Plymouth - America's Hometown

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Plymouth - America's Hometown

Plymouth - America's Hometown is a monthly free magazine for the residents of Plymouth. We are always happy to hear from you!

PUBLICATION TEAM
Publisher: Jim Hanna
Content Writer: Tara Woomer
Designer: Julie Hang
Photographer: Tara Woomer
Contributing Photographer: Alexis Marie Photography and Designs
Media Company: Best Version Media

BRANDING SPONSORSHIP
Contact: Jim Hanna
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 508-245-2658

FEEDBACK and IDEAS
Have feedback and ideas? Email your thoughts, ideas and photos to:
[email protected]

01/02/2025

Mbrace Home Care Services Offers Compassionate Care For Your Loved One & Respite for Caregivers

Article & photo by Tara Woomer

When Kelli Wetherell decided to start her own business, her business plan wrote itself. A caregiver at heart with a degree in Early Childhood Education, 25 years of experience as an ABA therapist, and an aunt as her mentor, Kelli started Mbrace Home Care Services. She hasn’t looked back since and is poised to expand with a larger geographical territory in 2025.
“I’ve worked with children and families for so many years. I’m a caregiver at heart and am compassionate, patient, caring, and helpful. I really enjoy doing this, and we form very strong bonds with our clients,” said Kelli.
With an experienced staff of forty, Kelli offers assistance with bathing, dressing, and mobility; wound care; vital signs; Alzheimer’s and dementia care; cancer care; medication reminders; transportation to appointments and errands; grocery shopping; light housekeeping; laundry and meal prep; companionship; and respite for caregivers.
“Some older adults can be resistant to care. They want to be self-sufficient, and they want to keep their dignity. We understand this. We also offer respite for caregivers. It can be very difficult for them to take a break. We’re here to give them a break. It can be very hard for them to think about themselves,” said Kelli.
Mbrace Home Care Services was founded under the mentorship and guidance of Kelli’s aunt, Cathy Ormon, who ran a home care business on the Cape for years. Upon her retirement, Kelli assumed care of many of her clients and has since added many of her own.
“My aunt is my inspiration. She’s so kind,” said Kelli.
The name for Kelli’s business came about by combining the names of her family members: M for her husband Matt, B for her daughter, Brooke, and race for her daughter, Grace.
“Matt handles the business side, Grace works for me as a caregiver, and Brooke is our marketing guru. We always talked about starting a business as a family,” said Kelli.
After a midlife soul searching journey, the decision to attend a CNA program for adults at Quincy College, and the passion to make a difference in her community, Kelli dove in and decided that it is never too late to reinvent yourself.
“I was a mom for so long. As my kids grew older, I really wanted to contribute more financially to our household. I had just turned 50, and I didn’t know where to begin. I can see the difference that I’m making with this career. It’s so rewarding. It’s very fulfilling, and I’m a role model for my girls about going for your dreams!” said Kelli.

*Kelli Wetherell, CNA, can be reached at (508) 577-1891 and at [email protected].

