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Old Colony Elder Services’ Adult Family Care Program Awarded 3-Year Accreditation

Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) Adult Family Care (AFC) Program has been awarded a three-year Accreditation status, the highest award available.

National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) awards the status of Accredited-3 years to organizations, such as OCES, that demonstrate strong performance of the functions outlined in the standards for Accreditation of Case Management for Long-Term Services and Supports (CM-LTSS). Earning NCQA’s Accreditation of CM-LTSS demonstrates that an organization is dedicated to coordinating the delivery of care in a person-centered and integrated manner to help individuals function optimally in their preferred setting.

OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, elected to work with the NCQA to obtain accreditation primarily because their CM-LTSS Accreditation Program closely aligns with the goals of AFC and the values of OCES.

In March of 2018, OCES began the process of seeking accreditation for its AFC Program. This process involved every member of the AFC team – including the Program Director, Care Managers, Registered Nurses, Supervisors, Program Assistant and Program Specialist – as well as many other OCES staff who provided their expertise.

The yearlong process encompassed rewriting policies; constructing worksheets that shape the monthly interactions with consumers; creating new workflows that enable the program to run more efficiently; and establishing new program goals which will help the AFC program serve more diverse populations and expand deeper into communities currently underserved. The process also included the creation of a gap analysis and timeline in order to meet the MassHealth Accreditation deadline of June 30th, 2019. OCES submitted documentation that all standards were met; NCQA conducted off-site review as well as an onsite evaluation.  

“NCQA accreditation is highly esteemed and we are very proud that our Adult Family Care Program has received this award,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “I would like to recognize and thank our AFC team for their diligence in navigating this detailed and in-depth process over the past year. This significant accomplishment is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of the AFC team and our entire organization that came together to see this process to its successful completion.”

OCES’ AFC program serves 151 caregivers and consumers in 39 towns throughout Plymouth, Bristol and Norfolk counties, who have a variety of physical, mental and emotional health needs.

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 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

Old Colony Elder Services’ Adult Family Care Program Awarded 3-Year AccreditationRead More

National Grandparents Day is September 8th. OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program Focuses on Raising Awareness of Resources Available to Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Caregiving takes a financial, emotional and physical toll on caregivers, according to research by the Family Caregiver Alliance. The Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) provides essential support and resources to family caregivers.

OCES is a non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County. OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program works with people of all ages in their service area, providing essential support and resources to family caregivers, including grandparents raising grandchildren.

“OCES recognizes that each caregiver’s situation is unique and complex,” explained Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “With National Grandparents Day around the corner, we’re focused on raising awareness about the Family Caregiver Support Program and the many resources available to grandparents who are raising grandchildren.”

The goal of the OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program is to reassure families that they are not alone and that resources are available to assist them in their caregiving situation. This program provides one-on-one support to create a personalized plan outlining available resources (which includes OCES programs as well as community resources) that are applicable to their caregiving situation.

These resources may include caregiver support groups as well as educational workshops or programs that share techniques to help grandparents and other family caregivers with stress reduction, time management, goal setting, problem-solving, relaxation and more. 

“Caregiving is a difficult balancing act and oftentimes family caregivers are so busy caring for loved ones that they neglect to take care of themselves,” said Long. “OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program can assist grandparents in developing a self-care plan and direct them to resources that would be most helpful in their particular caregiving situation.”

Grandparents and other family caregivers are encouraged to learn more about caregiver support services by contacting OCES at 508-584-1561 or visiting OCES’ website: https://www.ocesma.org/getting-started/caregiver-support/

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 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

National Grandparents Day is September 8th. OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program Focuses on Raising Awareness of Resources Available to Grandparents Raising GrandchildrenRead More

Don’t accept less. Free workshop on Pricing Your Business Service for Better Profit is set for October 10 at the Mansfield BioTech Incubator.

All too often professional service professionals such as accountants, web developers, lawyers and advertising agencies undercharge for their service?  Why?  Good question.  One that this free workshop addresses.

