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How owning a DAWG of a Driveway can win you $500… BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT®, New England’s premier driveway maintenance company, launches its “America’s Ugliest Driveway” Contest

GOFFSTOWN, NEW HAMPSHIRE…

 

For every cracked, beat-up, worn-out driveway, there’s a story. Perhaps it’s a tale of neglect, winter storms, glacial movement, a meteor crash or an unfortunate incident involving a monster tractor pull looking for a place to turn around. With its “America’s Ugliest Driveway” Contest, BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT’s Founder, Jack Child, is in search of America’s Ugliest Driveway and is willing to put $500 in the pocket of its owner to ease the sting of their misfortune.

 

Starting April 15 (a date chosen for its own “eyesoreness”), homeowners from all 50 states may submit their photo or video along with a caption or story making their case to win the prize. Besides just plain being ugly, points will be given for creativity and cleverness in the form of captions (e.g. here’s my driveway after aliens landed on it) and brief stories (e.g. cracks that resemble celebrities or world leaders).  Funny videos will receive extra consideration.  The winner, to be selected on June 15, 2009, will receive $500, courtesy of BLACK DAWG FRANCHISE GROUP, parent company of BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT®.

 

One driveway from each state will be chosen as that state’s Ugliest Driveway and the owner will be sent a jug of real New Hampshire Maple syrup, courtesy of Parker’s Maple Barn, Mason, New Hampshire.  From that not so elite group of uglies, one Grand Prize winner will be selected and hailed as owner of “America’s Ugliest Driveway” and collect $500. 

 

Homeowners wishing to submit their “ugly driveway” entry should visit www.AmericasUgliestDriveway.com.  Entries are limited to one per household.  By submitting their entry, contest participants agree to allow BLACK DAWG FRANCHISE GROUP LLC to use their names, likenesses and any items submitted for marketing purposes and publication on the web.  Void where prohibited by law.

 

Serving both residential and commercial markets, BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT® Franchises use only the finest materials to preserve, protect and restore asphalt to its original, black-as-night finish.  Besides a better look, the sealant employed by BLACK DAWG slows oxidation and other damaging effects of the sun and ultraviolet rays while creating a protective barrier against gas, oil, chemicals and, your driveway’s worst enemy, water.  Unfortunately for contest lovers, using BLACK DAWG to maintain their driveway will inevitably keep it looking great and drastically lower their odds of winning.

 

Renowned for its professional and courteous customer service (real people actually answer the phone), BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT® also offers Hot Rubber crack sealing services as well as line striping marking services for commercial parking lots. BLACK DAWG’s service area includes central and southern New Hampshire, the seacoast of New Hampshire, north central Massachusetts, Fairfield County, Connecticut and is looking to award franchises and expand into New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, Maine and other locations.

BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT® is a member of the Souhegan Valley, Manchester, Salem and Exeter Chambers of Commerce and each franchise is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau.  In addition, BLACK DAWG supports local and national non-profit organizations such as the PLUS Company, the Souhegan Valley Boys and Girls Club, Fisher House for Disabled Vets, the Red Cross, Bedford Little League, Londonderry Youth Soccer, Londonderry Fire Department, Windham Baseball/Softball League, New Hampshire Fire Marshall’s Arson Investigation Canine Division, Nashua Humane Society, Boys and Girls Club of Nashua, the New Outlook Teen Center of Exeter, Girls, Inc. of Nashua, the Veterans Count Auction, The Cancer Society of Connecticut and the Weston, Connecticut Historical Society.

For more information on BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT® and to see pictures of Olive, “the Boss”, please visit www.BlackDawgSealcoat.com or call 1-(800) 998-DAWG (3294).  For information regarding franchise opportunities, visit www.BlackDawgFranchise.com.  And, to order some delicious maple syrup, visit www.ParkersMapleBarn.com.

How owning a DAWG of a Driveway can win you $500… BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT®, New England’s premier driveway maintenance company, launches its “America’s Ugliest Driveway” ContestRead More

Curves International Recognized as 2009 Franchisor of the Year

SAN DIEGO, CA…

The American Association of Franchisee and Dealers (AAFD) announced Curves International, Inc., as AAFD’s Franchisor of the Year for 2009. 

