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SelecTech goes Spartan; Spartan Surfaces to rep SelecTech products

AVON, MA and FOREST HILL, MD…

SelecTech, Inc., a leader in the manufacture of innovative flooring products from recycled materials, recently announced a representative agreement with Spartan Surfaces.

Based in Forest Hill, Maryland, Spartan Surfaces is a sales and consulting group specializing in commercial flooring alternatives. Spartan Surfaces offers sales and marketing solutions in the Atlantic Coast and Midwest regions.

“We are extremely excited about this new relationship with Spartan Surfaces. Their knowledge and breadth of coverage will be extremely beneficial in bringing the uniqueness of our products to markets where, pardon the pun, we have barely scratched the surface,” said Thomas Ricciardelli, president of SelecTech, Incorporated.

SelecTech’s FreeStyle ESD flooring products are made using recycled material and are 100 percent recyclable. Utilizing a breakthrough interlocking technology, FreeStyle products completely bypass the need for adhesives and floor prep to install or replace flooring. This dramatically reduces installation times because old flooring can be left in place and machinery and furniture does not have to be completely moved or removed for installation.

“We’re extremely excited about marketing FreeStyle products to our current customer base and prospects,” said Meredith Powell of Spartan Surfaces. “We feel the FreeStyle ESD products, which create a static-controlled environment, will be particularly attractive to our clients that utilize electronics and sensitive data like electronics manufacturing, communications, aerospace, biotech, healthcare, and other high-tech industries.”

To learn more about SelecTech products, including the FreeStyle and FreeStyle ESD flooring products, visit http://www.selectechinc.com.

About SelecTech, Inc.

SelecTech, Inc. was founded in 1993 with the mission of creating valuable products from scrap plastics. The company has become a leader in the manufacture of flooring products from recycled materials and uses one million pounds of recycled materials annually. Their products are made with up to 100 percent recycled content, are 100 percent recyclable and installed without adhesives making them some of the “greenest” and most cost-effective flooring products available. The unique interlock system on SelecTech’s flooring products enable them to be installed at a much lower cost, without a lot of costly downtime, which provides significant value to customers.

Using state-of-the-art technology and innovative product design, SelecTech created the top performing Place N’ Go residential flooring products, which are available at Home Depot. They are also the creators of the renowned commercial and industrial FreeStyle, FreeStyle ESD and StaticStop ESD flooring lines.

SelecTech is a vendor partner of Health Care Institute, an International Facility Management Association (IFMA) alliance partner. The company is headquartered at 33 Wales Avenue, Suite F in Avon, MA. For more information about SelecTech, visit http://www.selectechinc.com.

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Modern day “Walkabout” explores the ‘what’s next’ for Baby Boomers.

Corporate trainer and author shares insights in new book entitled ” Where Does This Road Go – A Boomer’s Walkabout”.

DATELINE – KINGSTON, MA…

A traditional “walkabout” refers to a rite of passage for male Australian Aborigines who undertake a journey during adolescence in which they would wander and live in the wilderness for a period as long as six months. Today, Martin H. Crowe, 65 years of age and former corporate trainer and now author of “Where Does This Road Go – A Boomer’s Walkabout” modernizes this rite in his new introspective travel book to address a need for contemplation and search for a sense of purpose that can be critical at a more mature age as well.

Published by Moving River Press and available at both Amazon.com and BoomersWalkabout.com, the 232 page book – available as an E-book as well – chronicles Crowe’s ramblings and ruminations as he attempted to regroup as his final child left for college and finds himself with an empty house in Kingston, MA and a bucket full of “what’s next”.

Crowe did what many have done to find a new perspective and clarity; he hit the open road. He explains, “After almost 40 years of building my life around what the family needed, I knew the infrastructure of my life would be radically different. So, I left it all behind, turned off all my gadgets, put my tent in the Smart Car and headed west. Over three months, I traveled over 13,000 miles (less than 800 on Interstates) by planes, trains and automobiles, and boats (missed the bus somehow).”

Crowe’s angst is far from dissimilar to many thoughtful Baby Boomer brethren. Baby Boomers (the post-World War II babies born between 1946 – 1964 and the world’s largest segment of our population) are graying and facing the autumn of life– and with greater expectations than bingo, soft, chewable food or receding into the background.

