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Boot Camp for New Dads Shares Strategies for Families in Need

DATELINE: IRVINE, CA… Every year, infant formula is one of the most shoplifted items throughout the country. This brings into focus a problem faced by increasing numbers of families with a new baby as the economy tanks.

Parents of new babies who wondered “how am I going to afford this” before their baby arrived, are now losing part or all of their income and/or home. Now what? There’s no real answer for them, other than cutting back and trying to replace the lost income. If they don’t have luck with replacing that income, things can get steadily worse. With a baby screaming due to hunger and no money to pay for infant formula (which runs $50 per week), the temptation for a father to steal it from the local market is understandable. Yet, it is not an option. Dad being arrested for shoplifting will only add to the economic nightmare for a young family.

According to Greg Bishop, founder of Boot Camp for New Dads, a non-profit orientation program for fathers-to-be, operating in more than 260 hospitals, clinics, schools, fire stations and churches around North America and internationally, and author of two books on fathering, there are alternatives available for feeding baby and family.

Bishop explained, “Every community has a ‘safety net’ for families falling off the economic ladder and they generally give priority to children. Dad will need to learn how to navigate this network, which can be very frustrating, particularly now when there is growing competition for limited resources and each community has a unique arrangement of resources and organizations involved.”

But, assistance is out there. Boot Camp for New Dads provides some basic guidelines to follow:

· Look for support early when it becomes apparent you may need it. There may be waiting lists, or an eligibility period, etc. Connect with the local information and referral system. Don’t know where to start? Ask at a church, county welfare, a senior citizen center or food bank.

· Start with a local food bank to supplement your family’s meal costs. They can also provide a wealth of information (talk to others in line and staff as well) for anyone accessing the “safety-net” for the first time.

· Check into your family’s eligibility for food stamps. The national program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service is now known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The SNAP program provides families with an electronic card, similar to an ATM card which may be used for groceries. In general, families with an income of less than $2000 per month for a family of four are eligible. (Visit www.fns.usda.gov/FSP)

· Housing is tough due to limited resources. Homeless shelters can be a temporary fix, but they are not set up for families. Subsidized housing may be an option that is available to you and your family, but waiting lists are involved, so investigate this option as soon as you know you may need it.

· You may be eligible for help with your utility bills, especially heating oil. Check with your local referral system.

· Temporary income assistance may also be available from your county welfare office.

· If you lose your health insurance, check out local health clinics for the uninsured for both treatment and information on insurance alternatives (like Medicaid for your child).

· Look for odd jobs to pay something.

Bishop continued, “When times are tough, the man who does whatever is necessary, in an honest way, to take care of his family, is a man in its truest sense.”

Tips, Advice, Instructions and more

Greg Bishop offers strategies from more than 200,000 new dads that have gone through the Boot Camp for New Dads program in his second book, Crash Course for New Dads: Tools, Checklists and Cheat Sheets. His first book, Hit the Ground Crawling, covers work balance, being a dad, caring for a new mom and much more. Both books are available online at www.DadsAdventure.com.

New Dads Learn What to Expect at Boot Camp Workshops

Dads-to-be will be better equipped to face the challenges and opportunities of fatherhood after attending a Boot Camp “hands on” educational workshop. Men attend the class when they are expecting their first baby, and are joined in the workshop by “veterans” who had previously attended and have returned with their two to four-month-old baby in tow. They are able to give the dads-to-be a realistic idea of what to do and what to expect when their first baby comes. For many men attending, it’s their first time holding a baby.

Boot Camp for New Dads

Now celebrating their 18th year, Boot Camp for New Dads is nationally acclaimed as the “Best Practice” for preparing men to be fathers and has been named a U.S. Navy Model Program. Boot Camp for New Dads has prepared more than 200,000 men for fatherhood over the years.

With more than 4.1 million births (National Center for Health Statistics) and approximately 1.5 million men becoming new dads every year, it’s more important than ever for fathers to realize that being a “good provider” is only part of the very central role they have in their children’s lives.

For more information about Boot Camp for New Dads, visit www.bcnd.org, or to visit Dads Adventure, go to www.DadsAdventure.com. To arrange an interview with Greg Bishop, please contact sdubin@prworkzone.com, (781) 582-1061.