Curves International is the franchisor of Curves fitness centers, the world’s largest fitness network with nearly 10,000 franchisee-owned fitness clubs serving four million women worldwide.  Curves is also one of the fastest growing franchise companies in history.

Notwithstanding the challenges of rapid growth and dynamic involvement in multiple channels of distribution, the Company has embraced a collaborative culture with its franchise network and has enjoyed a very positive relationship with its members as a result. 

AAFD Chairman Robert Purvin cited Curves’ exemplary franchise culture as the primary focus of the AAFD’s recognition.  “Curves management has encouraged and supported the organization of an independent franchisee association, including a willingness to engage the association’s elected leadership.” 

“In the 15 years that I have been representing franchisee associations, my experience with Curves International has been utterly unique,” said Ron Gardner, the attorney for Circuit Fitness Association (CFA). “The company has supported a completely independent association, both financially, and through open and continuous access to Curves’ senior management and have embraced the CFA as a valuable source of information. That’s contributed to noticeable improvements in the system for both the franchisees and the franchisor—exactly how a healthy franchisor/franchisee relationship should work.”

“Curves International, under the leadership of Gary and Diane Heavin, as well as Mike Raymond, has shown tremendous support for the Curves Franchisee Association. This has been done through funding as well as an open dialogue with not only top leadership, but with the various department heads,” said Mary Ella Young, president of CFA. “Curves has always asked for complete honesty and has been very open to criticism when the CFA felt it was necessary. This never dissuaded them from their support of the CFA. Quite the opposite; they are interested and support the transition to being a completely independent and autonomous group.”

Under the wise leadership of company founders, Gary and Diane Heavin, Curves has defined itself as a franchise system built upon a culture of collaboration with and respect for its franchisee network, as well as setting a high standard for customer satisfaction and commitment.

Said CEO Gary Heavin, “We have always made every effort to work hand in hand with our franchisees—as partners and as friends. The CFA is an indispensable resource, providing invaluable feedback that allows us to serve our franchisees at a higher level. I am pleased to accept this award in recognition of the collaborative efforts of our corporate employees, our franchisees and the CFA.”   

The Heavins opened the first Curves in 1992, and sold their first franchise in 1995. The company is headquartered in Waco, Texas.  All Curves fitness clubs are independently owned and operated.

The AAFD’s Total Quality Franchising Awards will be presented during the Association’s Annual Franchisee Leadership Summit on Thursday, April 30, 2009, in San Antonio, Texas.

About Curves

Curves works to help women lose weight, gain muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and raise metabolism with its groundbreaking, scientifically proven method that ends the need for perpetual dieting. Curves works every major muscle group with a complete 30-minute workout that combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin are considered the innovators of the express fitness phenomenon that has made exercise available to 4 million women. With nearly 10,000 locations in 70 countries, Curves is the world’s largest fitness franchise. For more information, please visit: www.curves.com.

About the AAFD

The AAFD is a national non-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers throughout the United States. Formed in 1992, The AAFD is focused on market driven reform to achieve its mission to define and promote collaborative franchise cultures that the AAFD describes as Total Quality Franchising.   Since its formation the AAFD has grown to represent more than 50,000 franchised businesses throughout the United States. The AAFD currently has members in all 50 states and represents more than 100 different franchise systems.

The AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards, Fair Franchising Seal, Trademark Chapters, and emphasis on Marketplace Solutions led to the Association’s recognition as a growing force in franchising. The AAFD’s Branded Partner programs add a new dimension to the value of AAFD membership. The AAFD provides a broad range of member services designed to help franchisees build market power, create legislative support of interest to franchisees, provide legal and financial support, and provide a wide range of general member benefits.

For more information about the conference or the AAFD, please call toll free – 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

Curves International Recognized as 2009 Franchisor of the YearRead More

Online Lead Generation Service Launched by MediaRight.net, Hanover, Mass.

WORKING HEADLINE: Online Lead Generation Service Launched by MediaRight.net, Hanover, Mass.

 

For many plumbers, electricians and other home improvement providers were spoiled until recently. There was so much new business that customers would patiently wait weeks for projects to commence.  In today’s economy that lead flow has gone from a gusher to an unpredictable drip.

