In response to a state house hearing on labor rate reimbursed for collision repairs, several hundred Massachusetts auto body shop owners, family members, employees, voc-tech students and supporters are expected to converge on the State House. In addition to community demonstration of support, a motorcade of flatbed trucks topped with damaged cars will circle the area.

The Collision Course event is set for Wednesday, May 18 at 10:30 a.m. – rain or shine. The event is led by The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts (AASP/MA).

Scheduled speakers include State Representative James K. Hawkins, D-2nd Bristol; Evangelos “Lucky” Papageorg, Executive Director, AASP/MA; Kevin Gallerani, President of AASP/MA and owner of Cape Auto Collision Center, Plymouth, MA; Jack Lamborghini, co-owner of Total Care Accident Repair in Raynham, MA; Guy Glodis, Former State Senator, D-2nd Worcester who led Financial Services Committee as a legislator; and Dennise Caratazzola, concerned consumer from Bridgewater.

The group is protesting the unsustainably low reimbursement rates that were artificially set by insurance companies.

In a statement, State Senator Michael O. Moore, D-2nd Worcester noted, “The current Labor Rate for the auto body industry in unfair and unsustainable. I will continue to advocate for a legislative change that increases the labor rate to make the industry viable and consumers safe.”

Brian Bernard, co-owner of Total Care Accident Repair in Raynham, an independent collision center owner, said the current $40-per-hour reimbursement rate is the lowest in the nation and falls far short of covering the body shop owners’ labor, equipment, training and repair costs. As a result, unfortunately, many consumers have to pay the difference out of pocket, he said.

Bernard said the labor reimbursement rates paid by Massachusetts auto insurers have stayed the same for 11 years.

The rates only moved $10 in nearly 34 years. Since 1988 the labor rate has increased $10 while the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has increased 137.7% and insurance premiums have increased 254%.

Additionally, advanced technology has resulted in cars becoming far more complex and expensive to repair. Additional training and equipment have forced Massachusetts auto body shop owners to invest far more to get paid less, Bernard said.

“It’s tremendously unfair to consumers who pay thousands of dollars in premiums to have their insurance companies tell them they’re not going to cover the cost of their repairs. We’ve done our best to bring attention to this issue, but at this point we need to make it clear to insurers and consumers that we cannot do this work at the current reimbursement rates,” Bernard said.

The final report, issued on April 13, 2022, of the Special Commission on Auto Body Labor Rates outlines the issues that require a vote by the state legislature to rectify. The full report can be found at https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/SD3104

For more information about the Collision Course to the State House rally, visit
AASPMA.org/rally

UK-based University of Essex today announced a series of free online courses on mental health in children to raise awareness of some of the challenges faced by children and young people today. The courses offer an insight into issues such as body image disorder, gender identity difficulties, self-harm, challenging behaviour, and interventions like psychodynamic counselling and the positive roles of schools. The courses will be of interest to those who work with children, as well as teachers and parents. The courses are led by PPS lecturers, all experts in their fields.

Chris Tanner, senior lecturer in University of Essex’s Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies (PPS), said: “We’re delighted to be running this series of free courses. We’re committed to supporting all who work with vulnerable, or traumatised clients through learning about relational approaches, based on psychodynamic thinking.”

On Friday 13 May, Dr Chris Nicholson, Head of Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, will run a session on Understanding and working with self-harm. This talk will form an introduction to self-harm, what it is and what we know about it. After the presentation, Chris will run a workshop introducing the ‘self-harm spectrum’ through which participants can share experiences and ask questions. Chris has worked in children’s services for several years and, with colleagues, set up The Junction, the young people's service for mental health charity Colchester MIND.

On Tuesday 14 June, Professor Sue Kegerreis, well-known for her work in psychodynamic counselling, will introduce some of the less obvious factors at work in children who are disruptive or difficult to manage in her talk “Why won’t they behave? Why can’t they learn?” This talk will introduce some of the less obvious factors at work in children who are disruptive or difficult to manage, or who are inhibited in or resistant to learning.

On Tuesday 21 June, Dr Chris Nicholson will run a session on Under Pressure: Therapeutic work in residential children’s homes? This talk looks at therapeutic work in residential children’s homes.

On Wednesday 6 July, there is a session to support staff who work with traumatised children. This talk is on supporting staff and how to unpack the stresses of working in this environment.

