Unleash the Power of The Press

Client News

Knowing the language…Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac recognizes Plymouth North English students.

Tracy Driven Students
Tracy Driven Students

PLYMOUTH, MA…

Taking English in high school is a core requirement for high school students. For some students, that’s difficult enough. But imagine if it was your second language? That’s part of the reason why Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac recently honored students in Plymouth North High School’s English Language Learner program as Driven Students of the Month for November.

Maria daSilva teaches the program at Plymouth North High School, which includes 15 students whose native languages include Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese and Portuguese. The English program is an additional course of study on top of a full course load.

“A good portion of the students who started out in this program prior to high school did not speak or understand English at all,” said daSilva. “It’s a tribute to their character and determination that they not only have picked up the language but how they can then use that knowledge and do well in their classes.”

In fact, of the 15 class members, six made the honor roll for the first quarter. Those students are Wilson Parra, Carla Cardozo, Sharlene Vallecillo, Mi Mi Xiong, Ludmilla Magalhaes, and Kim Khuu. Other members of the class include Gustavo Alves, Vinicius Braga, Kamila Cordeiro, Ana Paula Da Silva, Smerling De los Santos, Mohamed Amine Mena, Fatima Mena, Alexandre Rodrigues,  and Leticia Magalhaes.

For being selected Driven Students of the Month, the class received a pizza party, courtesy of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac. In addition to food and drink, the students also received Tracy Chevrolet drink koozies delivered by Tracy’s Service Manager Rick McGue and Business Manager John Fasolino.

“It’s absolutely astounding what these students have been able to accomplish—learning a new language—in such a short period. Then, for several of them to make the honor roll on top of that. It’s amazing,” said Jeff Tracy, president of Tracey Chevrolet Cadillac.

Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s Driven Student program recognizes Plymouth high school students for their performance and achievements in and out of the classroom. Awarded on a monthly basis, recipients are selected by faculty and advisors at the student’s given school.

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 to www.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 (800) 640-2884.

Knowing the language…Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac recognizes Plymouth North English students.Read More

Tips for selecting an energy-efficient refrigerator

ORLANDO, FLORIDA…

While it’s the objective of most homeowners to run a greener household, the other kind of green—dollars—often dictates how much you can commit. When selecting household appliances like a refrigerator, however, homeowners should consider the potential energy savings more so than the sticker price.

“At this stage of the game, consumers know they should be selecting an Energy Star product, but beyond that, it’s back to how much it costs rather than how much you can save,” said Brian Cohen, owner of DirectBuy of Orlando. “By doing a little research and examining your needs, you can save some green and be green.”

Cohen recommends:

  • Shopping for Energy Star-rated refrigerators that exceed the government’s minimum requirements.
  • Reviewing energy guides supplied by the U.S. government that compare kilowatt-hour usage and estimated yearly energy costs associated with refrigerators. Energy guides are available online.
  • Buying a refrigerator with a highly efficient compressor and good insulation. Poor compression or insulation can allow cool air to escape, which will raise energy costs.
  • Selecting a refrigerator that enables you to choose the exact temperature you desire for both the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Choosing freezer-on-top models that have an energy saver switch, which allows you to deactivate the anti-sweat function. This lowers moisture content, a feature that’s only necessary when humidity is high.
  • Purchasing the smallest refrigerator that will comfortably meet your needs (smaller refrigerators consume less energy than their larger counterparts will because they have to less space to cool).
  • Considering separate refrigerator and freezer units. This will increase the food-storage capabilities of both units and decrease the radiant loss from one compartment to the next (the amount of cold-air “leakage” from the freezer into the refrigerator that occurs with refrigerator/freezer combinations).

“Selecting an energy-efficient refrigerator reminds me of the old expression ‘don’t work harder, work smarter,’” said Cohen. “While it’s an important first step to select an Energy Star-rated refrigerator, doing your due diligence can really make a dent in your monthly energy costs.”

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy Club offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from energy-efficient refrigerators to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy Club also offers design, delivery, and installation services. Conveniently located at 502 Sunport Lane, Suite 400, in Orlando, DirectBuy of Orlando offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club 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 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

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

Tips for selecting an energy-efficient refrigeratorRead More

Away from home or home alone, burglar-proof your house for the holidays

ORLANDO, FLORIDA…

Think of holiday burglars and many hearken back to the bungling thieves in the movie Home Alone. It’s safe to say that most burglars are a bit smarter than the ones tormented by MacCaulay Culkin. As the leading home improvement and furnishing club, DirectBuy of Orlando has some helpful tips on protecting your home for this holiday season and beyond.

