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A kitchen cabinet makeover for under $20.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

When it comes to improvements to your home, replacing your kitchen cabinets is one project that offers the best return for investment dollars at resale. For many, the price of new cabinets may not be in the budget. Nevertheless, if you want to give your kitchen a bit of a new look and would prefer not to paint, bleaching your kitchen cabinets offers a cost-effective alternative.

“Bleaching your kitchen cabinets gives them a bit of an old world look,” said I.J. Sell, owner of DirectBuy of Tinley Park. “This aged, rustic design is often part of Tuscan kitchen decor and works well with wrought iron and ceramic accessories.”

With just a few supplies, you can transform run-of-the-mill cabinetry into a unique work of art. Most supplies for this project can be purchased at your local home improvement store. Then it’s just a matter of following some simple steps:

  • Cover any areas that you don’t want bleached (cabinets or otherwise). Newspaper should suffice.
  • While wearing gloves, pour a gallon of household bleach into a clean bucket, then dip a sponge into the bleach. Wring out the sponge so that it is damp, but not dripping. You can also use commercially prepared wood bleach for this project.
  • Apply the bleach to a small area of your cabinets that’s out of sight. This will be your test area. If you like the look, apply to the rest of your cabinets. Be careful not to saturate any area too much to avoid streaking.
  • Allow the bleach to dry completely, then lightly sand the cabinets with fine-grade sandpaper. Wipe off any dust and residue with a clean cloth.
  • Finally, apply a coat of clear polyurethane sealer with a paint roller or paintbrush and allow it to dry completely.

“Bleaching your cabinets can create an entirely new look for your kitchen in just a few short hours,” said Sell. “Just remember to take the proper precautions when working with bleach. Wear goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and skin and open a window or vent so the bleach smell doesn’t overwhelm you.”

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 membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

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The Bridge Center names Robert Rhuda as development director

Robert Rhuda
Robert Rhuda

BRIDGEWATER, MASS…

 The Bridgewater, Mass.-based The Bridge Center, a non-profit (501)(c)( 3) recreation center that serves children with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, recently named Robert Rhuda as its Director of Development and Communication.

 In this role, Rhuda is responsible for bridging the gap between the cost of offering The Bridge Center’s programs and services and the nominal fees they charge to families.  He is also charged with raising the organization’s profile in the philanthropic community to secure the long-term funding required for long-term sustainable growth.    

“We’re pleased to have someone of Rob’s skill and experience in this newly created position,” said Jennifer, Harber, executive director of The Bridge Center. “Fundraising is the lifeline of our business and with Rob’s extensive experience as a grant writer, special events organizer and outreach coordinator, it gives us a proven commodity in raising monies and generating interest in The Bridge Center.”

Rhuda has worked with non-profit organizations that support adults with disabilities and inner-city youth, both in raising funds and awareness. Prior to his work in development, Rob was employed as an MIS project manager in the financial services industry. Rhuda holds an undergraduate degree from UMASS Boston with a major in Economics and earned an MBA from Boston College with a concentration in Finance and MIS.

“These are very exciting times at The Bridge Center and it’s an honor to be a part of this team.  We so fortunate to have a group of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children with disabilities,” said Rhuda. 

A resident of East Bridgewater, Rhuda enjoys golf and hiking the White Mountains in his spare time.

About The Bridge Center

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 disabilities.

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

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New Printing & Paper Converting Division Established at Emerson Bearing

Emerson Bearing, a Boston based bearing company catering to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) markets throughout the U.S., has recently announced a new division to specifically cater to Printing & Paper Converting customers.

Emerson Bearing’s customer care representatives in the new Printing & Paper Converting division are trained to accommodate the unique needs of clients in the press, pre-press, offset and digital printing and paper conversion industries. Emerson’s 24/7 service and inventory are critical to the operations of many of their clients.

Emerson Bearing’s knowledgeable Printing & Paper Converting team assists clients in determining which bearing technologies would be most suitable by taking into consideration the specifications, recommendations, maintenance strategies, fatigue life and wear resistance of the bearing in relation to the application. The division is led by Rick Piracini, an industry solutions expert at Emerson Bearing.

The process of converting paper into a usable form has very different bearing requirements. Slitters and rewinders require high speed ball bearings and linear motion bearings that have high running accuracy.

Emerson Bearing provides Special Solutions to Printing & Paper Converting clients such as the use of ‘free running’ insert bearings and pillow blocks. These have modified seals and slingers on both sides which allow for low start up torque and effective sealing even in high heat applications.

