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Barrie residents win $25,000 home makeover from DirectBuy

BARRIE, ONTARIO…

 When Gina and Rob Baxter received a notice in the mail telling them they had won $25,000 in DirectBuy’s Home Makeover Program, they thought it was just another advertisement and dismissed it as unimportant. Even once DirectBuy of Barrie Co-Owner Christine DeMarsh called the Baxters to let them know they really had won, they still didn’t believe it at first. “It took a few minutes to really sink in,” said DeMarsh. “Then they got really excited and thanked us over and over again.”

“We were speechless when we confirmed we had really won,” said Ron Baxter. “All we could think was, ‘WOW, what awesome news!’” Although the initial shock wore off, the Baxters were still excited days later at the cheque presentation ceremony. “They were ecstatic, and could barely contain their excitement,” said DeMarsh. “Rob was practically beaming while he discussed the renovations this would allow him and his wife to do on their home.” After paying off a credit card, the Baxters plan to use the rest of the money to install hardwood flooring, add a deck extension, and do some yard work, with hopes to do even more.

The Home Makeover Program is an exciting event for both the winners themselves as well as DirectBuy employees. “I was almost excited as the Baxters were,” said DeMarsh. “I felt like I had won to be part of this giveaway and see it change someone’s life.” And that’s just what the Home Makeover winnings have the potential to do: “This happened at a very good time. It really helps out and takes some major stresses away,” said Gina Baxter. “We’re really thankful to DirectBuy for this opportunity; it’s absolutely perfect that it happened to us.”

Over the past few years, DirectBuy has distributed more than a million dollars in prize money to both members and non-members as part of their Home Makeover Program, designed to help consumers create the home of their dreams.

DirectBuy of Barrie, located at 320 Bayfield Street, Unit 63, in Barrie, ON, offers consumers thousands of items including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions, and major appliances from more than 500 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers.

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy of Barrie employs product specialists who are specially trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishings, Home Improvement, Flooring, Entertainment/Outdoor, and Accessories. Additionally, members benefit from the use of a children’s play area, café, and a members’ lounge to relax in while shopping.

About DirectBuy Club

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s unique business model. 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 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada, and more than 700 in the US..

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.

Barrie residents win $25,000 home makeover from DirectBuyRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Advises Elders and Families Where to Turn after storm flooding

Old Colony Elder Services, (OCES) one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth, serves 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts and urges both residents and business owners who are dealing with severe storm damage and loss to take action quickly and register immediately for state and federal disaster aid.

According to officials at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered disaster-related damage or loss should call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) registration line at 800-621-FEMA (3362). Multilingual operators are available. Individuals with hearing and/or speech impairments can call 800-462-7585. Online registration is also available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

OCES and MEMA advise residents/business owners to register even if you are insured because insurance coverage may not be adequate and some foundation damage may not appear until later. Disaster assistance covers a wide range of losses. Structural damage or repair is covered, as is damage or loss of essential personal property, such as a major appliance or medical equipment (wheelchairs, etc).

OCES advises that once you have registered, there are several very important action steps you need to take. According to guidelines established by MEMA:

Keep critical appointments. A FEMA-contracted inspector will make an appointment to visit your home, usually within a week. Make every effort to be at home or authorize an agent to be present. Use the Helpline option at the FEMA registration toll-free numbers for contact updates, including your agent’s name, a new phone number, or to change appointment times.

Return all forms promptly. After registering, you may receive a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan application package in the mail. Fill out and return these forms promptly since they are an essential part of the disaster-assistance process.

Stay in touch. Use the Helpline for answers to your questions about federal assistance; this is the same number you called to register for aid.

Have realistic expectations. You should not expect disaster assistance to restore you to pre-disaster conditions. It is intended to help you get safe, sanitary housing and meet other critical needs so you can begin your long-term recovery.

Read all FEMA letters and documents. Applicants deemed eligible for disaster assistance will receive a letter from FEMA providing guidance on their disaster relief grant. It will tell you about ways the money can be spent in your recovery. Be advised that federal assistance may have to be repaid if it is duplicated by insurance or other assistance received.

