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TGA Premier Youth Tennis announces Fall Programming

TGA web photo 2

TGA Premier Youth Tennis (TGA acronym stands for Teach, Grow, Achieve), the leading school and community based youth tennis introduction model, and a national partner with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), has come to the South Shore and is helping children develop the enthusiasm and skills to enjoy tennis for life.

As a way to introduce kids from all backgrounds to the fun, positive, character-building aspects of tennis – TGA of Plymouth County offers a fun and engaging six-week after school enrichment program for students in Kindergarten to Grade 8.

Peter Dunlap, a 21 year Hingham resident, and former Plymouth State University varsity tennis player owns and operates TGA of Plymouth County. Dunlap is a USPTA, PTR and TGA Certified Coach.

“Tennis has led me to lifelong friendships, a healthy lifestyle and a positive perspective on life,” noted Dunlap. He added, “The game doesn’t have to be complicated or foreboding, we try to introduce K-8 kids to a game that is fun and gives them a pathway to whatever level they’d like to bring it to. Studies have shown that many children lead sedentary lives. Oftentimes, they have yet to find a passion that moves them.”

TGA_Premier_Youth_Tennis_Logo copyTGA of Plymouth County recently announced a new Fall After School Enrichment Program and is registering elementary and middle schools now. All TGA of Plymouth County coaches are certified by TGA, trained by Dunlap and undergo CORI background check.

TGA of Plymouth County has led programs at the Hull Recreation Department and South Shore Sports Center of Hingham.

TGA provides all racquets, balls, training aids and portable nets for all ages, creating a safe and constructive tennis environment. The school only needs to supply the space. For example, half of a basketball court accommodates up to 15 students.

Dunlap and his team have an enthusiasm for tennis and enjoy working with children. The TGA curriculum makes tennis fun and relevant, often connecting it to classroom topics such as math, science and history and current events such as the U.S. Open. Individual and corporate scholarships (to cover all the children in a school’s program) are available.

TGA is one of the leading initiatives to grow the sport of tennis and is the only after-school youth tennis program in the country, which is making a significant impact on youth tennis and the future growth of the sport.

TGA, USTA and education experts developed a five level enrichment and instruction based curriculum for ages 5-10, and a play-based curriculum for students age 11-14. The program meets once a week and costs $99 per student. No special equipment or uniforms are needed. The only requirement is that children wear sneakers.

Whether this is the child’s first exposure to tennis or they are looking to take it to the next level, TGA programs helps children enjoy and grow with tennis. In partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), TGA has developed a Youth Tennis Player Pathway to help guide families through the journey of learning and playing.

According to the Tennis Industry Association’s (TIA) State of the Industry report, there has been “a 4 percent increase in overall tennis participation, to 28 million players, and the highest participation level since 2009.”

Dunlap noted, “Tennis is an activity that provides physical exercise and mind/body coordination, while also teaching teamwork, goal setting, sportsmanship, and how to follow rules,” explained Dunlap. “TGA programs often incorporate academic lessons with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).”

School superintendents, principals, athletic directors, recreation directors and other school personnel interested in signing up for TGA’s Fall Program should contact Coach Peter Dunlap at 781-281-8565 or visit www.PlayTGA.com/PlymouthCounty.

About TGA 

TGA Premier Youth Tennis (TGA) is a youth development program that introduces youth to tennis at elementary and middle schools, childcare centers, and community based organizations. TGA is a national supporting organization of the Afterschool Alliance and Lights on Afterschool and is a corporate advocate and national partner of the President’s Challenge on Physical Fitness, as well as the National Council of Youth Sports.

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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’ 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.

Old Colony Elder Services’ Dedicated Employee Retires After 30 YearsRead More

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.

Moving Heels for Meals on Wheels – OCES Announces 5K Road Race/WalkRead More

OCES Receives over $5K in Donations to Emergency Fund during #GivingTuesday campaign

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, received a total of $5,145 in donations to their Emergency Fund during their #GivingTuesday campaign.

In an effort to raise money for their Emergency Fund, OCES ran a #GivingTuesday campaign from December 1st through December 31, 2015. This fund helps low-income older adults and people with disabilities with needed support that cannot be addressed through the use of any other resources.

“The success of this campaign to raise money for OCES’ Emergency Fund demonstrates the power we all have to change the world around us,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director. “Through the generosity of our supporters, we are able to help provide such things as heat, food, and life-sustaining medications to older adults and people with disabilities who are most in need in our communities.”

We thank everyone who gave during this campaign! All too often, low-income older adults and people with disabilities encounter problems that can jeopardize their ability to maintain independence, dignity and well-being. OCES’ Emergency Fund is used to assist with fuel, utilities, short-term emergency shelter, medical transport, medications, hot water heaters, food and other needs.

