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“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.

New Autism Learning Center Opens Doors in Beloit, WI with Ribbon Cutting Celebration.

Left to right:  Jonah Thatcher; Erin Seiler, Associate Regional Director; Caitlin Alverson; Samantha Pipkorn; Mandi Shallenberger; Amanda Carlson; Amy Goike, Center Director; Molly Bean; Leann Harris; JoAnn Donny; and Christine Laurent, Regional Clinical Director.

WEAP welcomes Rock County area families to their new location.

BELOIT, WI… Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP), provider of LEARN Behavioral, officially opened the doors of its new Beloit Learning Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 4, 2026.

Hosted by the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at WEAP’s new location at 905 Henry Ave., Beloit, Wisconsin 53511. 

During the ceremony, Pam Travis of the Office of U.S. Senator Ron Johnson and Kari Swirth, President of the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce, shared greetings and remarks. Daniel Ortiz Hernandez, Beloit City Manager, and Dr. Leah Gordon-Malott, Superintendent of Beloit School District, also shared remarks. Members of the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce and other guests were in attendance.

Ribbon-cutting attendees were able to tour the facility, enjoy light refreshments, and meet WEAP’s leadership team: Amy Goike, BCBA, LBA, Center Director; Christine Laurent, BCBA, LBA, Regional Clinical Director; and Erin Seiler, BCBA, LBA, Associate Regional Director.

“WEAP is excited to bring compassionate, high-quality ABA therapy to families in the greater Beloit area,” said Amy Goike, Center Director. “We tailor our services to each child and family, providing engaging, evidence-based care in an environment designed to help

children build skills, confidence, and independence. We’re honored to be part of the Beloit community.”

WEAP, celebrating its 30th anniversary, has become a world-renowned leader in the early diagnosis and treatment of autism in children. Their evidence-based approach to care has helped thousands of children with autism throughout Wisconsin. 

“WEAP is a place where children can gain essential skills—and where their journey toward success in school and life begins,” said Christine Laurent, Regional Clinical Director.

WEAP is Wisconsin’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children ages 18 months to 6 years old. The new Beloit Learning Center provides center-based ABA therapy, Social Skills Programs, parent education, Early Intervention, and weekend services. Outside the center, the Beloit team offers ABA support in the daycare and community settings.

With no waitlist and flexible treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules, the Beloit Learning Center is now enrolling new clients in Rock County and beyond. The center is conveniently located and easily accessible via US Route 51 and public transportation for families in the region.

Open House in September

Families are invited to a sensory-friendly ice cream social/open house at the Beloit Learning Center on September 18, 2026, from 4 pm to 6 pm. This event will feature free ice cream, an opportunity to meet the team, and engaging, themed activities for the whole family to enjoy in a welcoming, inclusive environment. 

For more information or to enroll a child at the Beloit Learning Center, call (608) 662-9327 or visit https://wiautism.com/locations/beloit

In addition to Beloit, WEAP has center-based ABA therapy Learning Centers in Altoona, Brookfield, De Pere, Glendale, Green Bay, Greenfield, Janesville, Madison, Madison South, Menomonie, Milwaukee (Menomonee Falls), Mount Pleasant, Oak Creek, Oshkosh, Reedsburg, Sheboygan, Stevens Point, Sun Prairie, and West Bend. 

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.

New Autism Learning Center Opens Doors in Fall River, MA with Ribbon Cutting Celebration

Front row: Aerin Parish Toscano, Regional Clinical Director; Abigail Godon, Center Director; Massachusetts State Representative Carole Fiola, Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan; Joscelyn Varieur; Gina Mazza. Back row from left to right: Chris Johnson; Maureen Flanagan, Office of Senator Michael J. Rodrigues; Tiago Pereira; Carl Sawejko, Vice Chair of One SouthCoast Chamber Foundation; Lisa Lebreux; Mike O’Sullivan, CEO One SouthCoast Chamber; Ian Trombly, VP of Public Policy, One SouthCoast Chamber; Clifford Athouriste, Director Of Membership and Retention, One SouthCoast Chamber

BCI welcomes South Coast families to their new location.

FALL RIVER, MA… Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a provider of LEARN Behavioral, officially opened the doors of its new Fall River Learning Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 3, 2026.

Hosted by One SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at BCI’s new location at 1151 Robeson St., Suite 101, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720.

