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Waltham-based Rodman CPAs Promotes Leah Shanahan to Director

Lean Shanahan CPA

Rodman CPAs of Waltham, MA, a full-service tax and accounting firm serving small and mid-sized emerging and established businesses throughout the greater Boston area, has recently promoted Leah Shanahan, CPA to Director.

As Director, Shanahan leads Rodman CPAs’ QuickBooks ProAdvisor team and is responsible for leading and managing the firm’s controllership, accounting software, and bookkeeping services for small and mid-sized clients. Shanahan also manages corporate and individual tax returns and audit, review, and compilation engagements. She will provide strategic consulting for improving business operations based on key performance indicators.  Previously, Shanahan held the role of Supervisor for seven years prior to being promoted in 2014 to Manager on the firm’s Business Services Team.

Shanahan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Management from Fitchburg State College and is a highly qualified Advanced QuickBooks ProAdvisor. She provides software consulting, training, and implementation services and leads many of the firm’s QuickBooks seminars.

Over the years, Shanahan has volunteered for Rodman CPAs’ outreach efforts, supporting a variety of organizations and causes including Camp Clark, Cradles to Crayons, Hope and Comfort, and Rosie’s Place.

Shanahan is a member of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs (MSCPA) as well as the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). She is a resident of Sutton, MA.

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.

Waltham-based Rodman CPAs Promotes Leah Shanahan to DirectorRead More

Worcester Private School Relocates to Support More Children with ASD. Open House on October 27

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 relocated to an adjacent building at 345 Greenwood Street, Suite 3 in Worcester, MA.

An Open House at the new location will be held on Friday, October 27, 2017 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony with officials from the Worcester Chamber of Commerce and CABI staff will conduct tours of the facility. Attendees will hear testimonials from students and parents and there will be a presentation of yearbooks. Light refreshments will be served.

Expansion and Increased Enrollment

Previously, CABI resided at 345A Greenwood Street, occupying an (approximate) 4,000 square foot space within Behavioral Concepts (BCI), providers of ABA Services for children and young adults with autism.

CABI recently doubled their student enrollment and the new location enables the center to expand and increase capacity. The school is now accepting applications for students ages 6 through 22 who reside in communities within a one-hour radius of Worcester.

CABI was founded in 2013 by the school’s directors, Jeffrey Robinson, Ph. D. and Brian Doyle, Ed.D., BCBA-D, who have more than 60 years of cumulative autism and ABA experience. Drs. Robinson and Doyle utilize a hands-on approach to the operation of the school and education of the students, providing direct supervision of all academic and behavioral instruction developed and implemented by the highly credentialed staff.

“Through CABI, we are able to address the needs of a population of students needing highly specialized instruction by providing the highest quality of individualized educational services,” explained Dr. Robinson, CABI Executive Director. “We are committed to maximizing each student’s potential.”

CABI’s curriculum utilizes the frameworks of Applied Behavior Analysis as the basis for its instruction. The Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks are integrated into their educational approach. Students receive differentiated instruction in math, science, language arts, history and social sciences, the arts and physical education. Students at CABI receive instruction through a variety of modalities.

Classroom teachers are licensed special educators and several of the teachers are also licensed as Board Certificated Behavior Analysists. Each classroom of eight students are clinically supervised by a BCBA. In addition, CABI provides direct service and consultation by appropriately credentialed and state licensed professionals. A Speech and Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, and Registered Nurse are on-site and available to provide IEP services on a daily basis. A licensed Clinical Psychologist and Physical Therapist are available for direct and consultative services on an as needed basis.

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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Massachusetts Solar Power Equipment Supplier, altE Store, assists with Hurricane Relief Efforts.

altE’s John Laflamme builds pre-wired solar power systems

altE, a leading supplier of solar panels and solar power equipment in the Northeast, is powering ahead to provide alternative energy assistance in Puerto Rico and other areas hit hardest by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria and Jose.

altE is donating an off grid solar power system – 3300 watt solar panel array, hybrid solar inverter and batteries with a retail value of $15K – to Family Medical Clinic de Cedros in Puerto Rico, which is situated near Iglesia Emmanuel Casa de Refuge and is currently without electricity and clean water.

