Now that the Super Bowl and Grammys are out of the way, movie lovers nationwide are gearing up for their TV spectacle.

And in Philly, cinephiles need not celebrate the Oscars alone. Flyers legends, celebrity impersonators, and open bars await them this year.

Oscar night is Sunday - 6ABC's red-carpet show for the 84th Academy Awards will begin at 7 p.m. - but a full weekend of Oscar fun begins Friday with last-minute re-screenings, pre-parties, and big-screen simulcasts.

For those looking to catch up on some of the best-picture contenders, Friday could be the night to screen Steven Spielberg's War Horse or the youth odyssey The Tree of Life - or to spend some time with Hollywood's handsomest leading men, watching Brad Pitt in the baseball movie Moneyball and George Clooney in the tropical family drama The Descendants.

For all the rest, AMC theaters have you covered. On Saturday, the movie theater chain offers the second half of its Best Picture Showcase starting at 11 a.m.; $40 buys access to the other five best-picture nominees - Hugo, The Help, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, The Artist, and Midnight in Paris. These films, ranging from fantastical to unflinchingly historical, should help moviegoers prepare for the Sunday panoply.

The movie marathon will be hosted at three area theaters: AMC Loews Cherry Hill, AMC Neshaminy, and AMC Hamilton.

On Oscar night itself, nonprofits across the city are rolling out red carpets.

Want to make a contribution to veterans and hear from Flyers goalie Bernie Parent? The Volunteers of America Delaware Valley is hosting its 13th installation of the only Academy-sanctioned event, the Oscar Night America Gala. Parent, who will be honorary chair, will speak about how he overcame an injury as a hockey player, according to a Volunteers spokeswoman.

The organization's goal this February is to raise $150,000 for the construction of a 30-bed shelter for homeless veterans in Camden, she said, and it is seeking to complete the building in September.

The event, held at the Loews Hotel, will also feature "Joan Rivers" and "Michael Jackson" impersonators, a jazz band, and an open bar. Individual tickets are $250 and available at voadv.org. Information: 856-854-4660.

Those seeking less expensive Oscar outings might try the parties held by the Bryn Mawr Film Institute ($60-$70) or Ambler Theater ($40-$60).

Many may opt to watch the show from their comfy living rooms, but film institute executive director Juliet Goodfriend listed advantages of going out. "It's the presence of other people sharing the experience that is of the greatest importance," she said.

The Bryn Mawr event at 7 p.m. will include a gourmet buffet, a cash bar, and a silent auction with $100 raffle tickets for a trip to Paris (time-traveling car not included); it's at 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr. A pair of film experts will provide commentary and comic relief during the screening of the awards, and proceeds will go to the restoration of the Bryn Mawr Theater. Information: 610-527-9898, http://www.brynmawrfilm.org.

The Ambler Theater's Oscar party doubles as the building's ninth birthday celebration. All three of the nonprofit theater's screens will show the Academy Awards. Food, drink, and live music are included, and a $60 Red Carpet Pass includes preferred seating, dessert, and champagne at the theater, 108 E. Butler Ave., Ambler. Information: 215-345-7855, http://www.amblertheater.org.

These celebrations are about the closest Philadelphians are going to get to the actual red carpet - unless, like Fiona Otway, a Temple grad student and editor of the documentary Hell and Back Again, they work on an Oscar-nominated film and receive an invitation from the Academy.

But for those spending Oscar night in Philly, the city's film fanatics are making their own glamour.

 

Contact staff writer Matt Huston at 215-854-5289 or mhuston@philly.com.

 

Read the rest here:
A date with George, Brad, Oscar

Color Art is now offering DIRTT Environmental Solutions to provide flexible and environmentally friendly modular offices walls to the St. Louis area.

St. Louis, Missouri (PRWEB) February 24, 2012

The new partnership between Color Art and DIRTT Environmental Solutions is not only a merger of products and services, but of vision and mission. DIRTT’s custom solutions of architectural walls are built on the principles of reduce and reuse. As the largest manufacturer of modular office walls in North America based on sales, DIRTT is positioned as a market and thought leader in the new design of sustainable solutions for office interiors.

“Color Art is committed to its customers and environment,” said Gary Mindel, president of Color Art Office Interiors. “With nearly one-eighth of the man-made CO2 in the atmosphere coming from the creation of building materials like cement, glass, concrete and drywall, Color Art assumes an environmental responsibility to offer eco-friendly alternatives such as DIRTT modular office wall solutions.”

