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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th. “March Against Elder Abuse” events to be held in Brockton and Plymouth

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15th. To recognize this, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has launched a WEAAD campaign including events in both Brockton and Plymouth.
 
OCES encourages organizations and the public to join the “March Against Elder Abuse” events:
 
In Brockton on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. OCES in partnership with the Brockton Council on Aging (COA), Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department and Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office will hold a FREE March to increase awareness of elder abuse. Registration will be at 10:30 a.m. and the short March will begin at 11 a.m. at the COA, 1 Feinberg Way, Brockton, then proceed around Belmont Street and back. Lunch will follow at the Shaw’s Center. Registration is required. To register, please call the Brockton COA at 508-580-7811 or register online at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/pksmemn
 
In Plymouth on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. OCES in partnership with the Plymouth Center for Active Living, Plymouth County District Attorney and the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department will hold a FREE one-mile March along the Plymouth waterfront to raise awareness of elder abuse. Please gather for the March at 10:30 a.m. outside Tavern on the Wharf, 6 Town Wharf, Plymouth. The March will begin at 11 a.m. proceeding down Water Street then back to Tavern on the Wharf for a light lunch. Off-street metered parking is available. To register, please call Terri Kourtz, 508-584-1561 ext. 255 or register online at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/v39ytqy
 
“Every year an estimated 1 in 10 older adults experience elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation according to the National Council on Aging,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “Elder abuse is known as a ‘silent problem’ which is why raising awareness of elder abuse and its signs are so important. We encourage the community to join us at these events to increase awareness and help to end elder abuse.” 

Recognizing Elder Abuse
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, neglect, self-neglect, financial exploitation, and sexual abuse. According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, 40,127 elder abuse reports were received during Fiscal Year 2023. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living stated that an estimated five million older adults are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. One in 10 adults aged 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. Common risk factors for elder abuse are social isolation, poor physical health, and dementia. Nationally, at least $36.5 billion annually is lost by victims of financial abuse according to the National Council on Aging.
 
OCES’ Protective Services Program staff works with older adults, or their designees, to prevent, eliminate, or remedy situations involving elder abuse. When a report is made to the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) and the elder resides in our catchment area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation by a Protective Services Worker is necessary.
 
If you have concerns, please contact your local Protective Services Agency. If you want to file a report on elder abuse, please contact the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) at 1-800-922-2275.
 
To learn more about WEAAD, please visit https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/
 
About OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Media, OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th. “March Against Elder Abuse” events to be held in Brockton and PlymouthRead More

Flower Empower – Winds of Change in the Floral Industry. “Conversion Division” launched by French Florist.

Sowing a seed, French Florist has launched a new “Conversion Division” to help independent florist shop owners achieve bumper growth. The Los Angeles, CA-based franchise organization offers transformative and proprietary technology, increased order volume and supply chain enhancement that dramatically change the customer experience and store profit.

French Florist is in the process of identifying and awarding an exclusive opportunity to the top performing independent florists in key cities.

Independent florists have been at the mercy of third-party aggregators like BloomNation, FloraNext, Dove/Teleflora, 1-800-Flowers, FTD and FSN who gobbled up most of the Internet and general advertising traffic and then took up to 40% of the gross sale.  French Florist’s Conversion Division is reducing that to 6% or even less.

CASH CROP

French Florist’s flagship store in Los Angeles is projecting an astounding $10 million in revenue for 2024. To put this into perspective, the average local florist shop, after years of toil, might see annual revenues of $300k-$500k. French Florist has shattered these benchmarks, performing over 20 times the industry average for a single location. French Florist stores operate much more efficiently, in large part because of the proprietary technologies they have developed.

HARVESTING SUPPLY CHAIN DISCOUNTS

The company also offers better buying power with direct purchases from major farms in Ecuador, Holland, Columbia, Mexico, Canada, United States, and more.  For example, French Florist stores have access to premium imports like red roses for as low as $13 per bunch, even in peak seasons, ensuring unparalleled value without overpaying. This direct buying power not only provides top-tier products but also can significantly boost margins, especially when integrated with the company’s advanced inventory management system.