 

A new Online Lead Generation Service has been launched by MediaRight.net, based in Hanover, Mass., to respond to that challenge.  Utilizing a variety of techniques including Search Engine Optimization (SEO) of website pages, headlines and body copy; scrutiny of Google ad words and targeting key words and phrases; and a WordPress platform, MediaRight.net is transforming how service providers are finding motivated customers.

 

“This recession had me more than concerned,” noted John Wood, founder and CEO of Hub Plumbing, Boston, Mass.  He added, “I was skeptical about the validity of the Online Lead Generation Service approach, but I give it a shot by borrowing from my Yellow Pages budget.  Well, now I can sleep comfortably knowing that when I arrive at my shop in the morning we will have new customers who have found us and are ready to do business.”

 

Jack Child, founder and President of Black Dawg Sealcoat, a national franchise based in Nashua, NH, remarked, “Our driveway preservation business is very seasonal and we have to make hay while the sun is shining.  As a new brand, we needed to be easily found not by name, but category.  The Online Lead Generation Service is keeping our crews – both in New England and beyond – very busy.”

 

Due the competitive nature of the service industry, the Online Lead Generation Service is exclusive to each service providers market area.  Pricing for the service starts at $5,000.

 

The lead capturing system maintains a high level of accountability.  New customer information is sent via email to both the service provider and also archived on their website.  The customer also receives a confirmation email. 

 

Roland Lacey, the architect of The Online Lead Generation Service and President of MediaRight.net, asserted, “Our system and our client’s websites address three critical customer questions.  Do you have what I am looking for? Do I trust your company and site?  How do I get it?  By answering these questions with relevant content, professional design and user friendly navigation, we convert visitors to customers.”

Lacey continued, “Our stable of talented ghost writers and graphic designers create pages that search engines – and PEOPLE – really love. Many of our articles have been picked up by high profile sites leading to valuable links for our clients’ sites.”

ABOUT MEDIARIGHT.NET

Roland Lacey Jr. founded MediaRight.net in 1995 with the goal of helping small to medium sized businesses use the Internet and its associated technologies to grow their business online.

A Marketing major in college, Roland went on to a 28 year career in software design concluding that chapter as a Vice President at State Street Bank where he was a leader of development staffs of several European branches. Over the last 15 years Roland and the MediaRight.net team have built hundreds of successful web sites for businesses in all kinds of markets.

Lacey served as the Technical Editor of “The Essential Online Solution: The 5 Step Formula for Small Business Success” as well as the recently released second edition of “Retail Business Kit for Dummies” both published by Wiley and Sons. He serves as the Technical Editor and is a frequent presenter on “The Retailer’s Advantage” membership web site.

For more information about MediaRight.net, visit the website, email Roland@MediaRight.net, or call (781) 924-1141.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Online Lead Generation Service Launched by MediaRight.net, Hanover, Mass.Read More

DirectBuy of Tinley Park owner celebrates 35 years in business

TINLEY PARK, IL…

Before Ed Sell purchased his DirectBuy franchise back in 1974, the world was a different place. Richard Nixon had yet to resign from office. Not everybody had a color television. There was still no such thing as a free agent in baseball. Yet in celebrating his 35th anniversary with DirectBuy, Sell is still sold on the DirectBuy concept of providing members the opportunity to purchase name brand products at direct insider prices.

“My first experience with DirectBuy was as a member back in 1972. So I experienced the kind of savings you can only get by buying directly from the manufacturer firsthand. You could say I was impressed with the company from the very start because shortly after I joined applied for a job there and eventually wanted to buy my own franchise,” said Sell.

Sell opened his DirectBuy in Calumet, Illinois back in March of 1974. He ran his franchise in that location until 2000 before expanding his territory and opening the current location at 18400 S. 76th Avenue in Tinley Park, Illinois. About seven years into his ownership, Sell acquired a business partner when he married I.J., the current Mrs. Sell.

“Ed didn’t have to, pardon the pun, sell me on DirectBuy. It was clear to me from the start that this was a great company and a great business. Twenty-nine years later, for me, and 35 for Ed, we still take a tremendous amount of satisfaction in seeing people get more for their money and avoiding retail markups,” says I.J.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of Tinley Park Estates offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design, delivery and installation services.

