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OCES Appoints Gregg Smith as Technology Director

Gregg Smith
Gregg Smith

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults, people with disabilities, families and caregivers throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, has appointed Gregg Smith as Technology Director.

In his new role, Mr. Smith will be responsible for implementing new technology and ideas to facilitate the agency’s future growth. He will also oversee the negotiation and acquisition of hardware and software.

Mr. Smith served as an IT Consultant to OCES for two and a half years while employed as the Lead IT Consultant at Unitel, an IT consulting company in Easton, MA. Mr. Smith studied Information Systems at Framingham State University and has Microsoft Certifications in Microsoft Server, Exchange, and SQL.

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 217 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.ocesma.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Receives Pet Food Distribution Grant From Banfield Charitable Trust

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services‘ (OCES), a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, has recently received a Pet Food Distribution Grant from Banfield Charitable Trust.

Low-income seniors are among America’s millions struggling with hunger and food insecurity.   Many seniors and individuals with disabilities receive nutritious daily meals through OCES’ Meals On Wheels program.  In an effort to keep seniors and their beloved pets well nourished, OCES now also provides nutrition support for their pets.

For nearly a decade, Banfield Charitable Trust has been working to keep pets and their people together. The Banfield Grant enables OCES to purchase pet food and distribute to low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities, so that they can continue to care for their pets in their home.  Essentially, OCES’ Meals On Wheels recipients are assured nutritious daily meals AND now their pets can receive nutritional support.

“What we have found is that elders will often feed their pets before they feed themselves.  We’re working to identify and meet the needs of low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities who have pets,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

To learn more about the program, contact OCES’ Nutrition Department at (508) 584-1561.

About Banfield Charitable Trust

Banfield Charitable Trust provides grants to nonprofit organizations and nonprofit hospices to support their efforts to keep pets and people together.  Pet food distribution program grants provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and Meals On Wheels Associations of America (MOWAA) members to fund expenses associated with starting or maintaining a pet food distribution program.  For more information, visit www.banfieldcharitabletrust.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 towns 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. The organization’s 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 169 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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OCES Helps Provide Food for 111 Pets

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the regional agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, has recently received a grant from Banfield Charitable Trust to continue their work helping people feed their pets.

The Pet Food Distribution Grant from Banfield Charitable Trust  will enable OCES’ Pets Eat Too program to purchase pet food and distribute it to low-income older adults and people with disabilities, so that they can continue to care for their pets in their home.

Those living on fixed incomes often have difficulty providing for their pets’ needs in addition to their own. Those receiving nutritional support for their pets are OCES Meals on Wheels consumers and/or consumers referred by their care manager.

Last year OCES helped 76 individuals by providing pet food for their 111 pets, thanks to Banfield Charitable Trust, and a pet food drive conducted by the Plymouth County Chapter of Altrusa International.

“Pets provide a significant source of comfort, companionship and purpose for many older adults and people living with disabilities,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. “Helping our consumers feed their pets is an important service that OCES is pleased to offer made possible by Banfield Charitable Trust and the Plymouth County Chapter of Altrusa International.”

To learn more, contact OCES’ Nutrition Department at (508) 584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

About Banfield Charitable Trust

Banfield Charitable Trust provides grants to nonprofit organizations and nonprofit hospices to support their efforts to keep pets and people together. Pet food distribution program grants provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and members of the Meals On Wheels Associations of America (MOWAA) members to fund expenses associated with starting or maintaining a pet food distribution program.  For more information, visit www.banfieldcharitabletrust.org.

About Altrusa International Inc. of Plymouth County

Altrusa International is a global volunteer service organization whose purpose is to promote better communities through service by an international network of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Club members are involved in a variety of service projects and fundraisers in their communities. To learn more about the Plymouth County chapter, visit http://tinyurl.com/AltrusaPlymouthCounty.

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 headquartered 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 people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 217 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.ocesma.org.