Crowe experienced many surprises along the way. He reminisces, “Amazingly, I did not listen to any of the music CDs I carefully chose. Just listening to the rhythm of the road, I discovered the ability to think of nothing. Create a vacuum and see what gets sucked in. I stayed in cheap motels, campgrounds, and with a few friends and family who helped me wrestle with my future. Most of the time, I ate in my hotel room or cooked at a campfire, sticking to healthy food, walking almost 150 miles and another 35 riding a bike. I had a lot of time to think about anything I wanted, old plans interrupted, new plans bursting, opportunities, constraints. It was strange to focus on myself for so long.”

The book takes the reader along Crowe’s travels, meandering geographically throughout the U.S. with experiences from disappointment to serendipity. It just may inspire you to start your own wanderings.

To purchase the book or for more information about “Where Does This Road Go – A Boomer’s Walkabout”, visit Amazon.com and BoomersWalkabout.com, or email Martin H. Crowe at MHCrowe@MindSpring.com.

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Homeowners Can Lease the Sun’s Energy!

Russell w Solar Shingle tighter shot 03 24 13

It took 4 billion years for someone to come up with this idea: What if you could literally lease the sun’s energy?
Yes, it sounds too good to be true, but a Cape Cod-based company is offering a solar panel leasing program, and the monthly lease cost is less than the energy savings generated by the solar panels.
It sounds impossible, but that’s how Russell Cazeault describes a plan that is already helping scores of Massachusetts homeowners dramatically cut their energy costs. Cazeault, who heads the fifth-generation Cazeault Roofing and Cazeault Solar based in Osterville, Mass., has teamed up with GAF Solar and Dow Powerhouse Solar Shingles to make the futuristic dream of home solar power a reality.
Cazeault is one of the Bay State’s most experienced solar system distributors, and says the company has put roofs on more homes in Cape Cod than anyone else. Many customers decide to install solar shingles at the same time they’re replacing their roof, which can be very cost-effective. Cazeault covers all of eastern Massachusetts and has several showroom locations. (Visit www.cazeaultsolar.com for details).
Facts and figures give dramatic evidence that Massachusetts residents who choose to ‘go solar’ with solar shingles or panels will cut energy costs, earn energy credits, and work toward a greener planet.
Cazeault says solar (photovoltaic/PV) is catching on. “Two years ago, Massachusetts ranked 12th in home solar installations. This year we’ve risen to the 5th most installations (reported by the Solar Energy Industries Association),” he says. “Popularity is growing because the word is out: It’s not unusual for our clients to save 90% or more on their electricity costs.”
Massachusetts is among the top five most ‘solar-friendly’ states in terms of economic incentives in the form of rebates, tax credits and exemptions, Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). Surprisingly, available sun power in New England is about 80% of the sunniest parts of the Southwestern U.S., and PV systems still produce energy on cloudy days.
The following illustration makes the case for leasing a rooftop home solar energy system very enticing:
Initial Down Payment $ 0.00
Monthly Payments (300) $78.23

Lifetime Electrical Savings $63,821.00
Total Lease Payments $23,469.00
Lifetime Profit $40,352.00
ROI on Solar System 272%

For the house in this example, the solar shingle or panel system will produce 84% of its electricity needs from the sun and 16% from the utility grid. The homeowner spent $1,600 per year pre-solar, and $263 per year after installing a solar system. The annual profit in the first year is $398.
Going solar should be viewed as an investment rather than an expense, says Cazeault. Instead of paying the electric company , you not only reduce your electricity costs, you also can increase the value of your home. Another option is to pay cash for the system.
Cazeault says that for home or commercial property owners whose roofs need to be replaced, it is cost-effective to install the new roof and solar shingles or panels at the same time to cut labor costs and create a fully integrated system by experienced, licensed and insured installers.
Under a Massachusetts energy credit program, for every 1,000 watts a home produces, the homeowner receives one Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) and an average homeowner can earn $1,500 in credits annually. Electric suppliers buy these certificates to meet solar renewables portfolio standard (RPS) requirements.“It’s as good as cash,” says Cazeault. However, the SREC’s are considered taxable income.
“The numbers speak for themselves,” says Cazeault. “Installing solar nowadays really is a no-brainer.”
Among added pluses: In the example above, the homeowner’s energy savings is equivalent to saving 123 trees per year.

