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DirectBuy of Minneapolis awarded Top Renewal Club of the Year honors.

BLOOMINGTON, MN AND MERRILLVILLE, IN…

DirectBuy Club, the leading home improvement and home furnishings club with direct insider prices, recently announced at its International Sales & Service Conference in Dallas, Texas, that DirectBuy of Minneapolis had won the coveted Top Renewal Club of the Year award.

The Top Renewal Club award is presented to the DirectBuy Club with the highest percentage of renewals for both first-time members and subsequent renewals. DirectBuy of Minneapolis achieved an 83.7 percent renewal rate for 2009.

“Every Conference, DirectBuy of Minneapolis is always near the top in all our service awards. Last year they were DirectBuy’s Service Club of the Year for 2008, and this is their third year placing in the Top 5 in Member Renewals,” said Joe Tayon, DirectBuy Corporate’s Director of Merchandising-Home Improvement. “These accomplishments are truly a testament to the dedication and hard work of their staff and the commitment of the owners to build a strong service culture.”

DirectBuy of Minneapolis owners Darryn and Dana Fossand accepted the award onstage at the conference.

“Service is the key to retaining your members. Working to constantly improve customer service is something our service staff takes very seriously,” said co-owner Darryn Fossand. “This award really is a testimony to our staff. It is a team effort all the way as we strive to elevate the shopping experience for our members while continuing to provide them with tremendous selection and savings.”

DirectBuy of Minneapolis offers area residents thousands of items, including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions, and major appliances from more than 700 top manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. 

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy employs interior designers and product specialists who are specially trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishing, Home Improvement, Flooring, Accessories, and Entertainment/Outdoor.

DirectBuy of Minneapolis, conveniently located at 2090 W. 98th Street in Bloomington, is a 12,000 sq. foot showroom that offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting and design club where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

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 www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

DirectBuy of Minneapolis awarded Top Renewal Club of the Year honors.Read More

Power to the people… Social buying gives buying power to the consumers, but is this really a new trend?

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

In addition to becoming a daily ritual for millions worldwide, social media sites like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter have spawned additional trends. Most notably, group or social buying. But is this really new trend or simply a different spin on what membership clubs like DirectBuy, or wholesale membership clubs like BJ’s, Costco, and others have been doing for decades?

For those of you not in the know, each day group buying sites like Groupon.com, LivingSocial.com, and many others advertise products or services at deeply discounted rates. Usually the offerings are for a specific geographic region (e.g. – a day at a local spa); however, the discount only becomes valid when a pre-determined number of buyers has been reached.

“The Internet has made the world a much smaller place and it’s helped consumers realize that there is strength in numbers and they do have far more bargaining power than they realized,” said Mike Georgeff of DirectBuy. “The irony is that it’s a power consumers have had for years through DirectBuy – and not just in a certain geographical area or on certain products.”

Since 1971, DirectBuy Club has helped its members save literally thousands of dollars on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories – by purchasing direct from hundreds of brands. The similarities between DirectBuy and the social buying craze end at buying power. At DirectBuy, members have access to:

  • A wide range of products to choose from, while social buying sites typically offer only one product or service per region per day.
  • Product and design specialists to answer questions and make suggestions that will help them to complete their projects.
  • Professional design, delivery, and installation services.
  • No quotas needed to make a purchase. For example, if members want to buy a new refrigerator, they do not need a certain number of members to also commit to purchasing the very same refrigerator.
  • A no retail mark-up model. DirectBuy Club members pay a membership fee to have access to these savings, as opposed to paying retail markup on every product, resulting in significant savings. For many members, particularly those planning a home renovation project, the membership fee is recouped in savings fairly quickly, and in many cases, several times over.