26/01/2025

Vagmar Stoffel & The American Dream

Article & photos by Tara Woomer

Vagmar Stoffel grew up dirt poor on a farm in Mutum, Minas Gerais in Brazil. He immigrated to the United States when he was 25.
“I wanted a better future for myself and my family. I wanted the American Dream,” said Vagmar.
The youngest of seven, Vagmar said life in Brazil was filled with family, farmwork, soccer, hand-me-downs, lots of rice & beans, and fear of the future.
“During high school, I took care of my family’s farm. We had chickens, pigs, goats, and cows. I didn’t see a bright future, so I made a decision to search for a better future,” said Vagmar.
Once he arrived in the U.S., the hard work was just beginning. He worked in restaurants, delivered pizzas, took a job at Mohegan Sun, and worked seven days a week. Every week. For years. He lived in a tiny two bedroom apartment with six other people. Life was nowhere near comfortable or easy.
“I lived on somebody’s couch, and then slept on an air mattress. That’s all I had for options.
When I delivered pizzas in Dorchester, I was robbed three times. They held a gun to my head. They took the money, pizzas, and my shoes. They weren’t even good shoes! When I worked at Mohegan Sun, I worked 55 hours a week in the kitchen and then stayed for another hour and a half every night to clean the kitchen. I was exhausted, but I had no choice,” said Vagmar.
Eventually, the time came for Vagmar to search for other job opportunities. His brother-in-law offered him the chance to go into business with him, so Vagmar took his entire life savings and invested it into opening Rio Brazilian Steakhouse in Plymouth.
“I went into business with my brother-in-law, Robiano Aguiar. We’re good friends. We work well together,” said Vagmar.
Fast forward 23 years, and now Vagmar and Robiano own five businesses together: Rio Brazilian Steakhouse in Plymouth, Mellberg Construction in Plymouth, Fabio Tiles Group in Plymouth, Vitoria Meat Market in Plymouth, and Spettus Brazilian Steakhouse in Quincy.
For this article, we decided to focus on Vitoria. It’s located next to Rio in North Plymouth and has a full service butcher shop, canned goods, freshly baked breads & rolls, enormous bags of rice, toiletries, lots of Brazilian candy, fresh fruit, and tons of other groceries. The butcher shop sells sirloin, ribs, chicken, pork, sausage, lamb, picanha, and other specialties such as pork neck bone (suan de porco) and peeled knuckle (patinho).
“The store is doing very well so far. People like the variety of meats and the way we cut them. We sell a lot of bags of rice and a lot of beans and breads. Guarana also sells a lot. It’s like ginger ale. We sell so many Brazilian candies and treats. Fruit is hard because it spoils so quickly,” said Vagmar.
In the works for the future are a liquor license and scratch tickets at Vitoria, a new front patio and upgraded signage at Rio, and new siding on the entire building. The construction business is booming and also includes commercial siding, painting, and tiling. He plans to purchase another house to use as a rental property as well.
In charge of over 50 employees, Vagmar leads his employees well because he has walked in their shoes.
“I used to do whatever they are doing. I’m friendly, help them a lot, and make sure they have what they need,” said Vagmar.
The father of two children, Vagmar spends the little free time that he has going to the movies with his kids, reading, and jet skiing in the summer. Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings are reserved for church. Vagmar visits his parents in Brazil two or three times a year and spends the majority of his days and nights working.
“I don’t wear fancy clothes. I’m a simple person,” said Vagmar.
His only splurge is a Tesla Cybertruck.
“It’s ugly, but I don’t care. It’s good advertising for our business,” said Vagmar. The robo car has the name of his construction business on its side, and Vagmar said it gets tons of looks and waves around town and on the highway.
His advice to anyone else who wants to open their own business?
“Just go for it. You’re going to work very hard in the beginning. I recommend just do it. Follow your dreams. If I can do it, anybody can. I only went to high school. I have no college degree. I came here with no English, no money, and lived on someone’s couch. I had to work hard. When I look back, I’m very surprised at how far I’ve come,” said Vagmar.

*Vagmar can be reached at (857) 526-1932. Vitoria Meat Market is located at 318 Court Street B in Plymouth; Rio Brazilian Steakhouse is located at 318 Court Street in Plymouth; Fabio Tiles Group is located at 385 Court Street, Suite 302 in Plymouth; Mellberg Construction is located at 385 Court Street, Suite 302 in Plymouth with an additional office in Framingham; and Spettus Brazilian Steakhouse is located at 35 Independence Avenue in Quincy.

Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac of Plymouth MA has been our feature sponsor for 52 issues. We cannot thank Jeff and Kim Tracy enough for their support of this publication.

Thank you to our sponsor The Skin Lounge (www.skinloungeply.com) for their monthly sponsorship!

24/12/2024

December Cover Feature sponsored by Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac of Plymouth

Hidden Acres Homestead- Flaherty Family Finds Fulfillment with Backyard Farm, Flocks & Fowl