 

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Cheers. Brewing a New Niche – Emerson Bearing Boston Announces Craft Brewer Division

EB_logo2C_tagline_5inWith craft brewers cropping up across the nation, Emerson Bearing Boston, a bearing company catering to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) markets around the world, has found a new niche.

As a supplier of bearings and related products to the packaging and food processing industries, Emerson Bearing Boston has established a Craft Brewer Division dedicated to their rapidly expanding small and independent brewer customer base. Mike Quinn, Marketing Specialist, oversees the division.

According to the Brewers Association, craft brewers accounted for 11 percent volume share of the marketplace in 2014, up from 5 percent in 2010. And steady growth is expected to continue.

Emerson Bearing Boston provides bearings utilized in the brewing process, which includes mixing, bottling, canning, seaming, labeling and also in any part of the process that involves conveyance. Emerson Bearing Boston is one of the only suppliers of hybrid stainless steel or ceramic bearing seaming rolls, which are made of advanced materials to last longer and run cooler. They also provide stainless steel single roller ball bearings and ceramic ball bearings, which are used in canning and handling lines. Other products include tabletop chain, rollers, idlers, stainless steel mounted units, cam followers, rod ends, thrust bearings, control bearings, needle roller bearings, adhesives and sealants.

“Packaging and food processing are usually fully automated and often take place under extreme operating conditions. It requires low maintenance, special hygiene requirements and operational reliability,” said Steve Katz, president. “By supplying dependable parts and service, we’ve been able help craft brewers such as Newburyport Brewing Company of Mass., West Sixth Brewery of Kentucky and Moab Brewery of Utah keep their production lines moving.”

For more information about the Craft Brewer division, contact Mike Quinn at 800-225-4587 or email mquinn@emersonbearing.com.

About Emerson Bearing Boston

Founded in 1957, Emerson Bearing Boston specializes in bearings for OEM and MRO markets throughout the world. The company provides solutions to a variety of industries including: aggregate, concrete, mining, machine tools, electric motor repair, marine, material handling, metal processing, packaging, food processing, paper converting, printing, wind/power generation, recreation, heavy construction, robotics, automation, transportation, wood products, wastewater treatment, pump, compressor and oil field.

Emerson Bearing Boston offers customers a one-stop shopping experience. With an online product catalog with over 3 million bearings – ranging in size from 3mm to tunnel-boring 15-foot-diameter giants; a vast inventory of bearings; worldwide sourcing; a fixed price program; a knowledgeable staff; same day shipping and 24/7 service, Emerson Bearing Boston has become a leading provider of bearings in the U.S. They are the sister company of Action Bearing and maintain headquarters at 201 Brighton Ave. Boston, MA. For more information, visit www.emersonbearing.com or call 800-225-4587.

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South Coast Improvement, Co. completes Cedar Dell renovation in Dartmouth, MA

The Residence at Cedar Dell, Dartmouth, MA
The Residence at Cedar Dell, Dartmouth, MA

DARTMOUTH, MA and MARION, MA…

South Coast Improvement Company (SCI), a design-build general contractor serving New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, recently finished a restoration project at The Residence at Cedar Dell, an independent, assisted and memory care living home at 628 Old Westport Road in Dartmouth, Massachusetts.

The $700,000 renovation featured improvements to resident units, common areas (seating areas, library and gym), corridors, a new exterior walkway and a new elevator. The project also included apartment buildouts, fresh paint, new carpeting in multiple units, offices and common areas, and the installation of a number of other new amenities throughout the facilities (rails, cabinets, ceiling lights, handicap shower benches, etc.

“You always want a great finished product, but the real key to a project like this is to keep disruption to residents and the daily operations to a minimum. With this project, I feel pretty confident we succeed on both counts,” said Tom Quinlan, president of South Coast Improvement.

Work began on the Residence at Cedar Dell on November 1 and was completed on time and under budget. For more information on The Residence at Cedar Dell, visit http://residencecedar.com/.