Drywall is harmful in landfills because of the hydrogen-sulfide gas that is released when drywall is wet. Unlike drywall, DIRTT’s walls are made of medium density fibreboard, or MDF, that can be repurposed and maintained for the life of the building and even beyond.

Using several recyclable materials such as glass, wood and aluminum DIRTT’s architectural walls can be designed to any company’s specifications. With the ability to add custom elements such as writing boards and even wine coolers built right into the wall, these are not traditional painted, standing walls. DIRTT movable office walls also give companies flexibility during restructuring or relocation. The ability to reuse products can save customers money down the road because they can be reconfigured as needs change.

“These custom projects are ideal for any business because of the combination of environmental sustainability with business strategy. Faster move-in, agile power, data built into walls and the ability to move to suit changes in the organization, all without sending waste to the landfill are a few reasons why we are proud to present this new offering to our customers,” said Mindel.

In addition to DIRTT’s architectural solutions, Color Art is excited to work with DIRTT’s groundbreaking ICE software, one of the main contributors to DIRTT’s success. This software eliminates human error and facilitates real-time communication among all project stakeholders, regardless of location.

As the largest office interiors dealer in the Midwest, Color Art carries an extensive product offering with environmental benefits. The company features DIRTT’s Center Mounted Tiled Walls, Combination Walls, and Face Mounted Tiled Walls in its online catalog of architectural walls. To view Color Art’s vendors, products and services or to receive a quote, visit http://www.color-art.com or call 314.432.3000.

About DIRTT

‘Doing It Right This Time’; refers to creating unique workspace interiors with responsive, Agile Architectural Solutions. Self-expression and dynamic sustainability combine to product customized, productive office walls that are sustainable, long-term assets. Further improving the process, DIRTT uses real-time, interactive 3D software called ICE®; a single software application for a fluid flow of information, from design and point-of-sale to manufacturing floor, eliminating order entry errors and inter-application conflicts. ICE is completely interoperable with the industry standard AutoCAD™.

About Color Art

Color Art Integrated Interiors is a unique family of interdependent companies that combine all of their highly specialized skills to offer you fully integrated architecture, technology and furniture solutions. The Color Art Family consists of Color Art Office Interiors and Service Division, Care Interiors, Commercial Installation & Construction, Facility Management Services Group, Innovative Technology Group, Recycled Office Interiors, Image Flooring, and Scott Rice Office Works in Kansas City. With locations in both St. Louis and Kansas City, Color Art is the largest office interiors dealer in the Midwest. Corporate headquarters are located at 1325 N. Warson Road, St. Louis, MO.

###

Gary Reim
Color Art
314-432-3000
Email Information

Follow this link:
St. Louis Companies Look to Color Art for the Latest in Sustainable Architectural Walls

Har-Bro, an emergency service and restoration/reconstruction provider, worked in conjunction with Home Depot to efficiently and effectively rehab and modernize a property for PIP; an organization that provides assistance to people struggling wth substance abuse and economic deprivation...

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) February 24, 2012

After receiving a $250,000 grant from the Home Depot Foundation, Los Angeles-based nonprofit People in Progress, which provides intervention and support to people struggling with substance abuse, economic deprivation, hunger and homelessness, asked Har-Bro to help repair and remodel its headquarters.

Har-Bro, a restoration and reconstruction provider, worked in conjunction with Home Depot Restoration Services to efficiently and effectively rehab and modernize the property, located at 8140 Sunland Blvd., Sun Valley, Calif.. Prior to the building’s renaming and rededication ceremony in honor of its recently deceased founder, Dennis O’Sullivan, Har-Bro was able to paint the building and provide a facelift.

“This is an incredible organization that transforms people’s lives and never turns anyone away, so we were honored to be asked to help them with their recent building project,” said Jeff Swenson, project manager for Har-Bro. “I’ve been so impressed with People in Progress that I’ve started to invest my own time working at their facility and enjoyed building relationships and contributing to such a terrific nonprofit.”

The work on the People in Progress building, which accounts for about $160,000 of the Home Depot Foundation grant, is expected to be completed in March 2012.

“We were pleased to work with both the amazing team at People in Progress and the generous donors at the Home Depot Foundation, and appreciate the opportunity to make a difference in our local community through this work,” Swenson added.

