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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.

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

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

No Waitlist and Flexible Hours for Inland Empire Families­­

VICTORVILLE, CA… Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to announce the opening of its new Victorville Learning Center at 15450 W Sand Street, Victorville, CA 92392. 
 
AST is Victorville’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children ages 2-10 years. The new Victorville Learning Center provides Early Intervention, center-based ABA therapy, in-home ABA therapy, school-based services, parent education and Social Skills Programs.
 
The Victorville Learning Center is a member of the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce.
 
“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families by expanding our services to Riverside and San Bernadino counties,” said Hayley Peck, M.A., BCBA, Senior Clinical Director. “We value being a part of the Inland Empire community and look forward to helping find success for every child in our care.” 
 
Key Features of the Victorville Learning Center:
 
-Large facility which includes an indoor gross motor area for physical and social development.
-ABA therapy, which includes a classroom-like environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.
-Center-based services in Victorville, an area where there is minimal access to services. 
-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 2-10 years old with personalized therapy plans.
-Conveniently located and easily accessed via I-215 and I-15 for families in the region.
 
The center is now enrolling new clients based in Victorville, Hesperia, Adelanto, Oak Glen, Apple Valley, Phelan, Pinion Hills, Oro Grande, Helendale, and Lucerne Valley 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 Victorville Learning Center is AST’s fourth center-based ABA therapy location in the Inland Empire, with existing Learning Centers in Riverside, Menifee, and Temecula, CA.
 
For more information or to enroll a child at the Victorville 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. With a nationwide network of ABA providers and more than 100 Learning Centers across the country, LEARN delivers the highest standard of research-based care—customized to meet the unique needs and interests of each child and family. For more information, visit learnbehavioral.com.


 

Raising awareness of elder abuse at “March Against Elder Abuse” event held in Brockton. Second March to be held in Plymouth on June 26. 

Left to Right: Teresa Kourtz, OCES Protective Services Director and AGE Secretary Robin Lipson

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… More than 150 participated in the March Against Elder Abuse on Thursday, June 12, 2025 that began at the Brockton Council on Aging (COA), 10 Father Kenney Way, proceeded down Main Street to OCES’ office, then returned to the COA.
  
The one-mile march was an effort to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of elder abuse and promote a safer, more supportive environment for older adults in the community. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) held the event in partnership with the Brockton COA, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.
 
“The March Against Elder Abuse, which is centered around World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, is an opportunity to increase awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “Thank you to everyone who participated in our Brockton March and to those who have joined the movement to take the lead against elder abuse. We must continue to work together to raise awareness of this critical issue.” 
 
Robin Lipson, Secretary of Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE) offered opening remarks at the event. Jonathan Fielding, Regional Manager of AGE, Mayor Robert Sullivan, City of Brockton; Alfred DeGirolamo, Office of Senator Michael Brady; State Representative Rita Mendes, Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald, State Representative Michelle Dubois, Brockton Fire Chief Brian Nardelli, Alisa DeLage, OCES Chief Programs Officer, Anna Dee, OCES Chief Operating Officer, and Mark Grossman, AbbottCare Director of Marketing were also in attendance.
 
After the march, a luncheon was held which included special guest speakers Joseph McDonald, Plymouth County Sheriff; Robert Sullivan, Brockton Mayor; Janice Fitzgerald, Brockton COA Director; Robin Lipson, Secretary of AGE, Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director and Kathy Kats, AbbottCare.
 
The “Pat Foley Advocacy Award” in memory of Pat Foley, a longtime OCES employee, volunteer and advocate, was presented to Firefighter Peter Reardon, of the Brockton Fire Department. 
                                                                              
Kourtz continued, “Elder abuse is known as a ‘silent problem’. It is estimated that only 1 in 14 cases are reported, which is why raising awareness of elder abuse, and its signs are so very important.”
 
Join the Movement
A second March Against Elder Abuse will be held in Plymouth on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 11am to 2pm beginning at the Tavern on the Wharf, 6 Town Wharf, Plymouth. The one-mile march will be followed by a light lunch. Sign-in begins at 10:30 am. Anyone interested in participating in the March down Main Street (in downtown Plymouth) can register for free by visiting: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/brzkg8s?mode=preview&source_id=11acad85-5e3d-4587-a47b-48e8c4cd883d&source_type=em&c=
  
In addition to participating in March Against Elder Abuse events, you can get involved by sponsoring these initiatives, sharing educational materials within your networks to raise awareness, or making a donation to support OCES’ Protective Services Department in its efforts to advocate for and assist older adults.
 
This year’s March Against Elder Abuse events are proudly sponsored by AbbottCare, Inc.  For more information about the sponsor, please visit https://www.abbottcare.com/. Thank you to all our sponsors; Plymouth County District Attorney, Home Health Resources, Inc., Bluestone Bank, HarborOne Bank, Plymouth County Sheriff, Rotary Club of Brockton, and Almeida & Carlson Insurance. 
 
Recognizing Elder Abuse
According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence, 43,617 elder abuse reports were received during Fiscal Year 2024.
 
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; neglect; self-neglect; and financial exploitation. 
 
OCES’ Protective Services Program staff works with older adults, or their designees, to prevent, eliminate, or remedy situations involving elder abuse. When a report is made to the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) and the Older Adult resides in our service area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation by a Protective Services Worker is necessary.
 
If you have concerns, please contact your local Protective Services Agency. To report elder abuse, contact the Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275.
 
To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://elderjustice.usc.edu/weaad-home/
 
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.