Beyond florals and greens, benefit from exceptional rates on supplies with rates inaccessible for small florists—from elegantly etched 5×5 cubes at just $2.31 each to peak-quality branded ribbons and wrapping paper, at prices aimed at increasing profitability. These supplies aren’t just materials; they enhance artistic expression, allowing superior products at better prices.

FERTILE MARKETING

Marketing is critical to customer acquisition and growth. French Florist does the “heavy lifting” of marketing analysis and execution.

In the competitive digital landscape, standing out is essential. The SEO approach is designed to push French Florist locations past boutique sites like BloomNation and FloraNext.  Existing French Florist locations even push past giants such as Teleflora, 1-800-Flowers, and FTD to rank #1 in many local search keywords.

Award-winning advertising and marketing help attract three channels of customers – consumer retail sales, E-commerce sales and corporate accounts.

TRAINING FOR MAXIMUM YIELD

French Florist University includes 300 interactive and highly engaging video training modules to distill decades of veteran experience and provide insights for all members of the florist shop team – from the floral designer to the driver to the manager and more.

“The floral industry is at a crossroads, and French Florist stands on the front lines, ready to lead the charge,” notes Michael Jacobson, CEO of French Florist, second generation in the floral business. He added, “We’ve not only proved it’s possible to defy the giants; we’ve set a new standard of what success looks like. This is more than a business model; it’s a movement.”

Jacobson concluded, “”Flowers are the music of nature.  French Florist is the melody.”

For more information, contact French Florist at https://frenchfloristfranchise.com/ or call (310) 659-7700. Or, visit the consumer website at https://frenchflorist.com.

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Choosing the Correct Type of Bearing for Your Application: A Selection Guide. Emerson Bearing Launches New eBook

BOSTON, MA… Emerson Bearing, a Boston, MA-based bearing company catering to niche markets nationwide and the sister company of Action Bearing which serves the New England market, supports the unique needs of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) markets across the nation with essential resources – such as their latest eBook.

Emerson Bearing has launched a complimentary new eBook, “Choosing the Correct Type of Bearing for Your Application: A Selection Guide”. 

With the many types of bearings available on the market, each with its own benefits and ideal uses, it can be difficult for engineers to select the proper bearing to best meet the demands of their specific application. Choosing the right bearing for an application supports optimal equipment performance while reducing system downtime, maintenance needs, and costs.

Emerson’s new Selection Guide includes information about the two major factors that should influence your decision, as well as other critical factors that affect the selection of bearings. Bearing types, styles, sizes, and applications are provided in detail along with common frequently asked questions and more.

“With over 50 years in the bearing industry, we know a thing or two about optimal bearing selection,” explained Steve Katz, president. “We supply bearings to nearly every industry, and our experts have an understanding of each industry so that they can best support you with finding the bearings you need.”

Visit Emerson Bearing’s resources library to download this free Selection Guide or to view all available guides: https://www.emersonbearing.com/resources-library/bearing-basics/

To speak with one of Emerson’s bearing experts, visit EmersonBearing.com or contact 800-225-4587.

Inventory Matters
With over four million bearings in stock at multiple price points, Emerson Bearing has the largest inventory of bearings on the East Coast under one roof in their 30,000 square foot warehouse. 

Over the years, Emerson Bearing has sourced bearings for companies in a variety of industries including machine tool, material handling, power generation, food processing, robotics, recreation, wastewater treatment, and other industries. Emerson Bearing’s large inventories result in faster turnaround times, and their long-lasting relationships with industry partners means they can source bearings quickly. Bearing options include Angular Bearings, Ball Bearings, Ceramic Bearings, Roller Bearings. Super Precision Bearings. Mounting Bearings Rod Ends and Spherical Bushings, Slewing Ring Bearings, and Spindle Bearings.

