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The other side of safe driving…Fatal crash driver shares his story with Plymouth North students.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

Ten years ago, Ethan Morgan was not much different than the classroom of students he addressed last week at Plymouth North High School. That is until he got behind the wheel of a car after a party. “Buzzed” but not drunk, he turned down offers from other partygoers to drive his car home. That decision would change his life and that of a Marshfield family forever. 

As part of the Plymouth Safe Driving program, Morgan shared his odyssey, which began with his involvement in a fatal crash that took the life of a Marshfield firefighter. His journey took him down the road of alcohol and substance abuse, incarceration and rehabilitation. Clean and sober,  Morgan’s efforts are now focused on motivating young people in school and in life.

 “When I was in school, I thought everybody had a few drinks and then drove home. The truth is there are far more people who don’t do that,” said Morgan. “An automobile is a very powerful machine that can become a weapon if you’re not responsible. I wasn’t and I can never make right what happened. I wouldn’t want anyone to have to live with that.”

It was a message not lost on the students in the room, most of whom are sophomores and just beginning to learn how to drive.

“Usually our advisory sessions are a little chatty, but you could have heard a pin drop while Ethan spoke,” said Andrea Norton, a guidance counselor at Plymouth North and the advisor to Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). “The students were engrossed by Ethan’s story and hopefully it’s one they don’t forget as they become drivers and adults.”

Added Vice Principal Derek Thompson, “This is a message our students need to hear. We have a number of fun events in the spring, most notably prom. While these activities are supposed to be fun and memorable, that can change in a heartbeat if you’re not responsible. Ethan’s talk today really hammered that home.”

The Plymouth Safe Driving program is a multi-pronged approach to promoting safe driving habits for Plymouth North and Plymouth South high schools sponsored by Plymouth Public Schools, the Plymouth Police Department, Commerce Insurance and King Collision Centers. In addition to having speakers like Morgan speak to high school students, King developed a Web site, www.plymouthsafedriving.org, offering safe driving and a safe driving contract for young drivers and their parents. The contract acts as the young driver’s pledge to drive responsibly.

Plymouth high school students who turn in a signed contract to their principal at either Plymouth North or South high school will be entered into a drawing for In Control’s Crash Prevention Training course (a $350 value).  In addition to the winner, everyone who signs a contract and submits it to their respective principal is eligible to take the In Control Crash Prevention course at a 10 percent discount.

“Ethan’s story is one well worth hearing for any driver, young or old,” said Bruce King, owner of King Collision Centers. “With this campaign, if we can help just one kid become a better driver and avoid a serious accident, it’s well, well worth it.”

For updates on latest events and activities related to this program and additional safety information, please periodically visit www.plymouthsafedriving.org. To contact Ethan Morgan about speaking for your group, please e-mail him at ethan@thelaughingcamel.com or visit www.thelaughingcamel.com.

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

The other side of safe driving…Fatal crash driver shares his story with Plymouth North students.Read More

On a map quest…Resort Maps to produce “Best of Windsor, England” map, advertising opportunities available.

WINDSOR, ENGLAND AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT, USA…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 95 customized travel maps across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently began work on the first edition of a map of Windsor. Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities, free to area visitors.

The creation of the Best of Windsor Resort Map will show what the area has to offer by highlighting local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services in the greater Windsor area. 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 drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate.

These same colorful maps can be found on-line at www.resortmaps.com. Here you will find interactive maps of all 90+ resort areas to choose from. 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.

“Windsor has always been a popular destination for tourists and it’s become an even greater draw as people stay closer to home during their holidays,” said Paul Drew, Resort Maps franchise owner. “The new Windsor map offers a real treasure trove of things to do for people on holiday in the area or just down for a day or two. Our free ‘souvenir style’ maps can be found not only at the local advertisers’ shops but also at many non-advertiser locations throughout the area.”

For information on how to advertise on the upcoming Windsor map, you can e-mail franchise owner Paul Drew at pauldrew4@googlemail.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 90 maps distributed across 20 states as well as towns and cities in England and Puerto Rico.

“We publish over 20 million maps per year in more than 95 cities and towns for a good reason. Our maps are fun, easy-to-read and they really do make you want to stop and see some of the local attractions before heading to the next part of your trip. Our advertisers like them 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 in the U.K., 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 over 90 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. More than 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009.

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com.

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), and Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes, Windsor), Costa Rica (Escazu and Santa Ana) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra, San Juan).

On a map quest…Resort Maps to produce “Best of Windsor, England” map, advertising opportunities available.Read More

Tomorrow’s mechanics train on today’s technology…Plymouth South students receive hybrid training at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

Hybrid technology is no longer the wave of the future but the present for many automobile owners. Yet with most hybrids having five-year warranties, it’s unlikely that Plymouth South students taking auto repair as part of the school’s technical studies program will have the opportunity to work on a hybrid at school anytime soon. That’s why Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac, in an effort to expose tomorrow’s mechanics to today’s newest technology, held a special training session on hybrid technology for 14 auto repair students.