The system will power the most critical functions of this medical clinic, which is located near San Juan. altE is working with an installer, the nonprofit SonLight Power of Fairfield, Ohio.

Discounted Solar Power Equipment in Hurricane-Affected Areas

altE is also providing discounted solar power equipment to residents in great need in hurricane torn areas of Puerto Rico, Florida, Texas and the Caribbean Islands throughout October. altE offers a 15 percent discount to anyone has been affected by the storms.

“Solar and alternative energy allows people to become quickly self-sufficient with a robust power source,” said Sascha Deri, CEO of altE. “We are providing solar power equipment at close to cost to help people immediately in areas devastated by the hurricanes. Folks can install the systems to get back up and running off grid, independently and self-contained. It also empowers communities with the opportunity to create small, more resilient micro-grids in the future that won’t have the same vulnerabilities as traditional, large, centralized utility grids.”

altE has also been working with other organizations, offering free design and expertise with heavily discounted equipment. altE has contacted many of the major solar equipment manufacturers and is currently working on obtaining discounted equipment from them to help with relief efforts.

These storms aren’t the first time that altE has stepped in to offer assistance with off grid alternative energy. Last year, altE assisted International Rescue Group as they were delivering emergency supplies to Haiti after Hurricane Matthew by building portable solar generators, which were delivered to the local mayor’s office to improve their communication.

For more information, visit their website altEstore.com, or call toll free (877) 878-4060.

About altE

Founded in 1999, altE, Inc. has catered to customers on every continent of the globe. A 2006 Inc. 500 awarded company, altE aims to continue to fulfill its motto, “Making Renewable Do-able,” by offering cost competitive, high-quality renewable energy related products and educational services to a broad spectrum of the public.

altE sells all of the equipment needed to install a solar system – solar panels, racking, inverters, charge controllers, batteries, and other balance of system equipment like breaker boxes and PV wire. The company will custom design a system specifically for the customer and also offers systems that they have pre-designed.

altE’s headquarters is located at 330 Codman Hill Rd, Boxborough, Mass. The company also has a sales office in Colorado catering to a fast-growing customer base in the Western and Southwestern regions of the U.S. For more information visit their website at http://www.altEstore.com or contact Toll Free (877) 878-4060.

Massachusetts Solar Power Equipment Supplier, altE Store, assists with Hurricane Relief Efforts.Read More

“Halloween Full of Pieces” Autism-Friendly Halloween Party on October 29th.

With lots of lights, sounds and scary decorations, Halloween can be an especially tricky time for children and families with autism.

Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, is proud to sponsor the first annual “Halloween Full of Pieces” autism-friendly Halloween party which will be held on October 29, 2017 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Knights of Columbus, 91 Mannville Street, Leicester. This event is open to the public.

Hosted by the Knights of Columbus in Leicester, this special event is a sensory-friendly and safe trick or treating experience for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). BCI’s Applied Behavior Analysis Therapists (ABAs) will oversee the event alongside the Knights and parent volunteers.

The event will feature a sensory corner, haunted house, and a variety of activities such as face painting, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin painting, sugar cookie decorating, paper plate monsters and more. A raffle and bake sale will also be held.

There is no cost to attend and children may wear costumes if they wish. RSVP to the party by visiting http://conta.cc/2xK7LUC.

According to Sally Burke, a Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at BCI, “Some children with autism struggle with pretend-play, and can have issues related to different types of costume clothing fabrics as well as to costume accessories. Social skills may be an area of need and some children may not be able to engage in appropriate responses that may possibly lead to other behavioral challenges.”

