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Old Colony Elder Services Receives Proclamation

OCES Board President Ted Lang, Mayor Bill Carpenter and Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
OCES Board President Ted Lang, Mayor Bill Carpenter and Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, was honored with a proclamation recognizing OCES as a vital contributor to greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities in celebration of Senior Corps Week.

Senior Corps Week, held May 16 through 20, 2016, provides an opportunity to salute volunteers from the Foster Grandparent Program, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and Senior Companion Program, to recognize community sponsors and service partners, and to communicate the impact of those who serve. More than 6100 seniors in Massachusetts contribute their time and talents in one of these three Senior Corps programs.

Mayor Bill Carpenter of Brockton addressed the OCES Board of Directors and presented a proclamation to recognize OCES as a vital contributor to greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. As the Mayor indicated in his remarks, the official proclamation from the City specifically thanks OCES’ volunteers and acknowledges their positive impact and value to our communities and to our nation.

A federal citation prepared by United States Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, who represents the Eighth District of Massachusetts, was also presented to the OCES Board of Directors to mark the occasion.  Board President Ted Lang and Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi accepted these awards on behalf of OCES.

OCES manages the RSVP for Plymouth County. There are a variety of opportunities available statewide to RSVP Volunteers. They can conduct safety patrols, renovate homes, protect the environment, tutor and mentor youth, respond to natural disasters, and provide other services across the country. To learn about the opportunities OCES has available, contact OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator, Jean-Marie Doyle, at JDoyle@ocesma.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton. OCES is designated as one of 26 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 235 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 Honors Volunteers at Appreciation Luncheon

Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Recipients (L to R): John Heinstadt, Evelyn Drake, Phyllis Martin, Doris Flecchia, and Joseph Mitchell
Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Recipients (L to R): John Heinstadt, Evelyn Drake, Phyllis Martin, Doris Flecchia, and Joseph Mitchell

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, recently held an Appreciation Luncheon to honor their volunteers who generously donate their time to help others.

More than 300 people attended OCES’ Appreciation Luncheon, which was held at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, MA. Vocalist Kathy Earabino provided entertainment.

During the luncheon, Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES welcomed and thanked all of OCES’ volunteers. Brenda Carrens, Volunteer Programs Manager and Nicole Long, Assistant Executive Director, presented the prestigious President’s Lifetime Achievement Award to five volunteers: John Heinstadt, Evelyn Drake, Phyllis Martin, Doris Flecchia, and Joseph Mitchell.

OCES is a designated national Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Program, which is the premier volunteer awards program in this country. Volunteers must meet specific criteria in order to receive the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Criteria include serving at least 4,000 hours; volunteer service hours can be accumulated through a variety of organizations throughout a volunteer’s lifetime (including those organizations outside Plymouth County and Massachusetts.)

“It is our pleasure to present these volunteer leaders with the President’s highest honor for their hard work, years of dedication and overall commitment to helping others and making the world a better place,” said DiGiorgi.

Community Advisory Council
OCES’ Community Advisory Council (L to R) Mary Ellen Bavaro, John J. Lanzoni, Jr., Kristin Vokey Muratore, and Ronald Spring.

DiGiorgi also thanked OCES’ Community Advisory Council – Mary Ellen Bavaro, John J. Lanzoni, Jr., Kristin Vokey Muratore, and Ronald Spring – who have supported and worked with the volunteer program for many years. OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator, Jean-Marie Doyle made closing remarks.

OCES has more than 500 volunteers throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities who give countless hours of service to older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers in the community. Anyone interested in volunteering, may contact Jean-Marie Doyle at 508 584-1561, extension 275.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton. OCES is designated as one of 26 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 235 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 to “March Against Elder Abuse” on June 23rd in Plymouth

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, has joined forces with The Center for Active Living (Plymouth COA), the Plymouth Networking Group for Senior Services (PNG), and Plymouth C.A.R.E.S to “March Against Elder Abuse” on Thursday June 23, 2016. The event will be held rain or shine.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15, 2016, and in an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse, OCES, The Plymouth Center for Active Living, the PNG, and Plymouth C.A.R.E.S have organized a march.

Marchers will meet at the Center for Active Living, 44 Nook Road in Plymouth, at 11:15 for transportation, if needed. The march will begin at 12 noon at the Plymouth waterfront at the new pavilion adjacent to Plymouth Rock on Water Street. Marchers will then be transported back to the Center for a 1 pm awareness event, including speakers and lunch.

OCES also encourages supporters to wear purple on June 23rd to show awareness. Free T-shirts will be distributed at the waterfront, while supplies last.

To reserve your seat, RSVP to Krista-Jean Forand at OCES, 508-584-1561 x 302 or to the Center at 508-830-4230 by June 16th.