National and International Locations

Boot Camp For New Dads locations include ALASKA (Anchorage); ARIZONA (Chandler, Flagstaff, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sun City); ARKANSAS (Jonesboro, Paragould, Springdale); CALIFORNIA (Apple Valley, Bakersfield, , Fresno, Garden Grove, Irvine, Laguna Hills, Madera, Merced, Mission Hills, , Oakland, Orange, Pomona, Port Hueneme, San Diego, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara, , S. Lake Tahoe, Travis, Valley Springs); COLORADO (Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, Durango, Fort Collins, Fort Carson, Greeley, Longmont, Thornton, Wheat Ridge); CONNECTICUT (Bristol, Danbury, New London); FLORIDA (Brandon, Clearwater, Hollywood, Jacksonville, North Palm Beach, Orlando, St. Petersburg, West Palm Beach, Sarasota, Tampa); GEORGIA (Atlanta, Elberton, Gainesville, Marietta, Savannah); HAWAII (Pearl Harbor, Schofield); ILLINOIS (Aurora, Carbondale, Champaign, Chicago, East St. Louis, Evanston, Freeport, Geneva, Great Lakes, Highland Park, Libertyville, Moline, Oak Park, Rockford, Springfield, Urbana, Winfield); INDIANA (Anderson, Bluffton, Hammond, Indianapolis, Jeffersonville, Kokomo); IOWA (Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Jefferson, Sioux City); KANSAS (Junction City, Topeka); KENTUCKY (Paducah); LOUISIANA (Covington); MAINE (Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Brunswick, Ellsworth, Waterville); MARYLAND (Annapolis) MASSACHUSETTS (Beverly, Ipswich, Lowell, Nantucket, Plymouth, Weymouth, Springfield); MICHIGAN (, Ann Arbor, Bay City, Centreville, Iron Mountain, Ithaca, Kalamazoo, Niles, St Joseph, Ypsilanti); MINNESOTA (Brainerd, Duluth, Robbinsdale); MISSISSIPPI (Tupelo); MISSOURI (Jefferson City) MONTANA (Billings, Helena, Miles City); NEBRASKA (Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha); NEVADA (Las Vegas) NEW HAMPSHIRE (Manchester, Portsmouth); NEW JERSEY (Princeton) NEW YORK (Glens Falls, Little Falls, Mineola, Rome, Utica); NORTH CAROLINA (Burlington, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Concord, Ft. Bragg, Greensboro, Monroe, Raleigh, Shelby); NORTH DAKOTA (Grand Forks); OHIO (Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, East Cleveland, East Liverpool, Garfield Heights, Lima, Lorain, Mayfield Heights, Middleburg Heights, Orange Village, Portsmouth, Toledo, Warren, Westlake, Youngstown); OKLAHOMA (Claremore, Oklahoma City, Tulsa); OREGON (Corvalis, McMinnville, Salem, Silverton); SOUTH CAROLINA (Columbia, Pickens, Walhalla); TENNESSEE (Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis); TEXAS (Amarillo, Dallas, Fort Hood, Longview, Lubbock, Plano, San Antonio, Texarkana, Waco, Webster); VERMONT (Barre, Brattleboro, Middlebury); VIRGINIA (Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Hampton, Richmond) WASHINGTON (Everett, Fairchild AFB, Longview, Olympia, Puyallup, Yakima); WEST VIRGINIA (Wheeling); WISCONSIN (Florence, Green Bay, Madison, Oshkosh, Watertown, Wausau); JAPAN (Atsugi, Yokosuka), ITALY (Sicily); UNITED KINGDOM [a.k.a. Hit the Ground Crawling] (Birmingham, Liverpool)

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Weichert Realtors Empire Associates Reach Sales Milestone Despite the Market

DATELINE: ROCKLAND, MA… Weichert Realtors Empire Associates, a full service construction, remodeling and real estate company that has been catering to the South Shore community for more than seven years, recently announced a sales milestone at Beechwood Village in Rockland.

Beechwood Village, which has become Massachusetts top selling active adult (55+) community located at 256 Beech Street in Rockland, has already sold half of all the 79 single family homes available in less than two years in a volatile market.

According to Barney Dunphy, a Rockland resident for more than 40 years who downsized to a Beechwood Village home, “We fell in love with the place. We got into Beechwood at Phase I. It’s not in any way an old age community – it’s definitely for active adults. Beechwood is a very quiet, peaceful and beautiful area. We really feel like we have a home instead of a house. It’s designed exactly as we wanted with room to spare.”

“We began Phase 1 of Beechwood just before the market started to shift. Home prices were higher and the homes for sale were just sitting on the market. Despite the overall market decline in home sales over the past year and a half, Beechwood sales have remained unaffected. This is primarily due to a number of factors. The location is ideal. It’s close to shopping and all the major routes, yet the village area is quiet. Beechwood is a great value and people who are interested in a 55 plus community are drawn to it because they can build a high-quality home and have the space and amenities they want at a very fair price,” explained Jeff Reale, principal of Weichert Realtors Empire Associates.