Talk to FEMA if you have questions, especially about insurance. If you receive a FEMA letter stating your application has been denied, it often means that one or more aspects of your application require further information or correction. An “INS-Insured” denial does not necessarily mean “case closed,” it means you must first settle with your insurer to prevent any duplication of payments.

Keep FEMA in mind after your insurance settlement. You may have been underinsured and some uncompensated losses may be eligible for some form of disaster aid. Call the Helpline if your insurance settlement is delayed, if it does not cover all of your loss, if you can’t find rental housing in your area, or if your additional living expense benefits are exhausted. Remember, failure to file a claim with your insurer within 12 months can affect your eligibility for FEMA assistance.

Rebuild with disaster prevention in mind. Before starting any repairs or reconstruction, check with local building officials on required permits and inspections. If you were displaced from your home and incurred hotel or motel expenses, save your receipts and check with FEMA on possible reimbursement.

“Many people were affected by the recent ”hundred year’ storm. We strongly urge anyone who suffers from property damage or loss (which even includes the loss of medications, medical equipment or supplies) to act quickly in order to obtain speedy assistance,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) registration line at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For the hearing or speech impaired, call 800-462-7585. Or, register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Seniors, their families and caregivers who have addtional questions or need further assistance are encouraged to contact OCES at (508) 584-1561.

About FEMA

FEMA’s mission is “To support citizens and first responders and to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.” To contact FEMA, call their 24-hour line (508) 820-2000.

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.

Old Colony Elder Services Advises Elders and Families Where to Turn after storm floodingRead More

Dr. Richard Eisen of South Shore Skin Center is Guest Speaker at Dermatology Nurses Association 28th Annual Convention

South Shore Skin Center’s Dr. Richard Eisen, MD, a renowned board certified dermatologist and recognized expert in laser therapy was a guest speaker at the Dermatology Nurses Association (DNA) 28th Annual Convention in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. South Shore Skin Center is one of the most progressive dermatology practices in Massachusetts with offices in Cohasset and Plymouth.

Dr. Eisen spoke on the topic of “Clinical Management of Melanoma – From Mole to Metastasis” with Dr. Nicholas Tawa, MD, PhD, a renowned oncologist surgeon from Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital. Dr. Eisen’s wife, Maryellen Maguire-Eisen, RN who is the founder of the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation also spoke on “The Facts and Fiction about Vitamin D, Sunscreen and Our Health”.

Two of South Shore Skin Center’s staff, Lori Skinner, RN, BSN, Cosmetic Nurse Specialist and Heather Macleod, RN, will attend the DNA’s continuing education seminars to earn educational credits in cosmetic and general dermatology.

South Shore Skin Center providers regularly attend training and seminars to remain well informed of new dermatologic conditions, as well as the latest treatments and procedures.

The practice is a proud sponsor of the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation.

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. 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.

Dr. Richard Eisen of South Shore Skin Center is Guest Speaker at Dermatology Nurses Association 28th Annual ConventionRead More

eLove Rolls Out Unique Online Dating Membership Known as eLove Select in Boston and Baltimore Markets

eLove, the first company within the dating industry to offer both online dating and matchmaking services tailored around the stage of life their clients are in, recently announced the availability of “eLove Select” a new level of membership, in the Boston and Baltimore markets.

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, eLove Select allows singles to take a few extra steps to really enhance their online dating experience.

elove Select membership helps singles make a strong first impression by separating them from the online dating crowd by giving them the distinction of a Platinum Certified seal attached to all their correspondences within the online community. The Platinum Certified seal is indicative of three things that are important to other online daters who are looking to find 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.

Not only does this result in more contacts and first dates, an eLove Select member’s profile is also made available to eLove matchmakers. This means that qualified eLove Select members will also be considered as potential candidates for eLove’s private search clientele.

There are a few special requirements of eLove Select members and that includes meeting with an eLove representative and undergoing an identity and criminal background check. elove Select members must also complete eLove’s online registration and compatibility analysis and have a photo taken or validated. elove Select memberships are the only service of this kind offering the security and credibility of offline dating at the low cost of online dating.

