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South Coast Improvement, Co. completes renovation projects at PA Pet Valu locations

photo of PA Pet Valu
One of the three renovations at Pet Valu locations in Pennsylvania completed by South Coast Improvement Company, a general contractor with offices in Reading, PA and Marion, MA.

ALLENTOWN, PA, HUNTINGDON VALLEY, PA, PALMYRA, PA, READING, PA, and MARION, MA…

South Coast Improvement Company (SCI), a design-build general contractor serving New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, completed three renovation projects for Pet Valu locations in Huntingdon Valley, Allentown and Palmyra, Pennsylvania. Pet Valu is a retail pet supplies store with franchise locations across Canada and the northeastern United States.

The three renovations totaled $787,000, with the largest project taking place at Pet Valu Huntingdon Valley.

At Pet Valu in Huntingdon Valley, SCI completed a retail fit-out and exterior renovation of strip mall originally built in 1955 for Kravco Company, LLC. This entailed the demolition of what was previously a Chinese restaurant and used video game store. The interior work included all new structural renovation as well as new electric, lighting, plumbing, new HVAC unit, installation of new sub flooring, new dry wall and paint and the creation of a new dog wash station, as well as other amenities.

The project also included work on the building’s exterior, which featured new EIFS on framed sheeted new façade, new store front glass, new business sign and awnings and thin brick pilasters .

At Pet Valu in Allentown, SCI performed a vanilla box renovation complete with an interior fit. This included removal of a wall between Pet Valu store and adjacent vacant store space. SCI removed and cleaned all unused mechanical and electrical wiring, cut concrete for new soil line and built a new 2×6 wall for dog wash station.

The project also included installation of new electrical sub panel, electrical outlets and new lighting. New water hookups were installed with new plumbing and soil pipes to the new dog wash station. In addition, the interior was complete with new painted ceiling tiles, painted walls, doors, new emergency lighting, installation of new diffusers and new exhaust fan above dog wash station. SCI completed the while the adjacent store remained 100 percent operational.

At Pet Valu in Palmyra, SCI demolished the existing retail store space prior to the vanilla box renovation. SCI removed and cleaned all unused mechanical and electrical wiring, cut concrete for new soil line and built a new 2×6 wall for dog wash station. There was also an installation of new electrical sub panel, electrical outlets and new lighting.

New water hookups were installed with new plumbing and soil pipes to the new dog wash station. In addition, the interior was completed with new painted ceiling tiles, painted walls, doors, new emergency lighting, installation of new diffusers and a new exhaust fan above dog wash station.

“We created a retail division within our company earlier this year with projects like this in mind,” said Tom Quinlan, president of South Coast Improvement Company. “Doing good work under budget and on time are important. We also want to accomplish those objectives with little or no interruption to operations. We were successful on all those counts at all three Pet Valus.”

Based in Marion, Mass. and with an office in Reading, Pennsylvania, South Coast Improvement Co is a recognized leader in providing building and renovation services to a client base of senior living, healthcare, institutional and retail clients. For more information, please call 508-748-6545 or visit www.southcoastimprovement.com.

About South Coast Improvement Company

South Coast Improvement offers a range of design, construction and management services across a variety of sectors—interiors as well as exteriors—including office buildings, health care facilities, educational institutions, commercial properties, assisted living facilities, and residential communities.  South Coast Improvement’s services include: Preconstruction analysis; Construction management; General contracting; Design/build services;  Capital improvement; Building envelope improvements; and Interior renovations.

For more information, visit www.southcoastimprovement.com or call 508-748-6545.

 

 

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Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Unveils Unique Giftware Line

BR Logo from Andy smallLooking for a special gift for a friend, family member, teacher or co-worker? Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café now carries unique giftware in their Manchester, South Windsor and Vernon stores.

In addition to fresh, baked-on site bagels, sandwiches, salads, soups and specialty coffee, patrons can now shop for holiday and hostess gifts at Between Rounds fast-casual dining establishment. Between Rounds’ unique gift line ranges from mugs and platters, to ornaments, frames and more. Many of the gifts are geared towards an occasion, theme or the recipient and include Christmas, Hanukkah and other holidays, as well as birthday, retirement, get well, military, pet, new parent, teacher and more.

Between Rounds’ line of affordable giftware is available year-round, and the selection changes with the seasons and holidays.

“Our extensive collection of holiday giftware has been well-received so far. Customers who stop in for coffee and select a gift for someone, often end up purchasing a themed mug or an ornament for themselves as well,” said Jerry Puiia, co-founder of Between Rounds.

For store hours and locations or for more information, visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

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Don’t do it. Spare me the holiday e-cards.

Warning.  Don’t send holiday e-cards.

E-cards scream “I almost care”.  E-cards involve little effort, little cost, little personal sentiment.

