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Between Rounds Supports Connecticut Foodshare during Hunger Action Month

On September 15th, Between Rounds presented the proceeds raised from their breakfast sandwich and garlic bagel chip campaigns to Connecticut Foodshare to help fight hunger in the community. Left to right: Between Rounds co-founder Jerry Puiia, Al Marino of CT Foodshare, production manager Chris Puiia, and co-founder Joe Puiia.

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

Between Rounds, the unique bakery café and bagel shop with five locations in Connecticut, is helping to fight food insecurity in the community. 

In Connecticut, the food-insecure population has increased by 40 percent since 2020. 

In response, Between Rounds donated proceeds totaling $1,444 from two special campaigns, to Connecticut Foodshare in September, which is Hunger Action Month.

Between Rounds’ popular breakfast sandwich is known as “The B.E.C.C.A.” (bacon, egg, cheese, Hellmann’s Ancho Chipotle sauce, and avocado on a bagel or croissant) and 50 cents from every BECCA sandwich sold, along with 50 cents from every package of Between Rounds’ Garlic Bagel Chips sold, was donated to Connecticut Foodshare to help provide food for individuals and families facing food insecurity.

Earlier this year, Between Rounds donated proceeds totaling $1,600 from their initial breakfast sandwich and bagel campaign to Connecticut Foodshare.  

“We are dedicated to supporting our neighbors in need and raising awareness about food insecurity,” explained Jerry Puiia. “We would like to thank all of our incredible customers who supported our campaigns for Connecticut Foodshare to help fight hunger in our community.”

About Connecticut Foodshare

Founded in 1982, Connecticut Foodshare is the food bank serving the people of Connecticut and a member of the Feeding America nationwide network of food banks. Visit their website to learn more, www.ctfoodshare.org. 

Hunger Action Month

Throughout Hunger Action Month in September, anyone who would like to help fight hunger in the community can get involved in a number of ways — by increasing awareness about food insecurity, by volunteering or by donating. To learn more about Hunger Action Month, Feeding America’s September campaign, visit HungerActionMonth.org.

About Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café

The family-owned Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café 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. 

The Puiia hallmark is manufacturing and selling their own bagels, which sets Between Rounds apart from other cafés. Made from the same family recipe for over 35 years, Between Rounds signature bagels are consistent and meets their wholesale partners’ high-quality standards. 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. 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 betweenroundsbagels.com

Seminar at Cohasset Senior Center set for Thursday, October 15 at 1 pm.

Your Next Chapter. Presentation explores your next step – from Volunteering to Passion Project to a More Meaningful Job.

Many of seniors have worked so hard and made many sacrifices. Are there new thoughts about volunteering, hobbies, health, and personal goals? Segueing to volunteering, a passion project, or a more rewarding job?

A seminar titled “Your Next Chapter” will be held at the Cohasset Senior Center, Willcutt Commons, 91 Sohier Street, Cohasset, MA 02025 and is set for Thursday, October 15 at 1 pm. For additional information, call the Senior Center at  (781) 383-9112.

Mike Dwyer presents this unique program geared towards older adults considering their next chapter. Mike will provide a fresh look at the landscape of volunteerism, growth networking, and professional opportunities. Whether you are considering a return to work or the benefits of volunteering, Mike shares a helpful management perspective on how to harvest your past and explore the future to map out a meaningful path forward and shape your desired outcome.

After a long career in the private and public sectors, consulting stints with Ernst & Young and Deloitte Consulting and a Master’s Degree in Management from Salve Regina University, Michael Dwyer and a select group of advisors developed Emplana, the career pathway.

Emplana Career, based at Cambridge Innovation Center, primarily helps seniors discover their next chapter and white-collar professionals, especially in tech, financial services and accounting, law, risk, and professional services. Emplana Career consultants have had high powered careers that involve leading advanced technology and business projects, which keeps the consulting advice current and relevant.

For more information about the presentation, contact the Senior Center at  (781) 383-9112.

New Autism Learning Center Now Open in Grand Rapids, MI

No Waitlist for Daytime Hours and Flexible Hours for West Michigan Families

GRAND RAPIDS, MI… Total Spectrum, a provider of LEARN Behavioral, is proud to announce the grand opening of its new Grand Rapids Learning Center at 1550 Leonard St NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505.

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 Grand Rapids Learning Center provides Early Intervention, center-based ABA therapy, Launchpad Learning – a school readiness program, Social Skills Programming, and parent education. The Grand Rapids team also offers ABA therapy in the home and community settings. 