He continued, “We’re now in Phase 2 of construction with half of the homes already sold or built. With mortgage rates falling and home prices that are more stable, we should see another shift in the market. We expect Beechwood sales to become brisk over the next several months. It’s the right market to make the lifestyle change from family home to a 55 plus community. If the community is selling well, like Beechwood is, then the investment will appreciate and certainly sell well in the future.”

For potential buyers who are on a fixed-income, Beechwood is ideal, as the homes are Energy Star Certified with 95 percent efficiency, with savings of up to 50% per month on heating and electric bills. Town water, sewer and trash pick-up make Beechwood Village even more attractive to buyers who are looking for a single family maintenance-free home. Not only that, but the village is pet-friendly and Beechwood residents have the freedom to build out if they desire it.

For more information about Beechwood Village, visit www.Beechwoodvillage.net.

The Beechwood Difference

Beechwood Village offers a quiet, peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle, yet is convenient to the highway and the center of town, shopping and banking. Homes are semi-custom built, one and two level homes with nine different styles to choose from. Every home is made of 2×6 construction and is Energy Star Certified. Each home is designed in an open floor plan with cathedral ceilings and has a full walk out basement providing the potential for future build out. Design layout options include a custom kitchen with stainless appliances and granite counters; first floor Master Suites; second and/or third bedrooms; 1.5 to 2.5 baths; additional options include hardwood floors, gas fireplace, 3 season rooms, and custom built game rooms.

Weichert Realtors Empire Associates

Weichert Realtors Empire Associates is one of the nation’s leading providers of homeownership services offering a “one-stop” destination for a full range of real estate products and services.

Weichert Realtors Empire Associates is a member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The company is headquartered at 26 East Water Street in Rockland, MA 02370. For more information contact 781-878-9964 or visit the website at www.beechwoodvillage.net.

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South Shore Dermatologist Featured as Lecturer at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York

Dr. Richard Eisen, a Board Certified Dermatologist at South Shore Skin Center, was recently a guest lecturer at Albert Einstein College of Medicine –Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York. South Shore Skin Center is one of the most progressive dermatology practices in Massachusetts offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services. Their offices are located in Plymouth and Cohasset.

Dr. Eisen, who is the founding physician of South Shore Skin Center, taught Albert Einstein resident physicians and other attendees about photodynamic therapy and the latest treatments for Actinic Keratoses (AKs); pre-cancerous skin lesions and superficial skin cancers. The theoretical basis and practical aspects of treatment with Levulan (Dusa Pharmaceuticals) and the newest drug, Metvixia were discussed.

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common of all cancers and the skin cancer Melanoma causes the most skin cancer deaths. Photodynamic Therapy is used to treat AKs, pre-cancerous growths as well as skin cancer. The therapy combines a photosensitizing drug with a specific type of light to eliminate cancer cells.

Dr. Eisen is a recognized expert in laser therapy and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology; the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society of Lasers in Medicine and Surgery. He recently attended the American Society of Dermatological Surgery’s lectures in Orlando, Florida on new technology for skin cancer screening as well as the latest surgical techniques in dermatology and the latest advanced treatments with lasers.

To learn more about Dr. Eisen and the South Shore Skin Center practice, visit southshoreskincenter.com.

South Shore Skin Center

Founded in 1984, South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services.

South Shore Skin Center’s cosmetic services include Fraxel re:pair and re:store; Gentle YAG, innovative Laser, IPL (Intensive Pulse Light), Thermage and treatments for age spots, acne scarring, birth marks, tattoos and more. The practice also offers a full range of affordable anti-aging services including Botox, wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels.

South Shore Skin Center offices are located at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202 in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340, and 45 Resnik Road, Suite 102 in Plymouth, Mass., (508) 747-0711. For more information, visit their website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.

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DirectBuy plays Santa for robbery victim.

ROCKLAND, MA…

For Jose Lacen, Christmas easily could have been ruined when thieves took his television, some cash and the presents for his two daughters. But no matter the amount of material items the thieves stole, they couldn’t take his Christmas spirit. Touched by Lacen’s story, DirectBuy of Boston South, the leading members-only and home improvement center, helped to spread more of that spirit by replacing the stolen television.