Based in Marion, Mass., South Coast Improvement Co is a recognized leader in providing building and renovation services to a client base of senior living, healthcare, institutional and retail clients. For more information, please call 508-748-6545 or visit www.southcoastimprovement.com.

About South Coast Improvement Company

South Coast Improvement offers a range of design, construction and management services across a variety of sectors—interiors as well as exteriors—including office buildings, health care facilities, educational institutions, commercial properties, assisted living facilities, and residential communities.  South Coast Improvement’s services include: Preconstruction analysis; Construction management; General contracting; Design/build services;  Capital improvement; Building envelope improvements; and Interior renovations.

For more information, visit www.southcoastimprovement.com or call 508-748-6545.

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Emerson Bearing Boston Promotes Mike Quinn to Marketing Specialist

Emerson Bearing Boston, a bearing company catering to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) markets around the world, has promoted Mike Quinn, a Brighton resident, to Marketing Specialist.

Quinn has been a key member of the Emerson Bearing Boston team for more than two years and has recently been promoted from Inside Sales Representative to Marketing Specialist. Dedicated to accommodating the unique bearing needs of industry customers, Quinn will oversee accounts in the electric motor repair, commercial laundry, microbrewery, water and wastewater management industries. His responsibilities will include managing accounts, product recommendations, pricing, purchasing marketing and some light engineering.

Bearing Failure Analysis

As part of their customer care, Emerson Bearing Boston offers the unique service of “Bearing Failure Analysis” which helps them determine the cause of bearing failure so that they may prevent future failure and predict reliability.  Or, if clients desire to do so, they can utilize the Bearing Failure Analysis program within the Technical Toolbox on the Emerson Bearing website.

To contact Mike Quinn regarding the industries he serves, call 800-225-4587.

About Emerson Bearing Boston

Founded in 1957, Emerson Bearing Boston specializes in bearings for OEM and MRO markets throughout the world. The company provides solutions to a variety of industries including: aggregate, concrete, mining, machine tools, electric motor repair, marine, material handling, metal processing, packaging, food processing, paper converting, printing, wind/power generation, recreation, heavy construction, robotics, automation, transportation, wood products, wastewater treatment, pump, compressor and oil field.

Emerson Bearing Boston offers customers a one-stop shopping experience. With an online product catalog with over three million bearings – ranging in size from 3mm to tunnel-boring 15-foot-diameter giants; a vast inventory of bearings; worldwide sourcing; a fixed price program; a knowledgeable staff; same day shipping and 24/7 service, Emerson Bearing Boston has become a leading provider of bearings in the U.S.   They are the sister company of Action Bearing and maintain headquarters at 201 Brighton Ave. Boston, MA. For more information, visit www.emersonbearing.com or call 800-225-4587.

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Summer Barbecue at Wareham Congregate Meal Site on July 21st – Older Adults 60+ and Individuals with Disabilities Invited to Attend

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, families and caregivers throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, in collaboration with the Wareham Council on Aging (COA), will hold a summer barbecue at their congregate meal site in Wareham on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 11:30 a.m.

OCES’ congregate meal site is located at the COA on 48 Marion Road. The site provides hot, nutritious noontime meals Monday through Friday to older adults age 60+ and individuals with disabilities. On July 21st, a summer barbecue with hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, chips, and various desserts will be served.

OCES will have an informational table with brochures about their programs and services as well as information regarding an upcoming “Matter of Balance” workshop, starting July 28th, to help people prevent falls.

“Anyone 60 or older, or those living with disabilities are encouraged to attend a congregate meal site where they can enjoy delicious meals, social interaction and fun activities,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Reservations for the barbecue are required by Thursday, July 16th. Call Cheryl Johannessen, Meal Site Manager, at 508-291-3100 ext 6514 to reserve a seat.

Congregate meal menus are published in local newspapers and in COA newsletters. A sample menu may be requested by calling OCES at (508) 584-1561 or visiting the website at www.ocesma.org.

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 215 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.ocesma.org.