“Pricing your Business Service for Better Profit” is set for Thursday, October 10,  6-7:30 p.m. at the Mansfield BioTech Incubator, 241 Francis Ave Mansfield, MA 02048.  Lisa Raiche, CPA, MST, founder and director of Bodhi Business Advisors based in Fall River, MA.  The accounting and trusted advisory firm helps start up and emerging companies.

The event is sponsored by My Pinnacle Network which hosts monthly meetings for business-to-business professionals at five locations throughout Massachusetts —Braintree, Mansfield, Marshfield, Needham, and Westborough

The complimentary workshop will outline the price setting process – from determining overhead to choosing profit margin to positioning pricing negotiations.

Raiche has been providing trusted business advice for over two decades. She is a graduate of Bentley College – McCallum Graduate School of Business and the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.  She is a Certified Public Accountant. 

“Most small to mid-sized professional service firms are too modest about pricing,” noted Raiche. She added, “Or they are unsure of how to demonstrate value for their pricing structure.  We help demystify the pricing process and help companies thrive. This workshop will provide actionable steps to improve pricing dilemmas.”

Please RSVP for the event at EventBrite – https://tinyurl.com/y2yhogtc, or contact Steven V. Dubin at SDubin@MyPinnacleNetwork.com or 781-582-1061.

Don’t accept less. Free workshop on Pricing Your Business Service for Better Profit is set for October 10 at the Mansfield BioTech Incubator.Read More

Serving up Scholarships for Speech Dysfluency. Tennis Tournament a new match for the Hart Speech Foundation.

Golf fund-raisers are so common that even philanthropic golfers have to make tough choices about their budget and schedule. Thus, Eighth Annual Hart Speech Foundation Golf Tournament has added a new component – tennis!
The newly developed tennis tournament will be held in tandem with the Eighth Annual Hart Speech Foundation Golf Tournament on Monday, October 7, from 4-5:30 p.m. The tennis competition will be held at Pinehills and will utilize the community’s well maintained indoor tennis courts at the Village Racquet & Fitness Club, 30 Golf Dr, Plymouth, MA 02360.
Tennis players of all levels, from beginner/hacker to advanced are encouraged to participate. The donation to participate in this doubles, round-robin format is $95. The tennis tournament will be limited to 12 players.
The Hart Speech Foundation is a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The non-profit organization is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals who stutter through advocacy and scholarships for those in need of services.

Their mission is to identify clients of all ages to ensure that no one is denied the opportunity to achieve more fluent speech. The board is made up of professionals from the legal field, design field, speech therapy and healthcare field as well as individuals with speech dysfluency. The Hart Speech Foundation was founded by the Hart Family in 2011. The organization is managed by Donald P. Hart, the Founder and Megan T. Hart, Managing Director.

The venue for this year’s golf tournament portion of the event is Pinehills Golf Club, the vaunted 18-hole championship course designed by Nicklaus Design in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Golfers and non-golfers are encouraged to participate.

The bucolic expanse was created to rival the country’s most prestigious golf clubs. Conveniently located just off Route 3 at Exit 3 in Plymouth, Massachusetts – just a short drive away from Boston and Cape Cod – Pinehills Golf Club is spectacularly set on over 300 acres of rolling hills punctuated by dramatic, glacially carved kettles and kames. From the beginner to the most experienced low handicap player, every member can test their skills on one of the best championship layouts in Massachusetts.

The golf tournament will feature a modified shotgun format. The tournament will begin at 11:00 a.m. The schedule of events includes registration at 11:00 am – 11:45 am; 12:00 pm – shotgun tee-off & format: modified scramble; 4:30 pm- cocktails (cash bar); 5:15 pm – award dinner, raffle, silent auction.

The registration fee includes golf with cart and awards dinner. Donation is $700 for a foursome or $175 for a single golfer. For the first time there is a dinner only option for non-golfers. Dinner only cost is $65.
Tournament sponsorships are available. Auction items are welcome.
To RSVP or for more information, please contact Don Hart (617) 852-8855 or via email at dphartlaw@verizon.net .

