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Plymouth Solar Energy powers up new service. Batteries are here. You’ll never have a Power Outage again.

Homeowners now can install high-tech lithium storage batteries to power their home when the utility goes down.  Plymouth Solar Energy has expanded its resources and is now endorsed by the four leading battery manufacturers including Tesla, Briggs, and Stratton, Generac/PRW Cell and Sonnen.  The company has earned certificates for their most advanced systems.

Some battery owners report that they did not even know that the utility went down because the battery switched on seamlessly. In addition to the comfort and convenience, batteries are recognized for taxed credits.  Homeowners enjoy 30% tax credits for batteries and 30% tax credit for solar.

Owners may select time of day or periods of peak household usage and have storage contribute to the home at that time.  Those with solar can store energy during the day and power their home at night.  With or without solar, owners earn money if they allow the utility to tap their batteries when the grid is stressed.

Plymouth Solar Energy (PlymouthSolarEnergy.com ) is a regional leader in the installation and maintenance of commercial and residential solar and battery systems. The company boasts over 200 installed and on-line monitored solar systems within 50 miles of Plymouth.

Plymouth Solar Energy is located at 18 Main Street Extension, Plymouth, MA. There are now 10 full and part-time staffers at the growing entity.

For more info visit www.PlymouthSolarEnergy.com . For a complimentary Solar Feasibility Study or questions, call (508) 746-5430 or email info@plymouthsolarenergy.com.

“Gratitude and Grin” nominations sought.  Recognize a neighbor, friend or relative for the little things they do.

Reward a random act of kindness.  Recognize a selfless act. Appreciate the little things that a neighbor, friend or relative does for you or others. Nominate someone for “Gratitude and Grin” award.

The “Gratitude and Grin” award provides recognition for someone in the community who goes out of their way to help. The award, sponsored by Surf Side Dental Studio of Hingham, includes community recognition and dinner for two at a Hingham-area restaurant.

The public is encouraged to submit nominations to officestaff@surfsidedentalstudio.com.  Please include the name of the nominee, a brief description of the random act of kindness, contact information (telephone, email address) for the nominee.  Please also include contact information (telephone, email address) for the nominator. 

“Highlighting good deeds will help encourage more good deeds,” noted Dr. Robert Geary of Surf Side Dental Studio. 

Dr. Teresa Huynh added, “We believe in community involvement and being good neighbors, we look forward to hearing great examples of that.”

Surf Side Dental Studio is located at the intersection of Hingham, Hull, and Cohasset at 344 Rockland St, Hingham, Ma 02043.  The dental practice provides a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

Husband and wife team Dr. Robert Geary, a native of Hull, and Dr. Teresa Huynh, also a native of a surfside town, Pompano Beach, Florida focus on complete dental care for the family.

For more information, call (781) 749-6750, or visit www.SurfSideDentalStudio.com.

Scituate resident and former Firefighter recognized for Random Act of Kindness and Sunny Disposition.

DATELINE: PLYMOUTH, MA…

Brian Poitras, a Scituate resident and a recent retiree of the Lowell Fire Department, once again did not hesitate when help was needed. 

While visiting the Scituate Senior Center, Brian was chatting with acquaintance Anne Tucker Roberts. 

Anne mentioned that she was concerned that during a hot and humid spell in July her air conditioner was not functioning.  Service companies were not responding to her telephone calls or were scheduling her out for several weeks. Anne and her 85-year-old husband, John, were not only uncomfortable, but at risk.

Out of the kindness of his heart, Brian ventured into his own basement, brought up a spare portable unit and installed it in the Roberts’ home.

“It is a story of what this country has lost. He has renewed my faith that people really DO care about others!” noted Anne.

Thus, Brian Poitras is the first to be recognized by the Sunny Disposition campaign sponsored by Plymouth Solar Energy.  In addition to recognition, Brian will receive a $50 gift certificate to Strega Café, one of Plymouth’s finer restaurants.

Know someone who has recently performed a random or intended act of kindness?

Could be something as simple as taking out the trash for an elderly neighbor.  Or helping with heavy lifting of a new couch.  Or sharing an extra plate of homemade brownies.

Plymouth Solar Energy is recognizing Sunny Disposition winners monthly.  The winner will receive dinner for two at one of Greater Plymouth’s leading restaurants and a spiffy pair of sunglasses.

