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Old Colony Elder Services Sponsors Event on June 15th at Brockton City Hall to Raise Awareness of Elder Abuse and Neglect

June 15, 2010 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD),and Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), is sponsoring a special event that day at Brockton City Hall to create greater awareness of elder abuse and neglect.

Mayor Linda Balzotti will commemorate the day at the Brockton City Hall event which is being held from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Opening remarks will be made by Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES and speakers include: Ann Hartstein, Secretary of Elder Affairs; Timothy Cruz, Plymouth County District Attorney; Tom Donahue, Brockton Elder Police Officer; Deborah Fogarty, Director of Protective Services; Patricia Foley, Protective Services Intake Specialist and Terri Kourtz, Protective Services Supervisor.

During the event, an elder’s story will be read and ribbons and educational material will be given out. OCES staff will recognize the importance of the day by wearing the color purple.

The event is open to the public and will be held at Brockton City Hall at 45 School Street at 2:30 p.m.

According to the World Health Organization, the population of those aged 60 and over will more than double by 2025. As the elder population grows, so will the number of elder abuse cases.

Elder Abuse ranges from physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse to neglect. OCES outlines warning signs of abuse from the National Center for Elder Abuse.

Physical Abuse ‐ Slap marks, unexplained bruises, most pressure marks, and certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns

Neglect ‐ Pressure ulcers, filth, lack of medical care, malnutrition or dehydration

Emotional Abuse ‐ Withdrawal from normal activities, unexplained changes in alertness, or other unusual behavioral changes

Sexual Abuse ‐ Bruises around the breasts or genital area and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases

Financial Abuse/Exploitation ‐ Sudden change in finances and accounts, altered wills and trusts, unusual bank withdrawals, checks written as “loans” or “gifts,” and loss of property

During the last 11 months, OCES has helped 794 abused or neglected elders within their service area. OCES has a Protective Services staff of 11 with 71 years of combined experience. The Protective Services department helps elders who have been victims of abuse by providing resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.

To report suspected elder abuse or neglect, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 or the statewide Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.

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 Sponsors Event on June 15th at Brockton City Hall to Raise Awareness of Elder Abuse and NeglectRead More

DirectBuy of Little Rock rises to the top, wins top awards at DirectBuy’s International Conference

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS…

For the more than 1800 attendees at DirectBuy’s 2010 International Sales & Service Conference – held in Dallas, Texas, May 23-26 – the three days of awards, education, and team-building sessions were informative, inspiring, and energizing. But for the 20 representatives from DirectBuy of Little Rock, the 2010 Conference proved magical, as the club not only took home DirectBuy’s most prestigious honor, Club of the Year, but they also wrapped up the company’s Rising Star award, presented to new franchise owners who demonstrate excellence in their first year of ownership.

Never before in company history has a franchise taken both honors in the same year, and to top it off, DirectBuy of Little Rock also earned Top 5 Sales Club of the Year honors and a 5-Star Customer Service Rating award. “Conference was wonderful beyond all of our wildest dreams – we knew it would be exciting, but it was very meaningful and humbling to share it with our staff,” said Phil Schmidt, owner of DirectBuy of Little Rock. “We achieved what we did as a team, and it was an incredibly emotional experience for all of us.”

To earn Club of the Year honors, a DirectBuy franchise must demonstrate excellence in customer service, business operations, and membership sales. Since taking ownership of the franchise in April of 2008, franchise owners Phil and Paula Schmidt and Rand Falbaum have shown unbridled enthusiasm and dedication to helping families through DirectBuy. “Without a doubt, Little Rock, the franchise owners, and their staff have earned these awards through hard work and commitment,” said DirectBuy Corporate Executive Vice President Bart Fesperman. “They are true go-getters and innovators and have a passion not just for helping members, but also their community.”

DirectBuy of Little Rock is now preparing for the year ahead, setting their sights high for personal achievements and team accolades at next year’s International Sales & Service Conference. “We’ve worked hard to become a successful club by making sure our members’ experiences exceed their expectations,” said Paula Schmidt. “We always invite member feedback, and will continue implementing improvements and additional benefits as our members let us know what they want.”

Since opening in 2008, DirectBuy of Little Rock has helped consumers enjoy savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Conveniently located at 10303 Colonel Glenn Road, Suite 1-0, Little Rock, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting where members finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy Club

Consumers interested in joining DirectBuy are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s business model and the benefits of buying direct. The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise.

