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Old Colony Elder Services Offers Award-Winning Program at Duxbury COA beginning in July

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, has announced the next session of the award-winning “A Matter of Balance” program which will be presented at the Council on Aging, 10 Mayflower Street, Duxbury.

Many older adults experience concerns about falling and as a result restrict their activities. OCES will address these concerns at “A Matter of Balance”, an eight-session program at the Duxbury COA. Classes will be held from 9 am to 11 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 17 to August 9, 2018.

Primma-Latise Murry and Donna-Marie Forand, and Pat Livie of OCES’ Healthy Living Department will co-lead the classes, which are designed to help participants minimize the impact of falls and increase activity levels.

A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based program that emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. Older adults participating in the program learn how to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

To learn more about A Matter of Balance program, visit www.ocesma.org or contact 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.

Old Colony Elder Services Offers Award-Winning Program at Duxbury COA beginning in JulyRead More

Placemat Projects Spread Cheer to Hundreds of Meals on Wheels Recipients in Brockton

This summer, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Meals on Wheels recipients in Brockton will receive a very special placemat along with their nutritious meal delivery, thanks to the efforts of Gilmore Elementary School and the Common Threads Quilting group of the Christ Congregational Church (CCC) in Brockton.

The placemats, which are all unique handmade pieces of art, will not only brighten up the delivery of nutritious meals, but also become part of the socialization, friendly smile, and wellness check for many Meals on Wheels consumers living alone.

As part of their “Kicking Off Kindness” and Peace Rally, the children at Gilmore Elementary School in Brockton created over 500 pieces of placemat art that will be delivered to OCES consumers who are part of the Meals on Wheels program. The placemats are cheerful and colorful, with many containing words of encouragement such as “Kindness is always a Good Choice”, “Keep Calm and Be You”, “Play Happy”, and “It’s A Wonderful Time of the Year to be Kind, Joyful and Healthy”.

The Common Threads Quilting group of CCC in Brockton exudes compassion and caring through the creation of 500 quilted placemats for OCES’ Meals on Wheels recipients. The CCC’s mission is creating a beloved community, and the Common Threads Quilting members have been doing so for more than 10 years. In addition to the quilted placemats for those receiving Meals on Wheels, they craft gorgeous quilts for church members who might be ill, or for newborns in neonatal intensive care ward, and many others.

“Old Colony Elder Services is thankful for these wonderful, thoughtful placemat works of art to share with our Meals on Wheels community,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES.

With the help of more than 450 volunteers, OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, delivers more than 1,600 meals each week to Meals on Wheels recipients in their service area.

Long continued, “The Meals on Wheels program is essential to many older adults who are homebound, unable to prepare meals, manage their grocery shopping or able to attend one of our community dining sites. Through Meals on Wheels, they receive a nutritious meal daily, as well as a friendly visit and safety check. We believe that each of these handmade creations will find a very special place in the kitchens – and hearts – of our Meals on Wheels recipients.”

The colorful placemats will be distributed by OCES’ Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers in June, July and August.

OCES Nutrition Program

More than 11,000 older adults participating in the Massachusetts Elderly Nutrition program responded to a statewide survey (Fiscal Year 2017 Satisfaction & Outcomes) which assessed the impact and quality of meals provided at Community Dining sites or delivered to their homes, known as “Meals on Wheels”.

OCES’ Satisfaction Survey results substantiate that their program helps with food security, provides significant nutrition, health and wellness benefits, while also providing a safety check and reducing isolation. Additionally, 82 percent reported satisfaction with the meals – rating them excellent or good. For full results of the survey, visit https://www.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.

Placemat Projects Spread Cheer to Hundreds of Meals on Wheels Recipients in BrocktonRead More

More than 150 Marched Against Elder Abuse in Brockton. Community Activists Recognized.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton-based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, joined forces with the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) to “March Against Elder Abuse”. On June 14th, over 150 members from the community and the two organizations marched down Main Street in Brockton in an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse.