Enter brief nomination at https://www.plymouthsolarenergy.com/sunny-disposition-plymouth

Plymouth Solar (PlymouthSolarEnergy.com ) is a regional leader in the installation and maintenance of commercial and residential solar and battery systems. The company boasts over 200 installed and on-line monitored solar systems within 50 miles of Plymouth.

Plymouth Solar Energy is located at 18 Main Street Extension, Plymouth, MA. There are now 10 full and part-time staffers at the growing entity.

For more info visit www.PlymouthSolarEnergy.com . For a complimentary Solar Feasibility Study or questions, call (508) 746-5430 or email info@plymouthsolarenergy.com.

Fudging great media coverage

PR Works recently secured broadcast coverage on WCVB for our client Murdick’s Fudge of Martha’s Vineyard. Doug Meehan visited Murdick’s Fudge at their Edgartown location. The piece ran on June 19 on WCVB’s Eye Opener broadcast and later in the day on their early news. Here’s the piece:

For more information on Murdick’s Fudge and their mouth-watering fudge, brittle and other goodies, check out their website.

Leverage Podcast Guest Appearances to Boost your Business

What does it take to claim the “expert” roll and boost your business?  “Leverage Podcast Guest Appearances to Boost your Business” takes the audience through the process step by step.

PR Works, a full service public relations and advertising firm based in America’s Hometown of Plymouth, MA, is leading the complimentary webinar that prepares you to be part of the boom as a podcast host. The free online event is set for Wednesday, August 19, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.  To RSVP, copy and paste https://conta.cc/39q78is into your browser to Internet browser.  

Sponsors of the webinar include My Pinnacle Network, South Shore Networking Professionals and Rockland Trust. The webinar will be led by experienced podcasters Steve Dubin and Joe D’Eramo of PR Works.

The webinar prepares you to determine how to tap into the more than 1-million podcast show opportunities that appear regularly on a wide range of channels including Podcast portals such as Itunes, IHeartRadio, Google Play, YouTube, Stitcher and more.

Podcast appearances establish credibility, create visibility, activate lead generation, create speaking opportunities, stimulate search engine optimization, expand cultural authority, and increase value proposition.

The webinar gets you into the game and on the air.

Learn how to –

  • Test the waters and determine your ability and aptitude
  • Define your topic niche.
  • Leverage the pre-existing audience of the podcast
  • Research podcast show options
  • Tell stories vs. selling
  • Draft standard questions.
  • Create 1-page pitch
  • Appeal to the host’s currency
  • Find portals listing podcast shows
  • Steps to booking a guest spot
  • Choose the right equipment at a reasonable pricing.
  • Lighting like a pro for less
  • Taping protocols worth knowing
  • Coming up with an Evergreen offer
  • Promote each episode via podcast portals, social media, e-newsletters, publicity and leveraging the marketing channels of each guest.
  • Following up and obtaining repeat guesting opportunities

Please RSVP for this complimentary webinar by pasting https://conta.cc/39q78is nto your browser.

For more information about the podcast event or podcasting services, contact PR Works at www.PRWorkZone.com, (781) 582-1061, 18 Main Street Extension, Suite 409, Plymouth, MA.

Mining the Golden Age of Podcasting. PR Works, based in Plymouth, Massachusetts announces podcasting services.

Experts and listeners agree, we are in the Golden Age of Podcasting. More than half of American homes tune into a podcast regularly. Why not YOURS?

Given this high audible trend, PR Works, based in America’s hometown of Plymouth, Massachusetts, has launched a podcast service. The service ranges from establishing a Podcast strategy to recording and editing the show to promoting it. 

“Podcasting allows you to control the message, control the medium and tap into new clients, strategic partners and referral sources,” notes PR Works Founder Steven V. Dubin, a Plymouth, Massachusetts resident.

He added, “Podcasting is another story-telling channel and the one-to-one audience it creates is powerful. Where most get stalled is in having a clear niche topic and managing all the details of technology, arranging guests, editing the raw footage, uploading each segment to YouTube and the many podcast portals and then promoting the podcast to expand the audience. We help boil that down and get it done.”

Here are some of the considerations to podcasting.

First, the “Why”? 

Are you doing this to position yourself as “the” expert? Book prospects as guests and build those relationships? Generate solid content for social media? Enhance SEO? Provide useful information to your core audience?

Your answer to ALL of the above should YES!

Second, the theme?

What is your unique programming theme? Do you expand upon family business, start-up business, mid-market business? Are you focusing on a niche? Young families? Senior living? Middle-age madness? Choose a theme and build upon it.

Third, the Title?

