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Rodman & Rodman, P.C. Outline New COBRA Provisions for Businesses

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. Certified Public Accountants and Business Strategists, have outlined new COBRA provisions that were included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to help businesses throughout New England understand the new provisions.

“The IRS recently issued additional guidance relating to the COBRA provisions adopted in the ARRA. In general, the new provisions provide a 65 percent subsidy for COBRA continuation premiums for up to nine months for workers who have been involuntarily terminated, and their families,” according to Tom Astore, CPA, JD, Tax Manager at Rodman & Rodman (http://www.rodmancpa.com)

Astore noted that these rules apply to group health plans that are subject to the Federal COBRA continuation coverage requirements or to similar requirements under State law.

So, if a company has such a plan, and receives a 35 percent payment from someone eligible for the subsidy, it must make the remaining 65 percent premium payment. However, the company is not “out of pocket” for this cost because they can claim a payroll tax credit to offset this subsidy.


In order to qualify for premium assistance, a worker must:


·       Be “involuntarily terminated” between Sept.1, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2009;
·       Be eligible for COBRA coverage; and
·       Elect such coverage.


The period of coverage ends on 12/31/2009 or on the date the terminated worker becomes eligible for coverage under any other group health plan or for Medicare benefits – whichever comes first. Companies must notify terminated workers of their right to a COBRA continuation coverage subsidy.

The subsidy is not taxable when received, but higher income recipients, such as those with modified adjusted gross income above $125,000 ($250,000 for joint filers) will have to pay back part or all of it at tax return time.


In most cases, an employer will be reimbursed for the subsidy by way of a federal payroll tax credit.

“As you can tell, these rules are complex. Employers can claim the payroll credit, but should consult their accountant on how to properly do so. Special rules will also apply; one example of this is if the employer includes health premiums as part of a severance package. Be sure to consult a professional for guidance,” noted Astore.

For more information about COBRA provisions in ARRA, contact Rodman & Rodman, P.C. at (617) 965-5959.

Rodman & Rodman, P.C.

Founded in 1961, Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies throughout New England. With a focus on strategic planning, Rodman & Rodman goes beyond traditional accounting services and takes a proactive approach when serving clients to increase, preserve and sustain clients’ financial net worth.

From business valuations, taxation, audits, fraud detection and prevention services and succession planning to a variety of accounting IT services including software selection, implementation and training, the team at Rodman & Rodman serves as comprehensive advisors to clients. For individual clients, the company offers personal advisory services such as planning for real estate transactions, obtaining financing, estate planning and retirement planning as well as planning for college education. Rodman & Rodman Certified Public Accountants are located at 3 Newton Executive Park in Newton and 25 Braintree Hill Office Park in Braintree, Mass. For more information, visit their website at rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. Outline New COBRA Provisions for BusinessesRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes 300 at Volunteer Luncheon

Maura Shepard, Diana DiGiorgi and Lucille Dallaire of OCES
Maura Shepard, Diana DiGiorgi and Lucille Dallaire of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) in Brockton recently recognized over 300 volunteers who generously dedicate themselves to OCES (http://www.oldcolonyelderservices.org) and to helping elders in the community.

The Volunteer Recognition Luncheon’s apt theme was “Volunteers are Treasures”. More than 300 volunteers in the Nutrition and Money Management programs and on the Board of Directors as well as those who volunteer for the Money Management Program Advisory Board and the local cable television program known as Senior Options were presented with Scrolls of Recognition for their service to OCES and seniors in the community. Gift certificates were presented and various raffles were held. All enjoyed entertainment by one-man-band Dave Burbank and a buffet lunch was served in OCES’ newly renovated conference room and catered by Lindley Food Service.

OCES Nutrition volunteers participate in the Meals on Wheels program and deliver meals to elders’ homes or they may volunteer as a food server at one of OCES congregate meal sites.