“We saved more than 50 percent on the purchase of our bathroom fixtures, shower, and toilets,” said Jason and Laura Gilbert, members of DirectBuy of Chattanooga. ”That was a savings of $1000 over our membership dues on our first purchase.” “

While DirectBuy’s form of group buying has nearly four decades of staying power, it remains to be seen how the newest crop of group buying Internet portals will fare. Still, it has changed the landscape for consumers.

“Gone are the days when 10 percent off coupons are going to raise people’s heart rate,” said Andrew Begley, a social buying blogger on Sitewire.com. “Admittedly, the extreme 50-80 percent off deals seen on Groupon are not likely a viable long term play, but businesses should consider this option in terms of volume selling, inventory liquidations, net new customer acquisition and as loss leader.”

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 www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

Power to the people… Social buying gives buying power to the consumers, but is this really a new trend?Read More

Open House at South Shore Skin Center’s New Plymouth Location a Success – More than 130 in attendance

Open House
Maryellen Maguire Eisen, RN, Nicole Giardino and Dr. Emily Tierney at South Shore Skin Center's Open House

More than 130 attended the Open House held at South Shore Skin Center in Plymouth. The Open House celebrated the Grand Opening of South Shore Skin Center’s brand new 6,600 square-foot dermatology office and cosmetic spa located at One Scobee Circle in Plymouth.

The practitioners at South Shore Skin Center unveiled 12 state-of-the-art medical and surgical rooms and a brand new cosmetic dermatology spa to attendees including fellow physicians, patients, associates, friends and family members of the staff. A number of pharmaceutical representatives that the practice works closely with were also in attendance including Leslie Baginski from Medicis (Restylane, Perlane, and Dysport), Loralie Hunt from Sanofi-Aventis (Sculptra), John Hinton from Merk, Suzanne Abbott from Dusa and Nicole Abadier from PhotoMedex.

Dr. Ramzi Saad and Dr. Richard Eisen were pleased to introduce Dr. Emily Tierney a Board Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Micrographic Surgeon who recently joined the practice, to all who attended the Open House.

In the cosmetic dermatology spa, Christina Alves of Pure Fiji, which is the newest line in organic spa products that South Shore Skin carries, provided guests with complimentary hand massages with Pure Fiji’s intensive hydrating and nourishing lotion.
Guests also enjoyed special raffle prizes and the fine cuisine of caterer Maureen Kelly of Hingham.

South Shore Skin Center would like to thank the representatives who attended the event and the organizations that generously donated product for the event including: Beth Cadigan from SkinCeuticals who donated 200 individually packaged product samples and three lovely gift packages; Dorothy Ross from SkinMedica who donated samples and three packaged gift sets of SkinMedica products; Cristen Mercer-Sanchez who donated four Rapid Lash; Christina Alves from Pure Fiji donated three gift kits, as well as 200 samples. Additionally, Neutrogena, Cetaphil and Aveeno representatives contributed numerous full size products for the raffle and DelRay and Fallene donated sunscreen samples.

According to Dr. Saad, “The Open House was a terrific event and we’d like to thank everyone who helped make it a success.”

South Shore Skin Center

South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services. The practice has attained and maintained an “A” rating on Angies List Health.

Having outgrown their previous office at Resnik Road in Plymouth, South Shore Skin Center relocated to the 6,600 square-foot third floor of One Scobee Circle in Plymouth. The practice has a staff of 38 comprised of five physicians including Dr. Richard Eisen, Dr. Ramzi Saad, Dr. Katherine Ayers, Dr. Emily Tierney and Dr. William Stocker; four physician assistants; two cosmetic nurse specialists; two estheticians and other staff members.

South Shore Skin Center’s cosmetic services include Fraxel re:pair and re:store; Gentle YAG, innovative Laser, IPL (Intense Pulsed 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, Radiesse, Sculptra, wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels. Anti-Aging and Cosmetic treatments are both safer and more effective when administered at a physician’s office such as South Shore Skin Center and Spa.