“Our 35 years in business have not only given us the opportunity to help families in the greater Chicago area and northwestern Indiana create the home of their dreams, but to also establish ourselves as part of the local business community and as a contributor to local charities,” said Sell. “We look forward to further cultivating those relationships with our customers and the community as we build toward even bigger and better things in the years to come.”

About DirectBuy

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 and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to 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.  It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The five DirectBuy showrooms 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.directbuychicago.com/. 

Locations of the five DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Gurnee, 4081 Ryan Rd. #107, Gurnee, IL; DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 N. Stonington Ave Ste. 150 Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 Avondale, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 Highgrove Ste. 136 Naperville, 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.

DirectBuy of Tinley Park owner celebrates 35 years in businessRead More

Top mark for DirectBuy… DirectBuy hires Mark Boggess as chief financial officer

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

The DirectBuy Corporate Support Center recently hired Mark Boggess as chief financial officer (CFO).

AS CFO, Boggess will work closely with management to grow the DirectBuy network of franchise centers, as well as new products and services.

“We’re extremely excited to have somebody of Mark’s caliber as CFO. It’s no coincidence that the companies he’s worked for previously have enjoyed tremendous success and we’re hoping that continues here at DirectBuy,” said Scott Powell, president and CEO of DirectBuy.

Boggess comes to DirectBuy after a successful career with Affinity Group, Inc., which operates membership clubs with nearly two million active members. The company sells products and services like liability insurance, emergency road service, publishing and specialty retail.

“I’m positively thrilled with the opportunity to work with Scott and the rest of the team at DirectBuy,” said Boggess. “We’re in the middle of some very challenging economic times these days and that makes the job of CFO even more critical. Thankfully, DirectBuy has a product that gives consumers the power to stretch their dollars farther and that’s something I’m happy to be a part of.”

Boggess and his family are in the process of relocating to Chicagoland from Bowling Green, Kentucky.

DirectBuy clubs offer members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by purchasing wholesale, directly from the manufacturer or authorized distributor. In addition, DirectBuy clubs boast a team of designers to help members with their purchases and gives them 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.

Top mark for DirectBuy… DirectBuy hires Mark Boggess as chief financial officerRead More

DirectBuy of Little Rock makes local efforts for long distance disaster.

 LITTLE ROCK, AR…

Why is it that “no good deed goes unnoticed?” Sometimes it’s because the effects of that good deed will have forever altered the lives of those involved. And that’s why the service staff at DirectBuy of Little Rock donated their time and efforts on March 27, 2009 to help fill 4,000 disaster relief buckets for the recent flooding in North Dakota.

Ferncliff Disaster Assistance Center in Arkansas coordinated local relief efforts for the flood disasters in North Dakota. The buckets contained essential items for residential cleanup like: garbage bags, sponges, scrub brushes, masks, gloves, and detergent. Little Rock’s service staff helped fill and palletize close to a hundred extra large buckets before returning to work that day.

“Our service staff participates in community outreach every month,” said co-owner of DirectBuy of Little Rock Paula Schmidt. “We’ll be back to help fill First Aid kits anytime there is a disaster.”

Months of rain and bad weather caused the Red River that runs through eastern North and South Dakota as well as western Minnesota to swell and spill over its banks. Floodwaters that made it through the levee damaged roads, public buildings, businesses, and homes.

A week after record flooding in North Dakota, cleanup efforts were under way. Thanks to the help of Ferncliff Disaster Relief Center, residents and businesses were prepared for immediate cleanup as relief buckets were sent on Saturday March 28, 2009.

In order to obtain high levels of service, DirectBuy of Little Rock has service trainings 3 days a week. Once a month, the staff reaches out to the community as part of those trainings. Little Rock’s Catalog Updater Eden Carroll introduced the staff to the relief center where her father serves as Director.

“Although the Red River is out of immediate danger, the river is still roughly 37 feet above flood stage. Should the river flood the area again, and we pray that it doesn’t, we would be more than willing to contribute further efforts in the relief of North Dakota,” said Service Manager Joey Sammons.

DirectBuy clubs across North America are active contributors to many local non-profits and charities. Some of the more notable beneficiaries of DirectBuy’s generosity include the Boys & Girls Clubs, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Homes for Our Troops and Children’s Hospitals.

