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BCI to Hold Open House in Fitchburg on July 28th

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BCI to Hold Open House in Fitchburg on July 28th

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FITCHBURG AND WORCESTER, MA… Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts will hold an Open House on July 28, 2018 from 12 PM to 3 PM at their Fitchburg location.

BCI opened their Fitchburg office at 207 Authority Drive in November 2017 and currently provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for over 150 children in the Fitchburg region.

BCI’s Open House will feature tours of their office and will enable families and the business community to meet staff including Jill McGrale Maher, Program Director and their Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and ABA Therapists. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about BCI’s clinical services held on-site at their ABA Center which include: Intensive Day Services for preschool age and younger children; After-School Services which provide opportunities for school-age children to participate in social and physical activities; and Saturday Social Skills which provides instruction, guidance, and support for each child’s unique social, behavioral, sensory and communication needs.

BCI also provides Early Intervention Services (ages 3 and under) which help infants and toddlers reach important developmental milestones, and Home & Community Services, both which are provided in-home and/or community settings.

BCI leases their office space from Boutwell, Owens & Co., Inc., one of the premier independent North American designers and manufacturers of printed paperboard packaging solutions. BCI’s Open House will be held in coordination with Boutwell, Owens & Co.’s Open House, as they celebrate their 131st birthday as a company. Additionally, Boutwell, Owens & Co. will provide information regarding employment opportunities and will be accepting job applications during the Open House.

Light refreshments will be served. The general public is welcome to attend.

About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com.

BCI is part of the Learn It family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com/family

The Importance of Swim Safety for Children with Autism

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As the summer heat settles in, many families head to pools, beaches become crowded and our time spent near the water becomes part of our routines. What seems like a standard summer activity for most, can be challenging for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.  Sadly, drowning after elopement is the leading cause in death in children and adults on the Autism Spectrum.  In fact, according to the National Autism Association (June 2016), the risk of death by drowning is twice as high for children with ASD than in the general population.  

Given the impairment in cognitive functioning and language that is associated with ASD, several experts have hypothesized that children with Autism tend not to see water as a danger. Rather, their impulsivity and therapeutic love for the sensations of the water can take over.  However, a study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, provides an initial indication that children with ASD can develop skills to avoid drowning.  

What does that mean for us as parents and providers? It means exposure, precautionary measures, strategies and discussion. 

Here are a few tips and suggestions to consider: 

  1. Exposure: The earlier the better.  Sign up for local swim lessons which are offered at most recreational centers in surrounding areas.  Some specialize in adaptive programs geared towards children with special needs which can provide an individualized approach to learning to swim while building confidence and safety near the water. 
  2. Precautionary measures: If you own a pool or live near water, ensure the use of locks, gates and other barriers around these areas.  After using any small kiddie pools, large tubs, or water play areas, take a few minutes to empty these when done.  
  3. Strategies: Provide rules to your loved one with ASD.  Practice and review these rules prior to going near water and throughout a visit or trip to a pool or ocean. Present these rules and other strategies in a way that can easily be understood and reviewed often.  This can be done through the development of Social Stories™ outlining the expectations of what it means to be safe near water.  Provide replacement behaviors such as how to enter water and/or when it is safe to be in the water. Teach children to identify and respond to common safety signs related to water. Model appropriate behavior when swimming or near water.  
  4. Discussion:  Communicate with neighbors that own pools about your child, the local police department and your community.  As a parent, you are the best advocate for your child, especially your child’s safety.  Some police departments provide a safety plan or alert form which would allow for your child’s likes, fears and behaviors to be documented.  

With a few extra proactive steps and clear directives, a successful trip involving swimming isn’t out of question. Go enjoy the beach, plan to visit the local pool, but don’t forget the power of being prepared and communicating with your local support systems! 

Jessica Stott is Program Director at Behavioral Concepts (BCI). BCI has two locations, Worcester and Fitchburg, and provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. BCI identifies and facilitates effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. For more information, visit https://bciaba.com. 

 

Sources: 

 Gray, C. (2018) What is a Social Story? Retrieved from https://carolgraysocialstories.com/social-stories/what-is-it/ 

 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016, April 28.) Unintentional Drowning: Get the facts. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/water-safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html 

 Alaniz, M.L., Rosenberg, S.S., Beard, N.R. et al. (2017). The Effectiveness of Aquatic Group Therapy for Improving Water Safety and Social Interactions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Program. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 47(12) 4006-4017. doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3264-4 

 

BCI Directors Speak at ABAI Conference in San Diego

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FITCHBURG, UPTON AND WORCESTER, MA… Two Directors at Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, will speak at the Association for Behavior Analysis International’s (ABAI) 44th Annual Convention which will be held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego and Marriott Marquis San Diego & Marina in San Diego, California, May 24–28, 2018.