Printing on paper is the final phase. To achieve the required pin sharp print quality, Emerson Bearing provides high precision and wear free bearing supports for the print rollers. This insures that the impression cylinder is supported with as little clearance, and as much rigidity as possible and with very few runout errors. The NAO style needle bearing with offset cage packets has become the standard. Needle rollers, Cam Followers and yoke rollers are used extensively in the distributor roller drives, gripper shaft controls and throughout the presses. Other related products available through Emerson Bearing include: ball bearings, needle bearings, roller bearings, linear motion, Er free running, mounted units, oil seals, cam followers and rod ends.

Failure Analysis

As part of their customer care, Emerson provides clients with the unique service of “Bearing Failure Analysis” which helps them determine the cause of bearing failure so that they may prevent future failure and predict reliability. Or, if clients desire to do so, they can utilize the Bearing Failure Analysis program within the Technical Toolbox on the Emerson Bearing website.

“We’ve experienced significant growth in the printing and paper converting markets over the last couple of years. Due to the increased demand, we’ve created an entire division to specifically cater to their needs,” noted Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing.

To reach Rick Piracini in Emerson Bearing’s Printing & Paper Converting division, contact (866) 995-8765 or email rickp@emersonbearing.com.

The Emerson Bearing Difference

In a proud tradition, the same families that started the company in 1957 keep Emerson Bearing rolling by specializing in bearings for OEM and MRO markets across the country. Emerson Bearing has a staff of 22 and a 23,000 square foot facility to provide bearings ranging in size from 3mm to tunnel-boring 15-foot-diameter giants.

Emerson Bearing offers customers a one-stop shopping experience. With an online product catalog with over 3 million bearings; a vast inventory of bearings; worldwide sourcing; a fixed price program; a knowledgeable staff dedicated to delivering; same day shipping and 24/7 service, Emerson Bearing has become the leading provider of bearings to OEM and MRO markets in the U.S.

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A 10 in the Twin Cities. DirectBuy of St. Paul celebrates 10 years in business.

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINNESOTA…

For 10 years, DirectBuy Club has been offering consumers in the greater St. Paul 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 St. Paul offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers at direct insider prices.

“Minnesotans are open-minded people who are not afraid to change the way they do things if it makes sense. Case in point, when we opened the Club Jesse Ventura was our governor and 10 years later, Al Franken is one of our senators,” said Roger Pfiffner, owner of DirectBuy of St. Paul. “DirectBuy makes sense for consumers because it helps them stretch their dollars further. Ten years later, that still holds true.”

In addition to 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.

“Our 10 years in business have not only given us the opportunity to help families create the home of their dreams, but to also establish ourselves as part of the local business community,” said Pfiffner. “We look forward to further cultivating those relationships with our customers and the community as we build toward even bigger and better things in the years to come.”

Conveniently located at 4444 CentervilleRoad, Suite 130 in the St. Paul suburb of White Bear Lake, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting 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 U.S. 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.

A 10 in the Twin Cities. DirectBuy of St. Paul celebrates 10 years in business.Read More

Five more than okay in OKC. DirectBuy of Oklahoma City celebrates five years in business.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA

For five years, DirectBuy Club has been offering consumers in the greater OKC 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 Oklahoma City offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers at direct insider prices.

“We’ve had a wonderful five years here in Oklahoma City,” said Brandon Parker, owner of DirectBuy of Oklahoma City. “It’s been particularly rewarding to see how DirectBuy has been able to help its members save literally thousands of dollars on their home improvement projects and home furnishings in what’s been a very difficult economy for many people.”

In addition to helping members, Parker also had the opportunity to hand over a $50,000 check to Moore, Oklahoma resident Kelly Clarkson, winner of DirectBuy Club’s Home Makeover contest.

“We’re used to helping people save money but to put actual cash in somebody’s hand, especially somebody who really needed it, that was quite a thrill,” said Thompon.

In addition to 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.

Conveniently located at 8330 Glade Avenue in Oklahoma City, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting 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 U.S. 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.

Five more than okay in OKC. DirectBuy of Oklahoma City celebrates five years in business.Read More

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Cooking for a Cause 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 11AM-4PM at the Middleboro Council on Aging, 558 Plymouth St., Middleboro.

Attendees will be able to sample cuisine from area restaurants and enjoy entertainment by the Baha Brothers, face painting for the kids and raffles. Tickets are $15 Adults, $12 Seniors, $7 for 10 & Under.
For tickets, call OCES (508) 584-0561. Tickets also available at the door.