June is designated as Elder Abuse Awareness Month by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations.

Joining the COA and OCES in the effort were Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz, Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter, and sponsors the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, HarborOne Bank, Papa Gino’s, the Rotary Club of Brockton, Sign Design, Roche Brothers, Shaw’s, and the Plymouth Police Relief Association.

Community Activists Awarded
After the march, participants gathered at the Brockton COA where Janice Fitzgerald, Director of Brockton COA and Teresa Kourtz, Director of Protective Services at OCES sharedinformation on how to assist elders in need and answered questions. A representative from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs also participated in the event. Awards were presented to activists in the community who have supported efforts around this issue, including Aguinaldo “Nato” Fonseca, Vice President and Business Development Officer of HarborOne Bank, Officer Anthony Giardini from the Brockton Police Department, and SignDesign.

Last year, OCES’ Protective Services Department received close to 2,000 reports of suspected elder abuse and financial exploitation. Types of abuse include physical, verbal, sexual and financial. When there is a referral made to OCES by Centralized Intake at the Elder Abuse Hotline, a Protective Services Worker investigates the report, provides support, and if needed, information about resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.

Citations commemorating Elder Abuse Awareness Month were presented by Mayor Bill Carpenter from the City of Brockton, State Representative Gerard Cassidy from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Congressman Stephen Lynch from the U.S. House of Representatives.

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to share information and spread awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. As individuals, and working together, we can make a difference,” noted Susan Willis, ASAP Program Director.

Teresa Kourtz of OCES advises, “Help us shine a light on elder abuse. If you see something, say something.”

If you know, or suspect, that an elder is being mistreated or neglected, call the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.

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.

More than 150 Marched Against Elder Abuse in Brockton. Community Activists Recognized.Read More

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Announces New Website

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, a growing fast casual dining establishment with four locations in Connecticut, has recently launched a new generation of their website, betweenroundsbagels.com.

Between Rounds’ new website, now in its third generation, has been redesigned by Noah Vertefeuille, an independent website developer based in Manchester, CT.

The new mobile-responsive site’s layout has been improved and the clean, well thought out design includes new food and beverage imagery which gives the website depth and warmth, while highlighting menu options and creating a memorable experience for visitors.

New and improved components include a career section with an online employment application, an informative blog, a fun facts and children’s activities page, newsletter opt-in, and site menu links that are clear and available.

“We are very pleased with the sleek new design, which is bold, well-organized and extremely user-friendly,” explained Jerry Puiia, co-founder of Between Rounds. “Visuals of our breakfast, lunch and catering options are enticing and it is much easier for visitors to navigate through our site using any device. Best of all, with this platform, we can continue to build onto the site. Future site enhancements may include an online ordering system.”

For more information, visit betweenroundsbagels.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 betweenroundsbagels.com.

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The South Shore’s Low Vision Group to Meet June 18th at TIC

Talking Information CenterThe South Shore’s Low Vision Group will hold its second meeting on Monday, June 18, 2018.

Talking Information Center (TIC) of Marshfield, MA, has teamed up with the Marshfield Council on Aging, Duxbury Senior Center, Kingston Council on Aging, and the Plymouth Center for Active Living to host an ongoing collaborative Low Vision Group on the South Shore.

Individuals with low vision and those who know someone with low vision are invited to attend the Low Vision Group which will meet at TIC, 130 Enterprise Drive in Marshfield on Monday, June 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Scott Krug, president of New England Low Vision and Blindness, will be the guest speaker. The topic of discussion is Technology. A light lunch will be provided.

Anyone who is unable to attend the support group may tune in to TIC’s live broadcast of the Low Vision Group at noon on that day. Visit TIC’s website www.ticnetwork.org or contact 781-834-4400 to learn about the many ways to listen to TIC.