Through OCES’ Emergency Fund, several hundred low-income older adults and people with disabilities have received assistance, including a 79-year-old widow, living in her own home with her disabled daughter, who had run out of oil; OCES helped purchase heating oil for them.

If you were unable to donate during December, don’t worry, you can give at any time. Visit www.ocesma.org and help us to continue providing assistance to older adults and people with disabilities so they can remain safe and at home.

A Day Dedicated to Giving Back

#GivingTuesday is observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Fueled by the power of social media and collaboration, #GivingTuesday connects individuals, communities and organizations around the world and provides a platform for them to encourage the donation of time, resources and talents. Visit www.givingtuesday.org to learn more.

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.

OCES Receives over $5K in Donations to Emergency Fund during #GivingTuesday campaignRead More

OCES Holds Food Drive for Three Charities

OCES staff Rose Lynch, Tremeda Martin, Charlie Mills, Kerry Phelan, Vicky Rateau and Cathy Whitney organize food donations for distribution.
OCES staff Rose Lynch, Tremeda Martin, Charlie Mills, Kerry Phelan, Vicky Rateau and Cathy Whitney organize food donations for distribution.

Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, recently held a Food Drive for three charities in their service area – My Brothers Keeper in Easton, Father Bill’s & Mainspring in Brockton, and Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless in Kingston.

OCES’ Food Drive was held among their 235 employees the week before Christmas. More than 300 non-perishable food items were collected and distributed among the three charities.

Every year, OCES holds a holiday food drive for a different organization in an effort to provide support to those most in need. Last year, OCES’ donated more than 140 pounds of food to South Shore Community Action Council (SSCAC) in Plymouth.

To learn more about the three charities, visit their websites at www.plymouthareacoalition.org, helpfbms.org, and www.mybrotherskeeper.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 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 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.

OCES Holds Food Drive for Three CharitiesRead More

Executive Office of Elder Affairs Secretary Visits Belair Towers in Brockton

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director

Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, welcomed Alice Bonner, Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs to Belair Towers in Brockton on December 8, 2015.

Secretary Bonner has been touring agencies caring for older adults across the state to learn firsthand about local efforts supporting older adults in the community. During her visit at Belair Towers she met with the Belair Tenants Association and approximately 40 residents, along with Thomas Thibeault, Executive Director of Brockton Housing Authority; Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director; and other staff members from these agencies.

A round table question and answer session provided Secretary Bonner an opportunity to hear about the access to services provided by OCES at Belair Towers, which includes supportive housing, regular and Caribbean congregate meals and the English as a Second Language program. Belair residents were also able to share their concerns about personal safety and building security in light of recent national and world events.

“We had a tremendous turnout and were able to garner very good feedback about access to our programs during the Belair round table session,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director.

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 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.

Executive Office of Elder Affairs Secretary Visits Belair Towers in BrocktonRead More

OCES’ Emergency Fund Grows on #GivingTuesday. Campaign continues throughout December.

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) Emergency Fund received a boost on #GivingTuesday, the day dedicated to giving back. The non-profit agency serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, received $2,320 in donations to their Emergency Fund on #GivingTuesday December 1st.

OCES’ Emergency Fund is intended to help low-income older adults and people with disabilities whose needs cannot be addressed through the use of any other resource. All too often, these individuals encounter problems that can jeopardize their ability to maintain independence, dignity and well-being. The Emergency Fund is used to assist with fuel, utilities, short-term emergency shelter, medical transport, medications, hot water heaters, food and other needs.

Last year, OCES helped several hundred low-income older adults and people with disabilities remain in their homes. For instance, OCES’ Emergency Fund assisted a 79-year-old widow living in her own home with her disabled daughter. She requested assistance to purchase heating oil because she had been out of oil for two days. The Emergency Fund also helped a widow with the purchase of a life-sustaining medication. She stated, “Thank you very much for the help. I was worried about being able to get my heart medication”.

“We are grateful for the tremendous support we received on #GivingTuesday, as those donations will help provide such things as heat, food, and life-sustaining medications to older adults and people with disabilities,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director.

She continued, “We anticipate the number of older adults and people with disabilities in our communities to significantly increase this year, and in light of that, our giving campaign will continue throughout December. Help spread the word, tell a neighbor, friend or family member how they can support people in need right in their community through our #GivingTuesday campaign.”

If you did not get a chance to give on December 1st, you still have time to make a difference in others’ lives! The #GivingTuesday campaign will end December 31st. Please see www.ocesma.org for more information on how to make a donation.

A Day Dedicated to Giving Back

Now in its fourth year, #GivingTuesday is observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Fueled by the power of social media and collaboration, #GivingTuesday connects individuals, communities and organizations around the world and provides a platform for them to encourage the donation of time, resources and talents. Visit www.givingtuesday.org to learn more.

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 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.

OCES’ Emergency Fund Grows on #GivingTuesday. Campaign continues throughout December.Read More