Serving up Scholarships for Speech Dysfluency. Tennis Tournament a new match for the Hart Speech Foundation.Read More

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café of Connecticut Announces Grocery Partnership with Armata’s Market in Western Mass.

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, a fast-casual dining establishment and wholesale bagel supplier, has announced a new bagel partnership with Armata’s Market located at 901 Shaker Road in Longmeadow, MA.

Between Rounds has been supplying their signature bagels to independent grocers throughout Connecticut for a number of years and recently contracted with Armata’s, just over the border in Massachusetts, to supply signature bagels to their bakery department.      

Since 1963, the Armata name has instilled consumer confidence in this locally-owned, independent grocer. Managed by Alexis Vallides, Armata’s Market in Longmeadow is a full-service grocery store offering custom-cut high quality meats, locally sourced produce, specialty food items, as well as homemade dinners that are available Monday through Friday. In addition to a variety of baked goods produced by their talented bakers on-site in their gourmet bakery, Armata’s now offers signature bagels from Between Rounds.

“Everything about a partnership with Between Rounds made sense for us. They share many of the same values when it comes to quality and customer service. At Armata’s, we have a scratch bakery so it was important for us that any partnership would not take away from the experience our customers have come to expect, but rather enhance it. Thankfully their bagels do just that,” said Vallides.

“We are delighted to partner with Armata’s, which is a family-run business like ours, and to have the opportunity to bring our signature bagels to their customer base in Massachusetts,” said Jerry Puiia, co-owner of Between Rounds.  “For bagel fans who do not live near one of our Cafés, it makes it easier for them to obtain our superior products right from their local market.”

Between Rounds has been in business for more than two decades and is the brainchild of the Puiia brothers, who are Staten Island, NY natives.  Between Rounds current locations include South Windsor (Route 5); Vernon (at Vernon Circle Shopping Center and also at 229 Talcottville Road inside the Citgo gas station); Manchester (Plaza at Buckland Hills); and Tolland (adjacent to Citgo Express Gas at 206 Merrow Road).

The Puiia hallmark is manufacturing and selling their own bagels, which sets them apart from other cafés. The popularity of their bagels inspired the Puiias to partner with independent grocers. The bagels are delivered to grocers fully baked so no additional labor is required of the bakery department.

Independent grocer owners or store managers interested in carrying Between Rounds bagels may contact Jerry or Joe Puiia at (860) 291-0323.

About Armata’s 

To this day, Armata’s Market continues to focus on providing superior customer service with a fleet of “good food people”, supporting local growers, and offering many products that simply cannot be found in the larger stores. Armata’s “Made Fresh” concept – with catering prepared by their professionally trained chef right in their kitchen using the freshest ingredients without the additives that may be found in mass produced items – is a good example of how they differentiate themselves from other supermarkets and grocery stores. Their staff includes many retirees with years of experience who mentor new employees in the ways of quality workmanship and customer service. For more information about Armata’s, visit http://armatasmarket.com.

About Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffees and a unique line of giftware.  Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi.

Between Rounds is also a wholesale bagel supplier to many independent grocers throughout the region. Between Rounds signature bagels are delivered to grocers fully baked so no additional labor is required of the bakery department.

Between Rounds locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland and franchise opportunities are available. Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT. For more information about grocer partnership or their unique franchise offerings, contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café of Connecticut Announces Grocery Partnership with Armata’s Market in Western Mass.Read More

Tee Up for Autism Golf Tournament on August 23rd to Support HMEA’s Autism Resource Central

Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Massachusetts, invites the community to the Tee Up for Autism Golf Tournament in support of HMEA’s Autism Resource Central of Worcester, MA.

Tee Up for Autism Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, August 23, 2019, at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club, 284 East Temple Street, Boylston, MA 01505. Registration is at 8:00 a.m. and shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. Golf registration is $130 per golfer.