Money Management volunteers are assigned to assist elders by providing a personalized money management service. They make home visits at least once a month to help keep track of income and expenses. OCES Board of Directors and the Money Management Program Advisory Board are comprised entirely of volunteers. Senior Options is a local Brockton Cable T.V. show which is a collaboration between OCES and the Brockton Council on Aging. Local Brockton volunteers run the entire cable show which includes filming, producing, directing, sound, interviewing, etc.

“Our volunteers are very valuable and this recognition is well-deserved. We cannot run our programs without them. We are extremely grateful to those who tirelessly dedicate their time and expertise in volunteering for programs to help elders,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) 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, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Caring Homes and Enhanced Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers 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.

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes 300 at Volunteer LuncheonRead More

J.P. Licks Names Josh Diveley as New GM of Newbury Street

J.P. Licks has recently promoted Josh Diveley, a resident of Somerville, to the position of General Manager of the Newbury Street store.

Diveley began his career at J.P. Licks (http://www.jplicks.com) as a scooper and supervisor in 2006. He was promoted to Assistant Manager in 2008 and assumed the duties of overseeing the daily and weekly activities of the business including hiring, training and development, customer service, and sales building. In his new role as General Manager, Josh will be held responsible for the store’s operations and business growth.

“Josh has the intelligence, experience and the skills necessary to assume this leadership role. Josh’s promotion is well-deserved,” noted Vince Petryk, founder of J.P. Licks.

For the past four years, Josh has also served as a Road Crew Team Leader for WZLX-FM, managing and assisting the road crew at promotional events and concerts. He also volunteers his time. Since 2006, he has been a volunteer at the New England Aquarium in the Penguin Husbandry program.

Diveley holds an Associate’s degree from Blue Ridge Community College in Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from James Madison University in Virginia. He is a member of the Boston Area James Madison University Alumni Chapter.

Best of Boston and Beyond

For more than 27 years, J.P. Licks has been serving homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt and other specialties in their eight Kosher-certified shops in and around Boston. They have won, literally, hundreds of awards over the years. Most recently, J.P. Licks won their 11th consecutive “Best” award from The Phoenix. They have received six “Best of Boston’s” from Boston Magazine and three consecutive “Bests” from The Weekly Dig magazine. J.P. Licks was also chosen as Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s “Small Business of the Year” in 2007.

J.P. Licks recently expanded their product line to include Numi loose leaf teas and hot breakfast at every store and French Press coffee at their locations in Jamaica Plain, Coolidge Corner, One Brigham Circle, West Roxbury and Harvard Square.

Additionally, J.P. Licks roasts their own fair trade and organic coffee beans in the Jamaica Plain store and they cater ice cream parties, too. Visit the website at jplicks.com for even more information.

J.P. Licks Names Josh Diveley as New GM of Newbury StreetRead More

Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac of Plymouth donates Chevy for Boys and Girls Club 4th Annual Golf Tournament at Crosswinds Golf Club

