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Providing Support to Working Caregivers — OCES’ CEO outlines benefits of Family Caregiver Support Program at Good Morning Metro South

Nicole Long

Nicole Long, MSW, LICSW, Chief Executive Officer at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), which serves older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, recently addressed the topic of working caregivers at Good Morning Metro South Brunch Edition at Southeastern Technical Institute.

During the special Regional Roundtable/Legislative Luncheon edition of Good Morning Metro South which covered various topics of regional concern, Long spoke to local businesses about the growing number of working caregivers and how OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program may help their employees. Specifically, Long outlined how the Family Caregiver Support Program can provide free services and support to employees who are balancing work along with caregiving for aging family members, grandchildren, or individuals with chronic condition or disability.

“According to research by Family Caregiver Alliance, one out of every six employees in the U.S. is a caregiver to a family member or loved one,” explained Long. 

OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program empowers and supports working caregivers by providing them with much needed personalized information, tools and services. In this way, OCES can help companies prepare for today’s accommodating needs of their workforce.

Long, who holds a Master of Social Work from Bridgewater State University and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) continued, “Handling both work and family caregiving is a difficult balancing act and each employee’s situation is unique and complex. Our goal is to support an individual’s ability to prioritize and manage their caregiving so they have a more fulfilling and balanced work/home life balance. OCES helps caregivers navigate through life’s hardest but rewarding job, while also helping to improve the productivity of working caregivers.”

To learn more about OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program or to arrange for a Family Caregiver Support Program presentation at your organization, contact Brenda Carrens, Community Programs Director of OCES at bcarrens@ocesma.org.

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. 

Providing Support to Working Caregivers — OCES’ CEO outlines benefits of Family Caregiver Support Program at Good Morning Metro SouthRead More

Don’t do Divorce alone. Divorce workshop offers support and practical direction.


It’s impossible to understand how painful divorce is, if you haven’t been through it.

The newly formed Divorce Support Group provides a safe, welcoming place to work through your feelings with other people facing similar challenges. Together, we explore denial, fear, loneliness, friendships, guilt/rejection, grief, anger, and whatever else arises. We will also discuss practical ways to take care of yourself. 

The workshop is scheduled for eight Thursdays,  6pm – 7:30 p.m. March 7 and includes March 7, March 14, March 21, March 28, April 4, April 18, May 2 and May 9 at the Maverick Wellness, 67 Coddington Street, #209, Quincy MA 02169.  Cost is $240 for the 8-week session.  Group support works best when members can commit to attending all the sessions.  Participants are encouraged to sign up only if  they believe they will be able to attend all the sessions.

This small support group (limit is 6-8 members) will provide a safe, accepting space to discuss the emotional challenges of your divorce, talk with people who “get it,” and learn from each other.

Specifically, the workshop explores practical ways to take care of yourself, cope with stress, how to talk with your children, meeting with your lawyer, ways to co-parent with your ex, feelings around the family home, personal belongings and more.  

The workshop was developed and will be led by Frances T. Spillane, a divorced mother of two children and recently remarried.  She is an LMHC and Life Coach who supports clients in creating meaningful, fulfilling lives.

“When I look back at my divorce, I often wonder ‘What was wrong with me?’”  She added, “Why did I try to do it all alone?  Why didn’t I ask for more help? Why didn’t I do more to help myself?  Why didn’t I find more support?  What was I thinking? Having survived that gauntlet, I developed this workshop.”

Fran is on her third career.  Prior to becoming a therapist, she was a tax accountant, then a stay-at-home mom. Her own journeys through transition give her a deep sense of empathy and compassion, as well as the knowledge that change provides the opportunity to create a more joyful life. Her authentic and unconditional positive regard for clients supports their honest exploration of their most important issues.

Fran practices in Attleboro and Quincy, MA.  She earned her M.A. at Bridgewater State University, and her B.A. at University of Notre Dame.

To RSVP, please visit https://www.EmbraceYourFreedom.Net or email FTSpillane.obhi@Gmail.com.

Don’t do Divorce alone. Divorce workshop offers support and practical direction.Read More

Buying a home with an FHA Reverse Mortgage: a new two credit CE class for Massachusetts Realtors.

Real estate agents are invited to attend this two credit Continuing Education class that reveals the little-known homebuying tool that can assist nearly one out of every four of your last-time homebuyers. The class is scheduled for Thursday, April 25 from 9am-11am (registration begins at 8:30am).

The class will be held in the 3rd Floor Conference Room, 100 Grandview Road, Braintree, MA 02184 directly across from the South Shore Plaza and next to the AMC movie theater. Ample and free parking is available.

Although not required, a $20 – $30 donation is suggested.