Article and photos by Tara Woomer

Right smack dab in the middle of the Ponds of Plymouth neighborhood sits Hidden Acres Homestead. It’s a gorgeous farm filled with chickens, goats, sheep, a garden, barns, and a tractor. Tended to by homesteaders Nichole, Evan, and Coady Flaherty, Hidden Acres harkens back to a time when people grew their own food, tended their own flocks, and created goods from the bounty of the land.
Both registered nurses, Nichole and Evan created their homestead during Covid and haven’t looked back since.
“First we bought chickens so we could have fresh eggs, and then we thought why not try a baby goat? Chickens are the gateway farm animal!” said Evan.
With a flock currently numbering thirty, the chickens have been joined by Nigerian Dwarf goats and some Olde English Baby Doll sheep. A foray into beekeeping lasted a few seasons. A huge raised bed was added to supply the family with corn, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, summer squash, zucchini, carrots, and lettuce.
A pumpkin patch followed. A cow was added to the herd, but she became a very expensive mouth to feed. The family rehomed her to a farm in Marion but still visit her when they purchase hay from her new owner. Fruit trees will be added when warmer weather hits, and the garden will be expanded.
A compost pile works overtime year round to create luscious fertilizer for the garden. Eggs are sold to friends and neighbors, and if Evan has his way, a Kunekune pig will make its way to Hidden Acres so that the family can fill their larder.
“If God didn’t want us to eat pigs, then He wouldn’t have made them out of bacon!” said Evan.
Garlic will be planted, Coady will sprint around collecting eggs, and Nichole will continue to make the incredibly beautiful natural goat’s milk soap that she and Evan sell at area stores and farmer’s markets.
Their soaps sell like hotcakes and cannot be kept in stock. Custom orders for weddings, showers, and any other event are most welcome.
Goat yoga, farm story time, visits from the Easter Bunny and Santa have all been held at Hidden Acres, but for now, the family will just continue to feed their animals, tend to their crops, make their soaps, and think of new ways to provide for themselves by living off their land.
“It’s all about self-sufficiency. We have a homegrown mentality. It’s been a lot of trial and error. We’ve all become so disconnected from our food, and we liked the idea of doing things ourselves,” said Nichole.
Favorite farm chores include milking the goats for Nichole and tinkering with repairs, projects, and his new John Deere for Evan.
“I’m the brawn, she’s the beauty, and there’s no brains in this operation!” said Evan.
At the end of a long day after Nichole and Evan have not only taken care of their patients and their son but also their animals and crops, what do they love most about this labor intensive way of life?
“Our goal is to be as self-sufficient as we can be on our land,” said Evan.
Both Nichole and Evan agreed that witnessing the birth of baby animals on their farm has far and away been the most rewarding part of Hidden Acres.
“What an experience! I was scared out of my mind! I just sat back and watched, and to see that our farm can be self-sustaining, that’s what it’s all about,” said Nichole.
Evan echoed the sentiment.
“Once you see life coming to be on your property, you realize that’s one more step towards self-sufficiency. We can provide for ourselves,” said Evan.

*Hidden Acres can be reached at [email protected] and .

23/12/2024

Get Ahead of the Holiday Rush at Wood's Seafood in Plymouth

As the holiday season approaches, locals and visitors alike know that Wood’s Seafood on Town Wharf is the go-to spot for the freshest seafood. With the highly anticipated Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes and other group orders of shrimp, scallops, scrod, calamari, seafood platters, oysters, stuffed sole, baked stuffed and cooked lobsters, the demand surges. Owner Jay Kimball and his dedicated team encourage customers to place their orders in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday experience.
To manage the high volume of to-go orders and fish market sales during this peak time, don’t be alarmed when the restaurant strategically closes the dining room for a few days before Christmas. This allows the team to focus on fulfilling holiday orders efficiently.
For those who haven’t visited, Wood’s Seafood offers an impressive array of seafood options and a rich history as Plymouth’s oldest fish market and galley. Whether you’re craving lobster, fried clams, or classic fish and chips, the restaurant serves fresh, locally-sourced seafood with a view overlooking the harbor and the Mayflower.
The market is stocked with live lobsters, swordfish, clams, shrimp, and the freshest day catch selections. Wood’s also ships live lobsters, clambakes, chowders, and more across the United States, making for a delightful surprise or holiday gift!
Please plan your visit or place your order early to beat the holiday rush:
Hours of Operation
Fish Market: Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Restaurant: Open daily, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (dine-in or take-out)
Make your holiday celebrations even more special with the finest seafood from Wood’s Seafood!
Woods is located at 15 Town Wharf and can be reached at (508) 746-0216. Please visit them at woodsseafood.com

12/12/2024

Jordan Hospital Club and Ignite Barre and Fitness Studio are partnering for a fundraiser to support the expansion of the Emergency Department. The event, called "Emergency Ride," will be a cycling fundraiser where anyone can sign up for a 30-minute session to help raise funds for the BID Plymouth Emergency Department expansion.

