By berryinsurance on November 7, 2011
Looking for an original birthday party idea that’s sure to be a big hit with the kids? Franklin Art Center has the perfect party package for your child’s birthday party that’s sure to be a hit with all their friends. Instead of doing the same thing as all the other kids at school, try something a little different this year – something exciting and out-of-the-box.
The good news is that each birthday party celebration is customized according to the birthday boy or girl. The party theme, art project, and other activities are up to you. Feel free to come up with your own original party theme, or even play off one of the themes listed on the website. Under the sea, jungle safari, prince/princess themed, or maybe even a project designed around your favorite story book, are just a few examples you can choose from, but the possibilities are endless. Get creative!
After choosing the birthday party theme, it’s time to think a little more about the specifics of the arts and crafts project. A working artist will instruct the group throughout the party. Projects can include painting, clay, or a variety of other materials – Franklin Art Center guarantees that no two projects will look the same. Jewelry boxes, masks, and collages are just some of the popular projects.
The craft itself usually takes about 30-90 minutes, depending on the activity chosen. Parents can feel free to enjoy the rest of the party at the Center, since the party package includes a two-hour time block for each party. Parents can supply refreshments, cake, or even plan for other activities.
Head to the Franklin Art Center in the center of downtown Franklin, MA to meet Ian and Linda, and start the party planning today. And tell them Berry Insurance sent you, by printing this coupon (click here) for 10% off a Birthday Party Package extended to all community members. Go on – get creative this birthday!
Franklin Art Center
5 Main Street
Franklin, MA 02038
Phone: (508) 887-2797
Email: franklinartcenter@gmail.com
You can also find Franklin Art Center on Facebook & Twitter, connect with them today and tell them Berry Insurance sent you!
For more information about this topic, or if you have any questions about our Partners Program or any of your Massachusetts business insurance needs, our agents at Berry Insurance would love to help! Call us at (800) 941-3317, visit our virtual insurance office at http://www.berryinsurance.com/ or stop by one of our locations in Franklin and Quincy, MA.
You can also find us on all your favorite social networking sites!
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Posted in All Posts, Business, Misc, Partners of Berry Insurance, Uncategorized Tagged berry insurance, berry insurance agency, berry insurance agency inc, berry insurance franklin ma, Berry Insurance MA, berry insurance quincy ma, business insurance massachusetts, Franklin Art Center, franklin insurance, franklin ma auto insurance, franklin ma insurance agency, mass property insurance, Partners of Berry Insurance, small business insurance Massachusetts
By berryinsurance on September 2, 2010
With hurricane season upon us here on the East coast, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) wants Massachusetts residents to understand what to do in case of a natural disaster. Usually when natural disasters hit, panic overwhelms communities because citizens are not prepared. Staying calm and having a plan when faced with a challenge is imperative. Being prepared with an emergency evacuation plan allows for proper/timely migration for you and your family from affected areas.
What do you have that you’d want to protect? Some of the most popular responses range from family, homes, businesses, boats, and even animals. Below are some tips to protect what’s yours in case of a hurricane.
In protecting your family, be sure to make an emergency action plan. An emergency action plan designates a specific safe area, where all family members will meet if separated. A contact person should also be established so that all members of a family understand what to do, where to go, and who to call in case of an emergency.
Protecting property, such as a home or business, begins with having recent pictures of the interior and exterior of your home or building. An inventory of your personal belongings is also recommended. Business owners should discuss an action plan with employees, so that panic does not occur. All loose items should be secured because of high wind speeds, and computer data should be backed-up in case of a power outage. During hurricanes electricity is often lost, which can cause a power surge. To avoid this, unplug all sensitive electric equipment.