“eLove Select online dating members are better able to set themselves apart and make it known that they are serious about finding that someone special. Plus, the Platinum Certification provides that additional level of assurance to others online that these members really are who they say they are,” said Paul A. Falzone, CEO of eLove. “We’re rolling this program out in the Boston and Baltimore markets first, but it will soon be available throughout the rest of the country.”

elove was recently named one of the top three U.S. matchmakers at the 2010 Internet Dating & Matchmaking Conference (iDate) held in Miami earlier this year. iDate is one of the matchmaking industry’s largest events for Online Dating and Social Networking business management. The 2010 iDate Awards were voted on by industry experts and the general public.

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 (Mountain View, 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.

eLove Rolls Out Unique Online Dating Membership Known as eLove Select in Boston and Baltimore MarketsRead More

Green Dating 101

Paul A. Falzone, CEO of eLove

NORWELL, MA…

In a world where everyone is trying to do things in a greener, more environmentally friendly way, it makes perfect sense that dating would follow suit. And with nearly 90 million single adults over the 18 in the U.S. alone, how singles go about finding dates and what they do on dates greatly dictates their carbon footprint.

So what exactly constitutes “green dating”? That really depends on your outlook. There are online dating sites specifically for people who prefer to date other green-oriented singles (e.g. vegans). Yet much like individual opinions vary on what’s green, so does the interpretation of what constitutes “green” dating.

“Much like beauty, it’s in the eye of the beholder,” said Paul A. Falzone, CEO of eLove– the first company within the dating industry offering both online dating and matchmaking services. “But if you’re trying to live a greener lifestyle overall, there are ways you can incorporate that into your dating life.”

Falzone recommends:

  • Turning off your computer after you’re done looking online for potential dates.
  • If you’re meeting somebody on a first date, perhaps you can meet at a venue within walking distance or near public transportation.
  • If a green lifestyle is important to you, be sure to incorporate that into your online dating profile.
  • Volunteer for charitable endeavors in your community as a way to meet potential mates rather than getting into your automobile and bar hopping.
  • Instead of getting in a car and going out to dinner, make your first a trip to the local farmer’s market—then bring the food back home to eat in.
  • Order organic foods and spirits when dining out.
  • If you’re giving flowers to date, take note of the time of year. Giving flowers off season—like during the winter—most likely means the flowers were shipped from some other part of the world. Chocolates will most certainly do during a flower’s off season.
  • Don’t get involved in a long-distance relationship—if you can help it. A long-distance relationship between somebody going back and forth from Washington D.C. to New York City can contribute 18 million metric tons of carbon dioxide a year. In theory, it’s just as easy to fall in love with somebody down the street.

“I think most people are trying to live a greener lifestyle, but when it comes to matters of the heart we don’t always think that we can do that greener, too,” said Falzone. “By following just a few of these guidelines, you can find that special someone or enjoying a meaningful relationship and reduce your carbon footprint.”

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 (Mountain View, 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.

Green Dating 101Read More

April 13th fundraiser featuring local comedians and live auction raises $65,000 to benefit children with disabilities.

Ernie Boch, Jr. and the Automatics

BRIDGEWATER, MASS.

A star-studded evening of comedy and music along with a good old fashioned auction helped raise more than $65,000 for The Bridge Center, a non-profit recreation center based in Bridgewater, Massachusetts that serves children with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities.

Ernie Boch, Jr. hosted the April 13th benefit held at Boston’s Wilbur Theatre. In addition to performances by Boch’s group, Ernie & the Automatics, five of Boston’s funniest comedians—Patty Ross, Chris Tabb, Paul Nardizzi, Paul D’Angelo and Paul Gilligan—had the near-capacity crowd in stitches.

“This was a phenomenally entertaining night,” said Ron Benedetti, a member of The Bridge Center’s board of directors. “And when you consider the amount of money we raised and the number of children and families who benefit, it’s safe to say Comedy Night was a big hit.”

In addition to comedy and music, the night included a live auction hosted by Susan Wornick of WCVB-TV. Lucky bidders walked off with prizes ranging from opening day tickets to the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins to appearances on The Phantom Gourmet and Eddie Andelman’s Sports Huddle.

