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South Shore Skin Center Announces Fraxel Laser Treatments for Acne Scarring

South Shore Skin Center, one of the most progressive dermatology practices in Massachusetts with offices in Plymouth and Cohasset has recently announced a new cosmetic treatment for acne scarring.

Fraxel re:pair laser technology has been found to be a safer and more effective treatment for reducing the appearance of acne scarring than traditional CO2 lasers. South Shore Skin Center is now offering Fraxel re:pair laser treatments to patients with moderate to severe acne scarring.

Previously, ablative CO2 laser resurfacing was used to treat acne scarring, but the risk of side effects included changes in skin pigmentation; infection; edema; red patches and significant recovery time. With the Fraxel re:pair laser, healing is rapid and recovery time is drastically reduced. The side effects with Fraxel re:pair are minimal and include mild dryness and mild fluid retention.

Fraxel re:pair laser uses the technology of a fractionated laser beam to ablate the tissue deep within the dermis to improve the skin’s appearance by stimulating the body’s natural production of new collagen and skin cells. Patients can obtain results with far less down time than with traditional CO2 lasers.

In a recent study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, patients with acne scarring were given two to three full-face Fraxel re:pair treatments over a period of three months. The study showed that the majority of these patients experienced minimal side effects and were highly satisfied with the outcome of the their treatments.

Dr. Richard Eisen, a board certified dermatologist at South Shore Skin Center and a leading expert in Fraxel re:pair and Fraxel re:store laser systems explained, “Fraxel re:pair is an ideal treatment for acne scarring because it enables deeper penetration into the layers of the skin to erase acne scarring. Fraxel re:pair is safer and more effective than traditional lasers. Patients will begin to see results after the first treatment.”

Fraxel re:pair and re:store laser treatments have been approved by the FDA to treat a variety of cosmetic conditions. South Shore Skin Center is the only provider in the area offering the advanced technology of Fraxel re:pair and Fraxel re:store laser treatments. To schedule a consultation, contact South Shore Skin Center’s Cohasset (781) 383-3340 or Plymouth office (508) 747-0711.

Treating Acne

Acne is caused by overproduction of sebum (oil), which is regulated by hormones, coupled with the obstruction of the pores. People can get acne at any age, but teens are most likely to experience it because it is triggered by hormone changes. While most acne sufferers’ breakouts are not serious and do not result in scarring, at least 40 percent of all cases need to be treated by a physician.

“Acne scarring is most often caused by cystic acne, a severe form of acne. Severe acne is hereditary,” noted Dr. Eisen.

For severe acne that may potentially result in scarring, South Shore Skin Center offers several types of treatment to control it including: Gentle YAG, which is a gentle, safe and effective type of laser treatment; Photodynamic Therapy which uses a light source in conjunction with chemical therapy; and Thermage, which is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radio frequency.

South Shore Skin Center

Founded in 1984, South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services.

South Shore Skin Center’s cosmetic services include Fraxel re:pair and re:store; Gentle YAG, innovative Laser, IPL (Intensive Pulse Light), Thermage and treatments for age spots, acne scarring, birth marks, tattoos and more. The practice also offers a full range of affordable anti-aging services including Botox, wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels.

South Shore Skin Center offices are located at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202 in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340, and 45 Resnik Road, Suite 102 in Plymouth, Mass., (508) 747-0711. For more information, visit their website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.

South Shore Skin Center Announces Fraxel Laser Treatments for Acne ScarringRead More

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. Advises Taxpayers of Federal Bailout’s Tax Provisions

On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law a number of tax provisions which were included among the laws passed related to the bailout and stabilization of the financial markets. Rodman & Rodman, P.C. Certified Public Accountants and Business Strategists catering to small and medium sized companies throughout New England, outlines these tax provisions for taxpayers.

A number of relief provisions have been implemented to prevent middle income taxpayers from falling prey to AMT. These include:

· AMT exemption amount increases to $69,950 for joint filers and $46,200 for single filers.