Jill McGrale Maher, M.A., BCBA, LABA, Program Director at BCI’s Fitchburg location, will lead the workshop “Teaching Staff to Teach Social Skills Groups for Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder” on Thursday, May 24, 2018.

Maher will also speak on the topic of “Teaching Staff to Effectively Teach Groups of Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder” (assisted by BCI’s Katelyn Moisan) and on the topic “Making Significant Staff and Client Behavior Change Using Basic Strategies” (assisted by BCI’s Katelyn Moisan) on Saturday, May 26, 2018.

Maher, who is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA), has more than 35 years combined experience in special education and applied behavior analysis, leading programs for children with autism spectrum disorders. She has presented papers at numerous conferences and invited talks across the country and has several publications.

Maher joined BCI in 2017. She holds a master’s degree in human development and completed coursework towards her Ph.D. in developmental and child psychology from the University of Kansas. Maher is a state certified special education teacher as well as an adjunct professor at Endicott College and has previously taught at Worcester State University. She is a member of ABAI, the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT), and the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA).

Candice Colón-KwedorCandice Colón-Kwedor, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LABA, Director of Professional Development and Research at BCI’s Worcester location, will speak on the topic of “Response Interruption and Redirection Treatment Integrity Considerations” on Saturday, May 26, 2018.

Dr. Colón-Kwedor specializes in the assessment and treatment of severe challenging behavior in children and adolescents and has 13 years of experience providing consultative services and clinical services in the private school and residential setting. She joined BCI in 2017. Dr. Colón-Kwedor serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and previously held a similar position at Endicott College. More recently, she was elected to serve on the Board for the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT). Dr. Colón-Kwedor received her doctoral degree from Western New England University and obtained a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) and Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the state of Massachusetts.

She is a member of ABAI, BABAT, and the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA). Dr. Colón-Kwedor’s research has been published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. She is also a contributing author to a BCBA supervision reference manual and has served as a guest reviewer for The Analysis of Verbal Behavior and Behavioral Interventions.

To learn more about the ABAI conference, visit https://www.abainternational.org/events/annual-2018.aspx.

For more information about BCI, visit https://bciaba.com/.

About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com.

BCI is part of the Learn It family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com/family

BCI Holds Gala and Raises $25K for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation

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FITCHBURG, NORTH ATTLEBORO, AND WORCESTER, MA… Behavioral Concepts (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, held a fundraising gala and raised $25,000 for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation.

BCI held their annual employee Thank You Gala on January 27, 2018 as a fundraiser for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, a local non-profit organization committed to providing support for cancer patients and funding cancer research.

With more than 425 in attendance, including Joe Andruzzi, co-founder, president and former New England Patriots offensive guard, and Matt Chatham, former New England Patriots linebacker, this was BCI’s largest Thank You Gala yet. The event was held in the Optum Field Lounge at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, with entertainment provided by EYE2EYE.

BCI’s special employee appreciation gala raised $25,000 for the foundation through the generosity of corporate sponsors including Medical Billing Management of Topsfield, HR Knowledge of Mansfield, and Prime Building of Medford as well as through a raffle. The raffle featured a Trip for Two to Disney World, which included airfare, choice of lodging at any Disney resort destination, and park hopper passes to Disney theme parks (valued at $5,000) was the raffle prize.

“We are dedicated to supporting the Joe Andruzzi Foundation and their tireless efforts and commitment to supporting cancer patients and their families throughout New England,” said Jeffrey R. Robinson, Ph.D., BCI’s President & CEO. “We would like to thank our sponsors for their generous donations and all of our staff for their raffle participation, which enabled us to meet our fundraising goal for this very special charitable organization.”

BCI’s ongoing support of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation includes Champion Circle Sponsorship at the 10th Anniversary Gratitude Gala. To learn more foundation, visit https://joeandruzzifoundation.org.

About BCI

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. We identify and facilitate effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com.