About Ferncliff Disaster Assistance Center

Ferncliff has a 10,000 sq ft Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) that works in cooperation with Church World Service (CWS) and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA). The warehouse receives CWS Gift-of-the-Heart kits from churches around the country. Churches west of the Mississippi are invited to send their completed kits to Ferncliff. Churches to the east are asked to send their kits to the CWS national warehouse in New Windsor, Maryland. Kits received at Ferncliff will either be consolidated and sent in quantity to Maryland or can be sent directly to disaster sites.

About DirectBuy

For 38 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 furniture, carpet and flooring, and custom window treatments, to kitchen and bath cabinets and fixtures, appliances and much, much more.  DirectBuy enables members to purchase products from several hundred manufacturers at more than 160 clubs across North America.  To learn more about DirectBuy, visit www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

DirectBuy of Little Rock makes local efforts for long distance disaster.Read More

Getting good wood on shipments…Boston Pack and Ship receives Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association certification.

BRAINTREE, MA…

As a small load-shipping specialist, Boston Pack and Ship builds crates to fit some rather unique sized objects—e.g. artwork, grandfather’s clocks, high value computer servers/electronics. Yet for overseas shipments, that crate not only has to fit whatever is being shipped, but made from the right wood. Hence the importance of Boston Pack and Ship’s recent certification by  the Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association (NeLMA).

Established in 1933, NeLMA is the rules writing agency for Eastern White Pine Lumber and the grading authority for Eastern Spruce, Balsam Fir, Spruce Pine Fir (SPFs) species grouping and other commercially important eastern softwood lumber species. Wooden crates used to ship items overseas must be stamped by a governing body like NeLMA.

“Overseas, there’s been a real problem with shipments in wooden crates infested with termites and other insects and bugs. Those insects travel via crate, jump off and then infest trees and vegetation. The new customs regulations mandate that crates being shipped overseas have the approval of a regulating body like NeLMA or the overseas customs officers will destroy the crate and what’s inside. Not to mention the serious fines that are involved. That’s why Boston Pack and Ship receiving our NeLMA certification is critical,” said Joe Fell, co-owner of Boston Pack and Ship.

Wood to be used for crates for overseas shipping must meet the guidelines set by the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures. Specifically, wood used for crates must be heat-treated for 30 minutes at 133 degrees to receive the NeLMA stamp.

“Many of the softer woods like spruce can’t be used for overseas crates because though they have been heat-treated, they have not been treated for the right length of time and temperature,” added Fell. “That’s something that NeLMA really stays on top of. Even with our certification, we still undergo random audits to ensure that every crate that ships out of here meets NeLMA standards.”

In addition to customized crates and packages, Boston Pack and Ship employs foam-in-place technology to ensure the safe shipment of products for both commercial and residential customers. Products being shipped can range from medical equipment and computer servers to delicate artwork and grandfather clocks.

Boston Pack and Ship offers multiple U.S. shipping options including ground and air delivery to a terminal for pickup or inside delivery. International options include air or ocean with door-to-door or door-to-port delivery. Full declared value is available on both domestic and international shipments. Pick-up of items to be packed and shipped for delivery is made by appointment.

For more information on the breadth of Boston Pack and Ship’s services, you can visit the company Web site at www.bostonpackandship.com. For a free quote on an out-of-state or international move or shipment, please call (800) 400-7204.

Small load specialists

Formerly known as The Packaging Store and now repackaged as Boston Pack and Ship, these small load specialists have been a trusted strategic partner of many movers in eastern Massachusetts for more than two decades. Based in Braintree, Massachusetts, Boston Pack and Ship employs custom crates and packaging and foam-in-place solutions to pack and ship everything from artwork to heirlooms, computers to antiques to both out-of-state and international destinations. Known for its fast and efficient customer service, one call is usually all it takes to schedule a pickup for a door-to-door or door-to-port shipment. For more information, visit www.bostonpackandship.com or call (800) 400-7204 for a free quote.

Getting good wood on shipments…Boston Pack and Ship receives Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association certification.Read More

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold “Elder Care Expo” on April 14th

PLYMOUTH COUNTY AND AVON; EASTON AND STOUGHTON, MA…
Old Colony Elder Services of Brockton will hold an “Elder Care Expo” for seniors and caregivers on Tuesday, April

14, 2009 from 10 a,m. to 2 p.m. at the Brockton Council on Aging, 10 Father Kenney Way in Brockton.  This is a FREE event.