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

Open House at South Shore Skin Center’s New Plymouth Location a Success – More than 130 in attendanceRead More

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Tasty Fundraiser for Meals on Wheels Program on June 26

Due to budget cuts and a greater number of elders needing meal assistance, the non-profit Old Colony Elder Services has come up with a unique way to raise money for the Nutrition Program, which
runs the Meals on Wheels and congregate meal sites. OCES will hold a “Cooking for a Cause” family-friendly event on June 26th from 11 AM-4 PM at the Middleboro Council on Aging, 558 Plymouth St., Middleboro.

Attendees will be able to sample tasty cuisine from area restaurants including: Burrito Wraps of Brockton, RooBar in Plymouth, Veronica’s Treats of Middleboro, Mike’s House of Pizza in Hanson, Lindley Food Service of Connecticut (the caterer for Meals on Wheels), Stop & Shop, Hideaway Restaurant in Middleboro and the Middleboro Council on Aging. There will be entertainment by the Baha Brothers and face painting for the kids. Raffles will also be held. Prizes include: signed sports memorabilia; museum and zoo passes; amusement and water park passes; vineyard tours; transportation packages to Cape Cod islands; restaurant gift certificates; whale watch tickets, Boston sightseeing tour tickets; artwork, a large dollhouse designed by a local crafter, home decor and many other items.

Tickets to the event are $15 for Adults, $12 for Seniors, $7 for 10 & Under. For tickets, call OCES (508) 584-1561. Tickets will also be available at the door.

“Because of increasing costs and budget cuts, OCES cannot keep up with the demand of the growing senior population and increasing needs without other funding sources. The competition for grants is tough and we needed to find a way to raise the additional funds necessary to keep the Nutrition Program running. To serve the growing number of seniors who rely on Meals on Wheels and the congregate meal sites, it is imperative that we have an initiative in place so no senior goes hungry,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Sponsors include Anodyne Medical Services of Quincy, Home Instead of Bridgewater and Bayada Nurses of Plymouth.

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.

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Tasty Fundraiser for Meals on Wheels Program on June 26Read More

Emily P. Tierney, MD Joins South Shore Skin Center of Cohasset and Plymouth

Emily Tierney, M.D.

South Shore Skin Center, one of the most progressive dermatology practices in Massachusetts with offices in Cohasset and Plymouth, is pleased to announce Emily P. Tierney, M.D., a Board Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Micrographic Surgeon, has recently joined the practice.

Dr. Tierney is specialty-trained in Mohs Micrographic surgery as well as cosmetic, medical and surgical dermatology and will treat patients at South Shore Skin Center’s Cohasset and Plymouth offices. The lower level of the Scobee Circle building in Plymouth will be occupied by South Shore Skin Center’s Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

Dr. Tierney will also care for medical and cosmetic dermatology patients. The wide range of cosmetic treatments Dr. Tierney provides includes innovative Fraxel (CO2 ) Laser, Laser Skin Resurfacing, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), Photodynamic therapy, Thermage and Gentle YAG. She will also consult with patients on anti-aging treatments such as Botox, Radiesse, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, Sculptra and other wrinkle fillers.

Dr. Tierney completed her dermatology residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and her Mohs surgical and procedural dermatology fellowship at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana She is a graduate of Stanford University School of Medicine and is currently a dermatologist on staff at Jordan Hospital in Plymouth as well as the Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Mohs Micrographic Surgery at Boston University School of Medicine.

Dr. Tierney has received many honors and awards over the years and most recently received the Richard B. Aronsohn, M.D. Founder’s Award for the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery.

South Shore Skin Center

South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services. The practice has attained and maintained an “A” rating on Angies List Health.

Having outgrown their previous office at Resnik Road in Plymouth, South Shore Skin Center has recently relocated to the 6,600 square-foot third floor of One Scobee Circle in Plymouth.

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, Radiesse, Sculptra and other wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels. Anti-Aging and Cosmetic treatments are both safer and more effective when administered at a physician’s office such as South Shore Skin Center and Spa.