· Allowing taxpayers to offset various nonrefundable personal credits against AMT, including, the dependent care credit, child tax credit, and Hope and Lifetime Learning credit as well as other credits;

· For taxpayers who exercise incentive stock options, recognizing phantom income for AMT, there has been an extension and expansion of the limited relief.

With regard to charitable provisions:

· The provision allowing taxpayers aged 70 ½ to donate up to $100,000 to public charities from IRA or Roth IRA accounts without recognizing such amounts as taxable income has been extended through 2009.

Other notable provisions:

· Favorable changes have been made to the Alternative Simplified Credit and the Research and Development Credit has been extended through 2009.

· Favorable Depreciation 15 year write-off rules for qualified leasehold, restaurant and retail improvements are extended through 2008.

There are many extensions, modifications and new rules for popular energy credits including:

· The 30 percent Investment Tax Credit for solar energy property is extended through 2016

· The Credit for Residential Solar Property is also extended through 2016 with increased credit caps

· There is now a “Plug In” vehicle tax credit ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 (although the credit is phased out after the 250,000th plug in vehicle has been sold)

· The Energy Efficient Residential credit is extended through 2009 with some additional incentives

· The law allowing taxpayers to deduct certain costs of energy efficient property for commercial buildings is extended through 2013

· The Contractor Construction Energy credit allowing contractors a credit for the construction of energy efficient homes is extended through 2009.

Various revenue raisers have been imposed to offset the above tax incentives such as:

· Brokers are mandated to report to the IRS on transactions involving publicly traded securities, extending the FUTA surtax of .2 percent through 2010 as well as other provisions targeted to specific taxpayers such as energy and oil companies.

“We strongly urge taxpayers to consult with a tax professional if they have any questions about the new tax provisions,” explained Steven P. Rodman, CPA, MST, president of Rodman & Rodman, P.C.

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, Mass. For more information, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact Jen Reading at (617) 965-5959.

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DirectBuy’s very own Jordonna Levin donates to Locks of Love

WEST PALM BEACH, FL…

Those who know four-year-old Jordonna Levin recognize her by the beautiful locks that adorn her big brown eyes. Her long brown hair was her trademark and a big topic of conversation amongst her family and friends. So, it was truly a milestone when she decided to donate 10 inches to Locks of Love, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing hairpieces to children suffering from long-term medical hair loss.

Months prior to the donation, mom Jenny Levin, co-owner of DirectBuy of The Palm Beaches, had been trying to get Jordonna to cut her hair. “It was getting so long and unmanageable,” said Jenny.

It was the day before Pre-Kindergarten and only months away from turning five when she decided to make the donation. The decision wasn’t easy for Jordonna when she realized a minimum donation of 10 inches would have to be made. Not only was this a big change for her, but she wasn’t sure how her teacher and friends would react to the new Jordonna.

Knowing that this was an incredibly special event in her daughter’s life, Jenny was filled with emotions the morning of the donation. “Not only did I feel so lucky and blessed to have a healthy, beautiful child, but I really felt the emotions of what the receiving parent would be feeling one day,” said Jenny. “I will now have a strong connection with someone out there that I will never meet.”

DirectBuy of the Palm Beaches Customer Service Specialist Aimee Falvey donated to Locks of Love a year prior to Jordonna’s donation. Both of them have inspired many others to donate in the coming year.

“I am so happy that I cut my hair and donated it to someone who really needs it,” said Jordonna. “I love my new hair, because I look just like Snow White.”

When Jordonna started school the next day, everyone was so amazed by what she had done. After her teacher learned of the donation, she asked Jordonna to speak to the class in hope of encouraging others to donate as well.

Jordonna’s father, Stephen Levin, co-owner of DirectBuy of The Palm Beaches, hopes his daughter’s brave actions will inspire others. “I am very proud of my little lady. Not only does she look like one, but her new haircut makes her feel like one inside.”

Locks of Love

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. Locks of Love meets a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses they provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers. To find out how you can help support this special effort, contact Locks of Love through their website www.locksoflove.com or email at info@locksoflove.org. 