The title of your podcast should give a hint about the content and entice us in. No surprise about what “Planet Money” is about. “Football Weekly” tells it all. You could get clever, but you don’t want to be obscure and leave us guessing.

Fourth, Scheduling?

Most new podcasters can’t keep up a pace of more than once a month. That being said, it is worthwhile to record the first three segments all at once. In our binge watching/listening world, give your audience a good dose of what you do. 

It is best to develop a schedule and editorial outline of segments for each business quarter.

Fifth, Guests?

Let’s face it, unless you are stand-up comedian or experienced performer, you probably can enhance broadcasts with a guest or two. Guests add insight, variety and color. 

The challenge is to book them, prepare them, obtain background materials, etc. That is a critical part of the process.

Six, the Technology?

How will you record? How will you upload to key podcast portals (Spotify, Itunes, etc.).How will you promote each episode? PR Works has reviewed a wide range of platforms and came up with an inexpensive and thorough solution that includes developing a vlodcast (video of the podcast) and the audio podcast at the same time.  Thus, you are bolstering a YouTube channel and reaching out via key podcast portals.

Seventh, the Promotion?

Now you’ve gone to all the trouble of creating a podcast, how do you get it out there?

Social media posts, e-newsletter, news release and blog posts help move it along.  These messages should ALSO be prepared and customized for your guests to share with their audiences.

Ready to go “live”?  5-4-3-2-1.  For additional information about podcasting, contact PR Works at www.PRWorkZone.com, (781) 582-1061, 18 Main Street Extension, Suite 409, Plymouth, MA.

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TLC Supply of Braintree, MA holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Front row left to right: Jeff Gomez with children JJ and GG, Ryan Sterling, Frank Marinelli, Jon D’Allessandro, Rolanda Ross-Le and Don Ross next to Mayor Erin Joyce, Yun Jung, Mike Ford, Tim Cahill, Frank Davis. Back row left to right: Jonathan Hernandez, Marybeth Forbes, Joanne Tully, TJ Brown

BRAINTREE, MA… TLC Supply, Inc., a leading masonry and hardscape supplier serving Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Southern New Hampshire, celebrated the one-year anniversary of their successful relocation to 48 Arnold Street, Braintree, MA 02184, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, July 18, 2025.
 
Braintree Mayor Erin Joyce offered greetings and honored TLC Supply with an official proclamation congratulating founders Don Ross, his daughter Rolanda Ross-Le and Jon D’Allessandro of D’Allessandro Corp. during the ribbon cutting ceremony. Tim Cahill, president of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce offered remarks. Attendees included Ryan Sterling, Esq., Office of Rep. Mark Cusack; Michael Ford of Braintree Electric Light Department; Frank Davis of Bluestone Bank; Frank Marinelli of Marinelli Law Office; TJ Brown of Ideal Block.; Betsy Crupi, South Shore Chamber of Commerce; Joanne Tully, Braintree Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; Marybeth Forbes, Rotary Club of Braintree; along with Braintree Chamber of Commerce, South Shore Chamber of Commerce and Braintree Rotary members. 
 
“Our relocation to Braintree marks a new chapter in TLC Supply’s continued growth and commitment to serving contractors, masons, municipalities, and homeowners,” said Rolanda Ross-Le. “Relocating to Braintree brought tremendous growth, new opportunities, and fresh energy—and we couldn’t be happier to be part of such a welcoming and supportive community.”
 
Ribbon-cutting attendees had an opportunity to meet TLC Supply’s founders and team and tour the expansive facility and yard. The Braintree site boasts an impressive office and showroom, along with a 3,000 square foot outdoor patio display which allows customers to explore a wide range of products and envision their next project in a hands-on environment.
 
From top-tier brands of pavers, retaining walls, and natural stone veneers to custom-fabricated lintels, sills, and stone cuts, TLC Supply is known for helping both professionals and DIYers bring their hardscape visions to life. With a full fleet of delivery trucks, the company provides fast, reliable service across the region.
 
TLC Supply offers a comprehensive range of industry-leading brands and products, including:
 
– Hardscaping: Pavers, retaining walls, granite, bluestone, limestone, porcelain, aggregates and sand. 
– Masonry: Bricks, concrete blocks, natural stone veneer, bagged cements, repair mortars, chimney flues and caps, masonry cleaners, and sealers.
– Rebar & Other Concrete Reinforcement: Rebar cut to size, rebar bending, wire lath, wire mesh and steel angle iron.
– Custom Fabrication & Services: Concrete lintels, sills, and splash blocks fabrication, state-of-the-art stone cutting to exact specifications and personalized engraving services.
 
