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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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Rodman & Rodman CPAs Pitch In for Camp Clark

The Rodman Team proudly displays a "Thank You" sign created by Camp Clark youth.
The Rodman Team proudly displays a “Thank You” sign created by Camp Clark youth.

Summer campers are enjoying the great outdoors at Camp Clark in Plymouth, MA thanks in part to the efforts of Rodman & Rodman P.C., a full service tax and accounting firm based in Newton, MA.

Rodman & Rodman has been a long-time supporter of Camp Clark, an Old Colony YMCA sponsored recreation camp for children. Prior to the start of the 2015 camp season, Rodman & Rodman’s team of 18 spent a full day landscaping Camp Clark to ready it for more than 400 youth campers who attend each week. The team cleaned up the beach and spread 80 yards of wood chips, 10 yards of mulch and plenty of sand.

“The Rodman team volunteered more than 100 hours preparing Camp Clark for our busy summer camp, which runs from 7 am to 6 pm daily. They took on projects that would have taken us longer than two weeks to complete,” said Derek Paiva, Executive Director of Old Colony YMCA. “The Y was founded on volunteerism and the Rodman team sets a great example. We truly appreciate their hard work which has contributed to the overall success of our camp.”

“Camp Clark has a strong tradition of helping to build brighter futures by encouraging campers to discover their potential,” said Steve Rodman, president of Rodman & Rodman, P.C. “We are delighted to continually support this very special organization.”

About Old Colony YMCA

Serving thousands of individuals and families in 31 communities in Southeastern Massachusetts, Old Colony YMCA has provided programs, camps and services designed to help people of all ages and abilities build healthy spirits, minds, and bodies. For more information, visit the website atwww.oldcolonyymca.org.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms”, Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves renewable energy clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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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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New Supportive Housing Program Launched at Southfield in Plymouth

(L to R) OCES Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi; Plymouth Housing Authority Executive Director Dede Riendeau; Elder Affairs Secretary Ann Hartstein; Department of Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Aaron Gornstein; OCES Community Programs Director Nicole Long.
(L to R) OCES Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi; Plymouth Housing Authority Executive Director Dede Riendeau; Elder Affairs Secretary Ann Hartstein; Department of Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Aaron Gornstein; OCES Community Programs Director Nicole Long.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, joined Patrick Administration officials, local leaders, and Plymouth Housing Authority representatives for a ribbon cutting ceremony last week at Southfield, located at 105 South Street, Plymouth, MA.

Southfield is part of the 10 new Massachusetts Supportive Housing Program sites funded by the Patrick Administration to help people “age in place”. The Massachusetts Supportive Housing Program, a collaboration of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) and the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), is available in 41 senior public housing locations statewide, and serves 6,360 senior residents. OCES received funding from the EOEA to launch the Supportive Housing Program in Plymouth.

OCES and the Plymouth Housing Authority work collaboratively, providing an “assisted living” environment, with an on-site service coordinator as well as access to 24-hour/daily on-call assistance for residents who prefer to “age in place,” connected to family, friends, and community.

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES, and the ribbon cutting ceremony host, said, “We are thrilled with this opportunity to provide supportive services to the 60 Southfield residents and 250 others at the four additional Plymouth sites. This program is a high-quality, cost-effective approach to assisting residents who want to remain in their homes.”

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 190 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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Rocking for a good cause. Plymouth Rocks Music Festival on Saturday, September 20.

Reach James Montgomery on harp photo Medium ResPut your hands together for a great cause.

The second annual Plymouth Rocks Music Festival is set for Saturday, September 20, 8 p.m.  – doors open at 6:30.The event, once again, brings world-class rock, blues and jazz music to support Reach, Inc., a local organization dedicated to supporting the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Ticket price is $35 and the event takes place at Plymouth Memorial Hall,83 Court St., Plymouth, MA. 02360. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/786967, at the Reach, Inc. offices, 20 Middle Street Plymouth, MA or at the concert, if still available.  For more information, visit Reach’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PlymouthRocksMusicFestival2014 or the organization’s website at www.ReachInc.net or call (508) 747-4115.