To reserve a seat at the Low Vision Group, or if you are in need of transportation to the group on June 18th, RSVP to your local Senior Center or Council on Aging.

This event is sponsored by New England Low Vision and Blindness. For more information visit www.nelowvision.com.

The Hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network

Based in Marshfield, MA, TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. The non-profit reading service operates with the help of more than 600 volunteers statewide, broadcasting newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. TIC also offers cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry. TIC’s newest programming includes the Radio and Podcast Players and Veterans Voice.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

In 1977, Ed Perry, the founder of radio station WATD-FM in Marshfield, MA, donated his Subsidiary Carrier Authorization signal for use as the first radio reading service in New England. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs oversees TIC, which is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

The South Shore’s Low Vision Group to Meet June 18th at TICRead More

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Cafe Rolling Out the Bagels for Project Graduation

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, a growing fast casual dining establishment with four locations in Connecticut, is rolling out bagels for Project Graduation.

Project Graduation is an all-night alcohol- and drug-free celebration for graduating high school seniors that provides them with an entertaining, safe and memorable experience. Fundraisers and donations support Project Graduation along with support from parents, local businesses, individuals and organizations.

Between Rounds donates hundreds of bagels for Project Graduation events and in the past, has supported Manchester High School, East Catholic High School, Bolton High School, Glastonbury High School, South Windsor High School and other schools with bagel donations.

“We wholeheartedly support Project Graduation which honors graduating seniors in a safe, substance-free celebration,” explained Jerry Puiia, co-founder of Between Rounds. “We’ve been providing bagels for Project Graduation for a number of years now.”

Project Graduation organizers for local schools within their market area are encouraged to contact Jerry Puiia at Between Rounds corporate office in South Windsor to arrange for bagel donations – (860) 291-0323.

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.

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Nutrition Workshops on June 11th and 14th

“Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes” (BKDD) week is June 9-15, 2018 and Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, will hold two fun and educational nutrition workshops.

OCES has joined the coalition of Old Colony YMCA and more than 40 other area organizations in this weeklong event dedicated to raising diabetes awareness through workshops, seminars and events.

Nutrition Workshops

On Monday, June 11, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., OCES joins Brockton Council on Aging to present “That’s a Handful?! Portion Size Matters” workshop at Brockton Adult Day Health Center, 764 N. Main Street in Brockton. Donna-Marie Forand, Healthy Living Program Coordinator at OCES and Dorothy Slack, RN of Brockton Council on Aging will the lead this fun workshop where you measure food portions to test your guesses.

On Thursday, June 14, 2018, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., OCES will present “Healthy Eating at the Dollar Store” workshop at Training Resources of America, 231 Main Street #302 in Brockton. Can you purchase items at a discount store and still maintain healthy eating habits?  Yes, you can, and this workshop shows you how to make informed choices. Patricia Livie, Outreach and Education Specialist and Donna-Marie Forand, Healthy Living Program Coordinator at OCES will lead this workshop.

Family Fun Walk & Expo

BKDD kicks-off on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at 8:00 a.m. with the Leo MacNeil Family Fun Walk at the Massasoit Community College Campus in Brockton. Following the morning walk, a number of health care providers and community-based organizations will share information about nutrition and healthy living at informational booths during Signature Healthcare’s Health & Wellness Expo, held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the college. Fitness, cooking demonstrations, local vendor exhibits, raffles and screenings also will be offered at the Expo.

All events are free and open to the public.

“Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes is a family-friendly event that offers screenings, fun activities and numerous opportunities to learn more about making healthy lifestyle choices, taking steps to prevent diabetes and living a healthier life,” said Christine McLaren, Community Programs Director at OCES.

For more information about OCES’ workshops and other events during BKDD week, visit https://forhealthycommunities.com/bkdd

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 Announces Nutrition Workshops on June 11th and 14thRead More

Rodman CPAs Announces New Staff

Ethan Bergeron

Rodman CPAs, a full-service tax and accounting firm serving small and mid-sized businesses throughout the greater Boston area, has hired Ethan Bergeron as Receptionist/Administrative Assistant. He is a native of Gloucester and resident of Woburn, MA.