Plymouth residents Layne Dunlap and Mallory Stafford, the owners of Ignite Barre and Fitness, have fostered a community focused on health, wellness, and philanthropy, where individuals of all fitness levels can Ignite their passion for fitness.

For more information, you can go to Jordanhospitalclub.org

01/12/2024

Capturing Beauty & Love- Four Plymouth Wedding Photographers

Article and photos of photographers by Tara Woomer

Long after your wedding cake has been devoured, your wedding flowers have been dried and preserved, and your wedding guests have all gone home, not much remains of your special day but memories and photos. In a photographer’s world, capturing the moments that will last for generations is an incredible responsibility. We recently met with four Plymouth wedding photographers to learn a little bit about them.

Jun Valencia
Like many photographers, Jun has another full-time job. He is a union laborer and operates equipment for a concrete foundation company and got his start in photography by taking photos of his children. A friend asked him if he would shoot his daughter’s wedding, Jun agreed, nailed it right out of the gate, and became a wedding photographer.
“I used to take photos as a hobby, and when I shot my first wedding, I was so nervous. Then I found another Filipino photographer in Maine. Edward Cabalit became my mentor and sensei. He taught me ninety percent of what I know about flash, posing, details, and lighting,” said Jun.
Over the years, Jun has attended many workshops, photography events, and conferences to learn how to better his craft.
“I’m always looking at what can be improved,” said Jun.
Describing his photography process as “very prepared,” Jun explained what his goal is at every wedding he shoots.
“We photographers like to create art,” said Jun.
Jun can be reached at (774) 283-1763 and at [email protected].

Allison Varao
Allison Varao is an R.N. and a wedding photographer, and both professions demand a high level of caring for others.
After years spent suffering from a gluten allergy and a dairy allergy and subsequent trips to the hospital, it was the level of kindness and care from nurses that left an enormous impact on Allison.
“Nurses made such a difference for me, and I want to do that for other people,” said Allison. Photography just kind of showed up in Allison’s life, and she was very talented at it right from the beginning. The two professions mix perfectly for Allison whose kind personality and considerate nature lend themselves well to both fields.
“Weddings are a big responsibility. Every wedding carries a lot of weight. These are their forever memories. Nursing can be a hard job mentally. I’m just really passionate and love to care for people. I love both of my jobs. On their wedding day, I just want to make sure my bride is o.k.,” said Allison.
Allison can be reached at (617) 686-1541 and at [email protected].

Andrea Skane
From her first camera that she received during middle school to hundreds of weddings later, wedding photographer Andrea Skane is still in love with photography.
“I love the storytelling aspect of weddings. It’s a rare opportunity for people to prioritize their most treasured people and get them all together in one place and time,” said Andrea.
Also a yoga instructor, Andrea said her two professions balance each other out perfectly.
“I’m very aware of my vocal tone, how to take command of a room, and how to manage my energy whether the situation calls for calming down or being more hyped up. I would suggest people choose a photographer that they vibe with. You have to connect with them and feel comfortable,” said Andrea.
Even after shooting a ton of weddings, the thrill of being present at such a defining moment for couples never gets old for Andrea.
“Being a wedding photographer reminds me of all the beauty and love that exist in the world. It’s amazing to be a part of it!” said Andrea.
Andrea can be reached at (617) 851-8607, at [email protected], at andreAndrea Lynne Skane Facebook and Insta .

Alison Thompson
Alison Thompson is closing in on twenty years shooting weddings in Plymouth, and she sent us a few thoughts about her beloved profession.
“I think people should find an experienced photographer whom they click with. Having a comfortable relationship with your photographer will set your mind at ease on your big day. I also highly recommend having a detailed photo list so that anything and anyone important to you isn’t missed in the chaos of the day. I love getting to meet so many awesome couples who tell me I’m part of the family at the end of the night. That is truly the best compliment! I’m a mix of traditional, posed portraits with a good mix of documentary, storytelling shots. I love to capture candid moments that the couple didn’t get to experience themselves. I also include an engagement session with every booked wedding!” said Alison.
Alison can be reached at (617) 653-0560, at [email protected], at acephotographyne.com, and on Facebook and Insta

Thank you once again to our long time Feature Sponsor, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac of Plymouth MA!

