dirty word? Woman to woman. Our Sales Coach now offering Sales Training and Coaching specifically for women.Read More