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

Emily P. Tierney, MD Joins South Shore Skin Center of Cohasset and PlymouthRead More

Love Story II…How to get back into the dating game after a long marriage.

NORWELL, MA…

They may have been the inspiration for the movie Love Story, but after 40 years of marriage, Al and Tipper Gore are calling it quits. Unusual that a couple married that long is getting a divorce? Not as much as many might think.

“You’ve heard the 40 is the new 30? Well with people living longer, 60 is going to more like the old 45,” said Paul Falzone, CEO of eLove, one of the world’s largest online dating and  matchmaking services. “At 60, people realize they could live another 20 30 years and they make the choice not to stay in an unhappy marriage rather than ride it out.”

While some people may divorce at a later age to get away from their current spouse, it begs the question of whether there can be a sequel to Love Story?

“Yes, yes and yes,” said Falzone, once divorced and now happily remarried for several years. “Being older and going through a divorce really is no different than somebody who’s 30. It’s not a life experience you wanted, but it happens. Now, after licking your wounds, you’re ready to get out there and see if you can find a Love Story with a happier ending.”

For many, it’s not that easy. It could have been years, even decades since you last actively sought a date. So, where do you start?

Falzone recommends:

●       Going slow – perhaps it’s a cliché, but a divorce is a life-altering event and you do need some time to heal.

●       Avoid the bar scene – Getting out with friends and co-workers as a way to re-enter the social scene but don’t do it as a way to meet potential dates.

●       Get fit – Being ready to date again means feeling good about yourself. Starting an exercise program or going to a gym can begin that process of feeling good about  you again.

●       Be wary of dating at work – it’s natural for you to be close to people you work with, particularly if they’ve helped you through a tough time. Just be careful before entering into a relationship or even dating somebody at the office.

●       Networking – While being set up might not be your idea of getting back into the dating game, if you’re looking it couldn’t hurt to let people in your social or professional network know that you are interested in meeting new people.

●       The ex – It’s safe to say that dwelling on the ex will not do much good in dating new people. Just remember that you’re dating again for you, not to get back at him/her or to find somebody before he or she does.

●       Take your time before introducing your dates to friends and, especially family – if you think your divorce is an adjustment for you, it’s also one for family, friends and your children—even if they’re adults. Wait before introducing your date to them.

“No matter what your age, no matter how long you were married, getting back into the dating game doesn’t have to be scary. It can actually be an exciting time of your new life but you want to do it for the right reasons and be able to enjoy it,” said Falzone. “Take it slow, be open and upbeat, and you can find love again.”

For a free copy of Paul A. Falzone’s book “eLove: A Singles Guide”, please visit www.elovesuccess.com.                                                                                                               

eLove is all you need

eLove, the next evolution in dating, has arrived.  eLove is the first “life stage company” within the dating industry to provide different levels of dating services, from internet to traditional matchmaking, based on how serious singles are about meeting their soul mate.  Never before has a dating service catered so completely to everyone regardless of their age, sex, or relationship goals. With matchmaking offices in 21 states and an online dating network of more than three million singles worldwide, eLove is everything that singles have been wishing for whether they are looking for casual dating or a serious, committed relationship.

eLove’s Matchmaking Service offices are located in:  Arkansas (Bentonville, Fort Smith, Little Rock); California (Palo Alto, Sacramento, Walnut Creek); Connecticut (Glastonbury, Stamford); Illinois (Chicago, Downers Grove, Normal, Northbrook, Rockford); Indiana (Carmel, Ft. Wayne); Kansas (Overland Park, Wichita); Kentucky (Louisville); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Massachusetts (Newton, Norwell, Shrewsbury, Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms); Missouri (Springfield, St. Louis); Nebraska (Lincoln, Omaha); New Jersey (Saddle Brook); Nevada (Las Vegas); Ohio (Cincinnati); Oklahoma (Oklahoma City, Tulsa); Pennsylvania (Mechanicsburg); Rhode Island (Warwick); South Carolina (Greenville); Tennessee (Memphis, Franklin); Texas (Austin, San Antonio); Virginia (Falls Church, Richmond); Wisconsin (Appleton, Elm Grove, Madison).