Headliners will include the James Montgomery Band with The Uptown Horns; Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, lead guitarist, founding member of Steely Dan and Doobie Brothers; Jon Butcher, member of the J. Geils “Freeze Frame Tour” and Johanna Wild; jazz phenom, saxophonist, singer and composer Grace Kelly; special guest the Aldous Collins Band, one of New England’s most beloved bands; and Danny Klein, bassist for J. Geils Band and StoneCrazy.

James Montgomery Band with the Uptown Horns

When blues legend James Montgomery plays the harmonica, he “brings it on home”. Whether it’s recording with Kid Rock, sitting in with Gregg Allman, or fronting his hot band of thirty years, Montgomery plays with authority. While growing up in Detroit he learned first-hand from the masters – James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells – at the legendary “Chessmate.” Over the years, he’s carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene.

The band includes David Hull on the bass, George McCann on the guitar, and Marty Richards on the drums.

Grace Kelly

Jazz phenom and young saxophonist, singer and composer, Grace Kelly, became the youngest ever musician voted to the Down Beat Magazine’s Critics Poll at age 16. At 18 she released her sixth album, Man with the Hat, a collaboration with jazz legend Phil Woods.

Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter

A founding member of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, Skunk Baxter has had a long and illustrious career playing in some of the biggest bands of the 20th century. His guitar skills are without equal.

Jon Butcher

A founding member of Jon Butcher Axis, Jon Butcher is an excellent guitarist often compared to the late, great Jimi Hendrix, who plays frequently with the J. Geils Band.

Danny Klein

A founding member of the J. Geils Band and StoneCrazy, Danny Klein, also known as the ‘Ace on Base’, has toured internationally and played some of the biggest venues in the world.

Aldous Collins Band

Local upstarts the Aldous Collins Band, who are increasingly seen throughout New England, have won many awards, including Best Live Show in Massachusetts and Best Live Act in New Hampshire.

About Reach, Inc.

REACH Inc. is a non-profit, tax exempt human service agency providing residential, day and life services to adults with developmental disabilities.

The organization works closely with the people we serve, their families and the Department of Developmental Services to provide supports that are designed specifically for each individual.

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Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. donates legal services to Quincy Center for Innovation

Theresa Barbadoro, Esq.

BOSTON, BRAINTREE AND QUINCY, MA…

New businesses face many challenges. Some of the most daunting of those challenges are ones the business owner might not be aware of because they do not seek legal counsel prior to opening their doors for business. In an effort to help new businesses avoid potential legal pitfalls, 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, is donating legal counsel to the Quincy Center for Innovation.

Each month, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro Attorney Theresa Barbadoro holds office hours at the Innovation Center’s Eastern Nazarene College location at 180 Old Colony Avenue at the campus in Quincy. During the four hours she’s there, Barbadoro counsels new businesses on issues ranging from business classification (e.g. incorporating vs. LLC) to asset purchases and more.

“Our Firm’s bread and butter is small business. We have counseled many over the years and have seen some very promising new businesses either not get off the ground or attain more success because they did not consult an attorney prior to starting their business,” said Paul Barbardoro, a partner at Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. “By offering free legal counsel, we can help fledgling startups get their legs underneath them without legal issues tripping them up down the road.

In addition to donating time on a monthly basis, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro have been involved in other Quincy Center for Innovation activities. This spring, Warren Baker, another partner at the Firm, served on the judges’ panel for the Center’s Quick Pitch competition. 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, with the best winning a $2,500 prize.

“The best part about working with new business owners is the enthusiasm they have for the product or service they are trying to bring to the market,” said Theresa Barbadoro. “Their passion and energy usually ends up inspiring me and I look forward to my time at the Center each month.”

For information about the Quincy Center for Innovation, including Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro’s hours at the Center, visit 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.

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