South Shore Autoworks
RFJ Home Improvements

16/11/2024

http://spot.fund/gxb723ss

29/10/2024

Hauling the Traps

Article and photos by Tara Woomer

“We’re like a factory out here.”-Tom O’Reilly

The bait smells like death, the gear costs a fortune, the regulations are a stranglehold, the repairs are endless, and the work is backbreaking. And yet…

“I still look forward to getting up every morning and going to work,” said Tom O’Reilly.

A Plymouth native, a lobsterman for forty years, and the commercial fishing representative on Plymouth’s Harbor Committee, Tom is as comfortable out on the ice cold water trolling for lobster as you are at home snuggled up in your jammies and slippers.

“I just feel at peace on the water. My favorite part of the day is from sunrise until 10:00 a.m. It’s so different every day. Home is my favorite place to be. My second favorite is on the water,” said Tom.
A graduate of Plymouth-Carver High School’s Class of 1979, Tom worked at Captain John Boats during high school. On his days off, he would go out lobstering and discovered that he loved working for himself. Eventually, Tom saved enough to buy his own boat which he named the Karen M. in honor of Karen Pederzani who was his homeroom pal in high school, his good friend after high school, and eventually his wife.

“I owe everything to Karen. She takes care of the finances. She knows how to budget the money. That’s always been part of our lives. It’s been tough at times. When the government shuts us down, we can’t collect unemployment. We go all winter long with nothing,” said Tom.

Despite the bitter cold, the tangled lines, the busted equipment, and the endless repairs, Tom said that without a doubt, the state regulations are the most difficult part of lobstering.

“We’re closed basically five months of every year because of the regulations. We take our gear out in November. Fishing ends December 1st and opens in mid-May. During the off season, I work odd jobs and do maintenance at PLM,” said Tom.

The responsibilities of lobstering certainly don’t end during the off months.

“There’s always so much work to do on the boat. We’re always working on our gear,” said Tom.

Tom’s deckhand for the last four years has been Brandon Parks. After a few years lobstering with Tom, Brandon attended Universal Tech Institute to learn machine repair. After graduation, the work grew stale, so Brandon headed back out on the Karen M. He hasn’t looked back since.

“Being out on the ocean away from people, it’s freedom. The worst day on the water is still better than being stuck at a desk job,” said Brandon.

Working in such tight quarters for hours on end demands that all personalities onboard mesh well. Luckily for Brandon, he and Tom get along just fine.

“Tom is great. He never yells. He taught me everything about tides, charts, and the best way to fish for lobster. We fish in the rain, snow, and wind. When the fishing is good, we just put a raincoat on and get to it,” said Brandon.

In it for the long haul, Brandon hopes to one day captain his own lobster boat. Tom fears that many young guys like Brandon could be priced out of the field altogether.

“Lobster fishing is going to disappear through attrition. It’s so expensive. A new boat will cost you between $250,000 to $300,000. We have 800 pots at $130 apiece. You need to get lines, buoys, trucks…it’s a big investment. During one storm we lost fifty to sixty percent of our gear. During another storm, our pots and gear got so messed up. We had to untie and untangle them for hours. It was horrible, but you gotta do it. It’s part of the business,” said Tom.

In his down time, Tom loves to spend time with his son Zack, his daughter Meghan, his son-in-law Aaron, and most of all, his grandson Calvin.

“I look forward to seeing him every day. He’s just so fun,” said Tom.

Words of wisdom that Tom lives by came from his high school wrestling coach.

“Dick Ward taught me that no matter what bad or tough things you are going through, it just takes one move one way or the other to get things back on track. Don’t give up. All it takes is one thing to happen. I live by this, and I’ve tried to instill this in both of my kids,” said Tom.

Even though lobstering is far from an easy profession, even though Tom’s knees, legs, and back are constantly in pain, and even though the Karen M. sits dormant five months of every year when she could be used to help Tom earn a living for his family, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s good for my soul to be out on the water,” said Tom.

Thank you once again to Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac of Plymouth for sponsoring the feature story each month.

Plymouth Public Schools Alumni Association

29/10/2024

You Are Not Alone- Plymouth Residents Offer Mental Health & Wellness Tips

Article and photo by Tara Woomer

We asked Plymouth residents of all ages for mental health and wellness tips, and we are grateful for their willingness to share what has worked for them on their healing journeys. Many people were sure to let us know that if any readers out there are struggling, the best advice they can offer is this: you are not alone. We included contact information for some helpful organizations at the end of this article. A huge thank you to Hannah McCormack for allowing us to use her name and photo in this article. Other contributors asked to remain anonymous.

