Unleash the Power of The Press

Newsroom

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.

Between Rounds expands bagel line with Featured flavors throughout the year

MANCHESTER, EAST WINDSOR, SOUTH WINDSOR, TOLLAND, AND VERNON, CT… 

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, the unique bakery café and bagel shop with five locations in Connecticut, has expanded its signature bagel line with featured flavors.

Between Rounds’ featured bagels are offered for a limited time and may include unique flavors as well as seasonal bagels. Throughout 2026, the bagel franchise is set to roll out five featured bagels, which will be offered for a limited time:

Cranberry Orange, a sweet and tart citrus bagel featured in January, February, and March. 

In March, Between Rounds is also featuring green (colored) signature bagels in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. 

A Chonion bagel combines their two most popular savory bagels, cheddar cheese and onion, and will be featured in April, May, June and July. The Chonion bagel has a bold flavor profile that is perfect topped with plain or flavored cream cheese and even better when served in place of bread in a favorite breakfast or lunch sandwich. 

Just in time for “Pumpkin Spice season”, Pumpkin bagels will feature in August, September, and October.

In November and December, Between Rounds will feature French Toast bagels, which are made with a maple and cinnamon swirl, similar to the taste of French toast topped with maple syrup.

“We enjoy creating new and exciting bagel flavors for our customers,” said Jerry Puiia, co-founder of Between Rounds. “Essentially, our featured flavors enable us to offer new flavors on a limited basis to see how well they are received. For example, our Jalapeño Cheddar bagel started out as a featured flavor, but was very well-received and in high demand, so we made it one of our staple flavors offered daily.”

Bagel Varieties

Between Rounds signature bagel line includes more than a dozen different kinds of bagels each day, which include: Jalapeño Cheddar, Everything, Asiago, Cheddar, Whole Wheat, Blueberry, Spinach, Cornmeal, Pumpernickel, Garlic, Egg, Onion, Poppy, Sesame, Cinnamon Raisin, and Plain. 

Puiia continued, “Our signature bagels are made from the same family recipe for more than 35 years now. Our bagels are delicious as is or toasted and topped with cream cheese or a preferred topping. Customers looking for ways to enhance their breakfast or lunch sandwich ‘flavor profile’ may simply replace sandwich bread or roll with their favorite Between Rounds bagel.”

Wholesale Bagels

Between Rounds signature bagels are also offered at wholesale partner retailers. The bagels are sold in four-packs of their most popular flavors: Plain, Sesame, Poppy, Everything, Asiago, Jalapeño Cheddar, and Cheddar bagels. (Feature flavors are not part of wholesale offerings.)

For a listing of wholesale partner store locations that offer Between Rounds bagels, visit betweenroundsbagels.com/grocery-retailers/

Retailers interested in becoming wholesale partners to complement their offerings with Between Rounds fresh-baked, local products are encouraged to contact Jerry Puiia at (860) 291-8780.

Between Rounds 

The family-owned Between Rounds has been in business for over three decades and is the brainchild of brothers Jerry and Joseph Puiia, Staten Island, NY natives. Between Rounds has five corporate and franchised bakery café and bagel shop locations in Connecticut and is a wholesale bagel supplier to more than 100 grocery retailers in the state and beyond. Between Rounds has been honored as “2024 Bakery Partner of the Year” by Big Y, one of the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New England.

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. Made from the same family recipe for over 35 years, Between Rounds signature bagels are consistent and meet their wholesale partners’ high-quality standards. All the bagels are locally-produced at Between Rounds state-of-the-art South Windsor, CT headquarters and are delivered fully baked and packaged to their wholesale partners.

For more information about Between Rounds’ unique franchise and wholesale offerings, contact (860) 291-0323 or visit https://betweenroundsbagels.com

SPARKS ABA Learning Center Now Open in Fairfax, VA

No Waitlist and Expanded Year-Round Services for Fairfax County Area Families

FAIRFAX, VA… SPARKS ABA, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, has recently opened the doors of their new Learning Center at 3022 Williams Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031. 

SPARKS ABA is Virginia’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children and adolescents ages 2-18 years. The Fairfax Learning Center provides center-based and in-home ABA therapy, diagnostic services, and speech and occupational therapy.