In his new role at Rodman CPAs, Bergeron will provide administrative support to accounting and tax team members which includes the Green Team, the firm’s specialized renewable energy and clean technology practice.

Bergeron graduated in 2015 from Columbia College Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA with a Bachelor of Arts in Producing and Business Entertainment, and went on to work as an Event Assistant at YouTube Space LA. Upon his return to Massachusetts and prior to joining Rodman CPAs, Bergeron was the Office Manager at RE/MAX Destiny in Jamaica Plain for nearly two years where he was responsible for managing day-to-day operations, training staff, and providing administrative support to realtors.

About Rodman CPAs

Rodman CPAs provides tax advisory, accounting, and business strategy to small and mid-sized emerging and established businesses. Named one of the largest accounting firms in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal, Rodman CPAs offers an innovative and strategic approach with the personal touch of a smaller regional CPA firm. For more than 50 years, Rodman CPAs has been specializing in customized accounting and tax solutions that improve business performance, processes, financial operations, and information technology.

The firm serves as a true business partner, helping clients perform and succeed during each stage of the business lifecycle. As domain experts in alternative energy, the “Green Team” at Rodman CPAs works with renewable energy producers and businesses throughout the U.S. offering tax advisory, financial, accounting services, and Investment Tax Credit (ITC) studies.

Rodman CPAs is an independent member firm of BDO Alliance USA, which enables them to expand services to clients by accessing the resources of BDO USA, LLP and other Alliance members, ensuring greater flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. For more information, visit http://www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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Call for Sponsors – Worcester School for Students with Autism to Hold First Golf Tournament

“Achieve” First Annual Golf Tournament to benefit the Center for Applied Behavioral Instruction (CABI), an accredited, private special education day school for students with autism spectrum disorder and challenging behaviors in Central Massachusetts, will be held on August 20, 2018 at Blackstone National Golf Club. Sponsors are needed.

CABI is pleased to announce their first annual fundraising golf tournament at the Blackstone National Golf Club located at 227 Putnam Hill Road in Sutton, MA. The tournament will be scramble type, and there will be a golf clinic option with the Club Pro as well as a variety of contests including chipping, putting, longest drive, and more. A dinner reception at the clubhouse, complete with silent auction and raffle, will round out the evening.

The golf tournament is the non-profit school’s major fundraiser of the year. Investing in a sponsorship and participating in the event will help CABI continue to deliver on their commitment to providing the best-practice behavioral and educational programming to children and young adults with autism. CABI believes that every child, given the right tools, resources, and environment, has the potential to achieve the possible and live a more independent and fulfilling life.

Sponsorship opportunities include: Dinner Sponsor $5,000; Breakfast Sponsor $2,500; Margarita Hole $1,500; Community Supporter $1,000; Driving Range or Putting Green $500; and Tee Partner $250.

Companies that have committed to sponsoring Achieve to date include: Behavioral Concepts (BCI) of Worcester, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Body Armor, Gerardo’s Bakery, 1st-String Embroidery & Graphics, J.R. Grady & Sons and Leonard, Mulherin & Greene, P.C.

To become a sponsor or to register as a golfer, visit www.cabiautism.org/achievegolf2018

About CABI

The Center for Applied Behavioral Instruction (CABI) is a private elementary and secondary school that addresses the needs of students with autism spectrum disorder and challenging behaviors. CABI provides an educational option utilizing scientifically based educational treatment for children and young adults with significant educational and behavioral needs. The center is located at 345 Greenwood Street, Suite 3 in Worcester, MA. For more information, visit the website at http://www.cabiautism.org or contact the school directly at (508) 363-0201.

Call for Sponsors – Worcester School for Students with Autism to Hold First Golf TournamentRead More