Participating restaurants include: 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), BJ’s Wholesale of Stoughton, Hideaway Restaurant in Middleboro and the Middleboro Council on Aging.

Sponsors are also needed. Sponsorship levels vary from the “Bronze Baker” $500 commitment to the “Platinum Platter” $5,000 commitment. Event program advertisements are also available. Sponsors who RSVP immediately will be included on all marketing materials.

“Because of increasing costs and budget cuts, OCES cannot keep up with the demand of the growing senior population and increasing needs. 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. The number of seniors who rely on Meals on the Wheels and the congregate meal sites is growing exponentially and it’s imperative that we have an initiative in place so no senior goes hungry,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Interested vendors and potential sponsors should contact Lucille Dallaire at OCES (508) 584-1561.

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.

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Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield Partners with Proactive Philanthropy in the Launch of New Non-Cash Asset Donation Program

The non-profit Marshfield Boys and Girls Club has partnered with Proactive Philanthropy, another Marshfield non-profit that specializes in non-cash charitable transactions, to launch a new donation program.

The new Non-Cash Asset Donation program enables the Boys and Girls Club to accept a full range of donated assets, including real estate. Proactive Philanthropy accepts non-cash asset donations on behalf of the club; locates a buyer for the asset and forwards the proceeds in the form of a grant to the Boys and Girls Club.

All proceeds from asset donations are used to fund the Boys and Girls Club’s current operations and/or they are added to the building fund for the construction of a new Marshfield facility.

“Essentially, this program enables us to convert assets that people or businesses have donated into cash for our fundraising campaigns. It’s unique and provides us with an additional source of funding that we really need,” noted Shawn Costa, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club.

Currently, the club has received a donation of a BT WSX 20 Electric Walkie Forklift Stacker and is looking for a buyer.

Buyers or those who wish to make a non-cash asset donation should contact Shawn Costa at 781-834-2582 or Edward McPherson, president of Proactive Philanthropy at 781-929-9861.

About Proactive Philanthropy

Proactive is a grant-making organization that conducts charitable real estate transactions as a means of creating funding for nonprofit organizations. Since graduating from MIT’s Center for Real Estate with a Masters Degree in Real Estate Development, Proactive’s Ed McPherson has spent more than a decade focusing on how to meet the needs of donors and the nonprofit of their choice. Proactive has assembled a world class team of attorneys, accountants, investment bankers and wealth managers to create win-win charitable transactions. Located in Marshfield, Proactive is working with the Boys and Girls Club to offer their supporters more options to achieve its fundraising goals. Proactive encourages the donation of ANY asset that can be converted into funding for the capital campaign. To learn more, visit them online at www.iamproactive.org

The Boys and Girls Club

The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield provides a safe haven for recreation and fun, which includes a variety of supervised activities for the 1,300 current members and is available to youth (between the ages of 6 to 18 years old) within the town and surrounding communities. The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield has five Core Areas: Character and Leadership; Education and Career; Health, Sport Fitness Recreation and Life Skills; The Arts; and Technology. These Core Areas serve as the foundation for all programming.

As a privately-funded, non-profit organization, the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield relies tremendously on the generous philanthropic support of individuals. Financial gifts assist in providing the financial strength necessary to continue the club’s mission “to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive and responsible citizens, as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders.”

For more information about the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield, please contact (781) 834-CLUB (2582) or visit the club in Library Plaza or the website at MarshfieldBoysAndGirlsClub.com. The club’s mailing address is P.O. Box 311, Marshfield, MA 02050.

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A big event for Todson event director…Todson promotes Dorothy Nichols.

Todson's Dorothy Nichols

NORTH ATTLEBORO, MASS…

Todson, Inc., the U.S. distributor for Topeak cycling accessories and OnGuard Locks, recently promoted Dorothy Nichols to the role of senior director of events.

In this expanded role, Nichols will continue to represent Todson at trade shows for both Topeak and OnGuard. Most recently, she represented OnGuard at the Daytona 200. In addition, Nichols will also act as an advocate with governmental agencies and legislators. That includes events like the National Bike Summit in Washington DC, which Nichols attended in March.  

“In the few years with our company, Dorothy has done an outstanding job of representing Topeak and OnGuard products and has been tremendous advocate for safer cycling practices,” said Neal Todrys, president of Todson, Inc. “We look forward to her continuing her outstanding work in this expanded role.”