“Gifts under the tree and additional vehicles in the driveway belonging to guests—some perhaps from out-of-state—present added incentive for thieves,” said Brian Cohen, owner of DirectBuy of Orlando. “There’s even more opportunity if you happen to go away for the holidays. By following some simple steps, you can safeguard your home against potential break-ins.”

Some hints to ensure a safe, happy holiday season include:

  • Purchase an alarm system and advertise that fact on your exterior windows and doors.
  • Secure your doors and windows at all times, particularly at night.
  • Keep your window shades drawn, particularly near your Christmas tree. Gifts visible from street level provide huge temptation to thieves who may consider smashing the window to grab your packages.
  • Headed out of town for the holidays? Utilize lighting timers for both interior and exterior lights to ensure it appears to outsiders that someone is still at home.
  • After Christmas Day, don’t pile up empty gift boxes on the street for the garbage man, which simply informs burglars of the expensive gifts awaiting them inside your home.
  • Keep your homeowners insurance policy up-to-date.  

“Unfortunately, we don’t all possess the guile of Home Alone’s Kevin McCallister. It’s probably better and safer that way,” said Cohen. “By taking the above precautions, you can provide enough of a deterrent so that thieves leave your home alone.”

DirectBuy offers alarm systems and other items needed to protect your home during the holidays, all at direct insider prices. In addition, each DirectBuy club employs product specialists and designers who can help members select the system that works best for their home.

Conveniently located at 502 Sunport Lane, Suite 400, in Orlando, DirectBuy of Orlando offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club 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 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

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

Away from home or home alone, burglar-proof your house for the holidaysRead More

Testing, 1-2-3, testing… Home intercom systems provide security and entertainment.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

It’s difficult to think of an intercom system without conjuring up images of your old apartment and buzzing friends up. Yet a current trend with homeowners is to have an intercom system installed within the home. This not only gives homeowners a convenient way to communicate to household members in other rooms or on other floors but an added safety and security measure.

“Intercom systems can give you ears and, with some systems, eyes, as to what’s going on in your house,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County. “That can be valuable to parents with little ones or if there is an elderly member of the household who has trouble getting around.”

While an intercom system does enhance household communication, it can also provide an added layer of security for your home—both inside your house and outside. And with wireless options available, an intercom system can be relatively easy to install without being obtrusive.

One other perk to today’s intercom systems is that it gives you the option to play and project your favorite music throughout the house and even on your patio. Today’s intercom systems and speakers can rival most stereos.

“When you think of an intercom, it’s difficult not to think of it as a punch line in a sitcom, like Two and a Half  Men or, for those willing to admit being old enough remember, Carlton the Doorman from Rhoda, the Mary Tyler Moor Show spinoff,” said Vest. “An intercom system can be very useful in communicating with others, tightening up your security, and being a fun way to enjoy your favorite music.”

In addition to intercom systems, DirectBuy Club offers home furnishings and merchandise as well as items for home improvement projects to help all homeowners create their dream homes— at direct insider prices. DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you need some assistance in selecting products or taking on a home improvement project, you have seasoned professionals at your service.

For more information on DirectBuy Club, please visit www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

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 or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money 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. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 150 locations throughout North America.

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

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Northern Illinois, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, 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.

Testing, 1-2-3, testing… Home intercom systems provide security and entertainment.Read More

Webster One Source of Hanson and West Boylston Announces New Sign Service

Webster One Source, providers of fine commercial printing and complete mailing/fulfillment services, has recently announced they will provide the full range of commercial sign service at their Hanson and West Boylston locations.

Webster One Source has heavily invested in brand new signage equipment for the production of all types of commercial signs. Webster One Source has established a new Sign Department and will cater to commercial clients seeking all types of signage. The company can take care of all production, from removable custom wall and floor graphics, window signs, tradeshows and banners to POP and vehicle graphics. Webster One Source can print directly on any substrate from vinyl to wood, even glass and utilizes custom router cutting to any shape. They also provide service and installation.

A True Color House

Webster One Source is an independent, “brand insurance” graphics company that assures consistency whether producing printed matter via offset, digital or inkjet technology. Webster can die cut, route and automate the finishing work, which in turn allows them to offer the client more cost-effective pricing than their competitors.

The company plans on developing a sign showroom in each of their locations for customers who need hands-on consultation.

“Using the basketball term, the creation of signs is a ‘lay-up’ for us. We’re already providing comprehensive commercial print services to our clients and it just makes sense for us to meet their signage needs. Webster has become a true color house, which means we match color expertly across all offset, ink jet and digital platforms,” explained Ernie Foster, president of Webster One Source.

For more information, contact Webster One Source at 781-447-5484 or visit the website at websteronesource.com.