Topics covered by the 2 credit CE class will include how to use this program to:
• Recover lost listings
• Qualify more buyers
• Sell more expensive homes
• Show empty nesters how they can purchase their mortgage-payment-free retirement home with half the cash

Attendees will learn:
• Which properties are eligible for HECM for purchase
• Which buyers are eligible for HECM for purchase
• What are the consumer safeguards and what does the FHA insurance protect
• What are the rates, costs, and maximum loan amounts

The class will be taught by industry expert, Brett Kirkpatrick, CRMP (NMLS #38612) , of Harbor Mortgage Solutions (NMLS #2846), who has specialized in the uniquely powerful and triple-insured FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (also known as reverse mortgage) since 2001.

The suggested class donation goes directly to the Real Angels Foundation, a 503 (c) non-profit, focused on real estate professionals supporting and promoting local charities, such as Magical Moon Foundation in Marshfield, MA, (helping children battle cancer and other serious diseases) and Heidrea for Heroes in Plymouth, MA, (providing support to local veterans facing everyday challenges).

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Seating is limited so PLEASE only register if you are certain you can attend. RSVP by visiting http://www.RealAngelsAcademy.org or email mailto:info@realangelsfoundation.org.

Buying a home with an FHA Reverse Mortgage: a new two credit CE class for Massachusetts Realtors.Read More

4th Annual Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K Road Race/Walk on April 28. Sponsors Needed.

Start Spring off on the right foot by supporting a great cause! Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has announced the 4th Annual Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K Road Race/Walk will be held Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 9 a.m. at Silver Lake Regional High School in Kingston, MA.

All funds raised support OCES’ vital Nutrition program.

Meals on Wheels is part of OCES’ Nutrition Program. OCES delivers 1,600 nutritious meals a day to older adults and individuals with disabilities living within 23 communities in greater Plymouth County. These “Meals on Wheels” are planned by a nutritionist, and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, are delivered either to individual homes or to Community Dining Sites, which provide older adults opportunities for social interaction. 

More than $11,000 was raised at last year’s Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K for OCES’ Meals on Wheels program.

Sponsor Call

Sponsors are needed for this event. Several levels of sponsorship for businesses and individuals to consider range from Platinum Heel of $2,000 to Silver Heel sponsorship at $750, to Supportive Heel sponsorship at $250. In-kind sponsorships are also much appreciated.

To date, Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K sponsors include: (Golden Heel sponsor) Anodyne Homemaker Services Corp; (Silver Heel) Best of Care, Inc.; (Bronze Heel) Home Health Resources, Inc. and The Mentor Network (Brockton Adult Day Health); and (Supportive Heel) Alert Sentry Group, LLC, Diman Laundry, Greater Boston Home Health Care Services, Inc., Law Office of Paula M. P. Schlosser, and United Health Care Community Plan.

About the Race 

The race begins at 9:00 a.m. at Silver Lake Regional High School, 260 Pembroke Street in Kingston, MA 02364. Online registration for the Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K is $25 for adults; $20 for students age 11-18; $15 for children (age 10 and under) and children in carriages ride free. Runners/walkers registered by Tuesday, April 16th will receive a race T-shirt. 

“Essentially, the cost of one registration for the 5K Road Race/Walk helps cover the cost of one individual receiving a daily meal for almost a week,” explained Nicole Long, CEO. “OCES is committed to this vital program which ensures that older adults and individuals with disabilities continue to receive our Meals on Wheels deliveries.”

To register for the 5K or to become a sponsor, visit  https://www.ocesma.org/5k/

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.

4th Annual Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K Road Race/Walk on April 28. Sponsors Needed.Read More

Old Colony Elder Services Announces New Supportive Housing Liaison Program in Abington

OCES Supportive House Team (Left to Right):  Sydney Rimmer, Congregate Housing Coordinator; Melany Carvalho, Supportive Housing Specialist; Marylew Lis, Supportive Housing Specialist; Elizabeth Weiner, Housing Programs Manager; Jillian Brown, Congregate Housing Coordinator; and Jeffrey Olivier, Supportive Housing Specialist

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has announced a new Supportive Housing Liaison Program in Abington, MA.

Elizabeth Weiner, Housing Programs Manager at OCES oversees this program along with all of OCES’ other supportive and congregate housing programs. 

“OCES works with the housing authority in Abington to support both the residents and housing management,” explained Weiner. “Supportive Housing Programs are designed to create a community environment which allows residents to age in place.”

The goal of supportive housing is to integrate community resources, information, and services for the individuals who reside at a particular local housing authority site, and essentially, to enrich the lives of those residents.