“We are thrilled to open our doors and bring compassionate, contemporary ABA therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to families in Fairfax and the surrounding areas,” said Kayla Bagnato, Regional Clinical Director. “Through highly personalized support, we aim to empower each child and young adult to gain independence to succeed in school and life and reach their highest potential.” 

The Fairfax Learning Center features an innovative Launchpad Learning Program, which focuses on children with autism ages 2 to 6 who are ready to transition from a one-on-one learning environment to a group setting to help prepare them for school. With Launchpad, half the day involves group activities with a 3:1 staff-child ratio, developing team skills and independence, and the other half of the day focuses on individual instruction, addressing personal growth areas.

Key Features of the Fairfax Learning Center:

  • ABA therapy, which includes a learning-rich environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.
  • Diagnostic services and speech and occupational therapy provided on-site.
  • Launchpad Learning, a school readiness program for children aged 2 to 6.
  • No waitlist and flexible treatment hours that include after-school and evening hours to accommodate busy family schedules.
  • Serving children 2-18 years old with personalized therapy plans.
  • Conveniently located near I-495. Just 15 minutes away from Springfield and easily accessible via public transportation for families in the region.

About SPARKS ABA

SPARKS ABA, part of LEARN Behavioral, a national leader in compassionate autism treatment, has been a leading provider of evidence-based autism services for 15 years. SPARKS ABA is dedicated to personalized, high-quality ABA therapy. In addition to the Fairfax location, SPARKS ABA has Learning Centers in Manassas and Springfield, VA, and Landover and Waldorf, MD.

The Fairfax Learning Center is now enrolling new clients in Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fort Belvoir, Manassas, and Springfield with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.

For more information or to enroll a child, call (240) 222-7956 or visit https://www.sparksaba.com

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 New Autism Learning Center in Sturbridge, MA

Flexible Hours for Worcester County Families

STURBRIDGE, MA… Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to announce the grand opening of its new Sturbridge Learning Center at 179 Main Street, Suite 2, Sturbridge, MA 01566.

BCI is Sturbridge’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children ages 1-12 years. The Sturbridge Learning Center provides center-based ABA therapy, in-home ABA therapy, parent education, diagnostics, Early Intervention, and social skills.

The Sturbridge Learning Center also features an innovative Launchpad Learning Program, which focuses on children with autism ages 3 to 5 who are ready to transition from a one-on-one learning environment to a group setting to help prepare them for school. With Launchpad, half the day involves group activities with a 3:1 staff-child ratio, developing team skills and independence, and the other half of the day focuses on individual instruction, addressing personal growth areas.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families by expanding our services in Worcester County,” said Annaleisa Delgado, BCBA, LABA, Regional Clinical Director for the Sturbridge Learning Center. “We value being a part of the Sturbridge 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 Sturbridge Learning Center:

  • Large facility with an indoor gross motor area and an enriching environment. 
  • ABA therapy, which includes a classroom-like environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.
  • Launchpad Learning, a preschool readiness program that empowers young learners for group success so they are prepared to enter kindergarten. 
  • Social skills programs to teach children communication skills.
  • After-school and weekend treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules.
  • Serving children ages 2-12 years with personalized therapy plans.
  • Conveniently located near Old Sturbridge Village, I-84, and US-20, and easily accessible for families in the region.

The center is now enrolling new clients based in Webster, Dudley, Southbridge, Sturbridge, the Brookfields, Ware, Spenser, Charlton, Brimfield, Warren, and beyond, with flexible treatment hours.

For more information or to enroll a child at the Sturbridge Learning Center, call 508-363-0200 or visit https://bciaba.com/locations/sturbridge

About BCI

BCI, part of the LEARN Behavioral network, is one of the nation’s leading providers of compassionate autism care. For more than 20 years, BCI has been delivering evidence-based services, helping children with autism find success and reach their unique potential.

The Sturbridge Learning Center is BCI’s fifteenth center-based ABA therapy location, with existing Learning Centers in Beverly, Brockton, Fitchburg, Framingham, Lawrence, Lowell, New Bedford, Newton, Springfield, Taunton, Wilmington, two locations in Worcester, MA, and one location in Nashua, NH.