Burke continued, “You want your child to be part of this exciting experience and engage in these fun traditions, but you are worried that Halloween may just not be for you and your child.”

Burke offers the following five tips to help families with autism celebrate Halloween:

  • Create a visual social story or find a book that discusses the topic of Halloween and all it offers and what to expect prior to the event.
  • Look for opportunities to practice trick or treating. Review and rehearse the act of trick or treating and practice the skill with a family member or neighbor you know well.
  • Know their limits. If they can only handle a few houses, do not push them to do more and be sure to praise them for a job well done.
  • Go to places where your child may already be comfortable, such as relatives, friends, etc. This pairs the new activity of trick or treating with already established places and people. Consider skipping homes with lots of lights, sounds and scary decorations.
  • Consider staying home and having your child help you pass out treats. They may enjoy this just as much as going out.

For more information, visit www.bciaba.org.

About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts.  BCI identifies and facilitates 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. As a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention, BCI provides center, home-based, and after-school 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 http://bciaba.com.

“Halloween Full of Pieces” Autism-Friendly Halloween Party on October 29th.Read More

Old Colony Elder Services Announces New Volunteer Center in Plymouth. Grand Opening on Nov. 8

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 recently announced the grand opening of their new “OCES Volunteer Center” on Wednesday, November 8, 2017. A celebration will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and the public is invited to attend.

Serving as a central resource for volunteers as well as for local agencies offering volunteer opportunities, the OCES Volunteer Center resides within the nonprofit’s Plymouth office at 204 South Meadow Road. This office is also home to key departments including Home Care, Senior Care Options, Nutrition, and Information and Referral.

“Through the OCES Volunteer Center, we are continuing our efforts to empower people to build stronger communities through volunteerism,” said Brenda Carrens, OCES’ Volunteer Programs Manager.

OCES recruits volunteers of all ages for all volunteer programs at OCES, as well as for other volunteer positions at nonprofits, government agencies, schools and other agencies in Plymouth County. Included in OCES volunteer programs is the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Plymouth County; RSVP of Plymouth County is part of the Senior Corps network of programs. Senior Corps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency for volunteering, service and civic engagement.

The OCES Volunteer Center is a designated space for volunteers to work together on specific projects, such as Letter Writing to Troops for National Days of Service and Remembrance. It is also a place for prospective volunteers to talk one-on-one with Volunteer Program staff who can assist them in their search for volunteering opportunities that fit their skills and interests. The Center has full service capabilities for researching volunteer opportunities including computers, phones, brochures and other literature from organizations seeking volunteers.

Health and wellness are important to OCES, both for employees and volunteers. In the future, the Center will offer workshops and seminars on topics related to health and volunteer satisfaction. OCES will draw on its Nutrition, Healthy Living and Employee Wellness programs to provide these offerings. Our goal is healthy and happy volunteers who make a difference in the community.

After the Grand Opening, the OCES Volunteer Center will be open Tuesday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. It is anticipated that days and hours will be expanded in the near future. Volunteers may also make an appointment to meet with OCES staff.

For more information about how to become involved with volunteering through OCES, visit 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 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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Brick by brick. Solid foundation for home builders is launched. Builders Concierge Service of Southeastern MA offers subs to professional services.

Mitch Zucker

TAUNTON, MA…

Most home builders are gifted at construction. It is often the other aspects of their business that are a challenge. From a second source for roofing to an accountant who keeps them on track, a new service entitled Builders Concierge Service of Southeastern MA offers easy access to subcontractors and professional services.

Participating home builders also receive a complimentary contract review and discounts on continuing education and test preparation.

The new service, developed by the FireWalker Development Group of Taunton, MA, helps home builders become more efficient, save money, save time and connect with vetted subcontractors and business professionals.