During the ceremony, Massachusetts State Representative Carole Fiola and Maureen Flanagan of the Office of Senator Michael J. Rodrigues shared remarks. Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan and Mike O’Sullivan, CEO of One SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce, also shared remarks. Members of One SouthCoast Chamber and other guests were in attendance.

Ribbon-cutting attendees were able to tour the facility, enjoy light refreshments, and meet BCI’s leadership team: Abigail Godon, MS, BCBA, Center Director, and Aerin Parish-Toscano, MS, BCBA, LABA, Regional Clinical Director.

“Our Fall River Learning Center was built to help children grow at their own pace and learn alongside others,” said Abigail Godon, Center Director. “BCI is a place where children can build important skills—and begin their path toward success in school and life. We’re honored to be part of the Fall River community and grateful to offer these life-changing services right here.”

BCI is a leading contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based services for children with autism and Down syndrome. The Fall River Learning Center provides Early Intervention, center-based ABA therapy, diagnostic services, and parent education to children with autism ages 2-6. It also offers ABA services for individuals with Down syndrome, up to age 21. Outside the center, the Fall River team offers ABA support in the home and community settings.

“At BCI, our mission has always been simple: to give every child caring, proven support that helps them reach their full potential,” said Aerin Parish-Toscano, Regional Clinical Director. “We look forward to helping find success for every individual in our care.” 

Key Features of the Fall River Learning Center:

-Large facility, which includes an indoor gross motor space for physical and social development, as well as a dedicated family meeting/treatment guidance room for parent participation.

-ABA therapy, which includes a learning-rich environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.

-Access to nearby public playground.

-No waitlist and in-home afternoon and weekend services to accommodate busy family schedules. 

-Serving children 2- 6 years old with autism with personalized therapy plans.

-Serving children and young adults with Down syndrome ages 2-21 with personalized therapy plans.

-Conveniently located near I-195 and Route 24.

The center is now enrolling new clients in the South Coast region with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.

Open House in September

Families are invited to a sensory-friendly fall carnival/open house at the Fall River Learning Center on September 11, 2026, from 4 to 6 pm. This event will feature sensory-friendly carnival-themed activities for the whole family to enjoy in a welcoming, inclusive environment. 

For more information or to enroll a child at the Fall River Learning Center, call (774) 379-0442 or visit https://bciaba.com/locations/fall-river.

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 and Down syndrome find success and reach their unique potential.

In addition to the Fall River Learning Center, BCI has existing center-based ABA therapy Learning Centers in Beverly, Brockton, Fitchburg, Framingham, Lawrence, Littleton, Lowell, Newton, New Bedford, Quincy, Roxbury, Springfield, Sturbridge, Taunton, Wilmington, two locations in Worcester, MA, and a 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.

Ribbon-Cutting Celebration Held at New Autism Learning Center in Baltimore, MD

Left to Right: LaTasha Gresham James, Senior Advisor for City Council President Zeke Cohen; Marie Officer, Membership & Events Manager with the Greater Baltimore Chamber of Commerce; Assistant Deputy Mayor Krystal Billups; Maggie Hackett, Center Director; Rebekah Carter, Lead Technician Proctor; Nicole Armstrong, Center Director; Amanda Slenbaker, Managing Behavioral Analyst; Anne McHugh, Regional Clinical Director; Jessica Howser, Center Director; Allania Hendrickson, Office Assistant; Hannah Schroeder, Supervisor/Behavioral Analyst; Natalie Morrissey, Managing Behavioral Analyst; Sarah Conaway, Regional Administrative Manager

Trellis welcomes families to their new location.

BALTIMORE, MD… Trellis Services, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, recently held a ribbon- cutting celebration at its new Learning Center at 1 N. Haven Street, Suite 1, Baltimore, MD 21224.

Trellis Services is Maryland’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children ages 2-8 years. The Canton Learning Center provides center-based ABA therapy and after-school services. Outside the center, the Canton team provides ABA support in the home and community settings and offers virtual diagnostic evaluations for autism. 

The ribbon-cutting celebration, hosted by the Greater Baltimore Chamber of Commerce, was held on August 13, 2026.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Marie Officer, Membership & Events Manager of the Greater Baltimore Chamber of Commerce, shared greetings and remarks. LaTasha Gresham James, Senior Advisor for City Council President Zeke Cohen, and Assistant Deputy Mayor Krystal Billups also shared remarks. Chamber members and guests were in attendance.