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 New Autism Learning Center in Kalamazoo, MI

No Waitlist and Flexible Hours for Southern Michigan Families

KALAMAZOO, MI… Total Spectrum, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to announce the grand opening of its new Kalamazoo Learning Center at 1722 Shaffer St., Suite 4, Kalamazoo, MI 49048.

Total Spectrum is Michigan’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children and young adults ages 2-21 years. The new Kalamazoo Learning Center provides center-based and in-home ABA therapy, early learner and school readiness programs, Social Skills Programs, and parent education. 

“We’re thrilled to expand our current services within the greater Kalamazoo area,” said Jesse Carrington, BCBA, Center Director of the Kalamazoo Learning Center. “We’re looking forward to having the space to provide contemporary ABA to many more individuals and families with autism in the community.” 

Key Features of the Kalamazoo Learning Center:

  • ABA therapy, which includes an enriching environment, an indoor gross motor room, an adolescent area, and one-on-one support.
  • Strong early learner and school readiness programs in the city of Kalamazoo. 
  • Social skills Programs to teach children communication skills.
  • No waitlist and after-school and weekend treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules.
  • Serving children and young adults 2-21 years old with personalized therapy plans.
  • Conveniently located and easily accessible via I-94, US 131, and M-96 for families in the region.

The Kalamazoo location is Total Spectrum’s third learning center in Kalamazoo county. The center is now enrolling new clients based in Climax, Comstock, Kalamazoo, Oshtemo, Parchment, Portage, Schoolcraft, Texas Township, Vicksburg, Richland, and beyond with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.

About Total Spectrum

Total Spectrum is part of the LEARN Behavioral network, one of the nation’s leading providers of contemporary ABA therapy. Total Spectrum has been delivering evidence-based services for more than 10 years, helping children and young adults with autism find success and reach their unique potential.

Total Spectrum has three locations in Kalamazoo county. For more information or to enroll a child at the new Kalamazoo Learning Center, call (844) 263-1613 or visit https://totalspectrumcare.com/locations/kalamazoo

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.

OCES Employees Honored with Milestone Awards

OCES leadership team
OCES leadership team from left to right: Rob Buckel-Gillis, Alisa DeLage, Nicole Long, Yolanda America, and Anna Dee

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA…Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) honored 24 staff members, including their Chief Executive Officer Nicole Long, with milestone awards during their annual staff meeting in January.

OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts. With locations in Brockton and Plymouth, the organization employs 270 full- and part-time staff members. 

Awards for 20 years of service were presented to Nicole Long of Plymouth, Rochelle Sugarman of Canton, and Jean Sibley of Hanson.

Awards for 10 years of service went to Zonya Williams of Rhode Island; Ines Veira of Taunton; Kori Pickett of Plymouth; Ken Gomes of Fall River; Elga Miranda, Sosha Michel, Stacy Vaughn, Maryanne Whalen and Shirley Smith of Brockton; Carolyn Brown of Easton; Ariola Sina of Hanover; Christine Thompkins of Halifax; Colleen Joyce of Stoughton; and Carol Cedrone of Randolph.

Awards for 5 years of service were presented to Jessica Mahoney of Brant Rock; Rosemary Gordon and Christine Kent of Taunton; Ifeanyi Oli, Kamal Alleye, Lisa Lopes Patterson, and Theresa Martyr-Johnson of Brockton.

“It is a great pleasure to recognize employees for their dedication to our organization and the community. We appreciate the efforts of all our employees, their contributions and commitment to our mission,” said Rob Buckel-Gillis, Human Resources Director.

OCES aspires to be a culturally diverse and inclusive agency that removes barriers, creating equity for all by empowering individuals and communities to thrive, age in place, and reach their highest potential.

About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023, 2024 and 2025 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 51 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

Social Security: Lightly Toasted, Not Burnt – Retirement Guru and Author Marcia Mantell Announces Fifth Book

PLYMOUTH, MA… Marcia Mantell, nationally-known speaker, author, and retirement planning guru has just released her fifth book entitled Social Security: Lightly Toasted, Not Burnt which is available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.  