About DirectBuy

For 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 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 showrooms across North America.  To learn more about DirectBuy, visit www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

DirectBuy’s very own Jordonna Levin donates to Locks of LoveRead More

J.P. Licks Offers $1 Coffee on Veterans’ Day. Proceeds to benefit New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans

On Tuesday, November 11th, J.P. Licks will be offering patrons a small cup of fresh brewed coffee for $1 at each of their eight stores in remembrance and celebration of Veterans’ Day. All proceeds from $1 small fresh brewed coffees will be donated to the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans (NESHV) in Boston.

“We wanted to honor and support those who have served us and our country,” noted Vince Petryk, founder of J.P. Licks.

J.P. Licks has a passion for coffee and deep rooted commitment to coffee growers which is reflected in their selection of Fair Trade Organic (FTO) coffees. To ensure high quality and flavor consistency in every cup of coffee, J.P. Licks insists on roasting their beans at their Jamaica Plain store and has been doing so since 1999. Customers who enjoy a great cup of J.P. Licks coffee may also purchase their favorite blend of fresh roasted coffee beans.

Visit http://www.jplicks.com for store locations and hours. The NESHV is located at 17 Court Street in Boston. For more information, visit neshv.org.

Best of Boston and Beyond

For more than 25 years, J.P. Licks has been serving homemade ice cream and other specialties in their eight Kosher-certified shops in and around Boston. Locally owned and operated, J.P. Licks has won many awards over the years for their intensely-flavored homemade ice cream and frozen yogurt. Most recently, J.P. Licks was named “Best of Boston” and “Best Location – Jamaica Plain” by Boston Magazine and also made WBZ’s “A-List” for the second year in a row. Known for their high quality, scrumptious treats and their knack for “treating people right”, J.P. Licks was named Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s “Small Business of the Year”.

In addition to their frozen creations, J.P. Licks roasts their own fair trade and organic coffee beans on-site at their Jamaica Plain store, which ensures the best and the freshest, full-bodied cup of coffee around. Decadent hand-packed ice cream cakes as well as breakfast & ice cream sundae catering are also available.

Visit the website at jplicks.com for more information.

J.P. Licks Offers $1 Coffee on Veterans’ Day. Proceeds to benefit New England Shelter for Homeless VeteransRead More

DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver hires Expert Kitchen Designer Pamela Capitulo

VANCOUVER, COQUITLAM, VICTORIA, AND OKANAGAN, BC…

DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, the leading members-only showroom and home design center that offers merchandise at manufacturer-direct prices, recently hired Pamela Capitulo as Kitchen Designer.

Capitulo is a certified interior designer from British Columbia Institute of Technology. She started with DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver in July.

“Pamela is an absolutely wonderful addition to our staff. She’s a very talented designer and has a great way with the customers,” said Peter Ruetz, owner of DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver. “Having an additional full-time designer on staff on-site gives members a resource to get answers to their questions and has dramatically improved the turnaround in getting a design to our members.” 

The types of kitchen designs requested by members can range from traditional to modern. Said Capitulo, “The members I’ve worked with aren’t afraid to be a little adventurous with their kitchen designs, creatively utilizing the space with things like warming drawers, multiple dishwashers, a regular fridge and a wine fridge, etc. As a designer, that gives you a chance to let your hair down and that’s when you can really do your best work.”

Since 1971, DirectBuy franchises have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by buying wholesale, directly from the manufacturer. With four convenient locations in the greater Vancouver area (Victoria, Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Kelowna), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 1-800-DIRECTBUY or visit www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

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 500 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. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Vancouver area since 1997. 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 four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are part of more than 160 franchise locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 604-552-5255, or visiting www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

Locations of the four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are: DirectBuy of Vancouver, 2659 Lillooet St., Vancouver, British Columbia V5M 4P7; DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, 91 Golden Drive Unit #1, Coquitlam, British Columbia V3K 6R2; DirectBuy of Central Okanagan, #5 2260 Hunter Rd., Kelowna, British Columbia V1X 7J8; and DirectBuy of Greater Victoria, 350B Bay Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8T 1P7.