Funds raised will support the Center as well as help raise money for a variety of needs such as sensory assessments, support group, IEP clinics, specialized overnight camp and more.

HMEA’s Autism Resource Central is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide autism support and services for children, adults and their families in central Massachusetts. The center serves more than 3,600 families. 

BCI, which is headquartered in Worcester with satellite offices in Springfield, Fitchburg, and Tewksbury, is proud to be the Lunch Sponsor for this fundraising event. Additionally, a number of BCI team members will participate in the tournament.

“For more than 16 years, BCI has proudly worked alongside Autism Resource Central, serving children and families throughout Central Massachusetts and providing services that increase their independence and enhance their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community,” said Jeff Robinson, Ph. D., BCI’s founder and CEO.

For more information about Tee Up for Autism Golf Tournament or to register, visit https://www.autismresourcecentral.org/fundraising/golf/ or call Wanja at 508-298-1607.

For more information about Autism Resource Central, visit https://www.autismresourcecentral.org

About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com.

BCI is part of the LEARN Behavioral family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com.

Tee Up for Autism Golf Tournament on August 23rd to Support HMEA’s Autism Resource CentralRead More

Jenny Wu promoted to Manager of Client Care Services at FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston.

Jenny Wu has been promoted to Manager of Client Care Services at FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston.  FirstLight Home Care is a leading provider of non-medical home care, helping individuals in more than 30 states achieve the quality of life they deserve.  The FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston office is located at 109 Highland Avenue, Suite 301, Needham, MA  02494.

Jenny now manages the office’s care coordination team, including oversight of all scheduling, client service, and the performance of the FirstLight caregiver team. Previously, Jenny held the position of Care Coordinator. 

Prior to joining FirstLight, Jenny worked in the mental/behavioral health and developmental disabilities systems in Maine and New Hampshire. In her previous roles, she worked with individuals and families in the home, school, group homes and various community settings.

“We are grateful for Jenny’s genuine care for our clients and caregivers, her attention to details and organization, and her commitment to ensuring we are the best agency we can be,” said Wendy Adlerstein, LSW, who became an owner and was promoted to Executive Director in June of 2019.

Jenny grew up living with her grandmother and relocated back to Massachusetts when her family needed additional assistance with her grandmother’s care due to Alzheimer’s.

Jenny graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.S. in Family Studies. She also holds a Certificate in Case Management from Boston University School of Social Work’s Center for Aging & Disability Education and Research.

About FirstLight Home Care

FirstLight Home Care is a leading provider of non-medical home care, helping individuals in more than 30 states achieve the quality of life they deserve. The company has set a new standard in home care by creating an unmatched Culture of Care that drives industry-leading client and employee satisfaction. FirstLight is a lifeline not only for seniors, but for people recovering from illness, injury or surgery; adults with disabilities; and anyone over the age of 18 who needs extra assistance. Care can be provided at private residences, as well as independent and assisted living communities.

For additional information, please contact FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston, (781) 559-0220, https://www.firstlighthomecare.com/home-healthcare-west-suburban-boston/contact/. The FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston office is located at 109 Highland Avenue, Suite 301, Needham, MA  02494.

Jenny Wu promoted to Manager of Client Care Services at FirstLight Home Care of West Suburban Boston.Read More

Hit the Links with the Hart Speech Foundation. Working to ensure more fluent speech one Hole at a Time.

The Eighth Annual Hart Speech Foundation Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, October 7 at the Pinehills Golf Club, the vaunted 18-hole championship course designed by Nicklaus Design in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Golfers and non-golfers are encouraged to participate.

The Hart Speech Foundation is a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization.  The non-profit organization is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals who stutter through advocacy and scholarships for those in need of services.

Their mission is to identify clients of all ages to ensure that no one is denied the opportunity to achieve more fluent speech. The board is made up of professionals from the legal field, design field, speech therapy and healthcare field as well as individuals with speech dysfluency.  The Hart Speech Foundation was founded by the Hart Family in 2011. The organization is managed by Donald P. Hart, the Founder and Megan T. Hart, Managing Director.