For more information on eLove, visit www.elove.com.

Love Story II…How to get back into the dating game after a long marriage.Read More

A 10 in Naperville. DirectBuy of DuPage County celebrates 10 years in business.

NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS…

For 10 years, DirectBuy of DuPage County has been offering consumers in the greater Chicago area a brand new way to save on home improvement projects, furnishings, and accessories.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of DuPage County offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers at direct insider prices.

“A lot has changed in our 10 years in business,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County. “For example, if you said ‘green’ 10 years ago, most people thought you were talking about color. Now, being green is about energy efficiency and environmentally friendly, and that’s one area we’ve been able to help our members by providing the resources to make greener purchases.”

In addition to its regular schedule of kitchen and bath remodeling seminars, DirectBuy of DuPage County recently began hosting green energy seminars for its members. The most recent seminar focused on ways members could take advantage of the government’s rebate for trading in older appliances for new, energy efficient models. To recognize their members’ green efforts, DirectBuy of DuPage County donated 100 trees to the Arbor Day Foundation’s “Replanting Our Nation’s Forests” program.

Beyond its informational programs and the tremendous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories, DirectBuy Club also offers design and delivery services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services, many times at a discounted rate.

“DirectBuy Club helps our members stretch their dollars further. That’s become very important as homeowners are investing more in their current homes rather than testing a tricky real estate market,” said Vest. “Our tenth anniversary is a great time to reflect on the members we’ve been able to help in that regard and to look forward to how many more we can help in the coming years.”

Conveniently located at 1864 High Grove Lane, Suite 124 in Naperville, Illinois, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://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 Hoffman Estates, 2200 Stonington Ave Ste. 150, Hoffman Estates, IL; 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 Lake County, 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 Club membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

A 10 in Naperville. DirectBuy of DuPage County celebrates 10 years in business.Read More

The Bridge Center to host annual golf tournament at Old Scotland Links and Lakeville Country Club on July 19

Deadline for entry extended to June 30

BRIDGEWATER, MASS.

The Bridge Center, a non-profit (501)(c)( 3) recreation center that serves children with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, will host its 19th annual Golf Classic on Monday, July 19, 2010 at the Olde Scotland Links in Bridgewater, Mass. and the Lakeville Country Club in Lakeville, Mass.

A scramble format will be in play for the Classic. Entry fee is $250 per person and includes golf fees, cart, prizes, lunch and buffet dinner. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to The Bridge Center. Of the $250 entrée fee, $175 is tax deductible.

“The Golf Classic is the largest fundraiser we hold every year and is always well attended, which is why we’re holding it on two courses,” said Jenn Harber, The Bridge Center’s Executive Director. “In the past, this event has sold out, so anybody interested in playing for a great cause should sign up by June 30.”

Interested golfers can register for the Classic online on The Bridge Center’s Web site at http://www.thebridgectr.org. If you can’t make the golf tournament, you can attend the dinner for $75, including cocktails. Registration for dinner is also done via The Bridge Center’s Web site.

In addition to the golf tournament, a live auction will be held during dinner. Channel 5’s Susan Wornick, a longtime supporter of The Bridge Center, will be the guest auctioneer.

If you own a business and are interested in sponsoring the Golf Classic, you can get more information by clicking on the Golf Classic link on The Bridge Center’s home page.

About The Bridge Center

The Bridge Center, which is the new name for Handi Kids, was founded by the Knights of Pythias in 1963. The Bridge Center’s beautiful 20-acre campus is located in Bridgewater, MA and provides accessible play and skill-building activities for all children regardless of the nature or severity of their disability. Year-round activities include nine weeks of summer camp, therapeutic horseback riding, school vacation camps, holiday parties, Saturday programs, teen programs, vocational training, after-school activities and family support groups. 