TLC Supply is also a Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Certified Recycling Facility for used brick, block, concrete, and gravel.
 
About TLC Supply, Inc.
TLC Supply, Inc. is a family-owned hardscape and masonry supplier dedicated to providing top-quality materials and expert service to general contractors, masons, architects, towns, municipalities, and homeowners throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Southern New Hampshire. Operating from their expanded location in Braintree, MA, TLC Supply offers a complete range of hardscaping and masonry products, rebar and other concrete reinforcement, custom fabrication services, and efficient delivery to help customers get the job done right. Their commitment to quality, expertise, and customer satisfaction sets them apart in the industry. For more information, visit www.tlcsupply.com.

LEARN Behavioral Opens New Autism Learning Center in Milwaukee, WI

No Waitlist and Flexible Hours for Milwaukee County Area Families

MILWAUKEE, WI… Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP) and Total Spectrum, providers of LEARN Behavioral, are proud to announce the grand opening of its new Milwaukee Learning Center at 5369 N 118th Court, Milwaukee, WI 53225.
 
WEAP and Total Spectrum are Milwaukee’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children. The new Milwaukee Learning Center provides center-based ABA therapy, in-home ABA therapy, diagnostics, and Youth Club and Social Skills Programs. 
 
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held with the Greater Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce in September 2025. Attendees will have an opportunity to tour the facility and meet the leadership team, including Heather Bania, WEAP Senior Regional Clinical Director – Milwaukee Region; Brooke Marcellis, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, Total Spectrum Regional Clinical Director – Wisconsin; Mary Smith, BCBA, Vice President Clinical Services; and Hannah Rue, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Chief Clinical Officer.
 
“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families by expanding our services to greater Milwaukee area,” said Heather Bania, WEAP Senior Regional Clinical Director – Milwaukee Region. “We value being a part of the Milwaukee community and look forward to collaborating with fellow organizations and professionals to help find success for every child in our care.” 
 
Key Features of the Milwaukee Learning Center:
 
– ABA therapy, which includes a learning-rich environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.
– Diagnostic and center-based services in the city of Milwaukee. 
– SMART Board room, indoor gym, and outdoor playground. 
– No waitlist and flexible treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules.
– Serving children ages 2-6 with personalized therapy plans.
– Conveniently located and easily accessible via I-41 for families in the region.
 
The center is now enrolling new clients based in Milwaukee County with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.
 
About WEAP & Total Spectrum
WEAP and Total Spectrum, part of the LEARN Behavioral network, are two of the nation’s leading providers of compassionate autism care. Together, they have provided evidence-based autism services for over 30 years and are dedicated to delivering personalized ABA therapy, helping children and families find success.
 
The Milwaukee Learning Center is WEAP and Total Spectrum’s sixth center-based ABA therapy location in the Greater Milwaukee area. The companies already have Learning Centers in Glendale, Oak Creek, Brookfield, Mount Pleasant, and West Bend, WI.
 
For more information or to enroll a child at the Milwaukee Learning Center, call (262) 432-5660 or visit https://wiautism.com/locations/milwaukee.
 
About LEARN Behavioral
LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of evidence-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.
 

LEARN Behavioral Opens Doors of New Autism Learning Center in Menifee, CA.

No Waitlist and Flexible Hours for Riverside County Families

MENIFEE, CA… Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to announce the opening of its new Menifee Learning Center at 29950 Haun Road, 
Menifee, CA 92586.
 
AST is Menifee’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children ages 2-13 years. The new Menifee Learning Center provides center-based, in-home, and school-based ABA therapy, Social Skills Programs, and parent education.
 
“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families by expanding our services to Riverside County and the Inland Empire area,” said Joanie Gonzales, Center Director. “We value being a part of the community and look forward to helping find success for every child in our care.” 
 
Key Features of the Menifee Learning Center:
 
– Large facility which includes an indoor soft playground for physical and social development.
– ABA therapy, which includes a learning-rich environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.
– Hybrid services. Center-based and in-home services, which are not common for providers. 
– Assent-based learning, child-focused, and parent education as part of therapy.
– No waitlist and flexible treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules.
– Serving children 2- 13 years old with personalized therapy plans.
– Conveniently located near Menifee Community College and easily accessible via I-215 for families in the region.
 