Holiday cards are more likely to burn than build a bridge.  Keeping in touch is a wonderful thing, doing so en mass and with a generic message is somewhat insulting.

If you want to wish me Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year or any other holiday…

  • Send me a real, honest to goodness snail mail card.
  • Call me to catch up.
  • Drop by and visit.
  • Take me to lunch.
  • Join me for coffee.
  • Invite me to a holiday gathering.
  • Buy me a  little gift.

As a reseller of Constant Contact and other email platforms, I understand the value of regularly connecting with your network.  Use email with discretion.  Share business news via e-newsletters.  Celebrate holidays with authentic good cheer.

Don’t do it. Spare me the holiday e-cards.Read More

Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac holds 4th annual Toys for Tots Drive

(l-r) Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s Fred Churchey, Joe Wilkerson and Mike Gollub pose in front of Toys for Tots display. Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac, located at 137 Samoset Street, Plymouth, is holding a Toys for Tots drive until December 18.
(l-r) Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s Fred Churchey, Joe Wilkerson and Mike Gollub pose in front of Toys for Tots display. Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac, located at 137 Samoset Street, Plymouth, is holding a Toys for Tots drive until December 18.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac is holding its fourth annual Toys for Tots drive at the dealership located at 137 Samoset Street in Plymouth. Tracy Chevrolet will be accepting donations up until December 18 for the drive on behalf of The Marines of United States Marine Corps League’s Plymouth Chapter.

Donations to Toys for Tots must be new, unopened items. Toys donated must not be gift-wrapped. Wrapped items will have to be opened prior to being accepted as a donation. Toys collected for this drive will be distributed to families in need in the greater Plymouth area.

Interested parties can drop off gifts at the dealership during normal business hours: Sunday, 11am to 4pm; Monday through Thursday, 8:30am to 8pm; Friday, 8:30am to 6pm; and Saturday, 8am to 5pm.

“Our Toys for Tots drive has become as much of a tradition here at the dealership as putting up the holiday decorations,” said Jeff Tracy, president of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac. “We hold this drive every year to help bring holiday smiles to more children in the greater Plymouth area who might not otherwise get a gift. We encourage everybody to stop by the dealership and make a contribution to the drive.”

For more information on Toys for Tots organization, visit http://www.toysfortots.org/donate/toys.aspx. For more information on Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac, visit www.tracymotors.com.

So easy at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac

For more than 80 years and three generations of dealers, the Tracy family has made it so easy for customers on the South Shore and greater Plymouth area to purchase new and used automobiles. Since its beginnings in 1992, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac has emphasized first-rate customer service and straightforward, bottom-line pricing with fair trade-ins every time–without the games or gimmicks you find at other dealerships. For more information on new and used trucks and automobiles, you can go towww.tracymotors.com or stop by the dealership, conveniently located at 137 Samoset Street, just off exit 6 on Route 3. For more information, or to make a service appointment, you can also call (508) 830-0101.

 

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Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Announces New Fundraising Program

BR Logo from Andy smallBetween Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, the unique bakery café and bagel shop with four locations in Connecticut, has recently announced their unique Between Rounds Fundraising Program.

The Between Rounds Fundraising Program simplifies the fundraising process for youth athletic teams, schools, theaters and other groups. Essentially, Between Rounds designates a specific week where a portion of sales goes directly to the fundraising group.

How it Works

The team or group leader makes arrangements with Between Rounds’ corporate office for a fundraising week. The team/group leader is provided with a Between Rounds Fundraiser Week Flyer (PDF), which they are able to share with supporters as handouts or via email and social media.

Supporters spend a minimum of $10 on food/beverages at any Between Rounds location during the scheduled fundraiser week, and Between Rounds donates $1 per sale to the team/group.

The Between Rounds Fundraiser Week Flyer must be presented at time of purchase to ensure that a portion of the supporter’s purchase goes to the appropriate team/group.

“This is an innovative way to raise funds for your team, group, or school,” said Jerry Puiia, co-founder of Between Rounds. “Our program is easy to implement, and easy to promote via social media.”

For more information, contact Jerry Puiia of Between Rounds 860-291-0323.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Announces New Fundraising ProgramRead More

South Coast Improvement, Co. completes renovation projects at Milton Academy

New changing room at Milton Academy’s Athletic and Convocation Center (ACC).
New changing room at Milton Academy’s Athletic and Convocation Center (ACC).

MILTON, MA, and MARION, MA…

South Coast Improvement Company (SCI), a design-build general contractor serving New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, completed renovation projects at Milton Academy, 170 Centre Street in Milton. MA. The projects took place at the Athletic and Convocation Center (ACC) and at the Robert Saltonstall Gymnasium (RGG).