DirectBuy of Boston South Owner John Massaria, along with Sales Manager Marc Brennan, delivered the 37-inch flat screen to Lacen’s Roslindale home. It was a gift sent from heaven for Lacen, confined to a wheelchair since an illness left him in a coma for a month back in 2000, who relies on the television for company.

“When we heard about what happened to Jose, and his unwillingness to give up, it wasn’t a question of could we help him out, but how quickly,” said Massaria.

In addition to delivering the television, Massaria and Brennan set up a DVD player that another well-wisher had dropped off earlier. Massaria also arranged for Comcast to upgrade his wiring for the new television set.

DirectBuy of Boston South’s gifts were but a few Lacen received after word of his plight got out. Among the items contributed by other “secret Santas” were replacement gifts for his 10-year-old and 18-year-old daughters.

Said Lacen, “So many people have been so kind and that’s something I’ll never take for granted. I’ve been blessed all over the place.”

Added Massaria, “It’s unfortunate what happened to Jose but the response to his situation shows that the good and decent people are many and that the Christmas spirit is still very much alive.”

Lacen is not the only member of the community that DirectBuy is helping out this holiday season. DirectBuy of Boston South, and the other DirectBuy locations in greater Boston are holding a holiday food drive. Those wishing to contribute canned goods and starches (e.g. dry cereal, pasta, etc.) to DirectBuy’s holiday food drive can visit DirectBuy Showrooms at the following addresses:

  • DirectBuy of Boston South, 11A Commerce Road, Rockland, MA, 781-878-8846.
  •  DirectBuy of Boston West, 422 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA, 508-842-8800.
  •  DirectBuy of Boston North, 100A Fallon Road, Stoneham, MA, 781-438-8111.

DirectBuy franchises offer members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by purchasing wholesale, directly from the manufacturer. In addition, DirectBuy boasts a team of designers to help members with their purchases and gives them access to a roster of hand-selected contractors to expedite those projects.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting the showrooms listed above or visiting www.directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

DirectBuy plays Santa for robbery victim.Read More

DirectBuy of Fresno awarded coveted “Rising Star” award

FRESNO, CA…

On November 24, 2008 at DirectBuy’s International Sales and Service Conference in San Francisco, DirectBuy of Fresno Owners Troy and Lisa Seavers were awarded DirectBuy’s highest honor for new franchisees – they were named the company’s 2008 Rising Star Award recipients.

DirectBuy annually awards Rising Star honors to the franchise that achieves elite levels of effectiveness in membership production, service excellence and business practices within their first six full months of operation. Eligible franchise owners are evaluated on their leadership abilities, staff retention, facility image and business practices. Recipients receive a Crystal Award and recognition at the annual DirectBuy International Sales & Service Conference for all DirectBuy owners and employees.

“We feel very proud and blessed to have been chosen for this award. Witnessing the excitement of members realizing their dreams is incredibly fulfilling for us as DirectBuy franchise owners,” said Troy Seavers. “But, we could not have accomplished our business goals without the assistance of a knowledgeable and dedicated staff. We would like to share this award with each and every one of our employees.”

The 29,000 sq. foot Fresno showroom opened in July of 2007 and was among the company’s top membership producers over the past year, with members purchasing more than $3.5 million in merchandise through DirectBuy.

DirectBuy of Fresno team member Crystal Swanson believes the culture put in place by the owners is a paramount reason behind the enthusiasm and service delivered to members. “It is an honor to work for Troy and Lisa and to be a part of the successful DirectBuy of Fresno team,” Swanson explains. “We are dedicated to providing our members with outstanding service, selection and savings every day.”

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. DirectBuy of Fresno is conveniently located at 4150 W. Shaw Avenue in Fresno and offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting and design center where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

DirectBuy of Fresno carries a large selection of brand-name furniture at wholesale prices direct from manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy employs interior designers and product specialists who are trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishings, Home Improvement, Flooring, Accessories, and Entertainment/Outdoor.

DirectBuy members also have access to renowned designer Christopher Lowell.  Lowell has designed twelve room settings – created exclusively with products available through DirectBuy – using his Seven Layers of Design.  An innovative approach to home décor, The Seven Layers of Design concept keeps homeowners on budget and from feeling overwhelmed by their project.

For more information on DirectBuy of Fresno, call 559-476-2300 or visit www.directbuy-fresno.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furniture, carpet and flooring, and custom window treatments, to kitchen and bath cabinets and fixtures, appliances and much, much more. DirectBuy of Fresno prides itself in providing excellent member service, access to confidential prices, local suppliers and unparalleled selection, all of which help to make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. 