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

 

 

DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver hires Expert Kitchen Designer Pamela CapituloRead More

Call for Volunteers – Boys and Girls Club to Hold “Polar Express” Event in December

For the first time, the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield will hold a “Polar Express” magical train ride event this year on December 20, 2008! More than 150 volunteers are needed. A volunteer meeting will be held on October 29th at 7:15 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club located in Library Plaza in Marshfield.

The “Polar Express” will come to life on the Kingston commuter rail on December 20th. The train is scheduled for four trips during the course of the day. The Boys and Girls Club needs volunteers to act as characters such as elves and chefs. They also need all-around volunteers to commit to meetings and help with the organization of the event; ticket taking; souvenir sales; parking, decorating; clean up and serving hot chocolate and cookies to attendees.

Volunteer elves must be 15+ years old and all other volunteers must be 18+ years old and submit to a CORI background check. Community service hours will be awarded to volunteers.

Marshfield High School girl’s soccer and basketball teams are already on board to help out with the event. Because such a large number of volunteers for the “Polar Express” are needed, the Club welcomes other school groups such as the Key club, drama club, boosters, Student Council as well as other organizations interested in volunteering at this community event.

Can’t make it to the meet but interested in volunteering? Call 781-834-CLUB (2582).

All proceeds from the Polar Express event benefit the privately funded, non-profit the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield.

“This should be a spectacular event, but we really need the help of the community to successfully pull it off,” said the club’s Executive Director Greg Jackson. “We’re excited to have MHS Girl’s soccer and basketball boosters involved and certainly welcome other groups as well. This is a huge fundraiser for the club and we may sell over 1,000 tickets, so we need all the help we can get.”

Tickets for the “Polar Express” event are $20 each and on sale now at the Boys and Girls Club. Tickets may also be purchased online at marshfieldpolarexpress.com.

About the Boys and Girls Club

The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield’s purpose is to establish a safe haven for recreation, which includes a variety of supervised activities for greater than 4,000 youth (between the ages of 6 to 18 years old) within the town. The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield has five Core Areas: Character and Leadership; Education and Career; Health, Sport Fitness Recreation and Life Skills; The Arts; and Technology. These Core Areas serve as the foundation for all programming.

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

For more information about the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield, please contact (781) 834-CLUB (2582) or visit the website at MarshfieldBoysAndGirlsClub.com or write to the club at P.O. Box 311, Marshfield, MA 02050.

Call for Volunteers – Boys and Girls Club to Hold “Polar Express” Event in DecemberRead More

Singles Station-The Right One dating services find each other compatible; ink affiliate agreement.

TULSA, OKLAHOMA AND NORWELL, MASSACHUSETTS…

Whether it’s in business or your love life, finding the right match is critical As a brick-and-mortar dating service for more than a quarter of a century, Oklahoma-based Singles Station has helped thousands of couples get together. By signing an affiliate agreement with The Right One/Together Dating, Singles Station Dating Service has figuratively found “the right one” to take their business to the next level.

Under the agreement, Singles Station will fly under The Right One’s banner while remaining The Singles Stations in its nine current markets—Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Bentonville, Fort Smith and Little Rock, Arkansas; Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee; Springfield and St. Louis, Missouri; and two future ones in Wichita and Kansas City, Kansas. Singles Station will in turn, utilize The Right One’s systems and technologies, while The Right One works with them in a consulting capacity.

“It may sound like a cliché, but this really is a win-win for both sides,” said Charlee Brotherton, owner of Singles Station Dating Co. “With The Right One’s technologies and systems, we’re better able to serve our existing client base and attract new members. By being an affiliate of The Right One, we give them coverage in markets where they do not have offices. Like I said, a win-win.”

Paul A. Falzone, CEO of The Right One and Together Dating noted, “I’ve known Charlee for quite some time through our work with the Matchmaker Institute. She’s a pro’s pro whose company uses the same kind of personalized, one-to-one approach with their members as we do with ours. And while we both are happily married in our personal lives, business-wise, this really is a match made in heaven.”