On Wednesday 29 June, there is also a session highlighting a school intervention, called Be Yourself, which looks at how using a virtual reality environment can be used for early assessment and prevention in children and adolescents with early signs of body image disorder and gender identity difficulties.

The online talks also provide a taster to the Foundation Degree/BA Therapeutic Communication and Therapeutic Organisations – a course which attracts professionals already working in the mental health sector.

Attendance to these courses is free and open to all, but please register your place in advance.

About University of Essex

Founded in 1964, University of Essex is one of the UK’s leading universities, which has grown from 122 students in the first year to 17,000+ now. The University maintains three campuses at Colchester, Southend and Loughton. Essex has three faculties which lead on delivering excellence in teaching and research: the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Faculty of Science and Health, and Faculty of Social Sciences. It has close to 1,000 active researchers and 17,000 students from over 140 countries with an alumni strength in excess of 100,000. It was named University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards 2018 and in the top 25 for research quality in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide2 2022.

The nonprofit tech training program, NPower, and TESSCO Technologies Incorporated (NASDAQ: TESS), a leading value-added distributor to the wireless infrastructure construction industry, have announced a partnership to create economic prosperity by launching digital careers for young adults from underserved communities and military veterans.

Under the partnership, individuals who complete the NPower apprenticeship program with Tessco are brought on as Information Technology Systems Management Analysts, supporting employees with technology or other IT-related issues they may have at work. 

The Vice President of Partnership Development for NPower, Kendra Parlock, says this initiative is a model for other companies who want to invest in Baltimore and bring more diversity to their tech departments.

 “I commend Tessco and their bold leadership for creating a new pathway for young adults who often do not get the chance to go to college,” said Parlock. “We hope this new initiative will inspire other Baltimore companies to create more opportunities for NPower graduates.”

According to the 2019 Youth Disconnection Report, Baltimore and its neighboring counties have over 36,000 individuals between the ages of 16-24 who are either not in school or working. Jesse Hillman, Vice President and Chief Information Officer with Tessco, is most excited about the positive impact this partnership has on the local community.

“In our first class of apprentices, many had no degree or tech training when they enrolled in NPower, but they did have the desire and work ethic to learn the skills,” said Hillman, who also serves on the NPower Regional Advisory Board. “I am proud to be a part of two organizations dedicated to training youth and changing the life trajectories for these individuals. We are now excited to welcome a new class of young professionals interested in a career in tech and IT.”

A Closer Look at the NPower Graduate

Approximately 89 percent of NPower students are Black or multi-racial, according to NPower statistics. And 80 percent of all NPower students graduate from the program, earning an average $40,000 to $60,000 starting salary.

NPower Maryland provides tuition-free technology training and certifications to young adult job seekers, offering an alternative fast-track to tech jobs with employers committed to hiring diverse IT talent. The virtual learning environment has made it possible for personal and professional skill building that is integral to the NPower model to continue.

Adults between the ages of 18-25 can apply for NPower training by clicking here. Graduates can apply to the program for real-life experience, skills, and knowledge to be successful in the tech industry. 

About NPower Inc.

NPower is a national nonprofit that is committed to advancing race and gender equity in the tech industry through skills training, real-world experience, support, and mentorships. The organization has helped young adults from underserved communities and veterans move from poverty to the middle class by training them with a range of tech skills and placing them in quality jobs.

Students who enter the free, six-month training program, earn industry-recognized certifications and graduate with the competencies of an IT professional with one to two years of experience.

NPower also places students in paid internships with corporate and nonprofit organizations. Eighty percent of NPower graduates get a full-time job or continue their education. Not only is NPower changing life trajectories for individuals from vulnerable communities, but they are also strengthening the overall competitiveness of U.S. businesses hamstrung by today’s limited pool of IT talent.

To learn more about NPower, visit www.npower.org.

About TESSCO Technologies Incorporated (NASDAQ: TESS)

TESSCO Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: TESS) is a value-added technology distributor, manufacturer, and solutions provider serving commercial customers in the wireless infrastructure ecosystem. The Company was founded more than 30 years ago with a commitment to deliver industry-leading products, knowledge, solutions, and customer service. Tessco supplies more than 65,000 products from 250 of the industry’s top manufacturers in mobile communications, Wi-Fi, Internet of Things (“IoT”), wireless backhaul, and more. Tessco is a single source for outstanding customer experience, expert knowledge, and complete end-to-end solutions for the wireless industry. For more information, visit tessco.com.