Ribbon-cutting attendees had an opportunity to tour the facility and meet Trellis’ leadership team, Nicole Armstrong, MA, BCBA, LBA, Center Director, and Anne McHugh, MA, BCBA, LBA, Regional Clinical Director.

“Trellis is excited to bring compassionate, high-quality ABA therapy to families in the greater Canton area,” said Nicole Armstrong, Center Director. “The new Learning Center was designed to support both individual growth and peer collaboration. It’s a place where children can gain essential skills and where their journey toward success in school and life begins.”

The Canton Learning Center features an indoor playground and a gross motor space for physical and social development. There is no waitlist, and flexible treatment hours, including evenings, are available to accommodate busy family schedules. On-site parking at the Canton Learning Center is available. It is easily accessible via public transportation as well.

About Trellis

Trellis, part of LEARN Behavioral, a national leader in compassionate autism treatment, has been a leading provider of evidence-based autism services for 25 years. Trellis is dedicated to personalized, high-quality ABA therapy. In addition to the Baltimore location, Trellis has Learning Centers in Forest Hill, Nottingham, and Timonium, MD.

The Canton Learning Center is now enrolling new clients in the surrounding areas of Baltimore City and Baltimore County, with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.

For more information or to enroll a child, call (410) 881-0663 or visit https://trellisservices.com/locations/baltimore

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.

College Admissions 101 Workshop at Dighton Public Library on September 10

Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore

DIGHTON AND RAYNHAM, MA… A College Admissions 101 Workshop will be held September 10, 2026 from 6-7 p.m. at Dighton Public Library at 207 Main Street, Dighton, MA 02715. There is no cost to attend.

The free College Admissions 101 Workshop will be presented by Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) and founder of Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) of Raynham, MA.

The workshop is geared towards high school Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors and their families. Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore offers helpful insight and will cover topics including:

– An overview of the planning involved in the college application process
– Choosing colleges/universities that are a good match for the student’s interests, lifestyle and budget
– Getting the best financial package and maximizing merit scholarship dollars 

Question and answer session to follow. 

Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore helps focus effort on colleges that academically, socially and financially are most appropriate, which puts the student in the best position to succeed in school itself as well as beyond in their career. 

Seating is limited. To register for this event, visit: https://conta.cc/3SoQQkV

High school students and parents/guardians who are unable to attend the workshop may arrange for a complimentary consultation by emailing nod@personalcollegecounseling.com.

Helping Families through the College Admissions Journey

Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore is available to speak at libraries, Chambers of Commerce, fraternal organizations, private high schools and other organizations throughout Massachusetts and beyond. Speaking engagements may be in-person or virtual and cover a variety of topics related to college preparation and admissions.

About PCCI
Founded by Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq. who has been practicing law for over 30 years, Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) provides high school students (and parents/guardians) with one-on-one guidance throughout the entire college preparation process. Virtual services as well as in-person services are available. PCCI is based in Raynham, MA. For more information or to arrange for a complimentary Parent/Student Personal College Consultation, contact (508) 622-5250, email nod@personalcollegecounseling.com or visit the website at personalcollegecounseling.com

OCES Announces Upcoming LGBTQ+ Brunches for Older Adults

BROCKTON, PLYMOUTH AND WEYMOUTH, MA… 

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities throughout Plymouth County, the South Shore and surrounding area, has announced the schedule for the South Shore LGBTQ+ Brunch for Older Adults program.

The monthly Saturday brunch program, operated and supported by OCES’ Nutrition Program, is for LGBTQ+ older adults who live on the South Shore and in the greater Plymouth County area.

For nearly 20 years, the “LGBTQ+ Brunch for Older Adults on the South Shore” have been providing nutritious meals that feed the body, mind, heart and spirit. This LGBTQ+ community dining event provides a nutritious meal along with an opportunity for attendees to connect and socialize, helping those age 60+ (and their friends) minimize the effects of social isolation. This brunch, as well as other community dining programs for LGBTQ+ older adults, keep members engaged with their local and regional LGBTQ+ communities to help them stay informed and connected to the larger LGBTQ+ movements, services, relationships and world.

“I have led this program for going on 16 years and it is some of the most meaningful work that I do, gladly and joyfully,” said Michael Banville who organizes the South Shore LGBTQ+ Brunch for Older Adults. “My husband and I (both now in our early 60’s) have supported this program with the hopes of creating a vibrant South Shore community with whom we too can age. We value the relationships, being socially connected to vibrant LGBTQ+ older adults who are truly inspirational in their commitments to live out and proud lives as they age. It is a joy to lead the South Shore LGBTQ+ Brunch for Older Adults and we are so excited to partner with OCES in this important social and community work.”