Raising Awareness

Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, and neglect. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, family members (spouses, adult children, partners and others) comprise the majority of abusers. Additionally, research indicates that individuals with dementia are at even greater risk for elder abuse.

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to share information and spread awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director at OCES. “We CAN make a difference and encourage the community to join our ‘March Against Elder Abuse’ on June 23rd in Plymouth.”

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton. OCES is designated as one of 26 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 235 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’ Dedicated Employee Retires After 30 Years

LucilleLoyal, unforgettable, courteous, intelligent, licensed, likable and empathetic are just a few of the adjectives one could use to describe Lucille Dallaire, who recently retired after 30 years at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES).

OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, held a retirement party for Ms. Dallaire at their Brockton office on Main Street. While Ms. Dallaire knew about the party, she did not know that her family, friends and business colleagues would also be attending to wish her well.

Ms. Dallaire, who is a licensed social worker, began her career at OCES on March 31, 1986. Over the years, she held various positions in Care Management, Information & Referral, and Development. Ms. Dallaire gained the respect and trust of her coworkers and colleagues throughout the region. Always working towards the goals of helping others in need, increasing outreach across the area, and looking for other funding sources, Ms. Dallaire has been instrumental in the growth of OCES’ programs, services and community profile.

The OCES Board of Directors recognized Ms. Dallaire for her 30 years of dedicated service and contributions as a valued member of the Board’s Development Committee.

“Lucille always displayed a positive demeanor and upbeat attitude no matter what was going on in her professional or personal life,” said Diana DiGiorgi, OCES Executive Director, “I cannot thank her enough for her dedication to OCES for the past 30 years. Congratulations Lucille, and we wish you a happy and healthy retirement!”

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 26 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 235 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 Presents Diabetes Workshop on June 17th During “Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes” Week

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is presenting an educational event during Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes (BKDD) week, June 11-18, 2016.

On Friday, June 17, 2016 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., OCES in partnership with Brockton Council on Aging will present a “Meal Planning for Diabetes” workshop at Training Resources of America, 231 Main Street #302 in Brockton. Topics to be covered include what and how much to eat. Donna-Marie Forand, Outreach & Education Specialist at OCES, and Dottie Slack, Health Education/Outreach Coordinator at Brockton COA, will lead this workshop. This educational event is free and open to the public.

Learn more about OCES by visiting their vendor table on Saturday, June 11th during the Health and Wellness Expo at The Shaw’s Center, One Feinberg Way in Brockton.

OCES employees will also participate in the Leo MacNeil Family Fun Walk on Saturday, June 18th at 9:00 am at Campanelli Stadium, One Feinberg Way in Brockton. OCES encourages community members to join them in the walk on June 18th (all walk participants receive free admission to the Brockton Rox game at noon) and at other free events during BKDD week.

OCES encourages community members to attend as many events as possible to raise awareness of diabetes. Admission is free to many of the workshops thanks to BKDD sponsors and program partners. Entries for great prizes will be available at each event throughout the week, so the more events attended; the more chances attendees have to win prizes.

About BKDD

Brockton Knocks Down Diabetes (BKDD) is a coalition co-founded by HarborOne Bank in 2011, in collaboration with over 40 area organizations, including OCES, to address the critical diabetes epidemic within the greater Brockton community. To learn more about events during BKDD week and to obtain a brochure, visit https://forhealthycommunities.com/bkdd

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton.

OCES is designated as one of 26 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 235 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’ Nutrition Menu Now Available Online. Special Meals offered in May.

OCES logoOlder adults and individuals with disabilities who receive home delivered meals and/or who attend Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) Community Dining sites will now be able to learn what’s on the menu simply by visiting the OCES website at www.ocesma.org.

OCES, the non-profit agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, has recently added a “Nutrition Menu” link on their website.

Now, home delivered meal recipients and community site diners can view OCES’ Nutrition Menu for the entire month. Each day includes a description of the meal and a listing of calories, sodium and carbohydrate counts. The daily nutrition information listed is for the entire meal, including the protein, starch, vegetable, dessert/fruit, bread, margarine, milk, soup and condiments. All of OCES’ meals are based on a no-added-salt diet for healthy older adults.

OCES’ nutritionist Barbara Nalen-Cardosa, RDN, LDN plans the meals and works with their caterer, Lindley Food Service, to develop the menu. All meals meet one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for major nutrients. Cardiac meals are available upon request if a lower salt diet is needed. Therapeutic meals (renal, ground, puréed or lactose-free meals) are also available for Meals on Wheels recipients and may be arranged through an OCES Care Manager. The therapeutic meals are carefully planned to be similar to the regular menu.

The Meals On Wheels program serves adults age 60+ and individuals with disabilities under the age of 60 and is essential for those who would otherwise not get a nutritious daily meal. Older adults who are homebound, unable to prepare meals, manage their grocery shopping or attend one of OCES’ Community Dining Sites may contact OCES to arrange for home delivered meals.

