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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Family Caregiver Workshop on June 12th in Whitman

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers, is holding an “It’s About Time” workshop on Thursday, June 12, 2014 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Whitman Council on Aging, 16 Hayden Avenue in Whitman.

The “It’s About Time” workshop is a free event for family caregivers of older adults and grandparents raising grandchildren. Caregivers are taught techniques and strategies for managing their time and reducing stress. Topics covered include meal preparation, time management and relaxation techniques.

This workshop is offered in partnership with the Whitman Council on Aging. Funding is provided through a generous grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation.

“The ‘It’s About Time’ workshop teaches caregivers the much-needed strategies which help them to avoid burnout and remain physically and emotionally healthy while they provide essential caregiving services,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director at OCES.

There is no cost to attend the workshop and a companion book will be provided free of charge.  Attendees will also enjoy complimentary lunch and raffles. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required.

To register, contact Rochelle Sugarman, Outreach and Education Specialist in the Family Caregiver Support Program at OCES (508) 584-1561 extension 312.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 179 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Promotes Elizabeth DosSantos to Senior Care Options Program Manager

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, has promoted Elizabeth DosSantos to Senior Care Options (SCO) Program Manager.

In her new role, Ms. DosSantos will oversee the SCO Supervisors working with the Geriatric Support Services Coordinators. She will be responsible for training, ensuring compliance, and clarifying procedures among other managerial duties. The SCO program seeks to ensure that elder participants can remain living safely in the community as long as possible. As a certified interpreter in Portuguese and Cape Verdean languages, Ms. DosSantos is a valuable member of the SCO department and OCES management.

Prior to OCES, Ms. DosSantos worked part-time as a Residential Counselor at BAMSI in Brockton for 1.5 years. She began working at OCES in 2006 as an intern. In 2007, she was hired as Geriatric Support Services Coordinator and, in 2010, was promoted to SCO Program Supervisor.

Ms. DosSantos, a Brockton resident, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Bridgewater State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Healthcare Management at Cambridge College. She is also pursuing her license in social work (LSW).

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 173 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Offers Calcium & Osteoporosis Workshop on May 12th

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers, is offering a Calcium & Osteoporosis Workshop on Monday, May 12, 2014 at 12:30 p.m. at Belair Towers, 105 Belair St. in Brockton.

This free workshop will cover the connections between calcium and osteoporosis and will include such topics as: osteoporosis and what it means to you; how to read food labels; Vitamin D and bones; calcium consumption and the foods you eat.

The workshop will be led by Donna-Marie Forand, Outreach and Education Specialist at OCES. Ms. Forand is a Master Trainer in Evidence-Based Programs, including Chronic Disease Self Management, Diabetes Self Management, Chronic Pain Self Management and Healthy Eating.

For more information or to register for this free workshop call Linda Marshall-Bibby at Belair Towers, 508-427-9166.

If you are interested in holding this or other workshops at your site, contact Donna-Marie Forand at 508-584-1561, extension 237.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 173 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Lower Sodium Workshop on May 19th

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers, will hold a workshop entitled “Sodium and the Effects On Your Blood Pressure” on Monday, May 19, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the Brockton Council on Aging (COA), 10 Father Kenney Way in Brockton.

This free workshop will cover such topics as:  how to measure your blood pressure; what are some causes of high blood pressure; what foods are high sodium; and why reading food labels is important.

The workshop will be led by Donna-Marie Forand, Outreach and Education Specialist at OCES. Ms. Forand is a Master Trainer in Evidence-Based Programs, including Chronic Disease Self Management, Diabetes Self Management, Chronic Pain Self Management and Healthy Eating.

For more information or to register for this free workshop call Michelle Brace at the Brockton COA, 508-580-7811.

If you are interested in holding this or other workshops at your site, contact Donna-Marie Forand at 508-584-1561, extension 237.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 173 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. hosts personal items drive for domestic violence and abuse victims

DOVEBOSTON, BRAINTREE AND QUINCY, MA…

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C., a dynamic full-service law firm with a team of attorneys catering to individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, the South Shore and metro Boston areas, has partnered with DOVE, a domestic violence assistance organization, on a drive to collect various personal and household items—toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo soap, cleaning supplies, etc.