For more details and a free downloadable copy of How to Eliminate Your Electric Bill in 5 Simple Steps with Solar Energy, got to http://cazeaultsolar.com/interesting-facts-about-solar-energy/#more-2823
For more information about Cazeault Solar, contact Russell Cazeault, www.cazeaultsolar.com, 508.428.1133 or visit 1031 Main Street, Osterville, MA. See the website for other showroom locations.

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Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. hosts food and coat drive for domestic violence and abuse victims

BOSTON, BRAINTREE AND QUINCY, MA…

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C., a dynamic full-service law firm with a team of attorneys catering to individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, the South Shore and metro Boston areas, has partnered with DOVE, a domestic violence assistance organization, on a canned food and coat drive for the month of November.

During month of November, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. will be collecting non-perishable food items in containers situated in the lobby at 300 Crown Colony Drive in Quincy and in the Firm’s offices in Suite 500. The general public and fellow tenants of 300 Crown Colony Drive are encouraged to contribute.

“Because of Thanksgiving, November is typically thought of as a month of gratitude. What better way to show your gratitude than by helping out those who can really use your support,” said Paul Barbadoro, a partner at the Firm. “The work DOVE does with victims of domestic violence is exemplary and we’re hoping that our fellow tenants at 300 Crown Colony will agree and assist this very worthy cause.”

DOVE, Inc. provides a broad range of preventive and responsive services to victims of domestic violence and their families. Over the past year, DOVE has provided emergency shelter to 38 adults, 34 children, answered more than 2,500 hotline calls, provided community-based services to more than 900 clients and educated more than 2,000 teens and community members on the many complex issues surrounding domestic violence.

“Companies pitching in to assist the families we help at DOVE is always appreciated, but even more so as we approach the holidays,” said Claudia Cuscianna, DOVE senior manager of development and communications. “We commend our Quincy neighbors at the firm of Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. for stepping up to collect food and raise awareness for the families DOVE supports.”

For more information on DOVE, please visit www.dove.info. For information on Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. visit www.bbb-lawfirm.com.

About the Firm

Founded in 1995, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. is a full-service law firm located in Quincy committed to providing every client with personal attention and superior legal service at reasonable rates.

The firm’s attorneys provide legal advice and counsel to individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, South Shore and metro Boston areas.  Led by five partners with a combined 100+ years of experience, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro’s practice areas include litigation, tax, trust and estate planning, real estate, zoning and land use, corporate law, finance, criminal defense, immigration law, election law, and divorce and family law.  Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro also offers a Speaker’s Bureau on topics of tax, estate planning, small business law and corporate law.

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. is headquartered at 300 Crown Colony Drive, Suite 500 in Quincy, MA.  For more information, contact (781) 202-6929 or visit their website at http://www.bbb-lawfirm.com.

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Thanksgiving Day road races to support South Shore Food Warehouse with canned good drive.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

Four hundred pounds might not seem an ideal weight to participate in a Thanksgiving Day road race. For organizers of Plymouth Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving Day Pilgrim 5k Run and Walk, it’s a number they would like to see increase at this year’s runners top. That’s largely because the 400 pounds represents the amount of canned good items last year’s races raised for the South Shore Community Action Council’s Greater Plymouth Food Warehouse.

“The spirit of the holiday, with a focus on giving, was certainly not lost on last year’s runners and we were quite pleased with the amount of food contributed,” said Steve Dubin, a spokesperson for the Plymouth Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving Day Pilgrim 5k Run and Walk. “Just as we would love to see more people run in both races, we would also like to see more runners and their cheering sections help us top 500 pounds this year.”

Collection bins will be at both Thanksgiving Day morning races. Runners and spectators are encouraged to contribute non-perishable food items. All donated goods will go to the Greater Plymouth Food Warehouse, which provides food to more than 30 emergency food pantries and soup kitchens in the greater Plymouth area.

“If we did nothing but the food drive on Thanksgiving morning, it would be a great thing. But these two road races—the Plymouth Turkey Trot and the Thanksgiving Day Pilgrim 5k Run and Walk, combined with the Second Helping Challenge—make for a great start to the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Dubin.

The second annual Plymouth Turkey Trot starts at Memorial Park at Plymouth Rock at 7:45am. The five-mile course offers scenic views of the Plymouth’s picturesque oceanfront, and passes several historical sites including Plymouth Rock, Burial Hill and The Mayflower. The cost to register is $27. Prizes will be awarded to men’s and women’s winners in several age groups.