LEARN Behavioral Opens New Autism Learning Center in Lawrence, MA. Ribbon-Cutting to be held on June 23

No Waitlist and Flexible Hours for Essex County Area Families­­
 
LAWRENCE, MA… Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to announce the grand opening of its new Lawrence Learning Center with a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on June 23, 10:00 am at 360 Merrimack Street, Suite 132, Lawrence, MA 01843. 
 
BCI is Lawrence’s premiere contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) provider of center-based autism services for children ages 2-6 years. The new Lawrence Learning Center provides diagnostics, Early Intervention, center-based ABA therapy, and in-home ABA therapy. 
 
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held with the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce, and attendees will have an opportunity to tour the facility and meet the leadership team.
 
“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with new families by expanding our services throughout Essex County,” said Meghan Van Nostrand, Ph.D., LABA, BCBA-D, Senior Regional Clinical Director. “We value being a part of the Lawrence community and look forward to collaborating with fellow organizations and professionals to help find success for every child and adolescent in our care.” 
 
Key Features of the Lawrence Learning Center:
 
– Large facility which includes an indoor gross motor area for physical and social development as well as space for family treatment guidance and assessment.
– ABA therapy, which includes a classroom-like environment, unique play-based learning spaces, and one-on-one support.
– Center-based services in the city of Lawrence. There are very few ABA centers in Lawrence. 
– No waitlist and flexible treatment hours to accommodate busy family schedules.
– Serving children 2- 6 years old, with personalized therapy plans.
– Conveniently located and easily accessible by public transportation for families in the region.
 
The center is now enrolling new clients based in Andover, Beverly, Boxford, Gloucester, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lynn, Methuen, North Andover, Peabody, and Salem, MA as well as in Atkinson, Hampstead, and Derry, NH with no waitlist and flexible treatment hours.
 
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 Lawrence Learning Center is BCI’s fourteenth center-based ABA therapy location, with existing Learning Centers in Beverly, Brockton, Fitchburg, Framingham, Lowell, New Bedford, Newton, Springfield, Taunton, Wilmington, two locations in Worcester, MA, and a location in Nashua, NH.
 
For more information or to enroll a child at the Lawrence Learning Center, call 508-363-0200 or visit https://bciaba.com/locations/lawrence
 
About LEARN Behavioral
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Honoring Service of Military  Chaplains on the 250th birthday of the United States Army

Chaplains of wide background of faith groups have served the soldiers of the US Army since Day 1 in 1775. They have been in the trenches and on the battlefields alongside the soldiers they served at every step of the fight.

“As we commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States Army, I call on President Trump to approve the long-overdue update to the Chaplain’s Hill monuments at Arlington National Cemetery, so we can add names of chaplains who died in Korea, Vietnam, Cold War, Iraq and Afghanistan not already presented”

That’s Capt. (R) Doyle Dunn USN, Executive Director, National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces (NCMAF), who adds,

“This will stand as a meaningful and powerful tribute honoring the legacy of chaplains across generations, from all branches of our military—those who faithfully served both God and country, those who gave their lives in that sacred service.”

A long-standing effort to add 81 names to the Protestant and Catholic Memorials on Chaplains Hill on Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery led by NCMAF has been endorsed by many national veterans and military support organizations. NCMAF’s membership is comprised of nearly 150 religious organizations who endorse military and Veterans Affairs chaplains. Captain Dunn noted:

“This is a non-partisan project with bipartisan support and two Congressional legislative actions  calling for it to be done. It is time for the President to approve this tribute slated for Arlington National Cemetery”

The enhancement of the Chaplains Hill Memorials has been endorsed by the American Legion Executive Committee, the Association of the US Army, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Navy League Council of NY.

Congress included specific direction in the National Defense Authorization Acts of 2021 and 2022 signed by President to update the Chaplains Hill Monuments. This legislation received staunch support from both sides of the aisle.  The bills provided authority for NCMAF authority to upgrade these monuments.

In 2011, the National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces (NCMAF) led the effort to obtain Congressional approval to erect a monument to Jewish chaplains on Arlington Cemetery section two dedicated on Oct. 24th with nearly 1000 on hand for dedication

NCMAF then proposed to upgrade the Protestant Memorial with a granite headstone, replacing a crumbling concrete headstone and making a new bronze plaque that included the majority of the chaplain’s names who died in service not already named.

Several names of Catholic chaplains who died in service during Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts are also proposed to be added to the Catholic Chaplains Monument.

The project will be entirely paid for by private sources.

This committee has diligently, respectfully, and repeatedly presented plans to Arlington National Cemetery officials, without receiving approval to proceed.  Yet, no action has been taken to update the monuments.

NCMAF has the financing and materials to update the monument at no cost to the Government or Arlington Cemetery. It would replace the aging concrete Protestant Chaplains Monument with a new granite piece in the same shape and size as the current one. The Dignity Memorial Company has agreed to donate the new granite monument and provide installation.

The National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces (NCMAF) is the umbrella organization for 150 U.S. faith groups and the professional clergy representatives who endorse Military and V.A. chaplains. It has erected several monuments on Chaplains Hill in Arlington National Cemetery honoring chaplains who have perished while in our Nation’s service. During the last 75 years, monuments were placed to honor Roman Catholic and Jewish chaplains, reflecting the ongoing sacrifice of these warriors of faith. For more information about the NCMAF, visit the organization’s website https://www.ncmaf.com/ or the Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/NCMAF .