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ADA Anniversary is July 26th – OCES Recommits Focus and Encourages Community to Pledge Support of Americans with Disabilities Act

During the month of July, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) celebrates the 28th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed into law on July 26, 1990 by then President George H.W. Bush.

OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is recommitting their focus on the principles of equality and inclusion that the ADA represents.

The ADA is a civil rights law that protects people from discrimination due to disability. The law has five major sections, or titles, focusing on employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The ADA also protects individuals from discrimination based on a “perceived” disability, and its protection also extends to any individual who is discriminated against because of their association with an individual who is disabled. The ADA has reduced barriers and changed perceptions, but the work is continuous.

OCES encourages the public to visit the ADA’s Anniversary website at www.adaanniversary.org for more information, and to join other residents of Massachusetts who have signed the pledge to support the ADA.

The New England ADA Center

The New England ADA Center is one of 10 regional ADA Centers comprising the ADA National Network. Learn more about how they are celebrating the 28thanniversary of the ADA by visiting www.newenglandada.org/join-us-celebrating-28th-anniversary-ada

No Wrong Door

OCES is a member of the Aging and Disability Resource Consortium of Southeastern and Southern Massachusetts (ADRC SE SM). Member organizations, including OCES, Independence Associates, Bristol Elder Services, Coastline Elder Services, SCIL (Southeast Center for Independent Living) and South Shore Elder Services, work together to connect consumers with services and support to help individuals live independently in the community.

“The Aging and Disability Resource Consortium of Southeastern and Southern Massachusetts demonstrates the power of the ‘No Wrong Door’ system and supports the spirit of the ADA,” said Susan Willis, Aging Services Access Point Program Director at OCES. “This collaboration between Aging Services Access Points and Independent Living Centers provides a vast regional support network to consumers and caregivers, empowering them with individualized information, resources and supports to access what they need regardless of their age or disability.”

Support may include assistance with transitioning from a hospital or skilled nursing facility, housing assistance, benefits advocacy or referrals to other programs such as Options Counseling, Personal Care Management (PCM) or the Adult Family Care (AFC) Programs.

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 has 232 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

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BCI to Hold Open House in Fitchburg on July 28th

Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts will hold an Open House on July 28, 2018 from 12 PM to 3 PM at their Fitchburg location.

BCI opened their Fitchburg office at 207 Authority Drive in November 2017 and currently provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for over 150 children in the Fitchburg region.

BCI’s Open House will feature tours of their office and will enable families and the business community to meet staff including Jill McGrale Maher, Program Director and their Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and ABA Therapists. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about BCI’s clinical services held on site at their ABA Center which include: Intensive Day Services for preschool age and younger children; After-School Services which provide opportunities for school-age children to participate in social and physical activities; and Saturday Social Skills which provides instruction, guidance, and support for each child’s unique social, behavioral, sensory and communication needs.

BCI also provides Early Intervention Services (ages 3 and under) which help infants and toddlers reach important developmental milestones, and Home & Community Services, both which are provided in home and/or community settings.

BCI leases their office space from Boutwell, Owens & Co., Inc., one of the premier independent North American designers and manufacturers of printed paperboard packaging solutions. BCI’s Open House will be held in coordination with Boutwell, Owens & Co.’s Open House, as they celebrate their 131st birthday as a company. Additionally, Boutwell, Owens & Co. will provide information regarding employment opportunities and will be accepting job applications during the Open House.

Light refreshments will be served. The general public is welcome to attend.

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 It family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com/family

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Wagging back. The Healthy AnimalTM launches unique, new franchise concept focusing on health food for dogs and cats.

Diane Dewberry, a Kingston, MA resident, an animal lover and professional pet groomer, did not know where to turn to solve her border collie’s debilitating skin problems. Her journey to reveal the answer to that gnawing skin problem lead to the opening of her Pembroke retail store The Healthy AnimalTM and now, for the very first time, franchise stores of the same name.

Research and holistic veterinarians helped educate and direct Dewberry as she transformed the pet food marketplace. Additionally, she researched and resourced a wide range of smaller companies, local when possible, that manufactured healthy and wholesome food, treats, supplements and remedies.