“We are excited to open our doors in Grand Rapids to meet the demand for ABA autism services in Kent County, and we look forward to helping find success for every individual in our care,” said Melissa Furman, MA, BCBA, LBA, Regional Clinical Director.

Key Features of the Grand Rapids Learning Center:

  • ABA therapy, which includes an enriching environment, unique play-based learning spaces (including a life skills room and an outdoor play area), and one-on-one support.
  • Center-based services in the city of Grand Rapids. 
  • Social Skills Programs to teach children communication skills, and social skills groups for young adults.
  • No waitlist for clients before 4 pm and after-school and weekend services 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-196 and Route 131 for families in the region.

The Grand Rapids location is enrolling new clients in Kent County and beyond, with no waitlist for clients before 4 pm 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.

For more information or to enroll a child at the new Grand Rapids Learning Center, call (844) 263-1613 or visit https://totalspectrumcare.com/locations/grand-rapids

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

Putting the Spotlight on Local Caregivers During National Family Caregivers Month –

OCES Encourages Caregiver Nominations through October 12th

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… National Family Caregivers Month, celebrated every November, recognizes the dedication and compassion of family caregivers in our communities.

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP’s Caregiving in the US 2025 report, one in four adults, 63 million Americans, are family caregivers. A significant number of family caregivers care for adults with complex medical conditions or disabilities, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Plymouth County, the South Shore and surrounding areas, will spotlight dedicated caregivers who make a positive impact in others’ lives.

Nominate a Caregiver 

OCES is honoring family caregivers who make a difference in the lives of others by inviting individuals and companies to nominate a caregiver (family member, friend, associate, or other individual) who has gone above and beyond to care for someone in the community. 

From now through October 12, 2026, OCES is accepting nominations of local caregivers within the 34 communities in OCES’ service area to be highlighted during National Family Caregivers Month in November. OCES will honor their commitment to caregiving by spotlighting each nominated caregiver and sharing their story in a special Caregiver Edition newsletter and across OCES’ social media channels.

To nominate a caregiver, please visit:  https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/9tCYxwP/caregiver

Nominated caregivers will be notified by OCES. To view a map of OCES’ service area, visit ocesma.org/about-old-colony-elder-services.

Visit ocesma.org or call 508-584-1561 to learn more.

Providing Support & Resources for Caregivers
OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) provides caregiver support and resources to individuals in OCES’ service area. For more information about caregiver support visit ocesma.org/programs-services/caregiver-support or call 508-584-1561.

About OCES

OCES is recognized as one of the 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth 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 22 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) 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

Your Next Chapter. Presentation explores your next step – from Volunteering to Passion Project to a More Meaningful Job.

Seminar at Center for Active Living, Plymouth,  set for Wednesday, October 7,  1:30

Many of seniors have worked so hard and made many sacrifices. Are there new thoughts about volunteering, hobbies, health, and personal goals? Segueing to volunteering, a passion project, or a more rewarding job?

A seminar titled “Your Next Chapter” will be held at the Center for Active Living, 44 Nook Road, Plymouth, MA 02360, on Wednesday, October 7, 1:30. For additional information, call 508-830-4230.

Mike Dwyer presents this unique program geared towards older adults considering their next chapter. Mike will provide a fresh look at the landscape of volunteerism, growth networking, and professional opportunities. Whether you are considering a return to work or the benefits of volunteering, Mike shares a helpful management perspective on how to harvest your past and explore the future to map out a meaningful path forward and shape your desired outcome.

After a long career in the private and public sectors, consulting stints with Ernst & Young and Deloitte Consulting and a Master’s Degree in Management from Salve Regina University, Michael Dwyer and a select group of advisors developed Emplana, the career pathway.

Emplana Career, based at Cambridge Innovation Center, primarily helps seniors discover their next chapter and white-collar professionals, especially in tech, financial services and accounting, law, risk, and professional services. Emplana Career consultants have had high powered careers that involve leading advanced technology and business projects, which keeps the consulting advice current and relevant.

For more information about the presentation, contact the Center for Active Living, 508-830-4230

How PR worked for Wavelength Coffee Roasters

Overview

PR Works developed and executed a campaign strategy that took Wavelength Coffee Roasters, a first-year sustainable coffee roaster in Shirley, MA, from a single Boston Globe feature to sustained coverage across Boston broadcast, regional dailies, the national coffee trade press, and more than a dozen podcasts — in roughly three months.