Pets are often considered a part of the family, but in an emergency, they can often be the last thing on your mind. The State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team assists in getting animals to safety in emergency situations. Animals are often taken to nearby shelters to be taken care of if injured, or kept until their owners come to claim them. Having a tag on your animal is imperative during times of emergency, mostly because this is the only way that Massachusetts shelter employees know an animal is up to date on their shots, and to whom they belong. Also, knowing a few pet friendly hotels in the area could be very beneficial in case of an emergency. Planning ahead makes natural disasters more manageable!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Posted in All Posts, Business, Homeowners, Misc, Personal Protection, Uncategorized, Workplace Injuries Tagged auto, berry insurance agency inc, Disaster relief, franklin, home, hurricane tips, Massachusetts, Massachusetts Animal Response Team, Massachusetts Emergency Managment Agency, MEMA, natural disaster, Plan, quincy
By berryinsurance on September 2, 2010
In 2009, President Obama first declared the month of September as National Preparedness Month. This year, with the wake of Hurricane Katrina only 5 years behind us, having our nation caught off guard during emergencies is something we never want to see happen again. Once again, the President has declared this month to be one focused on preparation. Being ready when disaster strikes is the main objective, as natural disasters are not going to be stopped, but they can be planned for.
With Hurricane Earl gearing up to sweep the East coast this weekend, hurricane tips are in high demand. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) wants residents of the Commonwealth to be prepared for the worst, but hope for the best! You can also check out more tips at Ready America.
First, all families should have a plan! Where is your family going to meet if getting split up? Planning before disaster strikes is half the battle, so be sure that each member of your family knows the plan and the contact person for their family. Second, be sure to familiarize yourself with the evacuation routes in your area, as well as having an emergency bag already packed and ready in case you must leave home in a hurry. Lastly, stay educated! Make sure you know the latest updates going on within your town and the surrounding communities!
It’s September and Berry Insurance wants all citizens to be prepared for the worst, so get your family emergency plan ready for this weekend’s hurricane! Prepare, Plan, & Stay Informed!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Posted in All Posts, Misc, Uncategorized Tagged auto, berry insurance agency inc, Commonwealth, Damage, Emergency Planning, franklin, home, Huricane Katrina, hurricane tips, Massachusetts, Massachusetts Emergency Managment Agency, MEMA, National Preparedness Month, Plan, President Obama, quincy, September
By berryinsurance on August 31, 2010
Mass511 was first brought to Massachusetts residents by The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2000. It provides real-time traffic updates and travel information accessible on the road. Mass511 is a free service provided by a public-private partnership involving the state of Massachusetts and Sendza.
The Mass511 service gives drivers real-time traffic information, as well as information to help drivers make productive travel decisions. Although this program is in affiliation with MassDOT, the person answering the telephone is a member of the private company Sendza, but can help with your questions. This service does not cost anything for the state of Massachusetts, or for the person dialing. It does not matter whether the number is called from a land line or cell phone.
From a mobile phone, simply press 511, from a home telephone you must call a telephone number provided at the site. Click here to view the phone number that pertains to the area you wish to learn about! For those worried about dialing a cell phone while driving, it’s always recommended to make the call using a hands-free device; or simply call before you leave the house! As an alternative, you can also listen to local radio stations where traffic information is played regularly!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Posted in All Posts, Auto, Misc, Personal Protection, Uncategorized Tagged auto, auto safety tips, berry insurance agency inc, Federal Communications Commission, franklin, home, Mass511, Massachusetts, MassDOT, ream time, Sendza, traffic update, travel
By berryinsurance on August 26, 2010
Not only in New England is texting while driving a major problem; it’s a national crisis affecting everyone on the road! Driver distractions can be classified into three categories – visual, manual, and most dangerous, cognitive. Cognitive distractions, such as texting, cause a driver to multi-task, lessening their ability to concentrate and focus on driving, as seen in this video clip.
Do you ever feel like you’ve been driving and don’t remember how you got from point A to point B? This happens because drivers perform some tasks when driving without consciously knowing it, such as beginning to break at the sight of a yellow light. Cognitive distractions, such as texting while driving, require the brain to multi-task, which prevents the brain from fully focusing on any single task. These distractions prevent your brain from concentrating, which results in “looking at”, but not actually “seeing”, up to 50% of your driving environment. This is referred to as “inattentive blindness” and inevitably leads to accidents.