Recently Dewberry partnered with LPF Consulting Group, Ltd. to franchise The Healthy AnimalTM concept and bring her knowledge to the rest of the world. LPF Consulting Group is led by Lawrence P. Friedman, a lifelong philanthropist and entrepreneur who founded Lapels Dry Cleaning, which now has over 90 stores throughout the country. Among many ventures, he also owned and managed the historic Sun Tavern Restaurant in Duxbury, MA.

Friedman is currently the Treasurer of the Plymouth, MA chapter of SCORE, a division of the SBA; a Finance Committee member for the town of Duxbury, MA; and Master of Phoenix Masonic Lodge. Larry volunteered as a big brother for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization for 20 years and is a former board member of the Better Business Bureau. Friedman is a Duxbury, MA resident.

A critical part of the franchise training is a 20 hour certification course on animal nutrition – from Dogs Naturally University. Friedman underscored, “We can help train franchisees to become experts on animal nutrition and natural products. They will help pet parents put together an optimal diet for their treasured friends. What franchisees have to bring to the equation is a sincere love for animals and zeal to help them lead happier, healthier lives.”

“Healthy and natural food helps dogs and cats feel and look their best,” noted Dewberry. “With over 15 years of running a natural pet store I delight in helping and educating for their pets well being. From an herbalist in Maine to a holistic veterinarian in New Hampshire, we are woven into the natural pet care community and share that information and product knowledge with our customers.”

The standard franchise location will run from 800 to 1600 square feet and serve a community of 15,000 households.

All stores will include natural dry kibble, freeze dried foods, and high quality can food for dogs and cats. Raw diets are a specialty. There will be an extensive treat bar for even the fussiest chewers. Herbal remedies, flower essences for emotional health and unique USA toys and holistic and non-toxic grooming supplies will also be available.

“Most people don’t want a job, they want a business or career where they feel they are part of something bigger and where they are making an impact,” noted Friedman. “The Healthy Animal provides a meaningful, fun and profitable lifestyle. What could be better than spending the day with pets?”

Initial franchises will be awarded in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Connecticut. For more information about The Healthy AnimalTM , visit http://www.TheHealthyAnimal.com/Franchise/ or call (781) 347-5840.

Wagging back. The Healthy AnimalTM launches unique, new franchise concept focusing on health food for dogs and cats.Read More

Two Teachers Promoted at Worcester School for Students with Autism

Erica Soucy

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, has appointed two Head Teachers.

Erica Soucy, a resident of Worcester, and Jenna Olson, a resident of Spencer, have been promoted.

Ms. Soucy joined CABI as a Behavioral Instructor and has been with the organization for a year and a half. She has been promoted to Head Teacher, supporting four students between the ages of 13 to 16 years old. Ms. Soucy holds a Bachelor’s degree from Rivier University in Nashua, NH and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Special Education/Severe Special Needs at Fitchburg State University.

Jenna Olson

Jenna Olson joined CABI nearly two years ago as a Behavioral Instructor. She has been promoted to Head Teacher and supports five students ranging in age from 17 to 20 years old. Mrs. Olson received a Bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Special Education/Severe Special Needs at Bay Path University in Sturbridge, MA.

CABI’s teacher to direct staff to student ratio is 1:4:8. This 1:2 ratio ensures that their students are maximally engaged in academic content throughout the school day. To learn more about curriculum and classroom instruction, visit http://www.cabiautism.org/educational-approach.html.

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.

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Harbor Mortgage President Rides for Pan-Mass Challenge

Chris Downey, president of Harbor Mortgage in Braintree, is set to ride in the 39th Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) on August 4 and 5, 2018.

This will be Downey’s second year riding the PMC annual bike-a-thon that raises money for life-saving cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Downey will be part of Team Willett Power, captained by Bruce McCutcheon, who lost his first wife to ovarian cancer.

Last year, their 12-member team raised $150,000 and their goal is to raise the same amount this year. The team will be riding from Wellesley to Provincetown, a total of 163 miles.