Jeff Tracy with Chevy
Jeff Tracy with Chevy
“Golf drive” takes on a whole new meaning.  As part of the upcoming Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield 4th Annual Golf Tournament, participants now have the chance to drive in a hole in one and drive away in a brand new Chevy donated by Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac, Plymouth.
The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield will hold their 4th Annual Golf Tournament on June 26 at Crosswinds Golf Club, 424 Long Pond Rd. in Plymouth.  Registration starts at 11 a.m. Tee-off is at 12 p.m.  There are still a few openings for golfers, hole sponsors and auction item donors.
Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac President Jeff Tracy noted, “The hole in one car contest is an added highlight for golfers.  Who wouldn’t get a kick out of hitting the perfect shot and snagging a new car as a prize?”  In addition to helping out the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield, Tracy is also on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Plymouth.
The Boys and Girls Club’s exciting Annual Golf Tournament has drawn participants such as the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals Sean Morey (who is a Marshfield native) in the past.  Morey is both a recent Super Bowl champ and Pro Bowler. This year’s tournament is sponsored by Marshfield’s “Citizens of the Year” Jack and Beth Griffin of Buythecase.net (Pembroke) who will be playing in the tournament.  Other “local celebs” playing include Selectman Michael Maresco, Police Chief Bill Sullivan, Fire Chief Kevin Robinson and Pat Roche, founder of Roche Bros. along with his sons.
Tickets are $150 per person or $600 for a foursome and are on sale now at the Boys and Girls Club in Library Plaza and online at www.marshfieldboysandgirlsclub.com.  Early registration is recommended.  Every foursome receives free use of a golf cart, goody bags and a commemorative framed photo of themselves at the tournament.
Hole sponsorships are available for $150.  Raffle and silent auction donations are needed.  Those interested should contact the Boys and Girls Club directly.
“We have 18 foursomes signed up for this fun event and are looking for another 24 to round it out,” noted Greg Jackson, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club in Marshfield.  “Last year we raised over $25,000 from registration, fees, sponsorships and from the auction items.  This year we’d like to top it.”
All players will receive a box lunch.  An awards dinner will be held at Crosswinds after the event and prizes will be given for “Closest to the Pin” and “Longest Drive” among others.  Restaurant gift certificates, golf items and sports memorabilia will be offered through a Silent Auction.  Raffles will held.  There is also the possibility of winning a new car from Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac of Plymouth with a hole in one.
For those who are unable to attend the golf tournament, but would like to attend the dinner, a $50 donation is asked.
Stop by the Boys and Girls Club or visit www.marshfieldboysandgirlsclub.com to purchase tickets and register for the event.  For more information, contact 781-834-2582.
About the Boys and Girls Club
The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield’s purpose is to establish a safe haven for recreation and fun, which includes a variety of supervised activities for the 1,100 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.”
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.
For more information about the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield golf tournament, 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.

Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac of Plymouth donates Chevy for Boys and Girls Club 4th Annual Golf Tournament at Crosswinds Golf ClubRead More

Dr. Kate McDonough, Chiropractor, Expands Services to Include State-of-the-Art Microcurrent Technology

The Chiropractic Office of Dr. Kate McDonough, serving patients throughout the South Shore since 1993 and located in Hanover, has recently expanded their services to include state-of-the-art Microcurrent technology for facial and body rejuvenation.

Dr. McDonough now offers Microcurrent treatment, which is a type of safe, painless electrophysiology that utilizes subsensory currents to sculpt and tone the face and body.

According to Dr. McDonough, “Microcurrent works wonders on the face and body. When used on the face, the results are similar to a facelift, but without the surgery. When used on the body, it can improve tighten, lift, tone and reduce cellulite. No harmful lasers are used and there is no wounding of the skin. Best of all, patients feel no soreness or pain and there is no recovery time involved.”

Microcurrent technology provides effective and immediate results on the face and body that include: diminished wrinkles and lines; tighter, firmer skin; elimination and/or reduction in acne and dark under eye circles; reduction in the symptoms of Rosacea, Eczema and Melasma; cellulite reduction; and reduction of calloused skin on elbows, knees. When used in body sculpting, microcurrent provides measurable overall reductions, which result in firmer and more lifted buttocks; a more toned stomach and slimmer, tighter legs.

“Microcurrent is a popular non-invasive technology which provides patients with anti-aging results without the recovery and downtime of surgeries and other aggressive treatments,” explained Dr. McDonough.

Microcurrent technology rejuvenates the skin and muscle tone of mature patients and serves as more of a preventative measure in younger patients. Mature patients will experience the most dramatic results. Treatment courses vary according to the patients, buy typically, would consist of 10-12 treatments over a period of approximately two months.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. McDonough’s office at (781) 829-9099 or visit their website at http://www.drkatechiro.com.

Chiropractic Office of Dr. Kate McDonough

The Chiropractic Office of Dr. Kate McDonough focuses on healthy living naturally and serves as a Natural Healing Center for patients throughout the South Shore. For more than 15 years, Dr. McDonough has been providing chiropractic, corrective exercises and spinal and postural screenings. As a Natural Healing Center, the practice provides lifestyle advice, nutritional assessment, physiotherapy and most recently microcurrent anti-aging and cellulite reduction.