About People in Progress

For 35 years, People In Progress (P.I.P.) has provided intervention and support to individuals and families in crisis with services addressing substance abuse, economic deprivation, hunger and homelessness. The organization is dedicated to creating self-reliance and building addiction-free lives. Each year, P.I.P. provides services to more 25,000 individuals. It is our aim to help those we serve transition back into the community as productive citizens. 100 percent of our participants are living well below poverty level. Our services are designed to provide disadvantaged individuals with access - whether directly or through referral - to the resources they need to reach self-sufficiency. For more information, please visit http://www.peopleinprogress.org/

About The Home Depot Foundation

The Home Depot Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that was established in 2002 to further the community building goals of The Home Depot by providing additional resources to assist nonprofit organizations. The mission of The Home Depot Foundation is to improve homes and improve lives. For more information, please visit http://www.homedepotfoundation.org/index.html.

About Har-Bro

Har-Bro is a full-service mitigation, restoration and reconstruction provider for properties damaged by water, fire, flood and other disasters. Leading the industry since 1961, Har-Bro has offices throughout California, Seattle, Portland, Phoenix and Las Vegas. For more information on handling property damages or to learn more about Har-Bro, please visit http://www.harbro.com or call (800) 266-5677.

# # #

Lisa Tran
lisa.tran@harbro.com
5625285201
Email Information

Read the original post:
People In Progress (P.I.P.) Selects Har-Bro to Restore Building with Home Depot Grant

For the first time since his meteoric rise to stardom, the Knicks’ hyped Jeremy Lin looked like a basketball player from Harvard.

Of course, that shouldn’t take anything away from his amazing story. The Heat simply is shutting everything down these days — even feel-good, made-for-Disney stories like Lin’s. Never mind the opponent, the enormity of the game, the schedule or whatever, the Heat is crashing through the regular season at its halfway point, and Thursday night at AmericanAirlines Arena was just more of the same.

The Heat’s most anticipated game of the season had the atmosphere of the postseason but, in the end, Miami celebrated another lopsided victory, defeating the rival New York Knicks 102-88. The Heat’s Big 3 combined for 67 points.

Miami (27-7) has now won eight consecutive games by double digits and heads into the All-Star break with the best record in the NBA.

As for Lin, he was baptized by fire in the ways of the Heat’s defense. Linsanity was stuffed into a straight jacket, and Lin had just as many turnovers as points — eight. He was held to 1-of-11 shooting from the field.

“It’s hard to be Peter Pan every day,” Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said. “He just had an off day.”

Said Lin: “They did a great job of making me uncomfortable.”

D’Antoni described the Heat’s speed on defense as a shock to the system for Lin and the Knicks (17-18), who are still trying to gel as a team after the return of Carmelo Anthony and the additions of Baron Davis, J.R. Smith and, of course, Lin. The Heat outscored the Knicks by 19 points when Lin was in the game.

“They’re some of the best pick-and-roll defenders,” D’Antoni said. “The first time you see it, the speed is overwhelming.”

Indeed, the Heat forced 15 turnovers in the first half. Lin and Amare Stoudemire had six each, the most for any Heat opponents in a half this season. The Heat forced 19 turnovers overall with 12 steals and 10 blocks. LeBron James had five steals — a season high — to go along with 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

Then there was Joel Anthony, the Heat’s no-name center, who had one of his best games of the season despite not scoring. He had five blocks, tying a season high set in the last victory against the Knicks, and was instrumental in helping shut down the Knicks’ pick-and-roll game.

“Joel Anthony is one of the cornerstones of what we do,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Chris Bosh led the Heat with 25 points, shooting 11 of 17 from the field to go along with eight rebounds. Bosh’s feather-light jumper with 8:41 left in the game put the Heat up by 10 points.

Dwyane Wade finished with 22 points, making 10 of 22 field-goal attempts. He had five assists to go with five rebounds. Wade, James, Bosh, Mario Chalmers and James Jones flew to Orlando after the game for All-Star Weekend. Chalmers and Jones will be competing in the three-point contest Saturday night.

The Knicks cut the Heat’s lead to two points near the beginning of the second half, but a flurry of defensive plays by the Heat blew the game open. Wade dispossessed Landry Fields for an easy breakaway dunk, and Anthony blocked Tyson Chandler on the next play, which led to another Wade basket.

Anthony was just getting started.

He stuffed Lin from close range with 3:06 left in the third quarter, and Shane Battier turned it into a three-pointer at the other end. Anthony then absorbed an offensive foul by Carmelo Anthony on the next possession, and the sold-out arena offered a deafening standing ovation.

Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 19 points on 7-of-20 shooting. Smith had 14 points off the bench. The Knicks shot just 39.2 percent from the field.