About Emerson Bearing 
For more than six decades, Emerson Bearing offer 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., and its sister company Action Bearing, which serves the New England market, maintains headquarters at 201 Brighton Ave. Boston, MA. For more information, visit EmersonBearing.com and ActionBearing.com in the New England market or call 800-225-4587.

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Schmooze with the best of them

1 Big Thing: Schmooze School and Session, June 11, 9-11:30 am

This free event provides a brief 15-minute outline of “Schmooze Does” – quick person-to-person networking tips followed by 75 minutes of Open Networking (“Schmoozing”) session to practice your new skills. The Schmooze School and Session will be held at Providence CIC, 225 Dyer St, Providence, RI 02903. Ample public parking is available. Light refreshments will be served. 

Why it matters

Other than death, what many professionals fear is “schmoozing” or “networking.” This complimentary session kicks off with 15 minutes of how to “engage” with someone at a networking event and then how to “disengage” and move on. 

Lead schmoozers

The schmoozing sergeants for the session are networkers from birth Mike Dwyer of Emplana Career, helping professionals expand their horizons and Steve Dubin of PR Works and founder of My Pinnacle Network, a series of business-to-business networking groups. 

Back story

CIC Providence is located in the heart of the Innovation and Design District in Providence. With flexible, professionally managed workspaces, CIC Providence offers all the perks of a modern office so your business can stay laser-focused on impacting the world, not managing an office. CIC Providence is located at 225 Dyer St., Providence, RI 02903

Register now!

If you don’t schmooze, you lose. For more information, contact Steven V. Dubin, SDubin@PRWorkZone.com, (781) 582-1061.

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Noises Off, a British farce, comes to Kingston via True Rep Theatre.  Shows run from May 31 – June 9.

You can laugh, you can cry, but you can’t look away.

The True Rep Theatre product of”Noises Off “, a British farce and a play within a play, will amuse and entertain you.  Performances at The Beal House, 222 Main Street, Kingston, MA will include 8 p.m. shows on Fridays, May 31, June 7, and Saturday, June 8 as well as 3 p.m. shows on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2, June 9.

Noises off is about an ambitious director and his troupe of mediocre actors. The cast and crew are putting together a silly sex comedy titled, “Nothing On” – a single-set farce in which lovers frolic, doors slam, clothes are tossed away, and embarrassing hi-jinks ensue.

Unfortunately, almost nothing is going right – the cast can’t remember their lines, they mix up their blocking, misplace props, and they’ve lost sight of why they’re acting!

One of the most common themes in farce is the abundance of chaos. In Noises Off, characters are running around most of the time trying to prevent one crisis after another, and many times unwittingly cause more crises, which they must then also resolve.

Ticket prices: $25 general admission $22 students, seniors and groups of 10 or more.   

“This is a witty, breezy and fun play,” noted director Donald Sheehan. He added, “I think people will truly enjoy this fast-moving comedy.”

The cast includes Debby Stratton of Halifax; John Stratton of Halifax; Sara McNulty of Pembroke; James Sullivan of Braintree; Joe O Connor of Plymouth; Alix Lorenz of Brockton; Paul Antico of Cohasset; Mark Reed of Hull; and Chris Bradshaw Bailey of Plymouth.

Production Staff includes Don Sheehan of Pembroke  (Artistic Director/Director); Julie Butler of Pembroke (Resident Stage Manager); Victoria Bond of Plymouth (Associate Artistic Director); Paul Noonan of Swansea (Artistic Advisor); and Anthea Dimond (Production Assistant)

True Rep Theatre is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit and all donations are tax deductible.

Tickets be purchase online at www.TrueRepTheatre.com or at the door, if still available at curtain time.

Noises Off, a British farce, comes to Kingston via True Rep Theatre.  Shows run from May 31 – June 9.Read More

New Hot Shots scholarship at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield

Amanda O’Connell

MARSHFIELD, MA… Hot Shots, the popular sports programs for girls and boys ages 2 to 6 years old at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, has announced a new scholarship — the Amanda O’Connell Scholarship.
 