Through the Supportive Housing Liaison Program, a specialist from OCES’ housing team conducts an assessment to determine the specific needs of every resident residing within the Abington Housing Authority.  All residents at these sites are eligible for information and referral services, case management assistance, and access to social or educational programs. Depending on eligibility, many other services are available as well.

For more information about OCES’ Housing Programs, visit www.ocesma.org or call OCES at 508-584-1561.

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. 

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Stonebridge Homes announces new units for sale at Foxborough development, Nadia Estates and Norfolk development, Lakeland Farms.

Nadia Estates in Foxoborugh, MA.

Stonebridge Homes, a residential construction manager based in South Easton, Mass., recently announced the availability of new units for sale in the third building at the Nadia Estates development located at 1 Roseland Street in Foxborough, Massachusetts and a new development named Lakeland Farms located at the GPS address of 84 Cleveland Street in Norfolk, Massachusetts.

The new building, presented as Building B, at Nadia Estates, will be completed in summer of 2019, and will complement Buildings A and C, which are sold-out. Nadia Estates offers affordable luxury living with easy highway access, about one-mile from I-95, Nadia Estates is equidistance to Providence and Boston. Local schools and public transportation are also nearby.

Prices on units at Nadia Estates start at $455,000. For more information please visit https://www.nadiaestates.com/ or to make an appointment please call Nancy Schiff at 617-549-4331.

Lakeland Farms will consist of 32 detached condominium units on a 10-acre parcel of land in Norfolk, Massachusetts. This new high-end community is located conveniently close to the center of town and the commuter rail (Franklin Line) and will pride itself on being highly efficient and low maintenance.

Pre-Construction prices start at $499,900. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact Jean Kulesza with RE/MAX at 617-645-8565 or jeankulesza@remax.net. Website coming soon.

“Nadia Estates and Lakeland Farms are some of the few developments around that enable buyers to customize their unit rather than being limited to the model,” said Nancy Schiff of Keller Williams. “When you take into consideration the tremendous locations and access to major highways and local shops and restaurants, it is hard to pass on the opportunity at either community.”

The available floor plans in both Nadia Estates and Lakeland Farms offer contemporary or traditional styles with designer selections, granite countertops, ceramic tile and hardwood flooring, fine trim finishes, stainless steel appliances, central air conditioning, recessed lighting, certified energy efficient fixtures and maintenance-free exteriors.

About Stonebridge Homes, Inc.:

For more than 25 years, Stonebridge Homes and its team, based in South Easton, Massachusetts, have built and managed the construction of many residential communities throughout Massachusetts, including Tanglewood Estates in Easton, Mass; Boyde’s Crossing in Norfolk, Mass and Briggs Landing in Westport, Mass. Stonebridge Homes has focused on building and managing construction in towns in southeastern Massachusetts, including Dighton, Easton, Foxboro, Lakeville, Norfolk, Norwell, Pembroke and Westport. The styles of these communities have varied from upscale condominiums to custom single‐family homes designed by its in-house architect whose specialty is customizing dream homes that provide space and luxury to households of all sizes. Each development is built with the same commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Stonebridge Homes, Inc. is an active member of the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston and the National Association of Home Builders. For more information, please visit www.stonebridgehomesinc.com or call 508.230.2300.

Stonebridge Homes announces new units for sale at Foxborough development, Nadia Estates and Norfolk development, Lakeland Farms.Read More

If I hear this popular phrase one more time I may SCREAM!”

Great communication is about getting attention, stating a compelling case and making a clear call to action. Simple. Right?

Yes, unless you insist on using current catch phrases, old clichés or dull language.

In the spirit of clearing the air and cleansing headlines, let me start with some of the current snoozers that are in our common vernacular. PLEASE ADD to them.

• Bad optics
• Client-centric
• Customer experience
• Disrupter
• Lean in
• Stay in your lane
• Transparent

What phrases are pushing you onto the ledge? Look forward to cross-pollinating with you.

If I hear this popular phrase one more time I may SCREAM!”Read More

Clear connection for new leadership at ComApp Technologies.

ComApp™ Technologies, LLC. (CAT), a subsidiary of Homisco, Inc., announces a new executive team – seasoned industry experts Phil Apanovitch and Jim Brownfield. The two have more than a half century of telecommunications experience and are household names in their industry.

CAT is newly launched and provides a transparent approach to inmate communications. The innovative organization stresses cutting-edge technology linked with an emphasis on improved communication with inmates’ family and friends. The combination enhances educational and entertainment options for inmates and their loved ones while generating additional revenue and superior investigative features for correctional facilities.