BCI is part of the Learn It family of companies, a national organization dedicated to helping all children succeed in school and life. Learn more at http://learnitsystems.com/family

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. Appoints New Director of Center Based Services in Worcester

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HUDSON, MEDWAY AND WORCESTER, MA… Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, has named Jessica Stott, M.S., BCBA, LABA, as Director of Center Based Services in Worcester.

Stott specializes in staff and parent training, consultative services, and program development and will oversee these services in her new role as Director of Center Based Services in Worcester.

Stott has provided Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) based services to children with disabilities for more than 10 years. She has returned to the BCI team after serving as District BCBA for Groton-Dunstable Regional School District for three years.  For five years previous to working in the public sector, Stott held the position of Senior Clinical Coordinator on BCI’s senior management team, where she provided clinical services within public education. Additionally, Stott is a former adjunct faculty for Endicott College.

Stott received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Endicott College in Beverly, MA and a Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Simmons College in Boston. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the state of Massachusetts.

She is a member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

A native of Medway, MA, Stott resides in Hudson, MA.

About Behavioral Concepts (BCI)

Behavioral Concepts (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts. BCI identifies and facilitates effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. BCI is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention. BCI also provides center, home-based, and afterschool services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at https://bciaba.com.

 

Sources:

“Movers & Shakers for Jan. 7, 2018.” MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, MA, MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, MA, 6 Jan. 2018, www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/20180107/movers-amp-shakers-for-jan-7-2018.

“Movers & Shakers for Jan. 7, 2018.” Milford Daily News, Milford Daily News, 6 Jan. 2018, www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180107/movers-amp-shakers-for-jan-7-2018.

Autism Gazette. http://autismgazette.com/asdnews/milforddailynews-com-movers-shakers-for-jan-7-2018/

“Movers & Shakers. Jan. 7, 2018.” Westborough News, Westborough, MA http://westborough.wickedlocal.com/news/20180107/movers-amp-shakers-for-jan-7-2018

“Inbox [Jan. 13-20]: News and notes from the Girl Scouts, You Inc., UniBank and more.” Worcester Sun. https://worcester.ma/2018/01/inbox-jan-13-20-news-and-notes-from-the-girl-scouts-you-inc-unibank-and-more/

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. Appoints New Director at Worcester Location

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UPTON AND WORCESTER, MA… Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, has appointed Candice Colón-Kwedor, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LABA, as Director of Professional Development and Research.

Dr. Colón-Kwedor specializes in the assessment and treatment of severe challenging behavior in children and adolescents and has more than a decade of experience providing consultative services and clinical services in the private school and residential setting.

In her new role as Director of Professional Development and Research at BCI, she will oversee the training curriculum for, and the professional development of behavior therapists and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). She will also oversee therapist level in-service trainings and internal BCBA level continuing education events, as well as BCI’s new research initiative.

In addition to serving as BCI’s Director, Dr. Colón-Kwedor serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Endicott College. For seven years previous to BCI, she served as Clinical Director and Senior Clinical Director at the May Institute’s May Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities in Randolph, MA. Her role involved the supervision of clinical directors, assistant clinical directors and behavior specialists as well as the oversight of school wide ABA clinical services for approximately 160 residential and day students.

Dr. Colón-Kwedor received a Doctoral degree in Behavior Analysis from Western New England University and a Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) and Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in the state of Massachusetts.

She serves on the Board of the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT) as Member at Large. She is a member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) and the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT). For the past six years, Dr. Colón-Kwedor has volunteered at the annual convention for APBA.

Dr. Colón-Kwedor’s research has been published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. She is also a contributing author to a BCBA supervision reference manual and has served as a guest reviewer for The Analysis of Verbal Behavior and Behavioral Interventions.

She is a resident of Upton, MA.

About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)

Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to meet the unique needs of their clients. BCI’s goal is to maximize individual potential, increase independence and enhance clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.

BCI provides center- and home-based services through health insurance and is an approved provider of Specialty ABA Services for Early Intervention in Central Massachusetts. BCI’s main care center, located at 345A Greenwood Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers intensive treatment for young children aged 3 to 6 years of age, an after-school program for all school aged children and a weekend social skills program. BCI offers similar services at a second location at 207 Authority Drive in Fitchburg, MA. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.

For complete information, visit https://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, call (508) 363-0200.

Jill McGrale Maher named director of Behavioral Concepts, Inc.’s Fitchburg location

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WORCESTER, MA and FITCHBURG, MA…

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently hired Jill McGrale Maher as the new director of its facility at 207 Authority Drive in Fitchburg.