Going to Therapy, Walking the Dog, Going to the Gym
“Getting a therapist to talk to weekly has significantly helped me with my mental health struggles because it’s a great resource and outlet to discuss and acknowledge my mental health issues and find the best solutions and coping strategies for them. Being active has not only helped me as well but also has helped those around me who also deal with their own mental health issues. Whether it’s as simple as taking my dog for a walk or going to the gym for an hour, I feel a greater sense of mental clarity afterwards!”-Hannah McCormack

Yoga, Accountability, Ending Toxic Relationships
“Yoga, prioritizing movement in general, making schedules, a personal reward system, celebrating small accomplishments as motivation to keep me going, holding myself accountable, and gaining the strength to end relationships that were only adding negativity and stress to my life.”-Plymouth resident

Self-Love, Fresh Air, Sunlight, Talking to a Friend, Running
“When I’m having a bad day, going for a run as well as taking the dog for a long walk always improves my mindset: exercise, fresh air, and sunlight. I also try to surround myself with positive people who I know I can reach out to when I need to talk and vent. Self-love is also very important.”-Plymouth resident

Setting Boundaries, Asking For Help, Practicing Gratitude
“Going to therapy, setting boundaries, learning when and how to ask for help, taking time each day to focus on gratitude, doing one thing every day that makes me smile, and keeping people in my life that fill my cup!”-Plymouth resident

Looking Forward to Fun Times, Taking Mental Health Days
“Having things to look forward to like concerts or going to the beach with family and also rest days. I have learned that my body and mind need days off sometimes, and that’s o.k.!”-Plymouth resident

Boundaries
“Setting boundaries was a life-changer, but it was scary to put distance between me and everything I had ever known. I cared so much about how people perceived me; even people who didn’t treat me fairly. I didn’t want to hurt anyone, but then I realized that anyone who truly cared about me would want me to take care of myself. That made it easier for me to say good-bye to whomever I needed to say good-bye to.”-Plymouth resident

25 Resources to Help You
Bayside Counseling (781) 361-9577
Behavioral Health Help Line, call or text (833) 773-2445
BID Behavioral Health Integrated Care (508) 746-8590
Child & Family Services (Community Behavioral Health Center) (877) 996-3154
Cove Counseling (508) 746-8004
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741
Family Continuity (508) 747-6762
Hand Hold handholdma.org
Harbor Community Health Center (508) 778-5470
High Point Treatment Center (508) 830-1234
Life Stance Therapists & Psychiatrists (781) 551-0999
Meadowbrook Counseling (801) 655-5450
National Alliance on Mental Illness (888) 950-6264
National Institute of Mental Health (866) 615-6464
Northeast Health Services- Plymouth (508) 534-8048
Plymouth Family Resource Center (774) 283-6531
Rethink Mental Illness (808) 801-0525
Seaside Counseling Services (508) 591-0696
South Bay Community Services (800) 244-4691
South Shore Community Action Council (508) 747-7575
South Shore Mental Health (508) 732-5417
The Kids Mental Health Foundation (844) 894-4748
The Plymouth Center for Behavioral Health (508) 830-0012
The Stable Heart (508) 517-0679
Psychology Associates (508) 747-2718

28/10/2024

Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellness: Insights from Brendon Elliot, Financial Services Professional