Older adults interested in going out for lunch are encouraged to attend a Council On Aging (COA) Community Dining Site and enjoy delicious meals, social interaction and fun activities.

Special Meals in May at Wareham, Easton and East Bridgewater Community Dining Sites 

On May 16, 2016 at the Wareham dining site, an “Independence Day Special” themed cold picnic lunch will be offered, which includes cranberry juice, cold oven fried boneless chicken breast, spinach Mandarin orange salad, potato salad, light Italian dressing, garlic dinner roll and strawberry shortcake.

On May 18, 2016 at the Easton site, the Traveling Chef will serve roast beef, brown wild rice blend, honey glazed carrots, whole-wheat dinner roll and butter, raspberry filled cookies and milk.

On May 19, 2016 at the East Bridgewater site, the themed meal is “Taste Of Italy”, with cannelloni cheese pasta with red sauce, cauliflower and zucchini, baked tomato half, Scali bread and Amaretto mousse with topping.

The Nutrition Menus are now published on OCES’ website, as well as in local newspapers and COA newsletters. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 26 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 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers.

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Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Hoarding Conference in Brockton on May 20th

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, will hold an “Understanding Hoarding” Conference on May 20, 2016, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 144 Main Street in Brockton. Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m.

With a focus on intervention, OCES’ Hoarding Conference is geared towards helping mental health therapists, social workers and others who work directly with people who have hoarding issues. The conference will be led by experts Jesse Edsell-Vetter, Hoarding Intervention Coordinator of the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership (MBHP) and Christiana Bratiotis, Ph.D., LICSW. Topics to be covered include: the Definition of Hoarding; the Mental Psychology of Hoarding; Tools for Intervention and Sort/Discard Skills.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) have been applied for. Lunch will be provided. The cost to attend is $50. Pre-registration is required as no registrations will be available on the day of the event.

Sign-up online at http://ocesma.givezooks.com/events/hoarding.

For more information, contact Lisa Mullin at OCES (508) 584-1561 extension 220. This event is sponsored by The Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force and OCES.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 26 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 235 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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Growth and Expansion – Old Colony Elder Services Opens a Second Office in Plymouth

Monica Mullins, Diana DiGiorgi, Betty DeBenedictis and Brenda Carrens
Monica Mullins, Diana DiGiorgi, Betty DeBenedictis and Brenda Carrens

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is expanding and has opened a new office at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth, MA.

OCES officially announced the opening of their new 7,200 square-foot office with an Open House on March 2, 2016. Dozens attended the event, including State Representative Matt Muratore, Monica Mullins District Director, and Betty DeBenedictis, Legislative Aide to State Representative Thomas Calter.

The new location will better enable OCES to accommodate growth. The agency’s main office, which houses 200 of their 235 employees, is located at 144 Main Street in Brockton. The Plymouth office currently has 25 employees, with room for up to 50. The Plymouth office is home to OCES’ Volunteer Program; key departments such as Home Care, Senior Care Options, Nutrition, and Information and Referral are also represented.

“We serve 23 towns with a comprehensive array of specialized programs which have been developed to address the unique situations and circumstances faces by older adults and individuals with disabilities,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “We’re very pleased to have a second location that not only gives us room to grow, but is a bit closer to our consumers, caregivers, volunteers and service partners located around the Plymouth and Wareham areas.”

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 26 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 235 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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Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels – OCES Announces 5K Road Race/Walk

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

Lace up your running shoes and join Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) on Sunday, March 20, 2016 for their first annual “Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels” 5K Road Race/Walk.

In a new initiative to help grow and sustain OCES’ Meals on Wheels program, which serves approximately 30,000 meals a month to older adults in the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, OCES will hold a 5K Road Race/Walk at Silver Lake Regional High School, 260 Pembroke Street in Kingston, MA 02364. The race starts at 9:00 a.m.

Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place male and female winners. Adult registration for the Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels 5K costs $25 online or $30 on-site. Student (age 11-18) registration is $20 online or $25 on-site. Child (age 10 and under) registration is $15 online and $20 on-site.

T-shirts and gift bags are included with registration, and refreshments will be provided. Online registration will be open through the end of the day on Friday, March 18th. The registration deadline to receive a t-shirt is March 8th.

To register, visit www.southshoreracemgmt.com and click on March races.

Sponsorships are also available. To sponsor the race, visit ocesma.givezooks.com/events/moving-heels-for-meals-on-wheels or contact Chris McLaren at OCES, 508-584-1561, extension 309.

“We’re excited about our first annual 5K Road Race, as it promises to be a fun event for all ages,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “With the community’s support and participation, we will be better able to meet the increasing demand of providing meals to older adults and people with disabilities.”

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 26 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 235 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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