The Fitchburg location, which opened in November, seeks to replicate the services offered by BCI at its corporate headquarters at 345 Greenwood Street in Worcester. Maher will manage those in-house activities, as well as providing oversight for staff providing in-home services to families in the Fitchburg/Route 2 corridor.

“We’re delighted to have someone of Jill’s expertise and experience in this position,” said Dr. Jeff Robinson, founder and director of Behavioral Concepts, Inc. “There’s an incredible demand for the services BCI provides in the greater Fitchburg area. We’re looking to Jill to help us meet that demand, while developing relationships in the local community to provide opportunities for our older clients and to recruit the next generation of behavior clinicians and therapists.”

Maher has more than 35 years combined experience in special education and applied behavior analysis, working with children with autism spectrum disorders. Her expertise includes working in both private and public schools, conducting program evaluations, designing and overseeing programs for learners of all ages and profiles, teaching staff and families, and working in a variety of school and home programs at both clinical and administrative levels.  Part of that experience includes working in a consultative role in school systems across Massachusetts, including the Fitchburg and Leominster public school systems.

A board certified behavior analyst (BCBA®), Maher holds a master’s degree in human development and completed course work towards her Ph.D. in developmental and child psychology from the University of Kansas. She is a state certified special education teacher and a Massachusetts-licensed behavior analyst. Maher is currently is an adjunct professor at Endicott College and has previously taught at Worcester State University. She has presented and been invited to speak at numerous conferences nationwide. Maher received her undergraduate degree from Keene State University.

“I’ve known Dr. Robinson and Brian Doyle [also of BCI] for many years and I’m thrilled to be working with them,” said Maher, a Northborough, MA resident. “BCI has a reputation in our industry as a high qulaity, compassionate organization, both for its clients and their staff.  BCI’s focus is on providing clinically sound care, and not so much on making a profit, which frankly has become rare. I’m so happy to be a part of that culture and to share what BCI has to offer with families in the Fitchburg area.”

For more information on BCI, visit www.bciaba.com.

About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)

Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, and consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize individual potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.

BCI provides center- and home-based services through health insurance and is an approved provider of Specialty ABA Services for Early Intervention in Central Massachusetts. BCI’s main care center, located at 345A Greenwood Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers intensive treatment for young children aged 3 to 6 years of age, an after-school program for all school-aged children and a weekend social skills program. BCI offers similar services at a second location at 207 Authority Drive in Fitchburg, Mass. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.

For complete information, visit https://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) sponsors HMEA Autism Resource Central’s 2017 5k Run and Walk

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Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, will once again be a major sponsor of the 5K Run & Walk for Autism Acceptance to benefit HMEA’s Autism Resource Central in West Boylston, MA. BCI contributed $7,500 to the annual run/walk, which will take place on Saturday, April 29 at DCR’s Lake Park in Worcester.

“The Autism Resource Centrals’s run/walk is our signature event for Autism Awareness month,” said Dr. Jeff Robinson, BCI founder and director. “Beyond this donation, we will also be hosting the ‘Kids Corner’ booth where children can take part in fun, interactive activities before, during and after the run.”

BCI will also field a team of runners and walkers helping to raise money for Autism Resource Central.

Located at 71 Sterling Street in West Boylston, Massachusetts (508-835-4278), HMEA Autism Resource Central of Central Massachusetts is a non-profit organization that serves as an information and referral service for children and families affected by disorders within the Autism Spectrum; Autism, PDD NOS and Asperger’s. Annually, Autism Resource Central supports the needs of more than 3,000 families in Central Massachusetts.

“With one in 68 births resulting in an autism diagnosis, the need for The Resource Center grows every year,” said Robinson. “We’re delighted to help and encourage other companies and individuals to help support this invaluable resource for the community.”

For more information about HMEA Autism Resource Central at autismresourcecentral.org. For sponsorship information, call 508-835-4278. 

About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)

Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize individual potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.

BCI provides center- and home-based services through health insurance and is an approved provider of Specialty ABA Services for Early Intervention in Central Massachusetts. BCI’s main care center, located at 345A Greenwood Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers  intensive treatment for young children aged 3 to 6 years of age, an after-school program for all school aged children and a weekend social skills program. BCI offers similar services at a second location at 207 Authority Drive in Fitchburg, Mass. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.

For complete information, visit https://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.