Created in memory of the beloved Hot Shots coach, the Amanda O’Connell Scholarship provides scholarships to families in financial need who otherwise would not be able to afford to send their child to Hot Shots.
 
Some of Amanda O’Connell’s happiest memories involved being a Hot Shots coach — squatting on the gym floor, looking into a little four-year-old’s tear-filled eyes, and telling the child that she believed in her. Amanda would then say, “I bet that if we try it again together, you’ll be able to do it!” And, sure enough, the tyke would succeed! Tears would be replaced by squeals of happiness and, more often than not, the child would jump for joy!
 
Amanda did this kind of empathetic mentoring over and over again with hundreds of little children during her seven-year career as a Hot Shots coach. Amanda knew how important those little moments are in building a child’s self-confidence and self-esteem because when Amanda was a four-year-old Hot Shots camper herself, she received those special votes of confidence from the coaches.
 
So, when Amanda tragically passed away in the summer of 2023 at the age of just 30, her family couldn’t think of a better way to keep her memory alive than to create a Hot Shots scholarship in her name to help little kids have the Hot Shots experience who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
 
“Amanda embodied the spirit and mission of Hot Shots, a unique youth development program that uses joyful, fun, silly games with 100 percent parent participation to build a child’s self-esteem, parental bonds, love of reading, and athletic skills,” said Hot Shots founder and director John Wilpers. “Amanda brought sunshine into every room she entered along with a can-do spirit that was infectious. Little girls looked up to her and blossomed with her encouragement.”
 
“She put smiles on the faces of the Hot Shots campers and encouraged them to not be afraid of trying new things,” said her sister Lindsey O’Connell. “She would want little Hot Shots kids today to have the same uplifting experiences she had as a Hot Shots camper, and learn how to share their light with the world.”
 
“The Amanda O’Connell scholarship will be a special way of continuing Amanda’s positive impact on little children for years to come,” said Wilpers.
 
If you have a boy or girl between the ages of 2-6 and would like him or her to have the Hot Shots experience, visit the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield (bgcmarshfield.org) or email Mr. Wilpers at john@bgcmarshfield.org or text him at 617-688-0137.
 
About Hot Shots 
The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s Hot Shots program has been running for almost 30 years and is designed for girls and (as of this year) boys ages 2 to 6 years old with the mission to build their self-esteem, parental bonds, athletic skills, and love of reading, all while having a lot of fun.
 
Since 1996, nearly 5,000 girls have graduated from Hot Shots. Most girls return year after year, and many come back to coach after they’re too old to play. For more information about Hot Shots, visit https://www.bgcmarshfield.org/s/hot-shots.
 
About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield
The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  The Club serves families with children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old, and provides critical services the community needs to support children and families over the short- and long-term. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582.

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Step into the future of wellness –New HealthyHabits program for balanced living at Type One in Norwell

Tyson Sunnerberg, co-founder of Type One Fitness introduces Christina Sullivan to the HealthyHabits app, mapping out her wellness journey together.

NORWELL, MA… The future of wellness is all about balanced living. A new “HealthyHabits” program has launched at Type One Fitness in Norwell to help individuals achieve their health and fitness goals by focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes.
 
Whether looking to shed those extra pounds, boost energy levels or simply live your best life, the HealthyHabits program at Type One Fitness is a game changer.
 
Through a combination of nutritional education, behavioral coaching, and community support, HealthyHabits empowers individuals to make healthier choices and develop sustainable habits that promote overall well-being. The program offers flexible meal planning options, tailored exercise recommendations, and tools for tracking progress to help participants stay motivated and on track.
 
According to the CDC National Center for Health Statistics, 46.9 percent of adults 18 and older met the Physical Activity Guidelines for aerobic physical activity.  Less than half.
 