Since 1971, DirectBuy Club has been showing hundreds of 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 offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the United States, and more than 500 in Canada.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

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 Little Rock rises to the top, wins top awards at DirectBuy’s International ConferenceRead More

Together We Win! First-ever Old Sandwich Road Race a success from start to finish.

Old Sandwich Road Race Director Craig Valentine Brenner congratulates Half Marathon winner Chris Mahoney.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

The very premise of a race is that there are winners and then the rest of the field. With the first ever Old Sandwich Road Race, which took place Sunday, June 6, everybody won. Okay, that’s perhaps a glass-is-half-full look, but it’s difficult to argue with the success of the first-year race, part of which took place on America’s oldest road—Old Sandwich Road in Plymouth.

Chris Mahoney of Haverhill, a former Plymouth resident and 1996 graduate of Plymouth South High School won the Men’s Half Marathon with a time of 1:16:53. Kim Mendell of Concord, Massachusetts won the Women’s Half Marathon with a time of 1:32:50—both won $200 for their victory. The winners for the Entergy Pilgrim10K were Wesley Gardner of South Boston for the men (39:35) and Heather Barna of Somerville (46:27), with each winning $100.

Today, Race Director Craig Brenner announced the top three finishers in each race and the first finisher in each age group will be invited back to show their stuff in the 2011 race and receive a complimentary bib number.

Here are the top three finishers for each race, men’s and women’s:

Men’s Half Marathon:

  1. Chris Mahoney, age 32, Haverhill, MA, 1:16:53
  2. Stephen Infascelli, age 31, Plymouth, MA,  1:24:22
  3. Bob Ruel, age 57, Whitman, MA 1:25:27

 Women’s Half Marathon:

  1. Kim Mendell, age 33, Concord, MA, 1:32:50
  2. Shannon Knight, age 37, Boston, MA,  1:36:16
  3. Adrienne Bolger, age 23, Cambridge, MA, 1:39:19

 Men’s 10k:

  1. Wesley Gardner, age 25, South Boston, MA, 39:35
  2. George Marr, age 35, East Greenwich, RI,  41:15
  3. Michael Paul, age 50, Plymouth, MA   44:40

 Women’s 10k

  1. Heather Barna, age 39, Somerville, MA, 46:27
  2. Margaret Hallowell, age 45, Boston, MA, 46:39 
  3. Erin Porter, age 31, Duxbury, MA, 47:29 

“Congratulations to our winners and everybody who competed in the first Old Sandwich Road Race, including all the children who ran in the Kids Classic,” said Craig Valentine Brenner, race director for the Old Sandwich Road Race. “It may sound cliché, but there were far more victories and winners in this race than the runners who crossed the line first. For a first-year race to come together the way this did, everybody is a winner.”

Some of the significant highlights of the first Old Sandwich Road Race include:

  • 550 registered participants in both races; 14 in the Kids Classic.
  • Demographics of runners – in addition to runners from the South Shore and greater Boston area, the Old Sandwich Road Race included runners from Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island  and Western Massachusetts, Germany, Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
  • Strong representation from local sponsors–Entergy, Bayside Runner, the Village Racquet & Fitness Club at the Pinehills, Governor Bradford Inn and Radius Health Partners.

“Based on what we learned this year, I think we set the stage for next year’s race, taking one step further towards the Old Sandwich Road Race being a destination race for seasoned runners looking for a challenging course and a fun place to spend a weekend and visit local attractions, hotels, restaurants and other businesses,” said Brenner.

One hundred percent of the profits from the Old Sandwich Road Race will go to The Home for Little Wanderers’ Baird Center School in Plymouth. The Baird Center School is a year-round residential and day school treatment program for youth aged 10-18 with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, educational and psychiatric issues. Adding yet another historical element to the Old Sandwich Road Race, The Home for Little Wanderers is the nation’s oldest non-profit child and family service agency, with roots dating back to 1799.

Originally a trail used by the Wampanoag Native American tribe, Old Sandwich Road later became the nation’s first true public road and a stagecoach route to ferry passengers and mail back and forth between the Massachusetts towns of Plymouth and Sandwich. Today, the road remains pretty much as the Pilgrims left it–a wide, scenic, dirt road bordered by beautiful tall pine trees and towering oaks.