The fourth annual Thanksgiving Day Pilgrim 5k Run and Walk kicks off from the Village Racquet and Fitness Center, at Pine Hills, 30 Gold Drive, Plymouth at 10:15 a.m. rain or shine, also on Thanksgiving morning. The course includes the oldest road in America, Old Sandwich Road. This race site was the original trail used by Pilgrims and Native Americans in the 1600’s as they traveled from Plymouth to Sandwich, Mass. Cost is $27.

The 2013 Second Helping Challenge welcomes runners to sign up for both races at a reduced rate of $40. Running both races earns runners a permanent listing on the Second Helping’s “Couch of Fame and on Plymouth Rock Racing’s Facebook as well as an exclusive and awesome Second Helping sweatshirt.

The top three combined time winners for both men’s and women’s divisions will receive a cool prize and trophy. Prizes will also be awarded to top Second Helping participants in the following age groups: 15 and under, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and over.

For complete race information and registration details on the Plymouth Turkey Trot, Thanksgiving Day 5k and the Second Helping Challenge visit www.plymouthturkeytrot.com. If you or your company is interested in sponsoring either the Plymouth Turkey Trot or the Thanksgiving Day Turkey 5k, please contact Steve Dubin at 781-582-1061 or sdubin@prworkzone.com.

About South Shore Community Action Council, Inc.

Since 1965, South Shore Community Action Council has provided a range of critical services to low-income individuals and families on the South Shore of Massachusetts, and has toiled to combat the root causes of poverty in those communities. By strengthening and coordinating existing efforts, its mission is to eliminate poverty along the South Shore by affording everyone in need the opportunities for education, training and work; to live with dignity; to contribute to the full extent of their capabilities; and to participate in the workings of our society.

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Apollo Safety expands fire department services division

John V. Carvalho, President & CEO, Apollo Safety
John V. Carvalho, President & CEO Apollo Safety

FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS…

Apollo Safety, a veteran-owned, Fall River, Mass.-based company specializing in safety products and services, recently announced an expansion of its fire department services division. That expansion will include extended offerings as it pertains to gas detection equipment and training.

“The tragedies of 9/11 and the recent Boston Marathon bombing jolted the general public’s awareness of the wide variety of dangerous situations first responders like firefighters and EMTs can face. It goes way beyond the perception of rescuing cats from trees and putting out small house fires,” said John V. Carvalho III, who along with his wife Tracy opened Apollo Safety back in 1995. He added, “It’s because of the extraordinary circumstances that firefighters face that we have increased our product and services offerings and added dedicated sales reps and customer service personnel specifically trained to serve fire safety professionals.”

From a product standpoint, Apollo Safety offers safety equipment and clothing ranging from eye and face protection to flame resistant rainwear/suits and headwear to footwear. That also includes hazardous storage and handling equipment, ARC safety equipment, janitorial supplies and more.

The cornerstone of the expansion will be gas detection systems. Apollo Safety offers a wide variety of portable and stationary gas detection systems—Industrial Scientific, RAE Systems, RKI, and GMI. In addition to selling gas detection systems, Apollo Safety provides on-site installation and training and 24/7 service. Gas detection systems are available for purchase or rental.

“The key part to our expanded services is evaluation and recommendation. Our technicians and sales staff have the experience to assess the specific needs and requirements of a facility and recommend the appropriate solution in terms of gas detection systems,” said Carvalho.

Apollo Safety provides service in a “state of the art” in-house service center, as well as offering on-site support with factory-trained technicians for both portable and stationary gas detection systems.

For more information on Apollo Safety products and services, please call 800-813-5408 or visit www.apollosafetyproducts.net

About Apollo Safety

Apollo Safety has been serving the safety industry since John and Tracy Carvalho started the business in February 1995. Specifically, Apollo Safety specializes in gas detection products and services for portable and stationary systems. That includes gas detector sales and support for most major brands of gas detection device manufacturers. Apollo Safety also provides service in a “state of the art” in-house service center, as well as offering on-site support with factory-trained technicians for both portable and stationary gas detection systems.

Veteran-owned, Apollo Safety, Inc. is trusted by facilities managers, building owners, landlords, universities, hotels, institutions, and government operations. Apollo Safety is a member of the National Safety Council, Massachusetts Safety Council, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Association (RIAFC) and the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts (FCAM).

Apollo Safety’s corporate headquarters is located at 57 Walnut Street in Fall River, Massachusetts. For more information on Apollo Safety products and services, please call 800-813-5408 or visit www.apollosafetyproducts.net.