“For our kids who want to be auto mechanics, hybrid technology is what they’re going to need to know pretty much from Day One of their careers,” said Peter Gellar, automotive instructor at Plymouth South. “Getting an opportunity to see that technology up close and having access to Tracy’s technicians gives them a taste of what they can expect down the road.”

Rick McGue, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac service manager, led the training session. That included looking under the hood of Cadillac Escalade hybrid and Chevy Tahoe hybrid. Tracy Service Technician Steve Rasch also answered questions in between servicing the Escalade.

“When we sell somebody an automobile, it’s not a transaction but the beginning of a relationship. Our service technicians are integral part in the success or failure of that relationship,” said Jeff Tracy, president of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac. “By having the kids visit the dealership, we’re hopefully doing more than showing them a new technology but demonstrating the critical role they can play in our industry.”

Taking part in the training were: Paul Bruggeman, Steven Cannucci, Nicholas Casella, Michael Crawford, Charles Holmes, Copley Lovell, Devin McGuire, Donald McAulay, Ryan Mulvey, Thomas Moore, Jimmy McMahon and Tim Dodge.

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

So easy at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac

For more than 80 years and three generations of dealers, the Tracy family has made it so easy for customers on the South Shore and greater Plymouth area to purchase new and used automobiles. Since its beginnings in 1992, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac has emphasized first-rate customer service and straightforward, bottom-line pricing with fair trade-ins every time–without the games or gimmicks you find at other dealerships. For more information on new and used trucks and automobiles, you can go to www.tracymotors.com or stop by the dealership, conveniently located at 137 Samoset Street, just off exit 6 on Route 3. For more information, or to make a service appointment, you can also call (800) 640-2884.

 

Tomorrow’s mechanics train on today’s technology…Plymouth South students receive hybrid training at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac.Read More

Good puck! DirectBuy of Chicago North, DirectBuy of DuPage County and DirectBuy of Lake County host raffle for Blackhawk tickets.

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

The Olympic break is over and DirectBuy Club has just the ticket – two tickets actually – to get Blackhawks fans ready for the NHL Playoffs. This March, DirectBuy of Chicago North, DirectBuy of DuPage County and DirectBuy of Lake County will help fans get playoff-ready by entering them for the chance to win two tickets to the Chicago Blackhawks versus St. Louis Blues game on Wednesday, April 7, 2010.

“Even though it’s an Original Six team dating back to the very beginning of the NHL, I think it’s safe to say that Chicago Blackhawks fever right now is at an all-time high,” said Mark Perry, DirectBuy of Lake County’s Managing Partner. “We’re really looking forward to this month-long celebration of what we hope will become a drive toward the Stanley Cup.

Fans who attend an Open House at either DirectBuy of Chicago North, DirectBuy of DuPage County or DirectBuy of Lake County will automatically be entered into the drawing and also receive a piece of authentic NHL apparel or memorabilia, while supplies last. The promotion officially kicked off on March 6th and will run through March 31st, with the winner being announced on April 2, 2010.

“In just a few short years, the Blackhawks went from taking a backseat to the Bulls to the hottest ticket in town. That’s why this drawing is particularly exciting because not everybody has access to or can afford to buy tickets,” said Brent Gilliland, Managing Partner at DirectBuy of Chicago North. “We set up this special raffle to celebrate what’s been a very successful year for the Blackhawks and hopefully a shot at a championship.”

 

While the raffle itself will award two tickets to a Blackhawks game to some lucky fan, DirectBuy Club also offers everything else hockey fans could possibly need to watch the playoffs 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 brand names. 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.

Fans can also enter by sending their name, address, phone number and e-mail address on a 3 x 5 index card to DirectBuy, Attn: Mike Georgeff, 8450 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410.

For more than 38 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 their authorized suppliers. In addition to DirectBuy of Chicago North, DirectBuy of DuPage County and DirectBuy of Lake County, DirectBuy also has convenient locations in greater Chicago (Tinley Park and Hoffman Estates).

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

About DirectBuy Club

Since 1971, DirectBuy Club 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 160 locations throughout North America.

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

Locations of the DirectBuy Clubs serving greater Chicago area: DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 Stonington Ave Ste. 150, Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Lake County, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy Club membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Good puck! DirectBuy of Chicago North, DirectBuy of DuPage County and DirectBuy of Lake County host raffle for Blackhawk tickets.Read More

A great basket catch…Topeak’s new TrolleyTote Folding MTX Rear Basket carries its weight and then some.