“Fitness and nutrition shouldn’t be an afterthought, but part of daily practice – a habit,” explained Tyson Sunnerberg, co-founder of Type One Fitness. “HealthyHabits is a structured program that provides participants with personalized guidance, resources, and accountability to foster long-term success.” 
 
Fitness, Nutrition & Support
The HealthyHabits program eliminates the one-size-fits-all approach and provides personalized guidance from certified health coaches. Customizable meal plans designed to fit an individual’s preferences, dietary restrictions, and health goals, make healthy eating easier and more enjoyable than ever.
 
State-of-the-art tracking tools help participants stay accountable and monitor their progress. From food intake to physical activity and goal tracking, the HealthyHabits platform empowers participants to make informed decisions every step of the way.
 
Behavioral coaching sessions enable participants to break free from old habits and embrace a new way of living. Participants learn proven strategies for overcoming common barriers to healthy living, such as stress eating and emotional triggers, so they can thrive in any situation.
 
Best of all, HealthyHabits offers a supportive community of like-minded individuals who are on the same journey.  Participants are able to connect, share experiences, and celebrate successes together.
 
Sunnerberg continued, “HealthyHabits is not a ‘quick fix program’ to reach a short-term goal. Essentially, HealthyHabits is designed to help individuals achieve their weight loss and fitness goals through lifestyle changes that help them thrive. We eliminate the guesswork, provide participants with a blueprint for their journey to balanced living, and a community of support.”
 
Introductory HealthyHabits memberships begin as low as $24 per month. 
 
For more information about Type One Fitness’ HealthyHabits program and to sign up, visit the “Get Fit” page at typeonefitness.org or email info@typeonefitness.org.  
 
About Type One Fitness
Type One Fitness, located in Norwell, is an 11,000+ square foot boutique wellness center in the heart of the South Shore, dedicated to holistic health transformations. Offering tailored fitness solutions, including expert trainers, nutritionists, board certified health coaches, and cutting-edge studios, they cater to individuals managing diabetes or pursuing wellness goals. With specialized support, financial aid options, and scholarships for type 1 diabetics, they ensure accessibility and inclusivity. Clients receive customized fitness and nutrition plans, with a focus on family wellness, while sport-specific training enhances performance. Through community-driven programs, Type One Fitness fosters optimal health and vitality for all.
 
About Type One, Inc.
Established in 2012, Type One Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to liberating the world from the challenges of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Their Type One Cares Campaign raises funds and awareness to support and empower those affected by T1D. Through this initiative, they offer financial aid, support, and education to help individuals lead fulfilling lives beyond their diagnosis. Type One Inc. also champions groundbreaking research by the Faustman Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital, advancing toward a cure for T1D. Based in Hingham, MA, they provide scholarships and financial assistance to ease the burden of managing T1D expenses, aiming to make a difference in the lives of families impacted by the condition. Learn more at typeonefitness.org/about-type-one-fitness.

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Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield Announces 2024 Youth of the Year

Photo credit: Kate McCabe Photography

MARSHFIELD, MA… The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield announces Matthew Roosevelt, a senior at Rising Tide Charter Public School and a Marshfield resident, as 2024 Youth of the Year. 
 
“Youth of the Year” is the highest honor bestowed upon Boys & Girls Club members. Each year, the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, a youth development organization providing programs and services to children and families throughout the greater South Shore community, selects one exceptional Club member as Youth of the Year to serve as an ambassador for the Club’s youth as well as a voice for all young people. 
 
This year, a total of 11 individuals were nominated for the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield’s 2024 Youth of the Year. Eight nominees accepted their nomination and seven completed anonymous essays. Five finalists were then selected: Matthew Roosevelt, Lucas Chiano, Caitlin Scully and Anabel Apgar of Marshfield, and Michael O’Malley who is a resident of Duxbury.
 
The finalists were interviewed by a panel of community and board members including: Alexa Schnauck, former Business Director for the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield; Mike Vercollone and Peter Brown, Board Members of the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield; Patti Mullee, Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield Volunteer and Pickleball enthusiast; Peter Cook, Founder and President of Cook Family Foundation; and Jacqueline Rodrick, a former Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield member and staff member, who was the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s 2019 Youth of the Year and the 2019 Massachusetts State Youth of the Year.
 