The center is now enrolling new clients based in Banning, Corona, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Palm Springs, Riverside, San Jacinto, and Temecula with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.
 
About AST
AST, part of the LEARN Behavioral network, is one of the nation’s leading providers of compassionate autism care. The Menifee Learning Center is among AST’s ABA therapy locations in the Inland Empire, with existing Learning Centers in Riverside, Temecula, and Victorville, CA.
 
For more information or to enroll a child at the Menifee Learning Center, call (866) 727-8274 or visit https://autismtherapies.com/locations/inland-empire
 
About LEARN Behavioral
LEARN Behavioral is a national leader in autism treatment, offering comprehensive diagnostic services and contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of evidence-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.

Thirty-five Years & Three Generations. Chris Puiia Named Production Manager at Between Rounds

MANCHESTER, EAST WINDSOR, SOUTH WINDSOR, TOLLAND AND VERNON, CT… 
Chris Puiia has been named Production Manager at Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, the unique bagel shop with five locations in Connecticut and wholesale bagel supplier to grocery retailers. 
 
As the third-generation in the Puiia family of bagel makers and a Between Rounds future owner, Chris is the son of Jerry Puiia, Between Rounds co-founder and the grandson of Vito Puiia who started the business with Joseph Puiia in Hoboken, NJ back in 1990. Between Rounds in Vernon was modeled after the Hoboken, NJ store. 
 
“My son Chris learned the bagel business from the ground up and we’re thrilled to have him take the helm overseeing Production at Between Rounds,” said Jerry Puiia.
 
In his new role as Production Manager, Chris Puiia oversees production, coordinates deliveries, and manages inventory levels for wholesale and retail accounts. In addition to the wholesale business, he ensures that Between Rounds retail locations have daily and featured products and also handles much of the marketing. Chris Puiia works closely with Joseph Puiia in their South Windsor headquarters.
 
Prior to returning to Between Rounds, Puiia was an Account Manager at Foundation Management & Pro-Productions which provided Executive Director and event production services for nonprofits in the Boston area.  
 
Puiia graduated from Endicott College, Beverly, MA in 2018 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management with a minor in Business Administration.
 
He is a resident of South Windsor, CT.
 
About Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café
Founded in 1990 by brothers Jerry and Joseph Puiia, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-onsite 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 at five locations in Connecticut: East Windsor; South Windsor; Vernon; Manchester and Tolland, CT. 
 
The Puiia hallmark is manufacturing and selling their own bagels, which sets Between Rounds apart from other cafés. Between Rounds has wholesale bagel partnerships with independent, family-owned and multi-location grocery retailers, innovative dairy delivery services, hospitality groups, and others in Connecticut and Massachusetts. 
 
Franchise and wholesale opportunities are available. Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT. For more information about their unique franchise offerings, contact (860) 291-0323 or visit https://betweenroundsbagels.com

Westborough Food Pantry welcomes public to donate food at “Fill a Truck” event

Beep, beep!  Help your neighbor, help your community.

The Westborough Food Pantry welcomes the public to donate food at the “Fill a Truck” event on Saturday, July 26, 9:00 – 1:00 at Roche Bros. at Bay State Commons in Westborough, located at 1100 Union St, Westborough, MA 01581. 

Mark’s Moving and Storage, also based in Westborough, is donating and providing a tractor trailer truck for the event.

In Massachusetts, 804,180 people are facing hunger – and of them 177,040 are children, according to Project Bread. That includes 1 of 8 adults and 1 or 9 children.

The public is encouraged to bring donations or purchase extra items at Roche Bros. The food drive wish list includes –

Ketchup

Mayonnaise

Mustard

Relish

Tomato paste

Tomatoes whole

Tomatoes crushed

Pasta

Cookies

Crackers

Pancake mix and syrup

Spices – any and all

Polly Thayer of the Westborough Food Pantry noted, “This is a wonderful opportunity to directly assist families who are experiencing food insecurity. This event helps us collect and distribute a large volume of food during the summer, a time of year that is critical, yet often forgotten by the public. Any and all donations are deeply appreciated.”

Mark Silverman of Mark’s Moving added, “We are delighted to donate and provide the transportation for this food drive event that have a major impact on regional families.”

John McCarthy of Roche Bros noted, “Our passion for quality service and products is in our roots, and despite our growth over the years, we work to provide the same neighborhood grocery store experience and community dedication as we did in our first butcher shop in Roslindale, MA.”