Background

Jim and Deanna Varney, of Bolton, MA, founded Wavelength Coffee Roasters in late 2025. Jim spent more than two decades in industrial design and engineering, rising to partner at a product development firm serving the biotech, life sciences, and consumer goods markets before selling the company in 2024. Rather than retire, he and Deanna — a former educator with a background in library science — set out to rethink how coffee is sourced, roasted, and packaged.

Wavelength Coffee Roasters was the result.

Jim and Deanna built Wavelength on a three-pronged sustainability model.

  • Coffee beans sourced directly from growers experimenting with agroforestry and mycorrhizal soil systems.
  • All beans roasted on an  electric, solar-powered air roaster, likely the only one operating in New England
  • Coffee beans packages in fully recyclable steel cans rather than foil bags that end up in landfills.

The end result? A coffee that comes out is clean and ultra-smooth, with no bitter aftertaste.

In March 2026, the Boston Globe profiled the couple and their roastery. Website traffic climbed. Sales followed.

The Game Plan

Landing a Boston Globe feature in your first year is like a new actor taking a part in a small, low-budget film that goes on to win an Academy Award. The prize is real. Nobody takes it back. But the distance between a celebrated debut and an actual career is depth — a second role, a third, a body of work that tells people you belong here.

The Goal

Build that depth. Wavelength needed to reach consumers, wholesale buyers, and the coffee trade repeatedly — and to do it through outlets where nobody knew the company’s name. There was a practical problem to solve first. More than six months into business, Wavelength had never formally announced itself. No launch release, no press kit, no media list, no follow-up engine.

How PR Works worked

Working from the company’s own story, we developed the following materials and programs:

  • A launch release announcing the business, establishing the three-pronged sustainability story as the frame for every pitch that followed
  • A full press kit — founder bios, fast facts, 10 pre-built feature angles, and sample interview questions sorted by topic
  • A second release announcing the Revival Cafe and Kitchen vendor agreement, written as both a partnership announcement and an open call to other cafés and retailers
  • A three-message podcast drip campaign through PodPitch to secure appearance on local, regional and national podcasts.
  • Segmented media lists covering regional dailies, Boston broadcast newsrooms, and the coffee trade press
  • Personal follow-up by phone and email with editors and producers

Coverage

The campaign generated coverage across broadcast, print, digital, trade, and podcast:

  • Broadcast —
    • CBS Boston (WBZ, Ch. 4) produced a segment on Wavelength’s renewable-energy roasting. https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/video/massachusetts-company-uses-renewable-energy-to-roast-coffee/
    • WCVB (Ch. 5), Made in Massachusetts segment with Doug Meehan.
  • Regional press —
    • A hometown feature in the Sentinel & Enterprise
    • Metrowest Daily News feature, which brought a Gannett-syndicated reporter and videographer/photographer brought to the roastery. Story, with video and a photo gallery, appeared in WickedLocal across Massachusetts. Roastery photography was distributed nationally through Reuters Connect for the USA Today Network.
    • Worcester Business Journal
  • Trade press — Daily Coffee News, Perfect Daily Grind, and Tea & Coffee Trade Journal — the three titles specialty buyers actually read.
  • Podcast and radio — 13 bookings, including Radio Entrepreneurs, Winning Business Radio, Explain Boston to Me, Brewsing Banter, and Off The Menu.
  • Release distribution — More than 90 published links across 55-plus sites.

Conclusion

In roughly three months, Wavelength went from a company with no press materials to one with a press kit, an active media list, coverage in every coffee trade title that matters, and two Boston television segments. Website traffic rose and online sales rose dramatically following coverage.

“PR Works — it works! We recently began working with Steve & Joe and have seen a big uptick in business, particularly after getting Wavelength a placement on WCVB Ch. 5’s “Made In Massachusetts” segment! They have been great about promoting our business and getting us in front of our target audience. They have a lot of contacts in the industry which has been really helpful. The press kits and outreach documents they have prepared for us have been well-written and reflect our company’s business and mission in a clear and professional manner. Highly recommend, these guys know what they are doing!”

— Deanna Varney, Co-Founder, Wavelength Coffee Roasters

The Globe feature was the award. Everything since is the body of work.

Final Conclusion

PR, when done properly, Works!

Ready to build on your best story?  Drop a line or give us a call at 781-582-1061.