Mitch Zucker, founder of the innovative company, noted, “Having spent almost five years as a member, volunteer Board of Director, and full-time employee of a nonprofit Builders Association, I learned quite a bit about the challenges of operating a residential building/remodeling firm. With that knowledge in mind, I designed the Builders Concierge Service to address the single biggest challenge of this type of organization: finding the best local subcontractors and business services vendors quickly and efficiently.”

Continued Zucker, “Small residential builders know that they need to stay focused on getting the work done on their projects. Every time they need a new sub or vendor, it’s a huge distraction which pulls them away from their primary mission of getting the current projects completed on time and under budget. We help solve that equation.”

The Builders Concierge Service has met with and worked with each vendor within the organization. Standard protocol for all vendors is to return calls immediately.

For more information, please contact, Mitch Zucker, (774) 218-9486,
mitchz@firewalkerdevgroup.com.

Brick by brick. Solid foundation for home builders is launched. Builders Concierge Service of Southeastern MA offers subs to professional services.Read More

Converting surplus equipment into funding non-profits, Key For Hope and Proactive Philanthropy launch collaboration.

Ed McPherson and Ralph Greenberg

NEW BEDFORD, MA…

Who knew that old and unwanted household keys could produce enough money to help local food banks pay their bills? Similarly, whoever thought that unwanted equipment, overstock and distressed real estate and surplus equipment could also be resold to support local non-profits and generate good corporate citizenship recognition and tax deductions for the company donor?

Two organizations are now working together to harvest surplus capital goods from companies throughout New England that are no longer wanted or needed and can be converted to cash for grants to charities.

Proactive Philanthropy and Key for Hope, two synergistic 503(c) (3), non-profit organizations, are now working together to convert the full spectrum of surplus equipment, from keys to lab equipment and other assets, into cash and reinvesting the proceeds into charitable organizations in the form of grants. This enables the donor companies to enjoy tax benefits and to be recognized for their role in creating the charitable funding.

The two organizations are located in a six-acre, 760,000 square foot warehouse in the North End of New Bedford located at 25 – 51 King Street, New Bedford, MA 02745. The expansive space provides an ample staging ground for transforming surplus keys, stock and equipment into a major financial injection for impactful non-profits.

Ed McPherson, founder and CEO of Proactive Philanthropy noted “Most non-profit organizations are starved for funding. And most non-profit organizations compete day in and day out for the same thing. Cash! What if we turned that paradigm on its head? We know that the money and the funding solution wasn’t in cash, it was in the value of every other asset. ”

He continued, “For example, a bulldozer is donated, the heavy equipment is sold to a construction company, the proceeds of the sale is used to fund a charitable organization. The donor is recognized for the gift. This is a true example of a win-win transaction. Every company works hard to create net revenue. Those hard earned dollars are needed to propel the company into a leadership position. Using surplus capital assets to create charitable funding is smart business. Keep in mind, that the assets that are no longer in service continue to add costs like storage, insurance, heat, lights and security. When these assets are donated, space is freed up, costs stop and tax deductions are created. Additionally, when the asset is sold and the charitable funds are reinvested in grants, your company receives the acknowledgment (This grant made possible by…). Using surplus assets to give back is the ideal example of doing well by doing good.

Ralph Greenberg, founder and President of Key for Hope commented, “Unwanted, outdated household keys are another overlooked and alternative source for funding needed charities. Schools and companies have found key donation campaigns to be a great way to rally their students and employees to take simple steps to donate and help out. Everyone has a bunch of keys stuffed in a junk drawer or desk that are associated with a previous car, lost bike lock or former apartment. We are encouraging people to donate these keys and will be donating the value of the metal to food pantries.”

Working together to create awareness, share warehouse space and combine resources, Key For Hope and Proactive Philanthropy are looking to transform how non-profits are funded.

Proactive Philanthropy background
Ed McPherson earned his stripes in commercial construction and real estate development. Witnessing that a vast majority nonprofits struggled from the absence of long-term, stable funding made a strong impression upon him.