To arrange a consultation with a professional matchmaker or for membership, contact The Right One toll-free at 800-818-DATE (3283).

             

Help is on the way
Catering to more than 300,000 members at 60 locations throughout North America, The Right One and Together Dating are the largest brick and mortar dating services in the industry, offering a more consistent product, a greater number of potentially compatible mates and added value of flexibility in transferring memberships to another geographic region. 
Romantic Locations

North American locations and affiliates of Together are:  California (Encino, Irvine, Los Angeles, Upland); Florida (Palm Beach, Vero Beach); Georgia (Savannah); Indiana (Ft. Wayne, Carmel); Kentucky (Lexington, Louisville); Louisiana (Metairie); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Minnesota (Minneapolis); Nevada (Reno); New Hampshire (Hooksett, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem); New Jersey (Bridgewater, Colts Neck and Lawrenceville); Ohio (Cincinnati); Pennsylvania (Mechanicsburg); South Carolina (Greenville); South Dakota (Sioux Falls); Texas (San Antonio, Beaumont and Houston) and Virginia (Falls Church).

The Right One’s offices and affiliates located throughout the United States include:  California (San Diego); Colorado (Glendale); Florida (Miami); Georgia (Atlanta); Kansas (Wichita and Overland Park); Illinois (Downers Grove, Rockford and Normal); New Jersey (Cherry Hill, Hackensack); Massachusetts (Norwell, Newton, Shrewsbury and Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms); Nebraska (Omaha and Lincoln); Nevada (Las Vegas) Pennsylvania (King of Prussia and Pittsburgh); Rhode Island (Warwick); Texas (Dallas, Austin); and Wisconsin (Madison, Appleton, Elm Grove).

For more information about Together Dating and The Right One, please visit their websites at www.togetherdating.com and www.therightone.com, or call (800) 818-DATE (3283).

Singles Station Dating Company is the largest independently owned personal introduction service in the Southwest. In the last 25 years, Singles Station has introduced more than 100,000 couples and is responsible for thousands of successful relationships and marriages. Singles Station continues its commitment to be the most successful dating service of its kind. The Singles Station Dating Co. has offices conveniently located in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma; Bentonville, Fort Smith and Little Rock, Arkansas; Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; Springfield and St. Louis, Missouri and will be opening soon in Wichita and Kansas City, Kansas. For more information about Singles Station, please visit www.singlesstation.com or call 866-807-LOVE(5683).

(Editor note:  For interviews with the colorful and articulate Paul A. Falzone, CEO of eLove, The Right One and Together Dating and the author of a book on the history of dating, please contact Steve Dubin, Courtland Brooks, at (781) 582-1061 or, by e-mail, at steve@courtlandbrooks.com.)

Singles Station-The Right One dating services find each other compatible; ink affiliate agreement.Read More

Joan Miller celebrates five years with DirectBuy of Vancouver

VANCOUVER, COQUITLAM, VICTORIA, AND OKANAGAN, BC…

As a bookkeeper, Joan Miller knows the numbers don’t lie. Yet as she celebrates her fifth anniversary with DirectBuy of Vancouver, the leading members-only showroom and home design center that offers merchandise at manufacturer-direct prices, even she’s in disbelief.

“The five years has really gone by fast, but that’s what happens when you enjoy what you do and the people you do it with,” said Miller, a Delta resident. “The best part about this job is you’re always learning something.”

A Delta resident and mother of three grown children, Miller worked for CDI Corporate Education and holds a bookkeeping certificate from CompuCollege.

“We took over ownership of DirectBuy of Vancouver about a year ago. Trust me, in that scenario, you want as many experienced folks on board as you can have. Joan is a pro’s pro and we hope to have her as part of our DirectBuy family for years to come,” said Jade Allen, owner of DirectBuy of Vancouver.