The venue for this year’s tournament is Pinehills Golf Club. The bucolic expanse was created to rival the country’s most prestigious golf clubs. Conveniently located just off Route 3 at Exit 3 in Plymouth, Massachusetts – just a short drive away from Boston and Cape Cod – Pinehills Golf Club is spectacularly set on over 300 acres of rolling hills punctuated by dramatic, glacially carved kettles and kames.  From the beginner to the most experienced low handicap player, every member can test their skills on one of the best championship layouts in Massachusetts.

The tournament will feature a modified shotgun format.  The tournament will begin at 11:00 a.m.  The schedule of events includes registration at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm; 12:30 pm – shotgun tee-off & format: modified scramble; 4:00 pm- cocktails (cash bar); 5:00 pm – award dinner, raffle, silent auction. 

The registration fee includes golf with cart and awards dinner. Donation is $700 for a foursome or $175 for a single golfer.  For the first time there is a dinner only option for non-golfers. Dinner only cost is $65.

Tournament sponsorships are available. Auction items are welcome.

To RSVP or for more information, please contact Don Hart (617)852-8855 or via email at dphartlaw@verizon.net .

Hit the Links with the Hart Speech Foundation. Working to ensure more fluent speech one Hole at a Time.Read More

Emerson Bearing Boston Caters to Machine Tool, Aerospace Industries with expanded Ceramic Hybrid Bearing Line

Emerson Bearing Boston, a bearing company catering to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) markets around the world, expands their ceramic hybrid bearing line.

Emerson Bearing offers ceramic hybrid bearings which are ideal for applications that demand superior performance, enhanced reliability, and increased longevity – particularly in the machine tool, aerospace and chemical industries.

Ceramic bearings are comprised of ceramic rolling elements enclosed in a ferrous (typically steel) inner and outer race. Since these bearings are constructed from many materials, they often operate in hybrid capacities. The benefits of ceramic bearings over conventional steel bearings include: reduced weight; increased durability; enhanced acceleration capability; and reduced friction. Ceramic bearings also offer the benefit of not allowing electrical currents to run through the bearing, which allows for prolonged use.

Emerson Bearing’s expanded ceramic hybrid bearing line includes top brands Nachi, FAG, KOYO and NSK.

“As studies show, ceramic bearings can last anywhere between five and 20 times longer,” explained Steve Katz, president. “Not only that, but their running speeds can be up to 50 percent higher. Ceramic bearings’ resistance to corrosion and degradation means they can operate in harsh environments, and their electrical insulation properties eliminate the risk of electrical erosion and pitting of the rolling elements.”

From Satellites to High-Speed Machining & Mixing Applications

Lightweight and vacuum-compatible, ceramic bearings are ideal for satellites and spacecraft, which require optimal weight capacities to enhance flight dynamics and acceleration. They can operate without lubricants such as heavy greases and oils, which tend to attract contaminants that interfere with sensitive electrical components. 

Ceramic bearings are corrosion resistant as well as chemically inert and do not react with harsh chemicals or leach particulates into sensitive solutions, which makes them best for chemical and mixing applications. Other applications that benefit from ceramic bearings are precision instruments and high-speed machining.

Katz continued, “Ceramic hybrid bearings offer unmatched performance in a variety of applications, but are especially suited in machine tool, aerospace and chemical applications. Our experts can assist in the selection of the right bearing to ensure superior performance and avoid costly pitfalls and downtime.”

For more information about Emerson Bearing’s product lines, visit EmersonBearing.com.

About Emerson Bearing Boston

Founded in 1957, Emerson Bearing Boston specializes in bearings for OEM and MRO markets throughout the world. 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 and maintain headquarters at 201 Brighton Ave. Boston, MA. For more information, visit www.emersonbearing.com or call 800-225-4587.

Emerson Bearing Boston Caters to Machine Tool, Aerospace Industries with expanded Ceramic Hybrid Bearing LineRead More