Dr. McDonough believes that treating the whole body, not just the symptoms, plays an instrumental part in pain relief, healing and wellness. The Chiropractic Office of Dr. Kate McDonough accepts most insurance plans including: Blue Cross/ Blue Shield, MAMSI, Aetna, Harvard Pilgrim, United, Guardian, Medicare and others.

For more information, contact the office at (781) 829-9099 or visit the website at www.drkatechiro.com.

Dr. Kate McDonough, Chiropractor, Expands Services to Include State-of-the-Art Microcurrent TechnologyRead More

What you don’t know about retail markups does cost you…

MERRILLVILLE, IN …

These tough economic times have families and homeowners reevaluating budgets and looking for ways to reduce spending. One area a family’s internal audit might not take into consideration is how much more they spend by purchasing items they need at retail prices.

According to information from the 2007 U.S. Census, consumer retail markups range from 46.6 percent at furniture and home furnishing stores to 38 percent at department stores, and from 33.5 percent at building supplies and materials stores to 28 percent at electronics and computer software stores.

“When it comes to retail markups, many consumers don’t even realize what they are spending. And if they do, they often feel helpless. They don’t know there are alternative options to retail stores, so they opt to spend less rather than spend more wisely,” said Sara Shragal, of DirectBuy, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices. “You can’t stop shopping altogether. If you’re a homeowner, particularly if you purchased your home in the past few years, it’s difficult to spend less because you run the risk of your home running into disrepair and lowering the property value.”

In fact, according to the National Association of Home Builders website, www.homeeconomics.com, families spend $12,332 during the first year after buying a home built in 2004 or later; and $8,927 if the home was built before 2004. For a non-moving owner, that figure was $4,420.

Even further evidence that homeowners are still investing in their properties comes from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. In a recent report, the Joint Center projected that U.S. homeowners will spend $134.1 billion on home improvements in the third quarter 2009 and $137.2 billion in the fourth quarter 2009.

So, if consumers are still going to spend on home improvement, how do they escape costly retail markups?

“At our clubs across the U.S. and Canada, we enable our members to buy directly from the manufacturers. That eliminates the markup and gives them optimal value for their dollar,” said Shragal. “That’s why member sales are up at many of our clubs because, even in this difficult economy, people know they have to reinvest in their homes and want to get the maximum bang for their buck.”

DirectBuy clubs offer members the opportunity to save on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories. In addition, DirectBuy clubs boast teams of specialists and access to designers to help members with their purchases, as well as exclusive access to a roster of hand-selected contractors to expedite those projects.

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

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy 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 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’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.

What you don’t know about retail markups does cost you…Read More

ALS Patient takes on 4 Corners Motorcycle Ride to Benefit Compassionate Care ALS

Doug Oakley, a 46 year old financial services professional who was recently diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease) is undertaking the “4 Corners Motorcycle Ride” to the four corners of the U.S. on his Harley Davidson to raise greater awareness of, and funding for, the care of patients with ALS.

Victims of this fatal disease progressively lose control of the voluntary muscles of their body. Anyone can get ALS and there is no effective treatment or cure for ALS. But, a Cape Cod based non-profit organization, Compassionate Care ALS, has been helping Oakley and other ALS patients, their families and caregivers to live with this life-changing reality. All donations made for the 4 Corners Motorcycle Ride will go directly to Compassionate Care ALS.

“Since I bought my first Harley Davison 11 years ago, I have wanted to do the ‘4 Corners’ ride on my motorcycle. Last fall, after noticing diminished use of my fine motor skills and muscle cramping in my left hand, I was diagnosed with ALS. This diagnosis has shocked me into realizing that life will not wait until a more convenient time and I am finally going to ride the ‘4 Corners’ with my good friend Paul Zepf,” explained Oakley. “I am doing this ride to not only fulfill my dream but also to raise money and awareness for Compassionate Care ALS. This organization has already made a tremendous difference in my life.”