The Bridge Center also offers carefully designed summer programs and social skills groups designed to meet the social and behavioral needs of children with Asperger’s Syndrome, High Functioning Autism and related challenges.

If you’d like to learn more about The Bridge Center’s programs or are interested in becoming a supporter, please call (508) 697-7557 or send an e-mail to info@TheBridgeCtr.org.

The Bridge Center to host annual golf tournament at Old Scotland Links and Lakeville Country Club on July 19Read More

Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation and South Shore Skin Center Educate Families on Sun Safety & Skin Cancer Prevention at Weymouth Special Olympics

Mimi Svenning, Assistant Director of the Children's Melanoma Prevention Foundation and Lori Skinner, RN from South Shore Skin Center on site educating children and parents at recent Special Olympics at Weymouth High School.

The Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation of Hingham and South Shore Skin Center, one of the most progressive dermatology practices serving thousands of patients at their Cohasset and Plymouth offices, teamed up at the Special Olympics held last week at Weymouth High School to educate children and their families about skin cancer prevention and sun safety .

Armed with one gallon of Blue Lizard sunscreen, Don’t Fry Day handouts and knowledge to share, Mimi Svenning, Assistant Director of the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation and Lori Skinner, RN of South Shore Skin Center who is a board member of Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation, educated attendees on proper sunscreen application and ways to protect themselves in the sun.

This sun safety and skin cancer prevention event at the Special Olympics was part of the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation’s Don’t Fry Day line-up of events. Don’t Fry Day (celebrated across the U.S. on May 28th ) is an initiative sponsored by the National Council of Skin Cancer Prevention (NCSCP) meant to raise awareness of sun safety.

According to Skinner, “I was so pleased to be able to educate parents about proper sunscreen use. There are a lot of misconceptions about sunscreen efficacy. I was able to teach many parents about sunscreen key ingredients and that it needs to be reapplied every two hours despite the SPF.”

One of the teachers at the Special Olympics commented that it was fortunate that Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation tent was on hand, as many children and adults needed to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.

“Our mission is to teach children and their caretakers about prevention and early detection of skin cancer. We must remember that skin cancer is the most common of all cancers and that one person dies every hour from this preventable and easily recognizable disease,” explained Maryellen Maguire-Eisen, RN, MSN, Director of the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation.

Dr. Richard Eisen, M.D., dermatologist at South Shore Skin Center and Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation Medical Director said, “This was the second annual Don’t Fry Day and we made it our business to get out into the community to teach the public about skin cancer prevention.”

Don’t Fry Day handouts with sun safety tips are available at South Shore Skin Center’s offices and also online at www.melanomaprevention.org. Coolibar was the sponsor of this event and provided the complimentary sunscreen.

About Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation
The Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation is a non-profit educational foundation established in 2003 to deliver a comprehensive sun safety and melanoma awareness program, free of charge, to school children in Massachusetts. The Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation was created to aggressively focus attention on the need to teach prevention or sun protection to children and their caregivers. The foundation’s SunAWARE Program is delivered primarily to children in elementary and high schools and teaches both skin cancer prevention and early detection. A “Don’t Fry Day” handout is available on their website. For more information, visit www.melanomaprevention.org or contact 781-875-1SPF (1773).

South Shore Skin Center

South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services. The practice has attained and maintained an “A” rating on Angies List Health.

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, Radiesse, Sculptra and other wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels. Anti-Aging and Cosmetic treatments are both safer and more effective when administered at a physician’s office such as South Shore Skin Center and Spa.

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

Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation and South Shore Skin Center Educate Families on Sun Safety & Skin Cancer Prevention at Weymouth Special OlympicsRead More