The Elder Care Expo is designed to broaden the community’s awareness about resources available to help manage elder care issues.  There will be resource exhibits, health screenings and educational seminars throughout the day.  Health screenings include: hearing, glucose and pulmonary function screenings as well as blood pressure checks.

Rochelle Sugarman, Family Caregiver Support Program Caregiver Specialist at OCES will present a seminar on “Tools for Caring”.  Seniors and caregivers will learn about tips and resources that are available to family caregivers and the elders in their care.

Pam McCormack, Manager of the Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern MA, Cape Cod and the Islands office, will hold the seminar “Maintain Your Brain: How to Live a Brain-Healthy Lifestyle”.  Attendees will learn about
scientifically-rooted nutritional and lifestyle advice, interactive exercises and activities.  This program is
geared to adults who want to learn more about staying fit from the neck up.

There will also be refreshments, giveaways and raffles.  Every attendee will receive the updated Elder Education and Community Outreach (EECO).Resource Guide for Older Adults and Caregivers.

This event is sponsored by Old Colony Elder Services’ Family Caregiver Support Program (which is partially funded by The Older Americans Act, Title IIE with support from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs) and EECO.  For more information contact:  Sara Gassett at Old Colony Elder Services (508) 584-1561 ext. 272.

Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association strives to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through research; provide care and support for those affected and promote brain health.  The Southeastern MA/Cape Cod and the Islands Regional Office is located in Raynham, MA.  For more information, visit the website http://www.alz.org/manh/.

EECO
Elder Education and Community Outreach is sponsored by Brockton Neighborhood Health Center; Brockton Council on Aging; Brockton Visiting Nurse Association; Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital; Brockton Board of Health; New England Sinai Hospital and Rehab Center/Sinai Day Health; Old Colony Elder Services; St. Joseph’s Manor/Mater Dei Adult Day Health; Senior Whole Health and Brockton Area Multi-Services, Inc. (BAMSI) Helpline.

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 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.

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold “Elder Care Expo” on April 14thRead More

All Pointe bulletin…Hanover housing community lifts over-55 age restriction.

HANOVER, MASSACHUSETTS…

The North Pointe rental housing community, located at 511 Washington Street in Hanover, recently announced the removal of its over-55 age restriction for tenants effective April 6, 2009.

The 74-unit facility offers a unique combination of affordability and luxury. Starting at  $1375 for a one-bedroom and $1675 for a two-bedroom, each unit at North Pointe features nine-foot ceilings, granite countertops, ceramic tile in the kitchen and bathroom(s), washer/dryer, patio/balcony, central air conditioning and elevator service. The rent includes heat and hot water.

“There are many things that make North Pointe a great place to live. For starters, it is conveniently located to Routes 3 and 53, as well as Hanover’s malls and shops. But beyond convenience and luxury, North Pointe’s amenities—which includes a reading room, fitness center and community room for functions—foster a real sense of community that you don’t find in many housing communities,” said North Pointe Co-Owner Rick Lincoln. “That’s why we’re positively thrilled to lift the age restriction and make this fine living experience available to all ages.”

Among the services North Pointe offers are: onsite management, 24-hour emergency maintenance and elevators in each building, basement storage and onsite parking.

For a virtual tour of North Pointe, you can visit www.northpointe-hanover.com or call (781) 826-5666 to schedule an in-person visit.

About North Pointe apartments

Located at 511 Washington Street in the thriving town of Hanover, Massachusetts, North Pointe offers the comforts and convenience of suburban living. Each one and two bedroom unit features nine-foot ceilings, granite countertops, ceramic tile in the kitchen and bathroom(s), washer/dryer, patio/balcony, and central air conditioning. Tenants also enjoy on-site management, 24-hour emergency maintenance, on-site parking and basement storage. In addition to your individual unit, residents also have access to several common areas, including fitness center, reading room and community room. For a virtual tour of North Pointe, you can visit www.northpointe-hanover.com or call (781) 826-5666 to schedule an in-person visit.  

All Pointe bulletin…Hanover housing community lifts over-55 age restriction.Read More