Article and photo by Jim Hanna

In today’s fast-paced world, mental health and wellness are becoming increasingly essential topics of discussion not only in our personal lives but also in the workplace. As we strive for success in our careers and personal endeavors, it is crucial to balance these pursuits with our mental and physical well-being. Brendon Elliot, owner of Cornerstone Financial Group in Plymouth and our new expert contributor, shares his approach to maintaining mental health and wellness for himself and his team.
"As a former collegiate athlete, I learned that the margin between good and great is often thin, and mental strength is a big part of that. In business, it's the same story. Many people are skilled at what they do, but without the right mindset, they can't progress. I've always been enthusiastic and passionate, but I also recognize the difference between having focused, directed energy and being all over the place. Understanding when I'm in atom bomb mode—unfocused and chaotic—has been crucial. I've worked hard to channel my energy productively and spend more time in a focused state. This requires discipline, not just motivation. I realized that motivation alone wasn't enough, and I needed to establish a disciplined routine including physical activities like working out and jujitsu. These challenging physical activities make other aspects of life easier to manage.
“For instance, I wake up at 5:30 a.m. and take a six-minute cold plunge at 37 degrees. This routine helps me center my mind and body, proving to myself that if I can endure this, I can handle anything. In today's world, with distractions everywhere, staying focused is key. I emphasize discipline and systems because they're vital for maintaining that small margin of advantage. I share this philosophy with everyone I work with, always striving to pass on the lessons I've learned.
“It’s about understanding how your brain works and how your emotions fit in. You need a system to manage problems, focus on what you can control, and take responsibility for your responses.
“People often see me and say that I'm always smiling. I tell them that smiling is an easier and more pleasant way to live. I read that forcing yourself to smile can trick your brain into feeling happy. So, whenever I'm feeling down, I make myself smile, and eventually things start to improve. Who wouldn't want to be around a happy person?”
This mindset empowers Brendon to tackle challenges effectively in both business and life. He brings this philosophy into the workplace at Cornerstone Financial Group by promoting a culture of mental and physical health. He believes that self-care is essential and encourages his team to make time for it every day.
“I give my team an hour each day to work on your physical health. Every day, you need to schedule time for yourself whether it’s working out, yoga, meditation, or just taking a break to clear your head.”
He also acknowledges the challenges of modern technology and social media and recognizes their impact on mental focus.
"Mental health is crucial for helping me achieve my goals, and it's something I focus on deeply. I keep a reminder on my whiteboard because, with all the things happening in life, especially with technology and constant communication, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. It can feel like quicksand where the more you move, the more you sink. Without strong mental health or a solid approach, it can consume you. I've been there, and I sometimes dip back into that feeling, but I work on pulling myself out.
“One lesson that was important to me came from another book. It taught me that not everything is your fault, but everything is your responsibility. For example, if someone leaves a baby on your doorstep, it's not your fault, but it becomes your responsibility to handle the situation."
As a father, Brendon is aware of the mental health challenges young people face and strives to teach his children resilience and confidence.
“My focus on mental health has intensified since I became a father three years ago. Seeing what the younger generation deals with like insecurities, depression, and anxiety, often fueled by social media has been eye-opening.
“In our house, we talk a lot about being a leader. I tell my three-year-old that he's the leader and the man of the house when I'm gone. When he's not behaving as he should, I remind him, 'I thought you were a leader.' He responds, 'But I am a leader,' and I ask him, 'What does a leader do?' He answers, 'Listens and sets the example.' I'm trying to instill this mindset not just on a corporate or personal level, but within our family as well."
Brendon’s insights into mental health and wellness offer a valuable perspective for anyone striving to succeed in today’s demanding world. As we continue to explore these themes in our publication, Brendon’s approach serves as a reminder that mental health and wellness are not just buzzwords but are essential components of a fulfilling and successful life.
*Brendon Elliot has been in financial services for over 14 years. In 2013, Brendon was made a Partner in the Boston General Office of New York Life. In 2017 he founded Cornerstone Financial Group, LLC to provide more extensive and personal service. Cornerstone Financial Group is located at 34 Main Street Extension, Suite 302. Brendon can be reached at [email protected] or by calling (508) 562-1706.
**Brendon referred to books entitled: Atomic Habits by James Clear, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Mason, How Not Who by Dan Sullivan, and 10x Is Easier Than 2X by Dan Sullivan.

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Our Mission

Welcome to our inaugural issue of Plymouth - America's Hometown, a magazine for the residents of Plymouth, Massachusetts. We have watched our town come together over the last few months, and we are very proud to bring you inspiring, heartwarming stories that truly illustrate the goodness of our community members.

Our stories will cover residents of all ages. We are very proud of all the qualities that make Plymouth an amazing town in which to live, work, and raise a family. Our monthly publication will feature local families and individuals, highlight community news and events, showcase our schools, spotlight local businesses, and discover stories that will make you smile.

A great deal of gratitude to our business sponsors. Their support has given us the opportunity to publish this magazine with a vision to spread positive news in Plymouth.

Plymouth is America’s Hometown, and our mission is to share and describe the community spirit and appeal that thrives here today. And yes, the "America's Hometown" label refers to the Pilgrims, but the tag also can be applied to the town's instant likeability and stability. Plymouth is a great community, and we would love the opportunity to showcase that to you on the pages of this magazine!

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