Consumers interested in learning more about DirectBuy can request a free “Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass by calling 559-476-2300 or visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com. .

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Two fundraisers for the price of one…DirectBuy of Gurnee to host Jan. 10 fundraiser for Daisy Resource Development Center and Pay It Forward Foundation.

GURNEE, IL…

Most people start their New Year by making resolutions. Instead of giving up sweets or exercising more, DirectBuy of Gurnee Owner Karuna Talwar has vowed to make a difference by hosting a charity fundraiser for two worthwhile causes: The Daisy Resource Development Center, an organization with a 35-year history of helping young women, and the Pay It Forward Foundation, a new effort to build a homeless shelter for families in need.

“As a child, my parents and I were homeless for a period of time. I made a vow then if I was ever in a position to help out those in need, I would do everything in my power to do so,” said Talwar. “DirectBuy of Gurnee has been active in raising funds for Daisy and the Pay It Forward Foundation is my project, where we’ll build a homeless shelter in Gurnee.

The proposed Pay It Forward shelter will provide accommodations and meals for families in need. In addition, the shelter will offer training and educational services to help families get back to work and back on their feet.

Daisy’s Resource and Developmental Center is a comprehensive human services agency that provides young females and their families opportunities and assistance to become self-sufficient through educational, vocational training, childcare services, and community development in order to achieve financial independence. The center offers schooling such as: cosmetology, administrative, nursing, teaching, and administrative. The school has been operating for 35 years and has four life experience doctorates.

“These are both such good causes with very similar goals that we decided to combine forces for one big fundraiser. One hundred percent of the money raised by this fundraiser will go to Daisy’s and Pay It Forward,” added Talwar.

The fundraiser will take place on Saturday, January 10 at 7pm at DirectBuy of Gurnee, 4081 Ryan Road, Suite 107, in Gurnee. The evening will include raffles of items donated by local businesses and several guest speakers will be on hand. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will also be served.

For more information or to contribute items for the raffle, please contact Karuna Talwar at 847-855-8454.

Since 1971, DirectBuy franchises have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by buying wholesale, directly from the manufacturer. With five convenient locations in the greater Chicago area (Chicago, Gurnee, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Tinley Park), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 1-800-DIRECTBUY or visit http://www.directbuychicago.com/.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The five DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 160 franchise locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuychicago.com/. 

Locations of the five DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Gurnee, 4081 Ryan Rd. #107, Gurnee, IL; DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 N. Stonington Ave Ste. 150 Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 Avondale, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 Highgrove Ste. 136 Naperville, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

 

Two fundraisers for the price of one…DirectBuy of Gurnee to host Jan. 10 fundraiser for Daisy Resource Development Center and Pay It Forward Foundation.Read More

USMMA’s Matt Phinney Wins USA Boxing New England Championship Finals

Golden Gloves winner Matt Phinney, a manager and trainer at United States Mixed Martial Arts (USMMA) studio in Bellingham, MA won the recent USA Boxing New England Championship finals held at the Portland Boxing Club in Portland, ME.

Phinney a resident of Medway, Mass, won a unanimous decision over Hector Martinez of Holyoke, Mass., in the novice welterweight division. The New England Championship is his second “big win” this year. Back in May, Phinney won the regional Golden Gloves boxing tournament in Lowell, going 5-0 to be named Champion in the 152-pound division in his first novice tournament.

Though the New England Championship match is an amateur event, it is well-respected with thousands in attendance. Phinney’s goal is to progress in the industry of boxing towards the Olympics.

Phinney trains with Tom Hafers, owner of USMMA and Peter Welch, a former Golden Gloves champion and boxing trainer. Mixed Martial Arts, a compilation of combat skills involving Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Thai boxing, wrestling, kickboxing and judo, are incorporated into his training as a boxer. 

Along with training for and winning tournaments, Phinney juggles being a student (majoring in Sports Management) at Mount Ida College in Newton with his job at USMMA which includes teaching adults and children jujitsu, wrestling, and mixed martial arts.

Hafers, who has been training Phinney for five years explained, “Matt knows what he wants; creates specific goals; focuses on them; works hard and succeeds in attaining those goals. He’s a great role model. I’m confident he will make it to the Olympics.”

The Portland Boxing Club

The 122 year-old, non-profit Portland Boxing Club promotes amateur boxing under the auspices of the USA Boxing, Inc. and provides its registered members with a wide range of Olympic style boxing techniques and strategies. For more information about the club, visit their website at PortlandBoxingClub.org.