Each state has their own regulations about texting while driving, but here in Massachusetts (as of October 2010); texting is illegal for all drivers when operating a motor vehicle. Will some drivers still text, even though it’s illegal? You betcha! Thankfully, a mobile guardian has been created to help prevent drivers from the common distractions of their phones, and hopefully help return safe driving practices to the road.
TextArrest is a software company that established an application (or app) for smartphones. This app limits texting capabilities on a phone while a vehicle is in motion. At 5mph, the app automatically kicks in and does not allowing texting while the vehicle is in motion. This app can be used for business fleets or for personal use (can we say, teen drivers?). There are a variety of plans available that can be viewed and purchased on TextArrest’s website.
While not available as of yet, TextArrest is actively working to partner with insurance companies willing to offer discounts for this having the TextArrest app on their cell phone. Regardless of the potential future discount, the TextArrest app can save you money today on your Massachusetts auto insurance by reducing accidents caused by texting while driving.
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Posted in All Posts, Auto, Business, Laws, Misc, Personal Protection, Uncategorized, Workers Compensation Insurance, Workplace Injuries Tagged app, auto, auto accident, berry insurance agency inc, business fleets, cell phone bans, cognitive distractions, discounts, distractions, home, Law, massachusetts auto insurance, multi task, new england, smartphone, smartphones, teen drivers, TextArrest, Texting while driving
By berryinsurance on August 24, 2010
Melanie’s Law, signed into law in October 2005, proposed more severe punishments for drivers that operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Melanie’s law also requires any driver with two or more Operating Under the Influence (OUI) offenses who is eligible for license reinstatement to have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed in any car the driver owns, leases or operates. This device, which is required for two years, mandates the driver to pass a breath test before being able to start their car.
When the IID is installed into an offender’s car, the driver is given a ‘z’ classification on their license. The ‘z’ classification alerts police officers that drivers are only allowed to operate a motor vehicle with the IID attached, giving the drivers a breath test before allowing the car to start. If the IID device detects more than .02 alcohol level on the driver’s breath, the car will not start.
To view the rest of this entry, click here!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317 begin_of_the_skype_highlightinend_of_the_skype_highlighting.
Posted in All Posts, Auto, Laws, Misc, Personal Protection, Uncategorized Tagged alcohol level, auto, berry insurance agency inc, Drunk Driving, franklin, home, Ignition Interlock Device, intoxicated, Limit, Massachusetts, Melanie's Law, Registry of Motor Vehicles, z classification
By berryinsurance on August 23, 2010
Alive at Twenty-Five is a four hour training program provided federally by most states. This program teaches drivers, ages sixteen to twenty-four, how to take responsibility while driving and make the correct decisions in various situations. Instructors of this Alive at Twenty-Five class use real life stories, as well as, humor to get the point across to this rather difficult age bracket.
One of the first topics discussed is how likely the sixteen-twenty-four age bracket is injured or killed in automobile accidents. Speeding, drugs, and alcohol are also examined to inform of the extremely dangerous nature of these substances when mixed with an automobile. At times within this training, instructors may attempt to change or remold the driving behaviors within the class.
To view this entire blog entry, click here!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Posted in All Posts, Auto, Laws, Misc, Personal Protection, Uncategorized Tagged Alive at Twenty Five, auto, berry insurance agency inc, franklin, franklin ma auto insurance, franklin ma innsurance quote, home, ma, MA auto insurance, ma insurance quote, Massachusetts, MassDOT, retraining course
By berryinsurance on July 2, 2010
The Berry Insurance squad kicked off their first digital media seminar on June 29th, 2010 at the Living Waters Conference Center in North Attleboro, MA. The event was brought to local business owners by Berry Insurance (Franklin, MA) and The United Regional Chamber of Commerce, with keynote speaker Tim Sawyer of Astonish Results (Warwick, RI). B & M Catering (Pawtucket, RI) supplied the delicious appetizers; and the tasty meatballs seemed to be a crowd favorite!