A former member of USA Cycling, Nichols previous worked in management positions for a number of cycling or cycling-related organizations. That included tenures as race team manager for Yeti Scott and Schwinn and as a bike leader for Bike Vermont, a bike touring company offering tours throughout Europe.

“OnGuard and Topeak both have a reputation for quality and innovation. My role as events director has enabled me to bring that to an even broader market and that’s something I look forward to continuing in this expanded role,” said Nichols.

A Denver, Colorado native, Nichols earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Colorado College and a master’s from Denver University. Married, she and her husband Brad reside in the greater Denver area.

World Class Sports Accessories

Todson, Inc., the exclusive importer for Topeak for the U.S., is committed to providing the best in sports accessories to consumers around the globe.  Over the past 16 years, Topeak has risen to become the top cycling accessories brand in the world. 

In addition to Topeak cycling accessories, Todson is the distributor of renowned OnGuard line, the toughest line of power sport, bike and gear security products in the world.  The OnGuard line is available only through authorized dealers. Recognized for their legendary anti-drill and pick-proof M-Cylinder mechanism and flat key lock system, OnGuard’s locks, whether key or combination lock, are tested, approved and certified to guard bikes or power sport vehicles the world over.  OnGuard is the leading lock brand in Europe, in particular, Amsterdam, the bike theft capital of the world. 

Todson has successfully marketed recreational goods for more than 50 years. Now in its third generation of family ownership, Todson specializes in strategic sales and marketing, distribution, brand management and e-commerce. For more information about Topeak cycling accessories and OnGuard Locks, visit www.Todson.com or contact Todson at (800) 213-4561.  The company is located at 73 N. Washington Street, N. Attleboro, Mass.

A big event for Todson event director…Todson promotes Dorothy Nichols.Read More

Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Launches New Website

Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, a Cambridge based company serving thousands of customers throughout New England, has recently launched the second generation of their website – Wintershomeservices.com.

Winters’ sleek new website is intuitive and very user friendly. Site visitors can quickly learn all about the company, their services and their team. The website is packed with resources offering do-it-yourself tips, industry terminology and an FAQ section. A frequently updated blog provides the latest news and tips. Videos on the site allow visitors to meet the Winters team and see them in action. A service call may be scheduled or an estimate requested online in just one click. Visitors can even talk to one of Winters’ experts online.

“Our new website has all the bells and whistles needed to provide the most up-to-the-minute service and information to site visitors. It enables visitors to schedule an appointment or ask a service question of one of our experts online. The new site was built to be extremely user-friendly, but in addition to that, SEO and lead generation were key elements we wanted to focus on. We’re very pleased with the results,” noted Tim Flynn, Winters Company president.

ROCKET MEDIA of Arizona was the website architect. According to Ben Kalkman, CEO of ROCKET MEDIA, “Winters was looking to make a significant impact on their Internet presence and online leads. As a home service company specializing in heating, cooling, ventilation and plumbing, it’s important they position themselves at the front of an already competitive industry. When they contacted us they already had a working website, but after their initial consultation realized they were not performing to their full potential. We are proud to help Winters aspire to meet their Internet marketing goals and we are excited to help them continue to grow.”

Visit Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling at http://www.wintershomeservices.com.

About ROCKET MEDIA

ROCKET MEDIA creates custom website and Internet marketing solutions for clients who want to expand their business through effective social media and Internet marketing. ROCKET MEDIA offers creative minds that listen and deliver unparalleled technology, with measurable results, in a professional and timely manner. For more information contact (800) 339-7305 or visit the website at Rocketmediastudios.com.

About Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Since 1994, Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has specialized in providing home services of plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and kitchen and bath remodeling projects to thousands of homeowners throughout Eastern Massachusetts.

Winters Company is the largest residential plumbing company in the state, with 20 trucks on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians. In addition to 24 hour service and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, Winters Company has standardized their services, which ensures that every customer receives the same high quality workmanship delivered in the same professional and courteous manner.

Winters Company’s trusted professionals are trained to care for a home ‘s systems as well as the home and homeowner. All of Winter’s technicians undergo drug-testing and background checks, ensuring that only first-rate providers comprise Winter’s team.

Winters Company has been honored with a number of awards over the years including the Local Torch Award for Excellence from the Better Business Bureau, and Angie’s List Super Service Award. Winters Company is headquartered in Cambridge, MA. For more information, call (617) 484-2121 or visit the website at www.wintershomeservices.com.

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