About USMMA

USMMA focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. Classes offered include Strength & Conditioning; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Thai Boxing; Cardio Thai Boxing; Wrestling; Cardio and Open Mat; Kids Mixed Martial Arts; Pilates; Power Yoga and Deep Flow Yoga.

USMMA’s state of the art, 4,000 square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000 square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 1,500 square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. USMMA is located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham. For more information, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.

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DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver attends international conference

COQUITLAM, BC…

DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver recently sent 11 members of its staff and three owners to DirectBuy’s international sales and service conference last month in San Francisco.

Held from November 22 to 25, 2008, at the San Francisco Marriott, DirectBuy’s conference, appropriately titled Brilliance by the Bay, brought DirectBuy center owners, staff and vendors from across the U.S. and Canada. Besides awards banquets and keynote speakers, the conference provided a team-building opportunity.

“It’s great to attend DirectBuy’s international conference for a lot of reasons: new ideas, as well as meeting other center owners and staff. Perhaps the best benefit is it gives our staff a chance to bond outside the showroom,” said Peter Ruetz, owner of DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver. “That not only improves morale at work but gets our staff even more excited about what we do here at DirectBuy.”

DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver staff attending the conference included:

 

  • Pat Churcher – Membership Director, Burnaby resident
  • Patrick McLean – Membership Director, Burnaby resident
  • Janine Pippy – Service Specialist, Surrey resident
  • Carol Norris – Service Specialist, Surrey resident
  • Gillian Zado – Service Specialist, Surrey resident
  • Karen Kuhn – Service Specialist, Surrey resident
  • Iris Gul – Service Specialist, Surrey resident
  • Alana Hadley – Phone Room Supervisor, Surrey resident
  • Megan Taylor – Showroom Manager, Pitt Meadows resident
  • Adam Ruetz – Warehouse Supervisor, Coquitlam resident
  • Tyson Ruetz – Receiver, Coquitlam resident
  • Maggy Pippy = Owner, Surrey resident
  • Steve Pippy – Owner, Surrey resident
  • Peter Ruetz – Owner, Coquitlam resident

As the leading members-only showroom and home design center, DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver offers low insider pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 500 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services to DirectBuy members, many times at a discounted rate.

Since 1971, DirectBuy franchises have helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. With four convenient locations in the greater Vancouver area (Victoria, Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Kelowna), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 500 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Vancouver area since 1997. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are part of more than 160 franchise locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 604-552-5255, or visiting www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

Locations of the four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are: DirectBuy of Vancouver, 2659 Lillooet St., Vancouver, British Columbia V5M 4P7; DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, 91 Golden Drive Unit #1, Coquitlam, British Columbia V3K 6R2; DirectBuy of Central Okanagan, #5 2260 Hunter Rd., Kelowna, British Columbia V1X 7J8; and DirectBuy of Greater Victoria, 350B Bay Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8T 1P7.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

 

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Consumers turn to wood and coal-burning stoves as alternative energy solutions.

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

While the price of oil has come down in recent weeks, how long those prices will stay that way has many consumers seeking cleaner, more affordable and, in some cases, more effective heating solutions. Surprisingly, those choices include two “old school” options: wood and coal-burning stoves.

“Wood pellet stoves have always been a popular items with our members but it was more for aesthetics than actually saving money. With the uncertainty of oil and natural gas prices, more of our members are buying wood pellet stoves to save money,” said Sara Shragal of DirectBuy, the leading members-only showroom and home design center. “What’s even more interesting has been the popularity of coal-burning stoves with the advent of clean-burning anthracite coal.”

Anthracite coal comes in three sizes: rice, pea and nut. Some sources report being able to heat a 3,000 square-foot room for as little as $3 per day. Unlike its predecessor, bituminous coal, anthracite burns cleanly.

Wood pellet-burning stoves provide a similar benefit in price and heat. While the increasing popularity of wood-burning stoves has seen the price of wood pellets range from as low as $209 to $299 per ton, two tons of pellets can heat an average-sized home through the winter.

“The beauty of the wood-burning and coal-burning stoves is that you’re not a slave to your thermostat anymore. And because it’s more affordable, you can heat your home to a temperature you’re comfortable in, not what the thermostat says,” adds Shragal.

DirectBuy offers both coal- and wood-burning stoves through its 160-plus showrooms across North America. In addition, DirectBuy also boasts a rolodex of local installation professionals who can help safely install wood and coal-burning stoves, often at a discounted rate for members.

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

 

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