Starting April 14 through May 30, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. will be collecting these items in containers situated in both their offices at 300 Crown Colony Drive in Quincy and in the Firm’s offices on the fifth floor. The Firm is seeking donations of the following items:

  • Personal hygiene – toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, nail clippers
  • Bed and bath – shampoo, conditioner, bath towels, washcloths, pillows
  • Kitchen – paper towels, Kleenex, disposable utensils/plates, silverware, pots/pans
  • Cleaning Supplies – floor cleaner, disinfecting wipes, mops, brooms, Windex
  • Feminine hygiene products – sanitary napkins, shaving cream

The general public and fellow tenants of 300 Crown Colony Drive are encouraged to contribute.

“The recent case involving Jared Remy has brought the serious issue of domestic violence to the table. It can be very difficult for some women to leave an abusive situation because of the uncertainty of leaving. DOVE provides the assistance that these women and their children need to make a very difficult and brave decision,” said Paul Barbadoro, a partner at the Firm. “The work DOVE does with victims of domestic violence is exemplary and we’re hoping that our fellow tenants at 300 Crown Colony will agree and assist this very worthy cause.”

The current drive represents the second drive Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. have undertaken for DOVE. Last November, the Firm hosted a coat and canned good drive on DOVE’s behalf.

DOVE, Inc. provides a broad range of preventive and responsive services to victims of domestic violence and their families. Over the past year, DOVE has provided emergency shelter to 38 adults, 34 children, answered more than 2,500 hotline calls, provided community-based services to more than 900 clients and educated more than 2,000 teens and community members on the many complex issues surrounding domestic violence.

“Now more than ever women in abusive domestic situations need our assistance,” said Claudia Cuscianna, DOVE senior manager of development and communications. “We thank Quincy neighbors at the firm of Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. for stepping up to collect these much needed and appreciated items and raise awareness for the families DOVE supports.”

For more information on DOVE, please visit www.dovema.org. For information on Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. visit www.bbb-lawfirm.com.

About the Firm

Founded in 1995, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. is a full-service law firm located in Quincy committed to providing every client with personal attention and superior legal service at reasonable rates.

The firm’s attorneys provide legal advice and counsel to individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, South Shore and metro Boston areas.  Led by five partners with a combined 100+ years of experience, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro’s practice areas include litigation, tax, trust and estate planning, real estate, zoning and land use, corporate law, finance, criminal defense, immigration law, election law, and divorce and family law.  Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro also offers a Speaker’s Bureau on topics of tax, estate planning, small business law and corporate law.

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. is headquartered at 300 Crown Colony Drive, Suite 500 in Quincy, MA.  For more information, contact (781) 202-6929 or visit their website at http://www.bbb-lawfirm.com.

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A good judge of new small businesses. Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. helps select winner of Quick Pitch competition.

Warren F. Baker of Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. sits on judges panel for Quincy Center for Innovation's Quick Pitch Competition
Warren F. Baker of Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. sits on judges panel for Quincy Center for Innovation’s Quick Pitch Competition

BOSTON, BRAINTREE AND QUINCY, MA…

When it comes to presentations before judges, the attorneys at Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C., are used to being on the other side of the bench. On April 4, Attorney Warren Baker was in one of the judge’s seats, listening to small business pitches from seven budding entrepreneurs as part of the Quincy Center for Innovation’s Quick Pitch competition.

Held at the Center’s Eastern Nazarene College location, the Quick Pitch competition gave aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their business ideas before a panel of judges with the opportunity to win up to $2,500 to get their business idea off the ground. The judge panel consisted of Quincy Center for Innovation sponsors, Center volunteers and members of the local business community.

“The Firm specializes in working with small businesses and we work with many innovative clients. The ideas presented by the seven entries in the Quick Pitch were well thought out and extremely creative,” said Baker.

This year’s winner was Cohasset native Mike Filbey and two of his former classmates, Moshin Khan and Mark Lindquist, who won for their enterprise Canary, an online marketplace that helps people buy and sell unwanted items locally while donating a portion of each sale to local charities.