You can visit the Old Sandwich Road Race Web site at http://www.oldsandwichroadrace.com. The Old Sandwich Road Race also has pages on Facebook and Twitter. If you or your company is interested in sponsoring next year’s race, please contact Craig Valentine Brenner at 617-680-4230 or info@oldsandwichroadrace.com.

Together We Win! First-ever Old Sandwich Road Race a success from start to finish.Read More

DirectBuy Featured at Response Expo 2010

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, AND MERRILLVILLE, INDIANA…

David Lee of DirectBuy

David Lee, director of marketing for DirectBuy Corporate in Merrillville, Indiana, recently spoke at the Response Expo 2010 at the Hilton San Diego Bay Front in San Diego, California.

During the three-day expo, Lee, along with Eric Franchi, senior vice president of business development for Undertone Networks, delivered a presentation on generating leads and closing sales. As part of this exclusive session, Lee and Franchi focused on how DirectBuy Club leverages online ad networks as well as  direct response television, print, and radio ads to generate leads and ultimately sales.

“It was a great opportunity to be able to speak at Response Expo 2010. As a featured case study, we were able to share some of our tested and proven strategies in regards to managing a diversified marketing matrix,” said Lee. “Additionally, we offered insights on the importance of monitoring and optimizing campaign results through a number of metrics including lead scoring.”

The keynote speaker for the Expo, held from May 11 through 13, was Sir Bob Geldoff, founder of BandAid Trust. A member of the Boomtown Rats, one of the early punk/new wave bands of the 1970s, Geldoff is best known for his humanitarian efforts in coordinating the LiveAid concerts in 1985 and 2005 and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize on numerous occasions.

Presented by the Direct Response Marketing Alliance (DRMA) and Response magazine, Response Expo 2010 brings together key decision-makers and industry leaders from the corporate marketing arena and direct response spectrum. In addition to its roster of speakers, Response Expo 2010 featured a full track of educational sessions, a bustling expo hall floor of exhibitors, and numerous networking events.

“This year’s Expo was phenomenal. Being able to exchange ideas and network with many of the best and brightest minds in the direct response industry is invaluable,” said Lee. “I know that the information I received will help DirectBuy’s marketing efforts moving forward. Hopefully, the attendees of the DirectBuy case study will be able to apply some of the insights they received from us as well.”  

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 Featured at Response Expo 2010Read More

Your new travel guide…Marilyn Holstein opens Best of North Fork Resort Maps franchise.

Marilyn Holstein
Marilyn Holstein, owner of The North Fork Resort Map

PECONIC, NEW YORK; AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of nearly 100 customized travel maps across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently announced Marilyn Holstein as the owner of the new Resort Map to be published on the North Fork of Long Island. The map will include all key destinations between Riverhead and Orient Point.

Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of towns and cities, distributed free to area visitors at travel information and rest areas as well as at advertiser locations. The Best of North Fork map will highlight local attractions and things to do, restaurants, vineyards, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services on the North Fork. Each advertiser on the map will be represented with a display ad surrounding the perimeter of the map, including a color-coded grid locator and their actual building hand-drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate. 

“I first learned about Resort Maps when I visited Newport several years ago. The map was like my Bible and I never went anywhere without it,” said Holstein. “As somebody who’s been a regular visitor to North Fork for more than 25 years, I’ve never seen any maps that come close to showcasing local attractions and businesses like Resort Maps. Tourists and residents alike are going to love how Resort Maps displays the many places and things there are to do and see from Riverhead to Orient Point.”

Prior to owning a Resort Maps franchise, Holstein had a career spanning two decades in magazine publishing, including stints and Condé Nast Publications and Advanstar Communications. Most recently, she was the managing editor of Newsweek Budget Travel, where she directed the editorial operations of Budget Travel magazine and the new launch, Girlfriend Getaways.

“I’m extremely excited about this opportunity. I’m a member of several wine clubs on the North Fork and recently joined the North Fork Chamber of Commerce and the feedback has all been extremely positive,” said Holstein.

Slated for an August 2010 distribution, The North Fork Resort Map will offer a treasure trove of things to do for people vacationing in the area or just out East for a day or two. Resort Maps free ‘souvenir style’ maps will be on display at local advertisers’ shops but also at many non-advertiser locations throughout the North Fork region.

The North Fork Resort Map will also be available on-line at www.resortmaps.com, along with interactive maps to all the areas that Resort Maps covers. These interactive maps allow the viewer to read a description of each business as they scroll over each building and to connect to the website of the business for further information. 