Tim Sawyer, or as his name tag read, “The Great One,” excited the crowd with his passion for social media explaining different ways to GROW and flourish in their business. Tim explained that he has “refused to participate in the recession” for the past three years and that his business has more than doubled in size. How, you might ask? Plugging away at social media. “It’s a continuous process that will never end” explained Tim.
Throughout the evening, Tim presented cutting edge digital marketing and social media networking concepts to ensure local business survival in the digital age. (Traditional marketing ideas and concepts have become outdated.) Tim also shared with the attendees Berry Insurance’s plan to help local businesses grow in this economy. Through their Partners of Berry program, Berry Insurance wants to help their local businesses succeed through utilizing digital marketing tactics and social media networking concepts.
Tim explained that digital marketing is a unique opportunity for businesses in any industry! Why, you might ask? Researching products online before purchasing is extremely wide spread among all age groups and industries. In fact, almost 50% of all purchases are researched online prior to purchase. This number is still growing, further solidifying the fact that if consumers want to find information online, than business owners should give it to them there!
“Understanding your market is essential,” Tim emphasized to drive the point home. And if you’re looking for leads in a specific geographical area, there are ways to narrow your search. Just get on the computer and start! Everyone has to start somewhere!
The event was a huge success, treating guests to an evening of food, entertainment, and mind blowing marketing concepts to help their businesses thrive. By the end of the presentation the room was full of energy and upbeat small business owners ready to go home and get started on the social media path to success! Good luck to you all!
To view some photos of this event please click here!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation or the Partners of Berry program, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Posted in All Posts, Business, Charitable Events, Happy Clients, Misc, Partners of Berry Insurance, Personal Protection, Social Media for Business, Uncategorized Tagged Astonish Results, B & M catering, berry insurance agency inc, Digital Marketing, franklin, Kaitlyn Pintarich, ma, Massachusetts, North Attleboro, Partners of Berry Insurance, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, RI, social media, The Living Waters Conference Center, The United Regional Chamber of Commerce, Tim Sawyer
By berryinsurance on June 4, 2010
As your college career comes to a close, and graduation day has passed, it’s hard not to consider what’s next. After college, reality hits….and it’s time to start thinking about the rest of your life! Moving forward, some college grads will pursue further education, while others will enter the workforce in an attempt to make a mark as a young professional. But no matter which path you choose, don’t forget about obtaining insurance.
Now that you’re “all grown up”, your parents may decide it’s time for you to purchase your own insurance policy. If you own your own vehicle or are deciding to buy a new car, the first thing you’ll need to consider is auto insurance. When researching auto insurance, be sure to call an independent insurance agency, like Berry Insurance. An insurance agent has access to several insurance companies and they can shop and compare rates and coverages for you. With the complicated, yet essential nature of insurance, you’ll want an agent that’s knowledgeable, friendly and available, with reasonable prices and proper coverages to meet your specific needs.
Now that car insurance is all figured out, the next thought should be about all the other ‘stuff’ you care about. Are you moving out and planning to rent an apartment? Well, you should know that your ‘stuff’ is not covered under your landlord’s homeowners’ policy! So, what happens to you? Good question! Unfortunately, without renter’s insurance, you are out of luck should a fire or other claim occur. Renters insurance is easy to obtain and costs very little. You can even save money if you purchase the policy with the same company that provides your auto insurance.