“Clearly, we’re thrilled with winning the Quick Pitch Competition,” said Filbey. “Not only is this a confidence booster for me and my partners but the prize money will enable us to trademark our company logo and enhance our website’s functionality.”

Other winners included Richard Keough of Quincy, taking second place and winning $1,000 in kick-start money for his Tablet Pistol Grip 360, a handle that attaches to the back of a digital tablet to make it easier to hold and use. Luis Mora, a junior at Eastern Nazarene College who grew up in Hyde Park, won the student contest and $1,000 for Mora Communications, a training program that helps instill confidence and public-speaking skills in high schools students.

Similar to the premise of the hit television show “Shark Tank,” the Quick Pitch contest had entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of judges, who in turn peppered the participants with questions about their ventures. Questions revolved around key business pillars such as sales, marketing, overhead, competition and legal protection.

“We volunteer time at the Innovation Center counseling entrepreneurs, so I had some idea as to what to expect but these contestants really knew their stuff and you could feel the passion and commitment behind their ideas,” said Baker.

For photos and additional information on the Quick Pick contest, you can visit the Quincy Center for Innovation’s website at http://quincyinno.com.

About the Firm

Founded in 1995, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. is a full-service law firm located in Quincy committed to providing every client with personal attention and superior legal service at reasonable rates.

The firm’s attorneys provide legal advice and counsel to individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, South Shore and metro Boston areas.  Led by five partners with a combined 100+ years of experience, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro’s practice areas include litigation, tax, trust and estate planning, real estate, zoning and land use, corporate law, finance, criminal defense, immigration law, election law, and divorce and family law.  Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro also offers a Speaker’s Bureau on topics of tax, estate planning, small business law and corporate law.

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. is headquartered at 300 Crown Colony Drive, Suite 500 in Quincy, MA.  For more information, contact (781) 202-6929 or visit their website at http://www.bbb-lawfirm.com.

A good judge of new small businesses. Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. helps select winner of Quick Pitch competition.Read More

$110 Million Federal Grant Will Increase Community First Options For Older Adults and People with Disabilities

A $110.6 million grant has been awarded from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to help the Office of Health and Human Services (HHS) expand and enhance the Commonwealth’s community-based long term services and supports system for elders and individuals with disabilities. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities, is pleased with this news because the much needed funding will help ensure long-term home care needs will be addressed.

The grant award comes from CMS’s Balancing Incentive Program (BIP), a part of the Affordable Care Act, which provides enhanced federal funds to states that enrich their long-term care system. States participating in BIP are required to spend at least 50 percent of their federal funding on non-institutional community-based, Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) by September 2015.

According to Mass Home Care, the Community First/Olmstead Plan of 2007 established a road map that has been guiding the development of increased access to person-centered information and self-directed services for people in need of LTSS. BIP provides another major opportunity toward full access for all populations in need of LTSS.

“We applaud the Administration for expanding its Community First effort, while at the same time, increasing federal matching funds to the state,” said Mass Home Care Executive Director Al Norman. “Elders want a chance to live out their days at home. BIP will provide more funding to honor that desire.”

“This funding is of great significance as it will support the dignity and independence of elders and people with disabilities by helping them receive essential services to maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services.

Per Mass Home Care, the Governor’s FY’15 budget proposal also includes a $16.9 million expansion of the Commonwealth’s Home Care Program and $1.3 million to expand the Supportive Housing Program from 31 to 41 sites, to allow public housing residents to age in place in an “assisted-living” environment. Over the last decade, Massachusetts has demonstrated a 62 percent increase in length of stay in Elder Affairs Community First programs, helping eliminate or delay long-term facility placement for thousands of residents.

“This funding is an affirmation of our commitment to making community-based services a reality for our most vulnerable residents. I thank the Obama Administration for their partnership in providing our seniors and individuals with disabilities the support they need to live comfortably,” said Governor Deval Patrick in a Mass Home Care press release.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 173 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

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Joy C. Wu joins Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C.

Joy C. Wu of Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C.
Joy C. Wu of Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C.

BOSTON, BRAINTREE AND QUINCY, MA…

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C., a dynamic full-service law firm with a team of attorneys advising individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, the South Shore and metro Boston areas, recently hired Somerville resident Joy C. Wu as an Associate.