Phil Apanovitch, named President, is also the co-founder of the new venture. He has logged more than 25 years as vice president of sales and marketing in the inmate telephone and technology industry. Under his leadership, numerous companies have greatly expanded and profited from major mergers and acquisitions. Among his success stories are Opus Telecom (FBOP-Provided 1st Inmate Telephone System), Value Added Communications (VAC purchased by Global Tel*Link), Telequip Labs (purchased by Securus Technologies), ICSolutions (purchased by Keefe Group) and JLG Technologies (purchased by Securus Technologies).

Apanovitch is active in the American Jail Association, American Corrections Association, National Sheriffs Association and Habitat for Humanity. He is a Glastonbury, Connecticut resident and a graduate of Central Connecticut University with a B.S. in Marketing.

Jim Brownfield, who is the well-known founder and CEO/CTO of Radical System Solutions, has been named CTO of ComApp. In addition to developing the Radical System, Brownfield is a seasoned Chief Technology Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the computer software industry with blue chip companies such as Jet Propulsion Labs, American Airlines and Federal Express. He earned a B.S. from Western Kentucky University in Computer Science, Physics, and Astronomy.

“There are good, bad, and ugly players in our industry,” noted Apanovitch, adding, “…many years of direct experience in the inmate communications market have helped us develop a win-win business model for both the inmates and their friends and families in concert with our correctional facility customers. The value proposition delivers better technology related to the expanding use of tablets in correctional settings, voice biometrics, data mining and link analysis, and video visitation. The other side of the equation is an honest revenue share with correctional facilities that includes guaranteed payments, commissions on all calling types (including Interstate calls), low “postalized” rates, and an easy to use online payment system for families.”

Brownfield noted, “I’m delighted to be part of a team that is completely transparent in our service offerings, pricing and commissions.” He added, “This clearly positions ComApp as a white hat player.”

To accomplish this new and streamlined service, ComApp™ Technologies has acquired the Controlled Access Telephony System (CATS) from Radical Systems Solutions, Inc. This tested and proven technology has serviced over 600 corrections systems throughout 30 states.

The company also established a strategic partnership with TECH FRIENDS Inc. to provide secure tablets for inmate phone calls, email/messaging, education, entertainment, video visitation, commissary ordering, grievance filing and fund balance inquiries.

For more information about ComApp™ Technologies, visit http://www.comapptech.com or call (888) 809-7014. ComApp is located at 99 Washington Street, Melrose, MA 02176.

Clear connection for new leadership at ComApp Technologies.Read More

Emerson Bearing Boston Offers New Tool – Online Library of Bearing eBooks, Charts for the Woodworking Industry

The wood industry spans a variety of bearing requirements and Emerson Bearing Boston, a bearing company catering to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) markets around the world, now offers a comprehensive online library of eBooks, charts and guides dedicated to the woodworking industry. 

The finishing phases of woodworking requires saws, planers and finishing equipment that use high speed spindles that work under great stress while maintaining critical tolerances. To learn about bearings used in the woodworking industry, reference Emerson Bearing’s Type E Mounted Units eBook and other guides, which include “DualVee Guide Wheels and Components”, “Guided Motion Solutions for Woodworking”, and “Woodworking Precision Planer Bearings”, now available in Emerson Bearing’s industry solutions online library at  www.emersonbearing.com/industries/wood-products/

In woodworking, deep groove radial ball bearings are used for heavy radial loads and relatively low bidirectional thrust loads. Typically employed in high-speed precision applications, deep groove radial ball bearings can be designed with enhanced metal shields or rubber seals. Multiple internal clearances, tolerance grades, and cage designs are offered to suit specific applications’ running precision and speed. Emerson Bearing offers a special solution for woodworking – Radial ball bearings with the P53 designation. The Abec 5 precision accommodates high speeds and controlled runout while the C3 internal clearance allows for the stress and heat buildup of high radial loads.

Dedicated Wood Products Division for Timber to Turning Lathes

Whether sourcing bearings and related parts for finished cabinetry or at the logging level, where heavy duty mounted units and roller chain are essential as the logs are delimbed and rough processed at the sawmill, Emerson Bearing Boston has a dedicated Wood Products division to assist every step of the way. The division is led by Marketing specialist, Lee Holt, who helps clients determine which bearing technologies would be most suitable by taking into consideration the specifications, recommendations, maintenance strategies, fatigue life and wear resistance of the bearing in relation to the application.

“We are dedicated to helping customers find the right bearing for their application,” said Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing. “Our online library is a handy tool specific to the woodworking industry that provides comprehensive information needed in the selection, application and maintenance of bearings.”

For more information about Emerson Bearing Boston’s solutions visit  www.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 Offers New Tool – Online Library of Bearing eBooks, Charts for the Woodworking IndustryRead More