Oakley will be joined by Paul Zepf, a retired Boston Firefighter who is a 33-year veteran of Rescue Company 2 and a Vietnam Combat Veteran, in the 4 Corners Motorcycle Ride which entails riding around the perimeter of the U.S. and stopping at each of the furthest corners of the country: Key West, Florida; San Luis Obispo, California; Blaine, Washington and Machais, Maine.

Riding their Harley Davison bikes, Oakley and Zepf began the 8300 mile long ride in Key West on May 14th. From Key West, the riders will head to San Luis Obispo, CA then Blaine, WA and on to Machais, ME.

Weather permitting; the entire ride will be travelled in 17-20 days. The pair plan to return to Massachusetts on June 12th.

Compassionate Care ALS will provide updates on Doug Oakley’s 4 Corners Motorcycle Ride on the website http://www.ccals.org/4corners/

Follow the 4 Corners Motorcycle Ride on Doug Oakley’s blog: http://www.ccals.org/4corners/blog.php.

Donations to Doug Oakley’s 4 Corners Motorcycle Ride to benefit Compassionate Care ALS may be made online at http://www.ccals.org/4corners.

Donations may also be made by regular mail:

Checks should be made out to “Compassionate Care ALS” and mailed to:

Doug Oakley c/o Compassionate Care ALS

P.O. Box 1052

West Falmouth, MA 02574

Oakley is a resident of Weymouth and Falmouth, MA and Zepf is a resident of Falmouth, MA.

According to Ron Hoffman, Executive Director of Compassionate Care ALS, “ALS is a life-changing reality for everyone – the patient, the caregivers, family and friends. Our services are meant for this entire network of care. We are glad that Doug decided to take 4 Corners Motorcycle Ride as it was something that he had wanted to do for many years. Any donations made will directly benefit ALS patients and their families.”

About the 4 Corners Ride & Compassionate Care ALS-Gordon T. Heald ALS Fund-

The 4 Corners Motorcycle Ride will raise funding that enables Compassionate Care ALS to assist victims of the disease. The organization’s work is based on deep dialogue around the individual needs of each patient and family, and may include: emotional support, guidance, integrative therapies, contemplative practice, educational seminars, durable equipment, a medicine bag or loan of a handicapped van. In addition, the staff is responsive to a broad spectrum of special requests to help families face the challenge of living with ALS.

Founded in 1998, Compassionate Care ALS has helped more than 520 families impacted by ALS. Compassionate Care ALS (which now encompasses the Gordon T. Heald ALS Fund) provides services to ALS patients, families, caregivers and health care professionals.

The organization has raised more than $1.5 million and driven over 500,000 miles to support ALS families. They have worked with patients, families, communities and caregivers in 24 states.

Jack Childs, Ed.D., Professor/Founder Holistic Counseling Department at Salve Regina University has said, “Research strongly suggests that the immune system is diminished by the absence of a social support system. The personalized care and unique services of Compassionate Care ALS demonstrate that people can be healed without necessarily being cured.”

Compassionate Care ALS mailing address is P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574.

For more information, contact (508) 563-3677 or visit the website at www.ccals.org.

ALS Patient takes on 4 Corners Motorcycle Ride to Benefit Compassionate Care ALSRead More

USMMA of Bellingham to Host Community Blood Drive on June 4th

United States Mixed Martial Arts’ (USMMA) of Bellingham will hold a Blood Drive on Thursday, June 4, 2009 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at their studio located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham.

Anyone who donates blood at USMMA on June 4th will receive a free box of Chocolate Dipped Strawberries from Edible Arrangements and will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win two Boston Red Sox Tickets and to be honored on the field as “Blood Donor of the Game”.

The American Red Cross’ specially trained staff will be set up on-site at USMMA to collect blood donations from volunteers. To be eligible to give blood, healthy donors must meet the following criteria:

· Must be at least 17 years of age

· Must weigh at least 110 lbs.

· Must not have donated whole blood within the last eight weeks.