NORTH ATTLEBORO, MASS…Think back to moving day back when you were in college. The moving/milk crate was your very best friend. Not only did it help transport items, but it had many convenient uses (most notably as a stand for your makeshift entertainment center). Topeak’s TrolleyTote Folding MTX Rear Basket gives you that kind of transport capacity but in a collapsible format, which stores flat for additional convenience.

The TrolleyTote is compatible with MTX QuickTrack racks for slide and click mounting and removal. In addition to easy storage and substantial capacity, the TrolleyTote also features a telescopic handle and trolley wheels. This makes transport of groceries, a semester’s worth of textbooks, your brother’s dumbbells or any other heavier items infinitely easier.

“The TrolleyTote makes it possible to transport things on your bike that you ordinarily wouldn’t think to try,” said Neal Todrys, president of Todson, Inc., Topeak’s U.S. distributor. “With a cargo net, the TrolleyTote is great for grocery shopping. Not only can a single person fit several days worth of groceries in it, but you can secure your supplies so that you’re not endangering eggs and other dairy on the return trip home.”

The TrolleyTote features an engineering grade plastic frame and aluminum handle. It has a capacity of 25 liters by 1525 cubic liters. Opened, the TrolleyTote’s dimensions are 13.4″ x 17.4″ x 10.1″ open, 13.4″ x 14.1″ x 10.1″. Folded, it weighs four pounds, yet can hold several times that weight. 

“For the person who uses a bicycle as their primary transportation mode, the TrolleyTote is a godsend,” said Todrys. “It allows the environmentally conscientious cyclist to take care of many of their day-to-day errands by without relying on other modes of transportation that leave behind a much larger carbon footprint.”

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 great basket catch…Topeak’s new TrolleyTote Folding MTX Rear Basket carries its weight and then some.Read More

How a travel nightmare can become your meal ticket…Resort Maps holds “Best Worst Trip” contest

WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 90 customized travel maps across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently announced the launch of its “Best Worst Trip” contest.

Starting March 15, members of the general public can submit their worst travel story in 200 words or less to Resort Maps, with entries being accepted up until May 1. Then, a team of judges, comprised of Resort Maps staff and travel journalists, will select the best “worst vacation story”.  The grand prize is a $100 American Express gift certificate.

“When reflecting on vacations both as kids and as adults, it’s human nature  that the ones that come to mind first aren’t the ones that went off without a hitch, but the one where the car broke or somebody got sick, or some other calamity,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps Franchise, Inc. “With this contest, we’re looking to see who out there has the worst story and to see if by our small gesture of an American Express gift certificate can take the sting out of that memory.”

Anybody 18 years of age or older is eligible to participate. Entries can be submitted online by visiting Resort Maps’ Web site at www.resortmaps.com or by e-mailing info@resortmaps.com. You can also send your entry to Worst Trip, c/o Resort Maps Franchise, Inc., 5197 Main Street, Suite 8, Waitsfield, VT  05673. All entries must be 200 words or less to be considered and must include your name, address, phone number and e-mail. You can submit your story with photo to improve your case.

“At Resort Maps, we have a philosophy that the journey can be every bit as memorable as the end destination,” said Hans. “Unexpected delays along the way or ‘bumps’ along the road may leave an everlasting imprint on a traveler’s memory.  Even though this contest is about people’s worst trips, I’m sure when most people look back on their worst trips it’s with a smile—mainly because they survived and it’s over—but with a smile nonetheless.”

Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Free to area visitors, each map advertises restaurants, accommodations, retail stores, factory outlets, recreation and attractions, real estate and other local services. Each advertiser is represented with a display ad surrounding the map, including a color-coded grid locator and a building drawn, highlighted and labeled making it easy to locate. With landmarks prominently displayed, Resort Maps are an easy and fun way to find your way around town whether you are visiting, new to the area or you just want to know what’s happening around your town. 

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 over 90 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. More than 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009. 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), and Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes, Windsor), Costa Rica (Escazu and Santa Ana) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra, San Juan).

How a travel nightmare can become your meal ticket…Resort Maps holds “Best Worst Trip” contestRead More

Winters Company Plumbing & Heating Offers Home Comfort Analysis to Homeowners

Winters Company Plumbing & Heating, providers of plumbing and home services to thousands of residents throughout eastern Massachusetts, is offering a complimentary Home Comfort Analysis to homeowners.

With today’s advanced technologies, homeowners can obtain savings of up to 40 percent on their heating bills with the unsurpassed quality and comfort of an energy-efficient furnace. Winters Company will provide a free Home Comfort Analysis of systems to homeowners who have furnaces more than 10 years old. Known as the “home comfort engineers”, Winters Company provides the new heating system and rebate forms and walks the homeowner through the entire process.