About The Westborough Food Pantry

The Westborough Food Pantry opened in 1986 providing approximately 30 people with food. As of 2023, the Food Pantry provides food for over 150 Westborough families for a total of over 450 people each week.The organization distributes an average of 5000 pounds of food each week to Westborough families in need.  That’s over 130 TONS of food per year! 

The Food Pantry has a completely volunteer staff of over 85 men and women. It takes more than 150 hours each week to purchase food, pick up and sort donated food and check expiration dates, stock the Pantry shelves, maintain our facility, handle administrative duties and staff our food pantry store. Volunteers are encouraged to contact the Pantry at https://westboroughfoodpantry.org/.

About Mark’s Moving and Storage

Mark’s Moving and Storage, 111 Milk St., Westborough, offers a wide range of moving and storage services, including commercial on demand warehouse storage local and long-distance residential and corporate moving, air freight, container shipping, record storage management, disposal, packing and unpacking services, portable storage containers, warehousing and fire and flood remediation.

Mark’s Moving and Storage’s  non-profit division Mark’s Northeastern Furniture Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and was established to re-purpose discarded furniture and provide for charities and individuals in need. Since 2011, the foundation and its partners have distributed  thousands of pieces of re-purposed furniture. More than 1,000,000 pounds of furniture have been given to individuals and local charities, such as the United Way of Tri-County and Household Goods.  For more information, visit the firm’s website, www.marksmoving.com.

About Roche Bros. Supermarkets

Family-owned-and-operated, Roche Bros. Supermarkets have nurtured a tradition of community since 1952. With an insatiable desire to offer premium perishables, unbeatable service, delectable catering, prepared foods, and more, Roche Bros. help good memories start here. For more details about Roche Bros., visit https://www.rochebros.com/.

Local Volunteers Awarded at Appreciation Luncheon

Left to right:  Rita Pope, Mary Beth Ryan from Plymouth Center for Active Living accepting the award on behalf of Edward Sore, Sandra Ivers, John Durnan, Mike Pauley, Donna Blaschke, John Melchin, and Lindsey Snyder from OCES’ Money Management Program accepting the awards on behalf of Ellen Jacobs and Ellen Lash.

BRIDGEWATER, BROCKTON, DUXBURY, EASTON, KINGSTON, MIDDLEBORO, PEMBROKE, PLYMOUTH, MA… 
 
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, honored volunteers at a special luncheon and awards ceremony held at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, MA.
 
A total of 130 attendees attended the appreciation luncheon.
 
“It is through the unwavering support of all of our volunteers that many OCES programs and Community Service Partner programs are better able to assist those in need,” said Armindo Rocha, OCES’ Volunteer Programs Manager. “We recognize and thank all of our generous volunteers for their tremendous dedication to helping others and our communities.”
 
Armindo Rocha and Cidalia America, OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator, hosted the appreciation luncheon and presented awards. 
 
OCES presented the Make a Difference Award to 12 outstanding volunteers in recognition of their dedication to helping others and making a meaningful impact in the community: 
 
Tom Adduci, Bridgewater Meals On Wheels (MOW) volunteer; Ellen Lash, Ellen Jacobs and John Durnan volunteers for OCES’ Money Management Program (MMP) in Brockton; Mike Pauley and Sandra Ivers, Brockton MOW volunteers; Beth Kelley and Bob Kelley, Duxbury MOW volunteers; Rita Pope, Easton MOW volunteer; Donna Blaschke, Middleboro MOW volunteer; John Melchin, Pembroke MOW volunteer; and Edward Sore, Plymouth MOW volunteer.
 
OCES had the pleasure of having Mark Grossman give a brief statement on behalf of Abbott Care, the premiere sponsor.
 
Volunteering for OCES
With the help of more than 550 Nutrition Program volunteers, OCES serves 2,600 meals every weekday as part of its MOW services. MMP volunteers, assist older adults and individuals with disabilities with bill paying, reconciling bank statements, balancing checkbooks, and in special cases negotiating debt with creditors. Volunteers also serve on the OCES Board of Directors, participate in the MMP Advisory Board, and contribute to many other important efforts. 
 
OCES’ is proud to have a Volunteer Center in Plymouth which serves as a central resource for volunteers and service partners offering volunteer opportunities in Plymouth County. Prospective volunteers can 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 Volunteer Center is equipped with computers for researching volunteer opportunities as well as brochures and other literature from organizations seeking volunteers.
 
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit https://ocesma.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities
 
About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) 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 ocesma.org