One Source. Unlimited Possibilities™

Since 1955, Webster One Source has provided fine commercial printing to local, regional and national clients. Led by Ernie Foster, a Worcester native, Webster One Source, was formerly known as Webster Printing and Mailing of Hanson and Webster Fulfillment of Worcester before the two merged in 2008.

Renowned as a “one-stop-shop” and named a “Boston Top 25 Printer” by the Boston Business Journal, Webster One Source’s niche is “space on demand” storage along with complete fulfillment “pick/pack” services. Their complete suite of services includes digital and offset printing; next generation online print solutions and e-procurement; commercial sign solutions; storage and fulfillment; distribution and warehousing; full-service bindery; integrated marketing support and complete direct mail solutions.

One of the first green printers in the area, Webster One Source is an FSC Certified printer. Additionally, the company has recently invested $3M in new environmentally friendly presses that use fewer chemicals and less energy.

Webster One Source is located at 1069 West Washington Street in Hanson and 100 Hartwell Street in West Boylston. For more information, contact the Hanson office at 781-447-5484 or West Boylston office at 508-835-6234 or visit www.websteronesource.com.

Webster One Source of Hanson and West Boylston Announces New Sign ServiceRead More

ATHENAEUM readies for Hingham’s first skate park, opening ahead of the park on November 26 at 10 at Hingham’s Derby Street Shoppes.

HINGHAM, MA…

ATHENAEUM, a completely new concept in retail skateboard and longboard stores, opens is doors on Black Friday, November 26, at Hingham’s Derby Street Shoppes.

ATHENAEUM opened its first store located in Boston 18 months ago. The new Hingham location is the beginning of an exciting growth plan for New England.  Over the next few years, several stores are projected to open in Massachusetts.

“We are very excited we will be open just a few short months ahead of Hingham’s first skatepark,” said Jeff Brink, Store Manager.  “The Derby Street Shoppes is a perfect location for us, just a few miles from the skate park.  The newly built park will attract families across the South Shore of Massachusetts and Cape Cod.  ATHENAEUM will blend well in the Derby Street community. We are bringing a truly high quality skateboard store to the community.”

Professional Riders and Top Brands

With professional riders at the helm, skaters, as well as their parents will be able to seek advice on their new set ups from riders they have come to idolize on popular media outlets like YouTube and Vimeo.  “Not only can I advise them on their components and then build their board, but I can send them out of the store with a free ATHENAEUM t-shirt signed by me!” said Dane Webber, a professional rider for Loaded Boards, who will co-manage the Hingham location.

The Hingham store will carry a very large skateboard and longboard inventory normally only found at the online stores.  More than 15 unique brands of skateboard decks including Plan B, Element, Girl, Foundation and Zoo York will be sold at ATHENAEUM.

The store opens at 10:00am with gifts for skaters…. and future skaters

The store opens at 10:00 am.  Free gifts will be offered, including ATHENAEUM t-shirts that can be signed by the pros, and ATHENAEUM stickers.  On-site digital photography and videography professionals will photograph fans.  “ATHENAEUM will be a welcome, fresh, retail use for the center,” said Carolyn Kennedy, Director of Lifestyle Centers, WS Development.  “It will not only fill the need for skateboarders using the newly built Steve Carson Skateboard Park, but create a new destination for all boarders on the South Shore.”

See more information on ATHENAEUM by visiting Twitter @ athenaeumstores, Facebook, or ATHENAEUM’s website.

About ATHENAEUM:  

With corporate headquarters in Boston, MA, ATHENAEUM reinvented the skateboard shopping experience by opening its first location in Boston, 18 months ago, exclusively carrying hard goods in quantities and selections only previously found online.  From store layout to exceptional customer service, to its lounge inspired atmosphere with it’s own Internet lounge, video gaming systems and huge flat screen TVs in each store.

ATHENAEUM is not just a store, but also a hangout, a learning center and a social club for skaters of all ages.

ATHENAEUM readies for Hingham’s first skate park, opening ahead of the park on November 26 at 10 at Hingham’s Derby Street Shoppes.Read More

$5 Fundraising Calendars Help Local Seniors in Crisis Situations

In an effort to raise money for seniors in crisis situations, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, is now offering Fundraising Calendars for $5 each.

Fundraising calendars are available throughout November, December and January. Proceeds from the calendars go towards food, fuel and medications for seniors who are on a fixed income and in a crisis situation. A total of $1,700 in cash prizes will be awarded beginning in February. One winner will be selected per day. Cash prize values vary. Winners will be notified by phone and posted online at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

To obtain a Fundraising Calendar, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 or send an email to LDallaire@oldcolonyelderservices.org.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

$5 Fundraising Calendars Help Local Seniors in Crisis SituationsRead More