Fluent in Chinese (Mandarin and Taiwanese) and French as well as conversational in Spanish, Wu will assist Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro’s team of attorneys in taxation, business law, corporate law, estate planning, real estate and finance.

Wu received a Master of Laws in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center, a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Suffolk University Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and French from Wellesley College. Wu remains active the Wellesley College Lawyers Network and helps connect law students to mentors.

“We welcome Joy to our team here at Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro,” said Paul Barbadoro, a partner at the Firm. He added, “We are especially delighted about expanding our services to the region’s Asian, Latino and French communities given her expansive language and legal skills.”

An active member of the Boston Bar Association, Women’s Bar Association and American Bar Association, Wu commented, “I look forward to working with a full service law firm that competes with Boston firms, but offers more personalized service.”

About the Firm

Founded in 1995, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. is a full-service law firm located in Quincy committed to providing every client with personal attention and superior legal service at reasonable rates.

The firm’s attorneys provide legal advice and counsel to individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, the South Shore and metro Boston areas.  Led by five partners with a combined 100+ years of experience, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro’s 15 attorneys practice in the following areas: litigation, tax, trust and estate planning, real estate, zoning and land use, corporate law, finance, criminal defense, immigration law, election law, and divorce and family law.  Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro also offers a Speaker’s Bureau on topics of tax, estate planning, small business law and corporate law.

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. is headquartered at 300 Crown Colony Drive, Suite 500 in Quincy, MA.  For more information, contact (781) 848-9610 or visit their website at http://www.bbb-lawfirm.com.

Joy C. Wu joins Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C.Read More

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. hosts food and coat drive for domestic violence and abuse victims

BOSTON, BRAINTREE AND QUINCY, MA…

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C., a dynamic full-service law firm with a team of attorneys catering to individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, the South Shore and metro Boston areas, has partnered with DOVE, a domestic violence assistance organization, on a canned food and coat drive for the month of November.

During month of November, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. will be collecting non-perishable food items in containers situated in the lobby at 300 Crown Colony Drive in Quincy and in the Firm’s offices in Suite 500. The general public and fellow tenants of 300 Crown Colony Drive are encouraged to contribute.

“Because of Thanksgiving, November is typically thought of as a month of gratitude. What better way to show your gratitude than by helping out those who can really use your support,” said Paul Barbadoro, a partner at the Firm. “The work DOVE does with victims of domestic violence is exemplary and we’re hoping that our fellow tenants at 300 Crown Colony will agree and assist this very worthy cause.”

DOVE, Inc. provides a broad range of preventive and responsive services to victims of domestic violence and their families. Over the past year, DOVE has provided emergency shelter to 38 adults, 34 children, answered more than 2,500 hotline calls, provided community-based services to more than 900 clients and educated more than 2,000 teens and community members on the many complex issues surrounding domestic violence.

“Companies pitching in to assist the families we help at DOVE is always appreciated, but even more so as we approach the holidays,” said Claudia Cuscianna, DOVE senior manager of development and communications. “We commend our Quincy neighbors at the firm of Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. for stepping up to collect food and raise awareness for the families DOVE supports.”

For more information on DOVE, please visit www.dove.info. For information on Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. visit www.bbb-lawfirm.com.

About the Firm

Founded in 1995, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. is a full-service law firm located in Quincy committed to providing every client with personal attention and superior legal service at reasonable rates.

The firm’s attorneys provide legal advice and counsel to individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, South Shore and metro Boston areas.  Led by five partners with a combined 100+ years of experience, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro’s practice areas include litigation, tax, trust and estate planning, real estate, zoning and land use, corporate law, finance, criminal defense, immigration law, election law, and divorce and family law.  Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro also offers a Speaker’s Bureau on topics of tax, estate planning, small business law and corporate law.

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. is headquartered at 300 Crown Colony Drive, Suite 500 in Quincy, MA.  For more information, contact (781) 202-6929 or visit their website at http://www.bbb-lawfirm.com.

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. hosts food and coat drive for domestic violence and abuse victimsRead More