For information on how to advertise on the initial Best of North Fork Resort Map, you can e-mail Marilyn Holstein at marilynh@resortmaps.com or call 631-655-2773.

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to over 98 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. Twenty million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2010.

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Eagle River, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), , Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Chatham-Orleans, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Traverse City, Northern Michigan), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York (The North Fork, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs, The Hamptons,), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, The Main Line), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) and Virginia (Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra).

Your new travel guide…Marilyn Holstein opens Best of North Fork Resort Maps franchise.Read More

Makeovers Salon + Spa’s Record Breaking Number of Prom “Do’s”

As owners of one of the largest salon and spas under one roof in Massachusetts, Edward and Norah Blum, internationally recognized, award-winning designers know they need a solid game plan for prom season.

This year, the number of prom hairstyle masterpieces created at the Blum’s Easton based Makeovers Salon & Spa topped every year previous – with more than 60 senior prom clients in one afternoon.

“Each year, we outdo ourselves with the sheer number of prom hair-dos that we create. The atmosphere in the salon on prom day is just electrified – it’s an amazing experience. We have a staff of 85, and half of our designers work on prom clients all day,” explained Blum.

Easton’s senior student body is comprised of more than 250 seniors. According to Blum, “Our salon caters to a large number of these students. The demand for stunning hairstyles is pretty significant and we’re able to easily meet that challenge year after year.”

Tayla Smith, a Senior Stylist at Makeovers noted, “The most popular prom hair style this year was the teased and curled ponytail. Almost every senior girl wanted a side swept, loose curl configuration reminiscent of the Red Carpet Events held this year. These styles are just breathtaking and the process is really something to see.”

About Makeovers Salon & Spa
Makeovers Salon & Spa is owned by the internationally recognized, award-winning designers Edward and Norah Blum. As one of the largest salon and spa in Massachusetts, Makeovers Salon & Spa is a 13,200 square foot “paradise” with 26 styling stations, nine large treatment rooms and a staff of more than 80 providing hair styling and coloring; nail and spa services. Makeovers Salon & Spa has been honored 15 times with “First Place Reader’s Choice Award” in all beauty categories.

Every member of Makeovers Salon & Spa hair design team undergoes an intensive two years of training at the salon. The majority of the salon’s design professionals have been with the company for at least 15 years. Makeovers Salon & Spa designers travel to New York for training in the latest color and cutting techniques each Spring and the salon frequently hosts renowned international guest trainers. Services offered at the Day Spa include facials, laser treatments, massage, manicures/pedicures, wraps, body treatments, waxing, reflexology and aromatherapy. Makeovers offers a range of Day Spa packages including special Day of Beauty, Bridal, Groom’s, Couples and Men’s packages, as well as the ability to host private parties from 4 to 40. Their line of high quality products include G.M. Collin and Glymed Spa products, Glominerals Makeup and Wella, Sebastian, Rene Furtier, Alterna and Icon hair care products.

Most recently, Makeovers Salon & Spa was the set for the Disney pilot, “Postcards from Heaven” with medium Maureen Hancock and casting calls with ‘The Rock’.

Makeovers Salon & Spa is located at 574 Washington Street in Easton, MA. For more information, visit the website at www.makeoverssalon.com or contact (508) 238-1211.

Makeovers Salon + Spa’s Record Breaking Number of Prom “Do’s”Read More

Your new travel guides…Bill Grace takes over Best of Plymouth Resort Maps and Best of Newburyport Resort Maps operations.

logo for Resort MapsNEWBURYPORT AND PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 98 customized travel maps across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently announced Bill Grace as the new owner of their Plymouth and Newburyport, Massachusetts operations. The Concord, Mass. resident took over the publishing of the two maps for Anne Monti, effective March 29, 2010.

Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of towns and cities, distributed free to area visitors at travel information and rest areas as well at advertiser locations. The Best of Plymouth and Best of Newburyport maps highlight local attractions and things to do, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services in the two towns. Each advertiser on the map is represented with a display ad surrounding the perimeter of the map, including a color-coded grid locator and their actual building hand-drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate. 

“Resort Maps offers a good product and has a long history of satisfied customers,” said Grace. “I feel very fortunate to have come across this opportunity and am looking forward to continuing the success of both maps.”

