In this episode, host Michael Mezheritskiy and co-host Rachael Gnatowski sit down with Robin Clare, Executive Director of the Seniors Job Bank, to explore how this long-standing nonprofit connects experienced, reliable, and motivated mature workers with local businesses, municipalities, and volunteer opportunities.

What You’ll Hear About:

• The origins of the Seniors Job Bank in 1974 and its evolution from household help to business and municipal placements.

• Expansion into Avon, Canton, and neighboring towns to increase awareness and job postings.

• The three age groups served — from 50-year-olds seeking full-time work to 80+ staying active through part-time roles.

• Why mature workers offer unmatched reliability, professionalism, and decades of experience.

• How the organization is tackling ageism in the workplace.

• Common roles filled — from receptionists and bookkeepers to handypersons and organizers.

• How small businesses can benefit from flexible, highly skilled workers.

• Why retention rates are dramatically higher for mature workers than younger hires.

• A call to action for businesses and nonprofits to post both paid and volunteer roles.

Key Takeaway:
The Seniors Job Bank is a valuable local resource for connecting seasoned talent with organizations that appreciate dedication, skill, and flexibility.

Learn More:

• Website: seniorsjobbankct.org

• Phone: 860-521-3210

• Email: info@seniorsjobbankct.org

🎙️ Valley Vibes – Episode 23
Hosted by: Rachael Gnatowski (New England Ballet Theatre)
Co-hosted by: Michael Mezheritskiy (Milestone Asset Management Group)
Guest: Rick Buteau, Co-owner of RL Consulting

🔍 In This Episode:

Rick Buteau from RL Consulting joins Rachael and Michael to discuss how his Canton-based software company is helping small businesses and nonprofits streamline their operations with custom-built CRM solutions. Topics include:

• ✅ What a CRM is and how it helps businesses grow

• ✅ RL Consulting’s custom-built CRM platform: Growth Path

• ✅ Unique CRM use cases for:

  • Real estate agents

  • Insurance professionals

  • Nonprofits and donor management

• ✅ The transition from spreadsheets to automated workflows

• ✅ Affordable, scalable CRM pricing for small businesses

• ✅ Data security and RL's proprietary AI tools

• ✅ Real-world cost savings and efficiency examples

• ✅ Integration and onboarding process (up and running in ~1 week)

• ✅ How CRM supports marketing, outreach, and fundraising

• Visual dashboards

• Lead management & follow-ups

• QR-code lead capture

• Built-in email campaigns & automation

• Custom tagging system

• Secure, AI-enhanced platform

• Customized solutions tailored to your business

Whether you’re a solopreneur, nonprofit, or growing enterprise, this episode highlights why having a CRM isn't just for large corporations. RL Consulting makes CRM accessible, affordable, and highly customizable to your process—no need to fit into someone else's box.

🌐 Website: https://rltechsuite.com/
📧 Email: info@rlconsultingllc.com
📱 Phone: (860) 921-4523

RL Consulting offers free demos and flexible pricing based on your needs.

Thanks to Rick Buteau for sharing how small businesses can gain big-time efficiencies with the right CRM, and to our listeners for supporting local entrepreneurs.

🎧 Subscribe and tune in next time for more local business insights from Valley Vibes.

In this episode, host Rachael Gnatowski of New England Ballet Theatre sits down with Patricia Miller from SunMed Modern Wellness in Avon, CT. Formerly known as Your CBD Store, SunMed is at the forefront of hemp-derived wellness products and education.

Patricia shares the story behind the brand, its growth to over 400 locations nationwide, and the services and products they offer—from CBD for sleep and pain to new offerings like kava, red light therapy, and wellness events.

Whether you're a first-time CBD user, a wellness enthusiast, or seeking natural alternatives for sleep, anxiety, or joint pain, this episode has something for you.

• The origin story of SunMed and its founder, Rachel Quinn

• Differences between high-quality CBD and cheaper, potentially harmful alternatives

• Popular product lines: CBN for sleep, topicals for pain, mushrooms, kava, and pet-friendly CBD

• How CBD supports the endocannabinoid system and overall balance

• Customer Appreciation events, Senior Mondays, and free Wellness Kit promotions

• Future offerings: Red light therapy and expanded physical wellness services

📍 380 W Main Street, Avon, CT (Marketplace Plaza — former Yankee Candle location)
📞 Phone: 860-255-7101
🌐 Website: www.getsunmed.com
📸 Instagram: @SunMedAvon
📘 Facebook: SunMed Avon (search "SunMed Avon" for the latest events)

• Customer Appreciation Weekend: Every 3rd weekend of the month

• Next Wellness Kit Giveaway: Starts ~October 16, 2025

• New Kava Line Launch: July 18–20

• Back-to-School Teacher Specials: Late August

SunMed is more than a CBD shop—it's a wellness boutique focused on education, safety, and healing. From personalized consultations to high-quality, lab-tested products, they’re committed to helping customers feel better—naturally.