“Our first goal of course was to raise money for The Bridge Center but it was great to see so many people having such a wonderful time,” said Dr. Neal Andelman, also a member of The Bridge Center’s board of directors. “Judging by the interest in this year’s show, it’s safe to say we’ll do it again next year.”

 If your company is interested in becoming a corporate sponsor for an organization that wants to make a difference in the lives of young families, please contact Rob Rhuda of The Bridge Center at (508) 697-7557 or send an e-mail to info@TheBridgeCtr.org.

About The Bridge Center

The mission of The Bridge Center is to support families by providing children with opportunities to build social, emotional and physical skills so they may participate fully in their communities. Founded by the Knights of Pythias in 1963 and located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, The Bridge Center is a non-profit (501)(c)( 3) recreation center that serves children with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities. 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.  For more information, you can visit The Bridge Center’s Web site at (www.TheBridgeCtr.org).

April 13th fundraiser featuring local comedians and live auction raises $65,000 to benefit children with disabilities.Read More

Deerfield resident shoots and scores, wins Blackhawks tickets in DirectBuy Club contest.

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

As the leading home improvement and home furnishings club offering direct insider prices, DirectBuy Club has a goal of helping members get more for less. Deerfield resident Esra Ozdaryal found that out firsthand when she visited DirectBuy of Lake County in Gurnee, Illinois, to learn more about membership. After completing an Open House tour, she was entered into a raffle that eventually won her two tickets to the Chicago Blackhawks versus St. Louis Blues game on April 7, 2010.

“Congratulations to Esra Ozdaryal for winning the two tickets to the Blackhawks-Blues game,” said Darrell Richards, the Managing Partner of DirectBuy of Lake County. “Judging by the number of participants we had, this was no small accomplishment.”
 
The drawing was part of a special promotion put on by DirectBuy of Gurnee, DirectBuy of Chicago North, and DirectBuy of DuPage County. Leading up to the drawing on April 2, 2010, fans who attended an Open House during March at any of those DirectBuy Clubs received a piece of authentic NHL memorabilia and were entered into a drawing for the aforementioned tickets to the Blackhawks-Blues game (members of the general public were also invited to enter).
 
“The Hawks have been a hot commodity all year long and fans have been chomping at the bit for the playoffs to begin,” added Richards. “So there’s been quite a bit of interest from our members, guests and staff.

Due to a previous commitment, Esra could not attend the game. The tickets were then donated to the Chicago Boys & Girls Club. One of the Boys & Girls Club members, 16-year-old Shango, and an adult guardian attended the game.

DirectBuy Club offers everything hockey fans could possibly need to watch the game from home – flat screen TVs, recliners, and home theater seating, even kegerators for your den or entertainment room at direct insider prices from your favorite brands. In addition, each DirectBuy Club employs product specialists and designers who can help members create the “man cave” or entertainment room that works best for their home.

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories by purchasing from more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or authorized suppliers. With several convenient locations in the greater Chicago area (Chicago, Gurnee, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Tinley Park), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country club 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 membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Deerfield resident shoots and scores, wins Blackhawks tickets in DirectBuy Club contest.Read More

Kent, Washington residents win $50,000 home makeover

Gordon and Christina Patchell (second and third from right) receive $50,000 check from DirectBuy of South Seattle staff.

KENT, WASHINGTON…

When Gordon and Christina Patchell walked into DirectBuy of South Seattle on March 5, 2010, they weren’t making their typical visit to the Club to shop. They were about to be handed a $50,000 check to makeover their home, thanks to the Home Makeover contest they entered while attending an Open House at DirectBuy.

“We were considering renovating our kitchen and heard some great things about the savings we could get through DirectBuy, so we decided to check it out,” said Mr. Patchell. “Now we can design the kitchen we’ve always wanted without squabbling over materials – suddenly what grade of granite to get won’t even be a point of debate.”