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Plymouth has the Thanksgiving Day runs. Plymouth Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving Day 5k are the main course for road races on Thanksgiving Day.

2012 Turkey TrotPLYMOUTH, MA…

Turkey, Thanksgiving and the Town of Plymouth are synonymous with the Thanksgiving Day holiday. With each passing year, road races become a larger part of the holiday in America’s hometown. Case in point, two Thanksgiving Day races in Plymouth: Plymouth Turkey Trot, a 5- mile run on Thanksgiving morning followed by the Thanksgiving Day Pilgrim 5k Run and Walk.

The second annual Plymouth Turkey Trot starts at Plymouth Rock at 7:45am. The five-mile course offers scenic views of the Plymouth’s picturesque oceanfront and passes several historical sites including Plymouth Rock, Burial Hill and The Mayflower. The cost to register is $27. Prizes will be awarded to men’s and women’s winners in several age groups.

The fourth annual Thanksgiving Day Pilgrim 5k run and walk kicks off from Village Racquet at Pine Hills, 30 Gold Drive, Plymouth at 10:15 a.m. rain or shine, also on Thanksgiving morning. The course includes the oldest road in America, Old Sandwich Road. This race site was the original trail used by Pilgrims and Native Americans in the 1600’s as they traveled from Plymouth to Sandwich, Mass. Cost is $25.

All participants will receive a commemorative finishers’ medal.  T-Shirts, designed by professional graphic artists, will be given to all participants.

“Does it get any better than earning your Thanksgiving Day turkey dinner by running a road race in the town where the holiday originated?” asked Steve Dubin, spokesperson for the Plymouth Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving Day 5k Run and Walk. “Actually, it does as we are also offering a ‘third’ race for those who would like a truly guilt-free holiday meal by running in both Plymouth Turkey Trot and the Thanksgiving Day 5K. It’s called The Second Helping Challenge.”

The 2013 Second Helping Challenge welcomes runners to sign up for both races at a reduced rate of $40. Running both races earns runners a permanent listing on the Second Helping’s “Couch of Fame” and on Plymouth Rock Racing’s Facebook as well as an exclusive and awesome Second Helping sweatshirt.

The top three combined time winners for both men’s and women’s divisions will receive a cool prize and trophy. Prizes will also be awarded to top Second Helping participants in the following age groups: 15 and under, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and over.

For complete race information and registration details on the Plymouth Turkey Trot, Thanksgiving Day 5k and the Second Helping Challenge visit www.runplymouth.com. If you or your company is interested in sponsoring either the Plymouth Turkey Trot or the Thanksgiving Day Turkey 5k Run and Walk, please contact Steve Dubin at 781-582-1061 or sdubin@prworkzone.com.

Plymouth has the Thanksgiving Day runs. Plymouth Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving Day 5k are the main course for road races on Thanksgiving Day.Read More

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) launches online enrollment

WORCESTER, MA…

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with autism in Central Massachusetts, recently unveiled an online enrollment function on its website, www.bciaba.org.

The new feature enables applicants to start the enrollment process by providing basic contact and insurance information online. That includes parent/guardian information, patient information (including diagnosis, with space for additional details) and insurance information (ID, Policy/Group, co-pay, deductible, etc.). Once completed, the form can be securely submitted online.

“There aren’t many children, ASD or not, who want to get in the car, travel for several minutes and then sit around and watch their parent or guardian fill out paperwork,”  said BCI Founder Dr. Jeffrey Robinson. “The new online enrollment gives parents and guardians the option to fill out the initial paperwork in the privacy of their own home without making the trip.”

Adds Robinson, “This is not to say we don’t encourage people to visit and check us out in person. But for convenience sake we wanted to give them that option.”

Based in Worcester, Mass, currently at 170 Goddard Memorial Drive and soon-to-be relocated to 345 Greenwood Street in Worcester, and with offices in Mansfield and West Boylston, Mass., BCI provides much needed services to children with autism and their families. BCI instructional programs are delivered using discrete trial training, task analysis, and systematic prompting procedures implemented by ABA therapists who have successfully completed pre-service training, on-site, and quarterly evaluations by their clinical supervisors.

Instruction is provided across a variety of domains, included by not limited to: Activities of daily living, functional and augmentative communication, functional academics and community outings and safety awareness. Social skills groups with peer models are also offered as part of BCI’s services. A heavy emphasis is placed on generalization and maintenance of skills, in addition to family training, so that families may implement the supports and carry-over skills in the home.