Downey has been training every week on team rides. Currently, Team Willett Power meets in Duxbury at 6:30 a.m. and bikes approximately 45 miles per ride, and this will soon increase as they approach the event date.

“I became involved because, frankly, I should have been involved a long time ago. Most everyone has their own personal experience with cancer in some manner, it would be difficult to find someone who has not been impacted by this horrible disease,” explained Downey. “My wife had breast cancer and recently celebrated her 10th year of remission. We are very fortunate and owe much to this incredible community that was able to cure her. To that end, the Pan-Mass Challenge is the most well-run and efficient means of fundraising I know of; literally every dollar raised goes directly into research.”

To make a donation to Team Willett Power, visit http://pmc.org/egifts/CD0269

About the PMC

In 2017, there were 6,200 riders and the PMC gave a record gift of $51 million to Dana-Farber. The PMC donates 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

For more information about PMC, visit https://www.pmc.org

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.

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Getting the Bugs out of your Barbecue. Removing backyard bugs and enjoying the bounty of the season.

With summer temperatures soaring and Independence Day around the corner, New Englanders are taking to their lawns to play, relax, cookout, and get together with neighbors. Trees and shrubs accented by cool grass underfoot serve as the perfect space for such seasonal occasions. Unfortunately, unwanted guests like mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests may be crashing the party.

The solution to infestation is multi-faceted.

The best defense against indoor and outdoor pests is to proactively address problem areas on the property through redesign and treatment. Lawn Doctor of Hanover’s Tom Norton attests, “the first step to mosquito prevention is removing standing water around your property like old tires, wheelbarrows, and puddle areas.”

If an infestation is already present more aggressive treatments are available. Once, the pests are eradicated, maintaining a healthy lawn and performing regular treatments will stave off any new invaders.

In sports central Massachusetts we know that even on our home court sometimes the best offense is defense. In pest control this wisdom can be applied to your epic rivalry with mosquitoes, ticks, ants, crickets, spiders, and other creepy crawly nuisances that may end up inside your home by taking preventative measures before infestation occurs. Norton notes, “The best defense from indoor infestations is to treat the actual foundation of the house. At Lawn Doctor Hanover we call it Home Pest Barrier.” The treatment is effective and easy. It’s performed on the outside of the house, no product will be introduced inside the home, and it can be performed while you’re at work – or at the beach.

Mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests are more than annoying. These pests can harbor disease and pose a health risk to people and pets. Preventing this threat in your backyard can be achieved through prevention and maintenance. As mentioned previously, locating stagnant water sources is one of the most effective ways to deter the infestation of mosquitoes. Landscaping should have proper drainage to prevent puddling as well. In addition, maintaining healthy lawn, trees, and shrubs is essential to outdoor pest prevention.

Norton recommends, “Regular maintenance including inspection, disease treatment, insect treatment, fertilization and application of micronutrients will promote overall health and prevent mosquitoes and ticks.” These tasks can be performed by the homeowner or by a service like Lawn Doctor of Hanover.

If you are already slapping yourself in an effort to squash problem mosquitoes and picking ticks off you and loved ones, do not worry. There are still measures that can be taken to drastically reduce or eradicate existing populations of mosquitoes and ticks on your lawn. Norton attests, “There are safe and proven products available to address mosquitoes and ticks through-out all stages of their life cycle.” The effectiveness of these products is often attributed to their application technique and schedule. Consult a lawn care professional before your start spraying.

Lawn Doctor is focused on working in harmony with the science of nature. Every service is designed to boost natural growth. This goes beyond the use of simple, green products. The company’s proprietary technology allows its lawn professionals to precisely measure and apply the optimum blend of nutrients and weed control – doing the right thing for your lawn and the environment.

A healthy lawn creates oxygen, removes dust and dirt, and filters water passing through its roots leaving pollutants behind and many more benefits. Lawn Doctor of Boston, the South Shore, and Cape Cod is a local, family owned and operated business.

For more information about Lawn Doctor, visit www.LawnDoctor.com or call 800-831-1319.

 

Getting the Bugs out of your Barbecue. Removing backyard bugs and enjoying the bounty of the season.Read More

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.

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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.

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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