Since 1971, DirectBuy franchises have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by buying wholesale, directly from the manufacturer. With four convenient locations in the greater Vancouver area (Victoria, Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Kelowna), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

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 500 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. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Vancouver area since 1997. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are part of more than 160 franchise locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 604-552-5255, or visiting www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

Locations of the four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are: DirectBuy of Vancouver, 2659 Lillooet St., Vancouver, British Columbia V5M 4P7; DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, 91 Golden Drive Unit #1, Coquitlam, British Columbia V3K 6R2; DirectBuy of Central Okanagan, #5 2260 Hunter Rd., Kelowna, British Columbia V1X 7J8; and DirectBuy of Greater Victoria, 350B Bay Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8T 1P7.

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

Joan Miller celebrates five years with DirectBuy of VancouverRead More

Masters Touch Offers Homeowners Key Ways to Save Energy this Winter

Rising energy costs have left many people concerned about the cold season ahead and potentially exorbitant heating bills. Masters Touch of Medfield, a one-stop-shop providing architectural, design and construction services, offers homeowners a few tips on how to save energy this winter.

Replace your windows. If the windows in your home are 15 years old or more, chances are they are not very efficient. At least 30 percent of heat in your home is lost through the windows. Even if your home was built in the 80’s, it’s time to replace the windows. There are certainly more energy efficient windows on the market than those available 20-plus years ago.

Replace your doors. Amazingly enough, many people will replace all their windows and save creaky old doors.  The same rule that applies to windows, applies to doors that are 15 years old. Consider replacing your main front door and back door; the doors to the basement, and the door between your home and the garage.

Inspect and install insulation. Have all your visible insulation inspected to make sure it is installed correctly and that there is enough.  And if you have an old home that doesn’t have any insulation between the inner and outer wall, by all means hire an insulation company and have some installed soon!

Check your heating system. It’s imperative to have your heating system checked annually. Contact a local company to service your burner and consider an upgrade if it is an old system.  The technician who performs the service can make recommendations.

Replace all your thermostats. Replace all your thermostats with digital, programmable units and set them to lower the temperature at night or when you are not home during the day. This will help to save on energy bills.

Add Energy Efficient window treatments. You can easily increase the R-value, or insulation value of your home by installing energy efficient window treatments throughout your house. From insulated and thermal shades to blinds, draperies and more, the right window treatments can prevent heat loss in during the winter as well as help block the heat from entering your home during the summer.

Add a pellet stove. With the price of oil these days, consider a pellet stove or other alternative heating source.  A pellet or wood stove is much more efficient at generating heat than an open fireplace.

“Just one 275 gallon tank of oil can cost up to $1,300. On average, homeowners with oil heat fill their tanks at least six times during the winter. The costs for electric and gas have also increased significantly. That being said, the fall is the time to incorporate measures to reduce those energy bills,” explained Doug Masters, founder of Masters Touch.

He continued, “The changes you invest in now should see you through at least the next 20 years and the cost of upgrading will be offset by rising energy costs.”

The Masters Touch
Masters Touch is a full service design/build and remodeling contractor. With a team of more than 50, including architects, interior designers and project managers all working together, Masters Touch can handle all of a client’s home building or improvement projects and provide expert guidance to DIY folks. The company was recently named #249 in the “2008 Top 500 Contractors List” in Qualified Remodeler magazine.

Masters Touch was founded by Doug Masters in 1997.  From high-end design and build projects; kitchen and bath renovations; exterior painting, roofing and siding projects to flooring, interior painting and decorating projects, Masters Touch caters to homeowners throughout the Metrowest area.

Masters Touch is a Showcase Priority Dealer for Hunter Douglas and offers professional design and installation service.  The one-stop interior design and home improvement shop also offers Marvin and Harvey windows; six lines of custom and semi-custom cabinetry; over 150 types of granite and Corian countertops; paint; carpet; hardwood and tile flooring; home theater design and installation and much more.

The company offers written warrantees on all their work. Masters Touch is located on Route 109 in Medfield, MA.  For more information contact 508-359-5900, e-mail info@masterstouchweb.com or visit masterstouchweb.com.

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