The renovation at the ACC building entailed the conversion of a storage area into two changing areas and a shower room for home and visiting hockey teams. Each changing room included all new electrical, plumbing fixtures, and benches, and specialized flooring to absorb the impact of hockey skates.

The RGG renovation featured the conversion of three classrooms into two smaller classrooms and one fitness/yoga studio. The project included all new light fixtures, carpet finish flooring, new HVAC, and other amenities.

South Coast Improvement Company began the two projects over the summer and completed work in October. The two renovation projects cost a total of approximately $500,000.

“Over the years, we have done many projects similar to these two, most notably the locker rooms over at BC’s Conte Forum,” said Tom Quinlan, president of South Coast Improvement Company. “We have a lot of experience with these kinds of projects.  Process is the key to projects like these where you have to coordinate with the day-to-day activities of staff and students.”

Added Quinlan, “We consider a successful project to be one that looks great and causes minimal interruption to operations. We achieved that here at Milton Acadmy.”

Based in Marion, Mass. and with an office in Reading, Pennsylvania, South Coast Improvement Co is a recognized leader in providing building and renovation services to a client base of senior living, healthcare, institutional and retail clients. For more information, please call 508-748-6545 or visit www.southcoastimprovement.com.

About South Coast Improvement Company

South Coast Improvement offers a range of design, construction and management services across a variety of sectors—interiors as well as exteriors—including office buildings, health care facilities, educational institutions, commercial properties, assisted living facilities, and residential communities.  South Coast Improvement’s services include: Preconstruction analysis; Construction management; General contracting; Design/build services;  Capital improvement; Building envelope improvements; and Interior renovations.

For more information, visit www.southcoastimprovement.com or call 508-748-6545.

 

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What if Bill Belichick…

Love him or hate him, Belichick is a icon for an era. Which got me to thinking, what if…

  • Bill Belichick were the president. He would have congressman playing both sides of the aisle.
  • Bill Belichick was the head of the MBTA. Not only would there be NO delays, there would be a “hurry up” schedule.
  • Bill Belichick ran Fashion Week. Ripped hoodies would have many new looks.  Think sparkles, faux animal pelts, day-glo.
  • Bill Belichick was your psychologist. He’d suggest that you Cowboy Up and get out there.
  • Bill Belichick was your mentor. He’d strongly recommend that you never take the nickname Little Bill.
  • Bill Belichick was your mechanic. Never replace your car, just keep rotating the tires.
  • Bill Belichick was your career counselor. Get the edge on your employer.  Film them when they least expect it.
  • Bill Belichick was your marketing advisor. He would speak in a monotone and let the scoreboard speak for itself.

How does the scoreboard look for your marketing efforts.  If you want us to join your huddle, please e-mail or call.

What if Bill Belichick…Read More

ELERTS Event Alert™ app released for Mac, Windows and Chromebook

photo of elerts appWEYMOUTH, MA…

ELERTS, a leader in mobile emergency response communication, recently launched computer versions of its ELERTS Event Alert™ app. The new apps enable school staff to use Apple Macintosh computers, Windows PCs and Chromebooks, in addition to their smartphones, to send and receive alerts in the event of suspicious persons or threatening activity.

ELERTS created the computer versions of this app in response to requests from ELERTS school customers who wanted to be able to access Event Alert app from their desktop as well as smartphones. With the  Event Alert app, vigilant staff can alert the entire school staff and local police to security threats by simply pressing a few buttons. With the new desktop versions, even more teachers have access to this potentially life-saving technology.

“Our ELERTS Event Alert™ app is used across the country in a number of school systems. As we discovered, not everyone can use a smartphone during class time. Having ELERTS Event Alert available for the three most popular computer platforms addresses that issue,” said Ed English, CEO of Weymouth, MA-based ELERTS Corp. “The computer versions provide access to those teachers, administrative staff and school employees who prefer not to use their personal cell phone for work purposes.”

Installation of the app is as simple as a facility’s network administrator copying the Event Alert app to the desired computers. The application runs automatically when the computer restarts.

Designed for iPhones, iPads, and Android Smartphones and now Mac, PC and Chromebook computers, ELERTS Event Alert™ provides teachers and other staff with the opportunity to immediately alert persons on school property, police, and other emergency responders in the event of suspicious persons or threatening activity on school grounds. In addition to notification, Event Alert has the capability to provide real-time situation awareness—through photos, video, text, GPS maps showing the incident location, and other details—that are critical for First Responders.

The app also enables authority personnel, such as a principal or superintendent, to initiate a lockdown, shelter-in-place or evacuation command.  The app can directly alert police mobile devices so they can respond faster.

“Teachers and anyone who has been in a lockdown practice drill or a real lockdown know, in a darkened room, they are not getting critical information needed to decide how to respond. Who, what and where is the threat now?” said English. “The two-way communication capabilities of this app provide those in immediate danger, First Responders and those nearby with real-time situation awareness that’s so critical to a safe outcome.”