An American Red Cross staff member will conduct an extensive health history on each blood donor volunteer. Donor eligibility rules are intended to protect the health and safety of the donor as well as the patient who will receive the transfusion. The final determination of eligibility is made by American Red Cross staff.

According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, yet only five percent of the eligible population gives blood.

“There is a significant and ongoing need for blood. There are many people who require transfusions – from those in emergency situations to those with cancer, blood disorders or other illnesses. It’s important to come together as a community to help fulfill that need. We encourage our staff and members as well as those in the community to consider giving blood at USMMA on June 4th,” noted Tom Hafers, owner of USMMA.

For more information about the Blood Drive contact USMMA at 508-966-5006.

About USMMA

USMMA focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. Classes offered include Strength & Conditioning; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Thai Boxing; Cardio Thai Boxing; Wrestling; Cardio and Open Mat; Kids Mixed Martial Arts; Pilates; Power Yoga and Deep Flow Yoga.

USMMA’s state of the art, 4,000 square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000 square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 1,500 square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. USMMA is located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham. For more information, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.

USMMA of Bellingham to Host Community Blood Drive on June 4thRead More

From One Club to Another-DirectBuy Supports Boys & Girls Clubs…Donning Denim Makes a Difference for Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana

DirectBuy's Patti Titus with children from the Merrillville Boys & Girls Club
DirectBuy

Merrillville, IN (May 19, 2009) –

Visitors walking in and out of the DirectBuy Corporate Headquarters in Merrillville were a little surprised to see employees so casually dressed on Friday, April 10, 2009. Wearing denim is not acceptable work attire for employees, but what visitors did not know was that DirectBuy employees were donning denim for a great cause. As part of a new corporate giving program, employees were given the opportunity to wear jeans to work in exchange for making a minimum $2 donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana (BGCNWI). As a result, DirectBuy raised $1000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana. 

 

 

The donation provided by DirectBuy helps Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana to continue offering services to area youth. “Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana is able to provide its programs and services because of the generosity of donors and volunteers, such as the employees of DirectBuy,” says Greg Reinholt, development manager, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana.  

 

DirectBuy’s Patti Titus, senior director of merchandise services, and Sara Shragal, public relations manager, visited the Boys & Girls Club in Merrillville on April 21, 2009 to present the $1000 check and meet the children and volunteers who will benefit from the donation. During their visit, Titus and Shragal toured the facility and stayed to lend a hand with math worksheets.

 

At the Boys & Girls Clubs, homework is a top priority, followed by educational learning activities, computer education, physical fitness and games room activities. The Club also teaches classes about leadership, and making good choices.

 

“The DirectBuy concept really goes hand-in-hand with the values of the Boys & Girls Clubs,” says Titus. “Both programs are focused on helping families achieve a better quality of life.”

 

Giving back to the community has become a regular activity for DirectBuy clubs across North America. At the corporate office, employees give to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Foundation each year, but with the new corporate giving program in place, DirectBuy plans on making a donation each quarter of the year.

 

For the employees at DirectBuy, like merchandise specialist, Pattie Jakubielski, the new program is a welcome addition. “It was definitely fun to see co-workers wearing their favorite pair of jeans,” said Jakubielski. “But the best part is that the donations are helping local youth.”

 

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy 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 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

 

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’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

 

 

About Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Indiana

BGCNWI was founded in 1954 in Gary, Indiana. Currently BGCNWI operates six Club sites in six cities throughout Lake County Indiana. Serving more than 12,000 youth ages 6 to 18 years of age, BGCNWI provide Club programs and services that promote and enhance the positive development of boys & girls. The core belief of the organization, Board of Directors, staff, and donors is that all six Club sites provide youth with a safe place to learn and grow, teach youth to develop interpersonal relationships, to provide youth with life-enhancing programs and character and development experiences and last but not least to continue providing youth with hope and opportunity. For more information about BGCNWI visit (www.bgcnwi.org).

 

From One Club to Another-DirectBuy Supports Boys & Girls Clubs…Donning Denim Makes a Difference for Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest IndianaRead More