Upcoming South Shore LGBTQ+ Brunch for Older Adults will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, October 31, and December 12, 2026, which will be a special holiday brunch. All South Shore LGBTQ+ Brunches for Older Adults are held in South Weymouth, MA.

To RSVP and for more info about the South Shore LGBTQ+ Brunch for Older Adults, visit the Meetup group website, https://www.meetup.com/south-shore-lgbt-seniors/

OCES Nutrition Program 

In addition to the monthly South Shore LGBTQ+ Brunch for Older Adults program, OCES’ Nutrition Program encompasses Meals on Wheels for homebound older adults who rely on OCES for sustenance; Community Dining meals and socialization opportunities that combat loneliness and isolation; and nutrition education and counseling that promotes healthy eating habits. To learn more, visit ocesma.org/programs-services/nutrition

OCES’ Expanded Region 

OCES serves 34 communities throughout the South Shore and in greater Plymouth County: Abington, Avon, Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Cohasset, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanson, Hanover, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleborough, Milton, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Quincy, Randolph, Rockland, Scituate, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater, Weymouth, and Whitman.

About OCES

OCES is recognized as one of the 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing and has been certified as a Woman-Owned Nonprofit Organization (W/NPO) by the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 52 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with offices 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 older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and families across 34 communities throughout Plymouth County, the South Shore, and surrounding areas.

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

New Autism & Down Syndrome Learning Center Opens Doors in Littleton, MA with Ribbon Cutting Celebration

Left to right: Melissa Fetterhoff, Kevin Herrera, Christine Hennessey, Edward Dedos, Rey Masso, Katrina Good, Kate Connolly, Massachusetts State Representative James Arciero, Littleton Select Board Member Gary Wilson, Chief of Police Douglas Landry, Tiffany Zayas

LITTLETON, MA… Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a provider of LEARN Behavioral, officially opened the doors of its new Littleton Learning Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 29, 2026.

Hosted by Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at BCI’s new location at 295 Foster Street, Suite 130, Littleton, Massachusetts 01460.

During the ceremony, Melissa Fetterhoff, President of Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Massachusetts State Representative James Arciero shared greetings and remarks. Gary Wilson of the Littleton Select Board and Lyn Snow, Director of Student Services for Littleton Public Schools, also shared remarks. Members of the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce and other guests were in attendance.

Ribbon-cutting attendees were able to tour the facility, enjoy light refreshments, and meet Katherine Connolly, M.A., BCBA, LABA, Regional Clinical Director of BCI Littleton, and her team of board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) and behavior technicians.

“BCI is excited to bring compassionate, high-quality ABA therapy to families in the greater Littleton area,” said Katherine Connolly, Regional Clinical Director. “We tailor our services to each child and family, providing engaging, evidence-based care in an environment designed to help children build skills, confidence, and independence.” 

BCI is a leading contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based and in-home autism services for children with autism and Down syndrome. The Littleton Learning Center provides Early Intervention, center-based and in-home ABA therapy, Social Skills Programs, and parent education to children with autism and Down syndrome.

“At BCI, our mission has always been simple: to provide every child with compassionate, evidence-based care that helps them reach their fullest potential,” said Tiffany Zayas, Senior Regional Clinical Director. “We look forward to helping find success for every child in our care.” 

The Littleton Learning Center is enrolling new clients based in Littleton and surrounding towns, with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours. The center is conveniently located near I-495 and Route 2, and accessible by public transportation.

Open House in September

Families are invited to a sensory-friendly ice cream social/open house at the Littleton Learning Center on September 19, 2026, from 2 to 4 pm. This event will feature free ice cream, an opportunity to meet the team, and a calm and welcoming space to visit with other families.

For more information or to enroll a child at BCI in Littleton, call (508) 363-0200 or visit https://bciaba.com/locations/littleton

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 and Down syndrome find success and reach their unique potential.

In addition to the Littleton Learning Center, BCI has existing center-based ABA therapy Learning Centers in Beverly, Brockton, Fall River, Fitchburg, Framingham, Lawrence, Lowell, Newton, New Bedford, Quincy, Roxbury, Springfield, Sturbridge, Taunton, Wilmington, two locations in Worcester, MA, and a 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.