That kitchen remodel may have been the plan all along, Home Makeover winnings or not, but the Patchells intended to wait a few years before getting started – they knew they would do it “one day” but they were working on building their budget first. Now, with more than adequate funds to get going, they are moving full steam ahead.

“I’m thrilled that this is going to a family that will appreciate the benefits of a DirectBuy membership,” said Steve Pallagi, co-owner of DirectBuy of South Seattle. “I know what this will mean for Gordon and Christina and I’m really excited for them.”

“We were shocked and delighted when we found out we were the grand prize winners,” said Mrs. Patchell. “We both read the letter several times before the news sunk in – we never win anything big, so it was completely unexpected and astounding.” Pallagi was shocked when he found out as well, “This is the first time a DirectBuy Club in Washington has had a Home Makeover winner.”

The Patchells are excited to get started on their big kitchen project, but beyond that, they plan to use the rest of their winnings to redo some other areas of their home. “We are looking forward to making use of our membership,” said Mr. Patchell. “DirectBuy really came through for us.”

Over the past few years, DirectBuy has distributed more than a million dollars in prize money to both members and non-members as part of their Home Makeover Program, designed to help consumers create the home of their dreams.

DirectBuy of South Seattle, located at 7661 South 180th Street in Kent, WA, offers consumers thousands of items including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions, and major appliances from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers.

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy of South Seattle employs designers as well as product specialists who are specially trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishings, Home Improvement, Flooring, Entertainment/Outdoor, and Accessories. Additionally, members benefit from the use of a children’s play area, café, and a members’ lounge to relax in while shopping.

About DirectBuy Club

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s unique business model. 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 US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers 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.

Kent, Washington residents win $50,000 home makeoverRead More

Spring now on deck…Get your deck ready for spring and summer entertaining.

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

To many homeowners, a deck project is an all-or-nothing proposition. You either rebuild or stand pat. Yet if you’re not in rebuild mode, a spring “makeover” can not only make your deck look better for entertaining, it can also preserve its long-term health.

“Whether you live in a cold or warm climate, winter can do a real number on a deck. So adding ‘cleaning and repairing the deck’ to your spring cleaning chore list is a pretty good idea,” said Mike Georgeff, of DirectBuy. “That can range from tightening loose boards and hammering loose nails, to cleaning your deck with a bleach solution to take care of mold and mildew that may have built up over the winter.”

If your deck is in need of a more thorough cleaning, you may want to consider purchasing or renting a pressure washer. And if it’s been more than a year or two since you stained your deck, a new coat with sealant is probably in order. Using a different color stain can literally create an entire new look for your deck and preserve it for the long haul.

Other than cosmetic changes, you may want to add some accessories and furniture to expand on the new look of your deck. Some relatively simple and cost-effective ideas include:

  • Replacing old lighting and/or installing new solar lights – classic wooden post caps or solar light caps can easily be glued on to give your deck a new look.
  • Add new furniture – consider different types of furniture for your deck: porch rockers, recliners, wicker armchairs, and love seats. End tables and coffee tables, items typically thought of for indoor use, can also make quite an impact outdoors.
  • Plants, plants, and more plants – fill planter boxes with vines and colorful flowers or load planters with ornamental grasses. Lightweight containers and soil-less planting mix makes moving plants around easier. To minimize maintenance, add water-retention polymers and slow-release fertilizer.
  • Carpeting – while carpeting an entire deck might be impractical, a rug underneath the table where meals will be eaten does provide a more comfortable experience for guests. It also protects the deck from scratches as people come and go from the table.
  • Cabinetry for the grill area – many grills come with built in storage space; you can really cut down the number of trips to the “indoor” kitchen by adding portable cabinets or storage units and shelving.

“By following some or all of these guidelines, you can makeover your deck in a weekend or two,” said Georgeff. “Even better, you can give your deck a new look without the investment of rebuilding your deck or adding on.”

DirectBuy Club offers many products to help with your deck makeover, including furniture, grills, lighting, and other accessories—all at direct insider prices. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you need assistance selecting products or advice on how to go about a home improvement project, you have seasoned professionals at your service.

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

 About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

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

Spring now on deck…Get your deck ready for spring and summer entertaining.Read More