In addition to the printed map, Resort Maps can also be found on-line at www.resortmaps.com. Here you will find interactive maps of all 98 map areas to choose from. These interactive maps allow the viewer to see the business’s advertisement and read a description of each business as they scroll over their building and to connect to the website of the business for further information. 

A born entrepreneur who holds an MBA from Boston College, Grace also owns a Cookies by Design franchise, located in Woburn, Massachusetts in the Cummings Office Park. Prior to that, he owned a property management company in Colorado as well two other small businesses.

Married, he and his wife Robin live in Concord, Massachusetts with their two children.

Businesses interested in advertising in the next edition of either the Plymouth or Newburyport can call 781-439-4037 or send an e-mail to billg@resortmaps.com.

Resort Maps began creating and publishing maps in the northeastern U.S. back in 1986. In an effort to continue the company’s growth and simultaneously maintain the quality of the product, Resort Maps became a franchisor in 1993. Since adopting the franchise model, Resort Maps has grown steadily to more than 98 maps distributed across 20 states as well as towns and cities in England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico.

“We publish 20 million maps per year in nearly 100 cities and towns for a good reason. Our maps are fun, easy-to-read and they really do entice visitors to stop and see some of the local attractions before heading to the next part of your trip. Our advertisers like the maps for that very same reason,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps.

For more information on Resort Maps or to inquire about ownership of a Resort Maps franchise, please visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to 98 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2010.

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Eagle River, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), , Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Chatham-Orleans, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Traverse City), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York ( The Hamptons, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, The Main Line), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) and Virginia (Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra).

Your new travel guides…Bill Grace takes over Best of Plymouth Resort Maps and Best of Newburyport Resort Maps operations.Read More

Plymouth woman wins Plymouth Safe Driving campaign raffle of student-repaired Mazda 6.

Bruce King of King Collision Centers hands over the keys to a 2005 Mazda 6 to Ernie Menslage. Menslage's wife won the drawing for the auto, which was rebuilt by auto repair students from Plymouth South as part of the Plymouth Safe Driving Campaign.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

You might say Beth Menslage was having a bad week. A bad fall had landed the Pine Hills resident in the hospital with a fractured hip. While nothing will take the physical pain of her injury away, her spirits were lifted considerably when her ticket was drawn as the winner of a 2005 Mazda 6, courtesy of the Plymouth Safe Driving Campaign.

The Plymouth Safe Driving Campaign–sponsored by King Collision Centers, Commerce Insurance, Plymouth Public Schools and Plymouth Police Department—has been a yearlong effort to encourage young drivers to practice safe driving habits. Part of that campaign included a donation by Commerce Insurance of a damaged car for the auto repair students at Plymouth South’s technical studies program to repair the vehicle for a raffle. That raffle took in nearly $5,000 in proceeds, which will go back to the Plymouth Technical Studies’ SkillsUSA program.

“Mrs. Menslage is not the only winner in this drawing,” said Gary Maestas, superintendent of Plymouth Public Schools. “The students who repaired the car have received invaluable experience that they can take to the workplace with them. And the money raised by the raffle will benefit students at both Plymouth North and South high schools who want to partake in marketing, nursing, culinary and the many other programs in SkillsUSA.”

Students began work on the 2005 Mazda 6 in November 2009. Using recycled parts, the students repaired damage to the front end. In fact, the only new parts installed were the tires, brakes,  seatbelts and airbags, the latter two being requirements in a repair of this nature.

“This project had a phenomenal effect on our students,” said Chris Baker, director of Plymouth Public Schools Technical Studies. “Before this, many of them were on the fence about whether or not to pursue a career in auto repair. After working on a project like this, which is a far more sophisticated repair, a few are considering continuing their vocational training at Baran Institute.”

Ernie Menslage accepted the Mazda 6 on behalf of his wife. Mrs. Menslage purchased the winning ticket on a recent visit to Plymouth South High School to get her hair cut by the Technical Studies program’s cosmetology students. “She’s always supported the programs at the school,” added Menslage.

“Mrs. Menslage winning the Mazda 6 is the proverbial icing on the cake for the Plymouth Safe Driving Campaign,” said Bruce King, owner of King Collision Centers. “It’s wonderful that somebody who has been an active supporter of the Technical Studies programs won car.”

Continued King, “It’s even better that so many students have benefitted from the Plymouth Safe Driving Campaign, from the auto repair students to the two students who won In Control driving classes, from the students who committed to safer driving practices by signing safe driving contracts with their parents to the students who heard Ethan Morgan’s story of how your life can change forever in a second with one bad decision. The Plymouth Safe Driving Campaign has been an overall success.”