“Social Security is not going bankrupt; it is not a scheme nor is it on the brink of collapse,” explained Mantell. “Sure, solutions are needed to guarantee that 100 percent of benefits are paid to eligible retirees. But only Congress can change the law to secure this vital 90-year-old program and as history has demonstrated, they will likely wait until the last moment to act.”

Yet, Funding for Social Security and Medicare over the next five years will shape the retirements of most Americans. And they are concerned about money running out. What they fail to understand is that the issue is with the reserve account – the savings account side of the Social Security Trust Fund. Since 2021, this “rainy day” account has been tapped to pay full benefits to retirees.

Marcia Mantell
Marcia Mantell

“Congress knew more than 20 years ago that this would be the situation,” Mantell noted. “It’s not new or particularly newsworthy, but it is making near-retirees extremely anxious. Too many of them are now claiming benefits early, locking in significantly reduced monthly income. That decision will come back to haunt them in their 80s and 90s.”

To help put hard-working Americans at ease, Mantell’s Social Security: Lightly Toasted, Not Burnt covers in depth a number of critical elements in an easy-to-digest manner. Readers will be able to:

  • Learn how benefits are calculated.
  • Evaluate their options based on marital status.
  • See how their claiming decisions impact their financial picture.
  • Understand how taxes, work, and Medicare premiums lower their monthly payments.

According to Mantell, “Many are worried about Social Security and wondering what they should do today. Think of the program as lightly toasted, but not burnt to a crisp. For most, they only get one chance to claim their Social Security benefits. Then, they’re stuck living with that decision for the next few decades, well into their 80s and 90s. It is imperative that you learn as much as you can and take your time to figure out your best claiming strategy.”

In the past two decades, Mantell has brought an impressive amount of retirement, Social Security, and Medicare knowledge to the financial industry and directly to future retirees through their employers or in partnership with financial advisors. 

Mantell also reaches future retirees through her easy-to-follow “recipe-style” books, which offer up all the “ingredients” for a successful transition into retirement years.

Along with her latest book, Mantell authored other must-read books (available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble) written for everyone who wants to retire. Her lively how-to discussion guide and workbook, Cookin’ Up Your Retirement Plan, was featured in the Wall Street Journal article, “5 Books to Help You Build a Bigger Nest Egg” (July 2025). Her other titles include What’s the Deal with Retirement Planning for Women and Creating Your Medicare Recipe. (What’s the Deal with Social Security for Women has been retired. It became outdated with recent changes to the Social Security law.) 

Social Security: Lightly Toasted, Not Burnt retails for $16.99 and is available for purchase in

Amazon.com books and Barnesandnoble.com. An eBook version is also available.

About Marcia Mantell

Marcia Mantell is a nationally-known keynote speaker, author, retirement planning guru and Baby Boomer. For over 30 years, Marcia Mantell has helped the country’s foremost financial services firms and advisors increase their knowledge of complex retirement concepts and regulations. She has a remarkable ability to translate those concepts into everyday language that educates and motivates real people to take the right steps to achieve the retirement they desire. Mantell has been named an IA25 Honoree by ThinkAdvisor—one of the “advisors, experts and leaders in financial services who are pushing the industry forward.” 

As the founder of Mantell Retirement Consulting, Mantell regularly partners with financial institutions in the U.S. and Canada to help support the customers they serve across the retirement spectrum—from a focus on saving, to the transition into retirement, and then, how to organize and manage income to last a lifetime. 

Mantell holds Retirement Management Advisor (RMA®) designation and National Social Security Advisor® (NSSA) certification. She serves as Chair of the RMA Commission and teaches Social Security and Medicare to financial advisors. She is renowned for “translating” Social Security and Medicare rules and complex retirement topics into language that consumers can understand. Over the years, Mantell has developed innovative retirement income planning workshops for advisors, and comprehensive retirement education programs for plan participants and consumers at all levels of wealth.

Those looking to learn more about Mantell Retirement Consulting may turn to ThinkAdvisor’s profile for the company’s 20th anniversary: https://thinkadvisor.com/2025/07/16/marcia-mantell-has-never-been-this-worried-about-social-security/

For additional background on Marcia Mantell and her work with Mantell Retirement Consulting, visit https://mantellretirementconsulting.com/.