Living at home with your parents can be a great way to save some cash after graduation. If that’s not an option for you, or you just need to move out to spread your wings, but sure to talk to an insurance agent about getting properly protected. Fully understanding your options and the coverages available will give you security and comfort. Besides, you have other things to worry about!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com to request a FREE quote, stop by one of our locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
Posted in All Posts, Auto, Homeowners, Misc, Personal Protection, Uncategorized Tagged after graduation, auto insurance, auto insurance agent, auto insurance franklin ma, auto insurance quincy ma, automobile insurance, automobile policy, barry insurance, barry insurance franklin ma, Berry Ins, berry insurance, berry insurance agency, berry insurance agency inc, Berry Insurance Franklin, berry insurance franklin ma, Berry Insurance Juice, Berry Insurance MA, berry insurance quincy ma, college, college graduate, college graduation, graduation, insurance, Mass Auto Insurance, massachusetts auto insurance, online insurance, renters insurance, renters insurance franklin ma, renters insurance quincy ma, young professional
By berryinsurance on June 4, 2010
Life insurance is, without question, one of the most unique financial tools ever developed. Life insurance lets you create an estate – a reservoir of funds – to protect and sustain your family and/or business following your death. But life insurance does so much more than simply provide financial security in the form of a death benefit. You can also tap into the benefits of permanent life insurance while you are still alive.
Financial Resources
Most importantly, life insurance provides your heirs and/or business immediate cash at death – often when it is needed the most. Income tax-free dollars that can be used to pay final expenses, estate taxes, legal and administrative fees, or cover unpaid medical costs. The financial resources provided by life insurance can eliminate the need to sell your home or appreciated assets, or go into debt to cover these costs. In many cases, assets sold to meet financial obligations receive less than their market value.
A Tax-Advantaged Savings Alternative
In addition to providing an income tax-free death benefit for the protection of heirs or your business, life insurance can also provide you with a systematic way to accumulate assets. Permanent forms of insurance — whole life and universal life — generate tax-deferred growth potential that can be excellent alternatives to other commonly used savings strategies. Probably the biggest benefit of using life insurance to accumulate assets is that it’s self-completing: if, because of your premature death, you aren’t around to achieve your accumulation objectives, your life insurance policy’s death benefit does it for you.
Living Benefits for You
Once you’ve built up your policy’s cash value, you can borrow or withdraw from it to achieve various financial goals, be they personal or business-related. One common personal use of accumulated cash values is additional retirement income. Because you can borrow from your cash value income tax-free, it makes an excellent supplement to social security or other savings you may have. Of course, any policy loans will reduce the ultimate death benefit payable to your beneficiary.* A second common use of cash values is as collateral to obtain credit.
Living Benefits for Your Heirs
Most people don’t purchase life insurance for themselves – they purchase it to provide “living benefits” to their heirs or to help maintain their businesses. For example, life insurance proceeds are often used:
- to repay outstanding
mortgages
- to create funds for college
expenses
- to help enhance or ensure a surviving spouse’s standard
of living
- to assist in effecting a smooth transition of a business to heirs or associates.
Flexibility
Competitive and market forces have brought about numerous and innovative changes to life insurance over the years. Today, whether you need term or permanent protection, fixed or variable returns, fixed or adjustable premiums, or individual or joint coverage, you can rest assured there’s a policy available that is designed to fulfill your specific objectives.
The Advantages Are Clear
Life insurance can be an important element in your risk management program. Through both its final, and living, benefits, life insurance provides a foundation of financial security for you, your family, your associates, and your business.
*Accessing cash values may result in surrender fees and charges, may require additional premium payments to maintain coverage, may reduce benefits, and will result in a reduction of policy value.
Give us a call today at (800) 941-3317 or visit us online at www.berryinsurance.com to request your FREE life insurance quote!
Posted in All Posts, Business, Life, Misc, Personal Protection, Uncategorized Tagged barry insurance, Berry Ins, berry insurance, berry insurance agency, berry insurance agency inc, berry insurance franklin ma, Berry Insurance Juice, Berry Insurance MA, berry insurance quincy ma, financial protection, financial security, income tax-free death benefit, insurance franklin ma, insurance quincy ma, life insurance, living benefits, retirement income, term life, whole life