“Becoming Youth of the Year was such a life changing experience for me: it felt like a full circle moment- and an honor- to help select the next Youth advocate for the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield,” said Jacqueline Roderick, Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield and Massachusetts State Youth of the Year 2019.
 
A Club kid from the age of five, Roosevelt has been working at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield for the past four years as After School Staff as well as Summer Camp Counselor.
Roosevelt intends to pursue either Special Education or Criminology to become a Police Officer. He will attend Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire in the fall. 
 
A Youth of the Year candidate embodies the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s three priority outcome areas of Academic Success, Good Character and living a Healthy Lifestyle. The National Youth of the Year serves as a role model and spokesperson for America’s youth. They educate millions of Americans about the power of the Club Experience and elevate the national focus on key issues facing children and teens. 
 
Roosevelt and other Youth of the Year representatives will attend state, regional and national events under the direction of Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) staff. They will serve as thought leaders on key issues by telling their inspiring personal stories. 
 
“Matthew has exceptional leadership ability and is an outstanding role model,” said Jim Bunnell, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. “We’re very pleased to recognize Matthew as the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s 2024 Youth of the Year! We wish him every success in the future.”
 
About Youth of the Year Program
For more than 70 years, the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year program has honored and celebrated the nation’s most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys. Stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle have made Youth of the Year America’s premier leadership and recognition program for teens. These amazing young people represent the voice and spirit of hope for America.
 
About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield
The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  The Club serves families with children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old, and provides critical services the community needs to support children and families over the short- and long-term. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582.

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“March for Meals” Luncheon in Brockton Puts the Spotlight on Senior Nutrition and Meals on Wheels

PHOTO ID:   Left to right: Christina Fitzgerald, Community Programs Coordinator from Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office; Joey Ditche; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz; Sydney Hines; Jessica Bullio; and Amanda Heintzelman
 
PHOTO CREDIT: Old Colony Elder Services

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA…  100 residents of Campello High Rise gathered for a “March for Meals” Caribbean lunch held March 27, 2024 and led by the Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Nutrition Department.
 
March for Meals is a part of Meals on Wheels America’s national campaign. OCES’ March for Meals event highlighted the local impact of Meals on Wheels and Community Dining, as well as the importance of funding needed to maintain and expand the program to assist consumers facing food insecurity.
 
The luncheon was held in Brockton’s Campello High Rise, with special guests in attendance: Senator Michael Brady; Representative Michelle Dubois; Representative Rita Mendes; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz; Minhtram Tran, Chief Legal Counsel of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office; and Christina Fitzgerald, Community Programs Coordinator from the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. 
 
OCES’ Nutrition Department provides essential food services including over 537,000 meals each year to consumers living within 23 communities in Greater Plymouth County. OCES has over 600 volunteers in their Nutrition Program delivering over 2,000 nutritious meals each weekday to homebound older adults. 
 
“The Nutrition Program is critical to many homebound older adults and the need for Meals on Wheels has grown exponentially over the last year,” said Nicole M. Long, CEO of OCES, the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County and surrounding areas. “We are very grateful to our supporters and volunteers who make a difference every day in the lives of people facing food insecurity.” 
 
About March for Meals 
The month of March is when The Meals on Wheels network joins forces to celebrate “March for Meals”. This recognizes the historic day in March 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. For more than 50 years OAA has been the foundational source of federal funding for senior nutrition programs across the country that collectively deliver more than 247 million meals to 2.8 million seniors annually.
 
To learn more about OCES’ Nutrition program in Brockton and throughout Plymouth County, visit www.ocesma.org.
 
About OCES
Celebrating 50 Years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Media, OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

“March for Meals” Luncheon in Brockton Puts the Spotlight on Senior Nutrition and Meals on WheelsRead More