For a K-12 school system, ELERTS Event Alert system is currently priced at $100 per month per building, on an annual basis. The application for computers is included at no extra charge.

Said English, “According to Wikipedia, there were only 35 school shootings over a period of one decade, in the 1980’s. Now in 2015 alone, there have been 20 documented shootings (18 with fatalities) and more than two months remain in the year. Today’s teachers and students go to school in an age where it’s unlikely a week will go by without a school lockdown or shooting incident. And as Sandy Hook in Newtown CT showed, you just don’t know where the next incident will occur. It can happen anywhere. Prior to the massacre, rural Newtown was rated as one of the safest towns in America. With our ELERTS Event Alert app now able to be used on computers as well as Smartphone’s, the reach of critical communications during a violent event at school has expanded.”

For more information or a demo on ELERTS Event Alert system, please call 877-256-1971 or visit www.ELERTS.com.

About ELERTS

ELERTS Corporation, headquartered in Weymouth, MA, develops best-in-class emergency communication software empowered by community-sourced reporting of safety and security concerns. The company’s cloud-based approach leverages smartphone technologies to provide robust, two-way communication between multiple parties. ELERTS mobile technology integrates with video surveillance, access control and mass-notification systems. The result is actionable information for emergency situations – to help First Responders become faster responders.

For more information, visit www.ELERTS.com or call 877-256-1971.

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Georgia CALLS Celebrates First Anniversary with Open House. Campus Dream Vision Unveiled.

Warden Ahmed Holt
Phillips State Prison Warden Ahmed Holt was the guest speaker at Georgia CALLS Open House.

Georgia CALLS, the Georgia Center For Abundant Living Life Skills, a unique 501(c)3 non-profit helping high-risk, returning citizens make a successful transition from incarceration back into society as business entrepreneurs, celebrated their first anniversary with an Open House and Tour on October 23, 2015.

The Open House was held at Georgia CALLS’ custom-designed, pilot work/training facility in Buford, and officials from all partnering government entities were in attendance.

Georgia CALLS celebrated a successful first year with a formal ceremony recognizing its supporters, program accomplishments, and remarkable participant achievements. Mark Mobley, Executive Director of Georgia CALLS provided a recap of Georgia CALLS’ first successful year. Phillips State Prison Warden Ahmed Holt  was the Guest Speaker. Warden Holt has more than 11 years of leadership experience within the Department of Corrections and spoke on the topic of recidivism and the importance of reentry programs within the community.

“There is a direct correlation between reduced recidivism rates, safer neighborhoods, and stronger communities. This is why community awareness is so important. Public understanding and support of reentry programs cultivates generational success. Warden Holt is extremely knowledgeable and we were very pleased to have him share his expertise during our ceremony,” said Mobley.

New Fundraising Initiatives Unveiled

Following the ceremony, Mobley unveiled Georgia CALLS’ two new fundraising initiatives – the Sponsor a Room Campaign and the Campus Dream Project. Through the Sponsor a Room Campaign, businesses or individuals looking to represent leadership, commitment, and career goals, can support Georgia CALLS by sponsoring a room inside the Georgia CALLS facility. To learn more about Sponsor a Room, visit gacalls.org/give/sponsor-a-room.

The Campus Dream Project is a comprehensive solution-focused model that will meet the needs of both individuals and families searching for a second chance as they reintegrate with society. Supporting Campus Dream is an easy and personal way to make a difference for many people in the community. Georgia CALLS is currently raising funds for Phase 1, which includes a new workspace to accommodate the expanding program and the costs to build-out that facility.

“The Campus Dream Project will enable us to have the greatest impact in our community possible. It’s Georgia CALLS, but on a grand scale with numerous work opportunities, job/life skills training, transitional housing, a food bank, tutoring, after school programs, and child care. Our Campus Dream will help us achieve generational change to break the cycle of recidivism,” explained Mobley.

To learn more and support Georgia CALLS Campus Dream Project, visit Gofundme.com/georgia-calls.

About Georgia CALLS

Georgia CALLS, a program in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Transition, Support & Reentry, the Georgia Department of Correctionsand Phillips Transitional Center, is transforming mindsets, growing leaders & building entrepreneurs up, one life at a time. Utilizing a powerful combination of exclusive job/life skills training, paid work experience in the call center, intensive case management services, and optional discipleship classes, participants in the Georgia CALLS program learn to build strong character, explore their own entrepreneurial desires, and in turn give back to their own communities. Georgia CALLS works to make a last community impact by cultivating entrepreneurs and mentoring participants to be the CEOs of their lives.

For more information about Georgia CALLS, visit  www.gacalls.org.

 

Georgia CALLS Celebrates First Anniversary with Open House. Campus Dream Vision Unveiled.Read More