Along with the Home Comfort Analysis, homeowners may opt to have a new digital Energy Star compliant thermostat installed and programmed for $19 (after a $25 rebate). An Energy Star compliant thermostat saves up to 10 percent off heating and cooling costs.

“The average lifespan of a home heating system is 15 years. When it’s time for a new system, we recommend models with the highest possible HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). The higher the number, the more efficient the system and the more money saved. Tax credits are another incentive for upgrading a heating system. With the 2009 Federal Stimulus Package, homeowners can get tax credits on the purchase of new energy-efficient systems through December of 2010,” noted Tim Flynn, the company’s president.

To schedule a complimentary Home Comfort Analysis or for more information, contact Winters Company at (617) 484-2121.

About Winters Company Plumbing & Heating

Since 1994, Winters Company Plumbing & Heating 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 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.wintersplumbing.com.

Winters Company Plumbing & Heating Offers Home Comfort Analysis to HomeownersRead More

Oh baby, what a bicycle seat…Topeak’s Baby Seat II offers superior safety and ease of use.

NORTH ATTLEBORO, MASS…

When it comes to taking your child out for a ride on your bicycle, you always want to err on the side of caution. With many child bicycle seats, however, you can spend more time setting up and adjusting the seat—and then removing it—than time out on the road. And even then you’re not always certain of how safe the seat is. Topeak’s newest child seat, BabySeat™ II, installs and removes in seconds, while offering a six-point harness for the utmost in child safety.

Baby Seat II’s other safety features include a new wrap around seat design with integrated roll bar that creates a cocoon of protection. In addition, BabySeat II features a  suspension system between the seat and the rack that helps isolate children from bumps and jolts—and that creates a more pleasurable ride for grownups and kids.

“When it comes to taking your child out for a ride, your number one priority is their safety,” said Neal Todrys, president of Todson, Inc, Topeak’s U.S. distributor.

“To that end, the BabySeat II has passed the most stringent European and Japanese safety standards,”

The BabySeat II includes a tubular aluminum rack, which is disc brake compatible, and features fast and easy BabySeat removal. That makes transitioning from a bike ride with your child to running a few errands an activity that literally takes seconds.

Adds Todrys, “Like a number of Topeak’s products, the BabySeat II works with Topeak’s quick trac system. So, removing the seat and snapping on Topeak’s Trolley Tote, wire baskets or any other bags takes a matter of seconds, too.”

Light in weight (6.9 lbs), BabySeat II is molded from sturdy, engineering grade plastic and can hold a child up to 48 pounds—larger than your average pre-schooler. With dimensions of 23” x 15 ½” x 30 ½” and adjustable foot rests with straps, the BabySeat II can also safely accommodate most of the taller pre-schoolers as well.

“When cycling is your passion, it’s difficult to just put it aside once you start a family. With the BabySeat II, you really don’t have to,” said Todrys. “With the BabySeat II, you can safely introduce your child to cycling without the fuss. It really is the best of both worlds for cycling families.”

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.

Oh baby, what a bicycle seat…Topeak’s Baby Seat II offers superior safety and ease of use.Read More

Baby Boomers across the South Shore urged to Learn More About Long Term Care Planning Now

Did you know that approximately 70 percent of people over the age of 65 need some form of long term support services? Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, is supporting the Executive Office of Elder Affairs’ (EOEA) campaign “Embrace Your Future” to raise awareness about the importance of long term care planning.

Anyone between 45 and 60 years old who is interested in more information about planning for retirement and long term care should contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 to request a brochure.

The “Embrace Your Future” campaign is targeting the people born between 1946 and 1964 and encouraging them to take steps now to plan for their future needs. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information, planning for future long term care needs is important for a number of reasons:

  • Expense – Long term care services are often much more expensive than people think. Care often exceeds what the average person can pay using their income and other resources. You may not meet the eligibility requirements for federal or state assistance. Medicare, disability insurance and health insurance do not pay for long term care services.

  • Financial and emotional stress – The financial and emotional burden of your care will rest solely on your family members unless you plan ahead. Remember, your assets may not be enough to cover the costs of your care.

  • More care choices – By planning ahead, you will have more choices as to how your long term support needs will be met as well as where you wish to receive that care – for many, the desire is to remain at home for as long as possible.

“When you are healthy and active, there is often no sense of urgency with regard to planning for long term care because the potential needs seem so far into the future. But, planning ahead is the best way to ensure that your future needs will be met and that you will have the resources to pay for those needs. Long term care costs are rising and the government will not have the funds to support them. We strongly encourage anyone between 45 and 60 to contact us for more information,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

The best way to begin planning is by taking the first step to obtain more information. Contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 to request that an “Embrace Your Future” brochure be mailed to you at no charge. Or, visit www.800ageinfo.com or www.longtermcare.gov/campaign/ma for more information.

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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