 

Summer Barbecue at Wareham Congregate Meal Site on July 21st – Older Adults 60+ and Individuals with Disabilities Invited to AttendRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Honors Volunteers at Appreciation Luncheon & Announces Merger

L to R - Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES and Joan Thompson-Stein, volunteer.
L to R – Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES and Joan Thompson-Stein, volunteer.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County, recently held a luncheon at the Massasoit Conference Center in Brockton to thank the volunteers who donate their time to help others.

During the luncheon, Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES, announced the merger between Mayflower RSVP (MRSVP) and OCES that became effective April 1, 2015. Between OCES and MRSVP there are more than 600 volunteers giving countless hours of service to the older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers in the community.

DiGiorgi thanked all volunteers including the OCES Board of Directors and the MRSVP Advisory Council.

Darcy Lee, OCES’ MRSVP Project Director, provided an overview of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. Lee explained how Senior Corps volunteers are part of a national movement of volunteerism through the Corporation for National and Community Service. Lee also explained the health benefits of volunteering with evidence from various reports.

Brenda Carrens, Volunteer Coordinator, explained how to become an MRSVP volunteer, the benefits of free insurance, and the convenience of learning about other volunteer opportunities through MRSVP newsletters, website and emails. Carrens thanked the Money Management Program volunteers and the Nutrition volunteers.

After lunch was served, the volunteers enjoyed music and activities provided by Rob Peters Entertainment.

About Mayflower RSVP – MRSVP’s mission is to provide meaningful opportunities to volunteers aged 55 and older that provide personal fulfillment by utilizing their life skills and experiences to contribute to various organizations, and improve the quality of life for Plymouth County citizens. MRSVP is a designated national Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award Program, which is the premier volunteer awards program in this country. MRSVP is one of 750 volunteer programs in a national network with funding from the Corporation for National & Community Service, enabling older Americans to make a difference in their local communities. Its service area covers all of the communities in Plymouth County. For more information, call 508-746-7787 or visit www.mayflowerrsvp.org.

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 215 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.ocesma.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Merger with Mayflower RSVP

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County, has acquired the Mayflower Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).  As of April 1, 2015, the Mayflower RSVP is integrated with OCES’ Community Programs.

Mayflower RSVP was founded 41 years ago with the mission of helping adults age 55 and older remain active and healthy by providing them with volunteer opportunities in their communities. The organization has operated with grants from the U.S. federal agency Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and has several hundred volunteers working with service partner organizations. Recently OCES was awarded a three-year grant from CNCS to operate the RSVP of Plymouth County concentrating on focus areas including Economic Opportunity, Education, Veteran and Military Families, and Healthy Futures.

OCES has run its own volunteer programs for many years and has also been a service partner of Mayflower RSVP for the last few years with volunteers in OCES’ Nutrition Program and Money Management Program. The two organizations that share similar missions and philosophies, have been working to transition staff and systems for the last six months.

“Our goals are to further develop the RSVP within the OCES framework, expand opportunities for volunteers of all ages, and deepen relationships with service partners throughout the area,” explained Darcy H. Lee, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Mayflower RSVP (whose title will become OCES’ Volunteer Program Manager and Mayflower RSVP Project Director).

“Volunteers are essential to our organization.  We embrace this exciting development and look forward to working with businesses and citizens throughout the greater Plymouth County area to expand opportunities and promote volunteerism,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

About Mayflower RSVP – Mayflower RSVP’s mission is to provide meaningful opportunities to volunteers aged 55 and older that provide personal fulfillment by utilizing their life skills and experiences to contribute to various organizations, and improve the quality of life for Plymouth County citizens. Mayflower RSVP is a designated national Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award Program, which is the premier volunteer awards program in this country. Mayflower RSVP is one of 750 volunteer programs in a national network with funding from the Corporation for National & Community Service, enabling older Americans to make a difference in their local communities. Its service area covers all of the communities in Plymouth County. For more information, call 508-746-7787 or visit www.mayflowerrsvp.org.

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 215 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.ocesma.org.

About CNCS http://www.nationalservice.gov/about

 

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