BCI accepts Harvard-Pilgrim, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Behavioral Health, Tufts, Aetna and coverage from other major health care providers.

For complete information, visit http://bciaba.org or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.

About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)

Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to the unique needs of the individuals BCI works with. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize student potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.

BCI’s main care center is located at 170 Goddard Memorial Drive, in Worcester, Massachusetts. BCI operates its BASICS services at 100 Hartwell Street in West Boylston, Mass. The BASICS program is a sub-contract arrangement between Behavioral Concepts, Inc. and the Central Massachusetts Special Education Collaborative. BASICS provides services to children aged 7-22 with autism and maladaptive behaviors. BCI’s Corporate Offices are located in Mansfield, Mass.

For complete information, visit http://bciaba.org or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200.

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Sweater care for fall

HANOVER, MA…

In most parts of the United States, the advent of fall brings on the beginning of sweater season. While a wonderful way to keep warm on a crisp autumn morning, sweaters also present a number of challenges when it comes to cleaning. To keep your sweater clean and prolong its life expectancy requires a conscious effort. One slip can literally be the end.

“Because sweaters are made from so many different types of fibers and fabrics, it is always recommended that you read the instructions on the care label before cleaning them by hand, by machine, or by dry cleaning,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company based in Hanover, Mass. “People often have the mistaken impression that caring for sweaters is tricky and difficult. It’s actually fairly simple, particularly if you wash your sweaters by hand.”

Hand washing is a fairly easy process and does not take long. You can use baby shampoo for a gentle wash.

First, turn your sweater inside out to protect the outside surface fibers from pulling. Fill the sink with tepid or warm water, add a small amount of natural detergent (the baby shampoo) and mix in lightly but not enough to create suds. Place the sweater in the water and gently push it under until it is completely wet.

“You want to let it soak for 20 minutes. This will allow the water and detergent to penetrate all the fibers of the sweater,” said Dubois. “You also want to avoid kneading or rolling the sweater around. Too much handling while the sweater is wet can cause stretching and pulling.”

Let the soapy water out of the sink and run fresh tap water over the sweater until all bubbles are gone. Allow the sweater to drain for a few minutes and squeeze very lightly. Lay the sweater out flat on a towel and roll the towel. Press to remove the excess moisture.

To dry, place your sweater on a towel on a flat surface and reshape it gently – button cardigans, roll collars into place, and straighten sleeves. Let your sweaters dry overnight laying flat on a towel. Turn over, reshape, and leave to dry. Drying time can take up to 72 hours depending on the thickness of the sweater and the humidity in the air.

“Not every sweater must be washed by hand. The care label on the sweater will tell you whether your sweater can be machine washed or dried,” said Dubois. “Sweaters that can be machine or hand washed should either be tumble dried at low temperatures or laid flat to dry. If you must dry your sweater on a clothes line, place a pair of pantyhose through the arms of the sweater and pin the hose, rather than the cuffs, to the line.”

If after your knitted sweater dries you need to take out wrinkles, turn the garment inside out and put a damp cloth between the iron. Never iron 100% acrylic yarn – it flattens and stretches the yarn fiber forever. Steam acrylic garments to remove any wrinkles.

“If you do not feel comfortable with this method or are worried you might damage your sweater, the safest thing to do is take it to your local dry cleaner,” said Dubois. “It may cost more but you are fairly certain to get back an unharmed, clean sweater.”

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience over the past 10-plus years.  Using the latest technology in equipment and cleaning solution, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners around to be able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Lapels  environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes. At Lapels you can see, feel and smell the difference.

Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and a full service on-site tailor.

Lapels offers its customers Automatic Rewards earning them credit towards free dry cleaning for every dollar they spend, Loyalty Programs, a VIP Program which eliminates the need to wait in line and the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

For complete information on Lapels Dry Cleaning, please visit www.mylapels.com.

Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners
Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Arizona (Gilbert, Chandler), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe, Delhi, Rayville, Winnsboro), Massachusetts (Abington, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Franklin, Hanover, Marshfield, Natick, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick, Freehold and Verona), Ohio (Liberty Township), Oklahoma (Oklahoma City), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Forest Village); Texas (Brownsville). Additional locations are coming soon to Austin, TX, Cedar Park, TX, and Needham, MA.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

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