News Media Contacts

Mark Macias

646-770-0541 

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Cindy King, Tessco

410-229-1161 

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Cranston, RI, USA, May 10, 2022 -- A copy of Timely Comics Marvel Mystery Comics #9 from July 1940 and a “Madame” puppet created and used by entertainer Wayland Flowers in the late 1970s/early 1980s will co-headline a Spring Comic, Toy & Sports Auction slated for Saturday, May 21st, by Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers, online and live in the Cranston gallery located at 63 Fourth Avenue.

The auction contains 430 lots, curated from across the country. “This auction packs a powerful comic punch, with over three hundred lots of comic books,” said Travis Landry, a Bruneau & Co. auctioneer and the firm’s Director of Pop Culture. “I’m also proud to say this is the first CGC blue label copy of Marvel Mystery Comics #9 to sell in almost a decade. As one of the most iconic Timely Golden Age comics, it is sure to be a record setter in today’s hot comic market.”

Timely Comics Marvel Mystery Comics #9 is ranked #33 on Overstreet’s Top 100 Golden Age Comics list. The book features the second Sub-Mariner cover with an iconic Human Torch vs. Sub-Mariner battle with classic artwork by Bill Everett and Alex Schomburg. The copy up for bid is graded CGC 4.0 and has a pre-sale estimate of $30,000-$50,000. Per GPA Analysis, it has been over 10 years since a 4.0 blue label graded copy was sold.

“This is a fantastic auction with one of the greatest selection of toys we have had in a long time,” said Kevin Bruneau, Bruneau & Co’s president and an auctioneer. “The Wayland Flowers puppet is also a true blast from the past from my childhood. It is going to be interesting to see what it brings in the market today, with how hot Pop Culture is.”

The “Madame” puppet has a hand-painted composite head with articulated mouth and an elaborate bedazzled gown with rhinestone earrings and necklace. It was recently featured on an episode of PBS' Antiques Roadshow and is accompanied by a VHS of Mr. Flowers using this puppet, a notarized letter about the history of the puppet written by the owner, and photos of Mr. Flowers and the consignor with the puppet. (est. $10,000-$20,000).

A copy of Marvel Comics Fantastic Four #1 (Nov. 1961), graded CGC 2.0, featuring the origin and first appearance of the Fantastic Four and Mole Man, is estimated at $7,000-$10,000; and a copy of Marvel Comics Amazing Spider-Man #1 (March 1963), graded CGC 1.8, the first appearance of J. Jonah Jameson and Chameleon, the first Fantastic Four crossover, plus a retelling of the origin of Spider-Man, should hit $6,000-$9,000.

A copy of Marvel Comics X-Men #1 (Sept. 1963), featuring the origin and first appearance of the X-Men and Magneto, graded CGC 5.0, with a slight restoration, should hammer for $3,000-$5,000; while a copy of Marvel Comics Amazing Spider-Man #3 (July 1963), featuring the origin and first appearance of Doctor Octopus, plus an appearance by the Human Torch, graded CGC 5.0, is expected to find a new home for $3,000-$4,000.

A copy of volume 1 #1 of Playboy magazine (December 1953), featuring the iconic color nude photo of Marilyn Monroe as the “Sweetheart of the Month”, published by HMH Publishing Company, graded CGC 6.5, has an estimate of $4,000-$6,000. Also, a 1978 Canadian Kenner Star Wars 20B back Boba Fett action figure, part of an original owner collection featured throughout the auction, graded CAS 75, should go for $3,000-$5,000.

A preview will be held Thursday and Friday, May 19th and 20th, from 9 am to 4 pm Eastern time, in the Bruneau & Co. gallery located at 63 Fourth Avenue in Cranston, R.I. Doors will open on the day of sale, Saturday, May 21st at 8 am. Bidding is available via absentee bidding, phone or Internet, with a 20 percent buyer's premium (18 percent paying by cash, check or wire transfer).

Internet bidding will be facilitated by the platforms LiveAuctioneers.com, Invaluable.com and bidLIVE.Bruneauandco.com, plus the mobile app “Bruneau & Co.” on iTunes or GooglePlay.

To learn more about Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers and the Spring Comic, Toy & Sports Auction scheduled for Saturday, May 21st at 10 am Eastern time, please visit www.bruneauandco.com.