After a nonprofit asked him to find a real estate donation, he realized that a solution could come from not only real estate but from converting the broadest spectrum of surplus assets into charitable funding. McPherson witnessed the non-profit struggle to attract and convert assets into funding. He knew by providing this service it would allow the non-profit to focus on their charitable mission.

Key For Hope background
Ralph Greenberg never took his personal comfort for granted. Simultaneously operating his recycling business and a used scientific equipment business, he discovered the vast quantity of things that can be recycled. After trips to poverty-stricken areas of Siberia and Africa to further expand his understanding of the world we live in, Ralph was devastated by the hunger and poverty and resolved to take action and do something.

Upon his arrival back home, he realized that feeding the hungry was a problem at home too, so he started Key for Hope. Understanding that the few keys his customers gave him were a great start, but not enough to make a difference, Ralph envisioned a key recycling campaign that could be the tipping point that would create a new and additional source of funding for the battle against hunger.

The partnering of Proactive Philanthropy and Key For Hope provide a unique fundraising alternative for companies and charitable causes.

For additional information about Proactive Philanthropy and Keys For Hope, call 508-990-2222 or visit http://www.proactivephilanthropy.org/ and http://www.keyforhope.org/.

Converting surplus equipment into funding non-profits, Key For Hope and Proactive Philanthropy launch collaboration.Read More

Get proactive with pain. Short circuit stress. Seminar serves up solutions.

WEYMOUTH, MA…

Research confirms that stress translates quickly to disease and pain. The breakneck pace of modern life and the desperate isolation of technology contribute to the expanding problem.

“The issue is in your tissue” is a stress and pain management seminar is set for October 26 and November 2, 6-7:30 p.m. in the conference room of Costantino Realty Group, 1581 Main St, South Weymouth, MA 02190. Cost for the 2-part workshop is $99 per person. The first session outlines the solutions, the second reviews and reinforces action steps. Each session is limited to 20 people.

The sessions will be led by Rosemarie Lanchester, owner of ‘Everything You Wish For’, an alternative health provider.

What are the red flags for stress? Trouble sleeping? Anxiety? Awaken and still fatigued? Suffering from surgery or health issues? Driven by ambition and unable to gear down? Obsessing about finances? Yes, to any of these questions indicate you need new skills.

The workshop will outline how your body responds to stress on a physical level; how to determine the ‘root’ cause of your pain and how to heal yourself; ways to get a great night sleep; and what muscle testing is and how to use it daily.
Lanchester is an Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping) practitioner and has numerous alternative health credentials including Certified Consulting Hypnotist, Level lll Dowser, Level lll Yuen Method Practitioner, Negative Energy Clearing Specialist, Level ll Reiki Practitioner, Certified Laughter Yoga Leader and is a member of Association of Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP).

To register for the workshops or for more information, call (508) 468-4506 or visit www.EverythingYouWishFor.com.

 

Get proactive with pain. Short circuit stress. Seminar serves up solutions.Read More

Rodman CPAs Appoints Jennifer Baessler as Accountant

Rodman CPAs of Waltham, MA, a full service tax and accounting firm serving small and mid-sized emerging and established businesses throughout the greater Boston area, has recently hired Jennifer Baessler, a resident of Waltham, as Accountant.

Baessler, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Bentley University, will be responsible for client accounts receivable, payroll and month-end close.  Baessler is also a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and will be part of Rodman CPAs QuickBooks ProAdvisor team that provides training and consulting to hundreds of small to mid-size companies.

For five years previous to joining Rodman CPAs, Baessler was an Accountant at Distributed Technology Associates of Waltham. Prior to that, she was a consultant at Insource Service Inc. in Wellesley for four years.

Baessler looks forward to volunteering with Rodman CPAs in outreach efforts that support causes and organizations such as Camp Clark, Cradles to Crayons, Hope and Comfort, and Rosie’s Place.

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.

Rodman CPAs Appoints Jennifer Baessler as AccountantRead More