For a complete rundown of the events and activities that comprised the Plymouth Safe Driving Campaign, please visit www.plymouthsafedriving.org.

Anyone Can Remove Dents – King Collision Centers Removes Doubts

Founded in 1984 by Bruce King, King Collision Centers provides superior collision repair and extraordinary customer care to thousands of clients south of Boston. King Collision is dedicated to earning customers for life and their team of professionals help clients through the collision repair process every step of the way – from coordinating a rental vehicle; providing accurate damage appraisal; assisting with the insurance claim process and ensuring that the vehicle is returned to its pre-accident operation, safety and value.

King Collision Centers was voted “Best Collision Repair” by Market Surveys of America and they have been selected to participate in the Repair Shop Referral Programs of 20 different insurance companies.  That includes being part of Commerce Insurance’s CARES (Commerce Auto Express Repair Service) Shops, an elite program that includes approximately 120 collision shops across Massachusetts.

  
The company continues to build strategic alliances with auto dealerships, enabling dealerships to offer collision repair services on-site – similar to their alignment with Mastria Auto Group in Raynham.

King Collision Centers are located in Pembroke, Plymouth and most recently, Raynham, MA.

For more information, visit KingCollision.com or contact 508-747-2005

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eLove Honors Single Dads with Complimentary Dating Membership

Did you know that the number of single dads in the U.S. has increased to nearly 2.5 million? (U.S. Census Bureau, 2006) As Father’s Day quickly approaches, it’s time to honor those special guys who “step up to the plate”.

eLove, the first company within the dating industry to offer both online dating and matchmaking services tailored around their clients’ stage of life, is offering complimentary eLove Select memberships to Boston and Baltimore area single fathers who set an appointment during the month of June.

An eLove Select membership is designed for singles who are ready to take positive steps to finding their perfect match, yet who are not quite ready to work one-on-one with an eLove matchmaker. An eLove Select membership helps singles make a strong first impression by separating and distinguishing them from the online dating crowd with a Platinum Certified seal. The seal is indicative of three important factors online daters seek while searching for their perfect match: that a member has been verified by eLove; s/he is motivated and serious about finding a relationship and s/he has completed an identity and background check. This all results in more contacts and more first dates for eLove Select members.

As a special complimentary service to eLove Select members, they will be made available to eLove matchmakers as possible candidates to eLove’s private “search” clientele. This expands eLove Select members’ opportunity to find the right one.

“We’re looking to help out the single dad who is ready for a relationship,” explained Paul Falzone, CEO of eLove.

Single dads from the Boston and Baltimore area can simply call Kim at 800-713-3317 to set an appointment.

In addition to the complimentary eLove Select membership, Falzone, who is a father of two, offers several tips to women dating who are dating a single dad on how to celebrate Father’s day:

Be sure to check with a single Dad first. Before you make any plans with your single dad on Father’s Day, check in with him first. As him what he really wants to do, and then do what you can to make it happen for him.

Nap time. So, your stressed-out single dad said he’d like nothing more than to lounge on the couch, watch sports and take a nap on Father’s Day. Good for him. Do what you can to give him that much needed time to himself. Arrange for a babysitter or offer to take his child(ren) out for the afternoon.

A “Dad” excursion. If Dad just loves to scheme up grand plans on weekends and holidays, then Father’s Day is no exception. If he wants the “whole gang” to attend a pro baseball game or go camping, fishing, golfing, deep sea diving or on some other adventure, go along with it and help him out. On the other hand, if your single dad really detests having to plan things, then plan the day. Be sure to check with his children first, to gauge their interest and ensure the day is a success.

Dine out. Unless your busy single dad’s favorite past-time is cooking, make his day exceptional by cooking his favorite meal or taking him to the restaurant of his choice. Be sure to call the restaurant ahead of time to make a reservation, if possible, in order to avoid an extensive wait.

Commemorate the day. Whether his favorite thing is power tools, software and electronics, golf or good cigars, a thoughtful gift of something he truly enjoys will mark the day for your single dad sweetheart and show him how special he is. If your single dad has young children, try to get them involved in celebrating Father’s Day by encouraging them to make their own cards or gifts. Talk with his older children to find out what they have planned for their dad and ask if they need help.

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.

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