The Heat imposed its will early, using a furious defensive start to build a 24-20 lead after the first quarter. Guards Chalmers and Norris Cole played the first half as if the arrival of Lin and all his overexposure was an affront to their collective manhood.

So amped was Chalmers that he picked up four fouls early in the third quarter and only played 25 minutes. Cole, after stealing the ball from Lin on his first possession of the second quarter, sprinted to the rim on a fast break and threw down the first dunk of his NBA career. His momentum during the play carried his 6-2 frame around the rim, and he crashed to the court on his side. The play sent even more electricity flashing through an already pulsating arena.

“We understand [defense] is our staple every night,” James said. “In order for us to win basketball games, we’ve got to defend, and on the other end we’ve got to share the ball. When we run, we’re kind of unbeatable because we get up the court so fast.”

Continued here:
Miami Heat contains Jeremy Lin, defeats New York Knicks

Virginia Remodeling Company Uses Unique System to Renovate a Client’s Kitchen and Adds Another Award to Their Design Portfolio in the Process

Reston, Virginia (PRWEB) February 24, 2012

Continuing to defy the odds, this less than four (4) year old construction firm uses their proprietary Renovation Roadmap™ system to nab an award for another kitchen renovation, impressing clients and industry experts alike.

On January 21st during a ceremony at the National Conference Center in Leesburg, Synergy Design & Construction, Inc. (dba Synergy D&C) was awarded the 2011 Capital CotY Merit Award for “Kitchen $50,000 to $100,000” from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Metro DC Chapter.

“The Capital CotY Awards are presented to the best of the best design and remodeling firms in the DC area,” said Mina Fies, President and CEO of Synergy D&C. “We are thrilled and honored to be recognized for this kitchen in the most competitive category, amongst other highly qualified firms. Our Renovation Roadmap™ has become an essential part of every project we do, and we couldn’t be prouder to share it with our clients.”

About the project: The clients love their suburban home because of its great neighborhood, however, their old kitchen was dysfunctional for their lifestyle. As avid cooks and frequent entertainers, they requested a complete re-design to better support their family.

Relocating key elements of the kitchen and reconfiguring the oddly-shaped island was first and foremost in creating expanded counter space and storage. The clients fell in love with a red range and custom-painted hood, and a custom banquette with matching red cushions was built to tie the space together and contributed to the kitchen’s ‘wow’ factor.

The clients are thrilled. “From the moment we met Mina and her team, we knew they were our choice. They took the time to understand our taste, our lifestyle, and our personalities, and helped us bring a very lofty vision to life. They communicated with us every step of the way, helped us manage through the inevitable bumps in the road, and ultimately delivered to us a jaw-dropping, stunning kitchen that made us fall in love with our home all over again. We couldn't be more thrilled with the result, nor the experience we had working with Synergy.”

This latest award for the less than four (4) year old company will be added to a portfolio that includes a COTY Grand Team Award for “Residential Interior $250,000 and Under” in 2010, a 2010 Master Design Award for “Finished Basement” by Qualified Remodeler magazine, and two (2) Master Design Awards, for “Kitchen Less Than $50,000” and “Finished Basement,” in 2011. But Synergy D&C doesn’t rest on their laurels. Just one look at their extensive portfolio of unique kitchens, bathrooms and additions and you’ll see why this young company is making a name for themselves.

Photos of the winning kitchen can be seen on our Facebook Page:

About Synergy Design & Construction, Inc.

Synergy D&C is an award-winning woman-owned, Class A General Contractor serving Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Their mission is to provide outstanding renovation experiences by using their proprietary Renovation Roadmap™, which helps clients understand the design, plan for the exact costs, timelines, and schedules. Synergy D&C launched at the height of the recession, on September 19, 2008 as a home design and remodeling business and has represented construction costs valued at over $5 million.

###

Mina Fies
Synergy Design & Construction
(703) 766-6333
Email Information

Read the original:
Synergy Design & Construction’s Renovation Roadmap™ Leads to Another Remodeling Industry Award

Published: February 23, 2012 12:01 AM EST
Updated: February 22, 2012 4:16 PM EST

Dear Abby

Jeanne Phillips

Dear Abby: My otherwise loving, honest, generous, kind and attentive husband of 10 years feels it's his right to walk into the bathroom whenever he wants, even when I'm in there.

He says it's coincidence, but I think he does it intentionally. We don't have locks -- or even doors -- to shut our master bathroom. We do have other bathrooms in the house.

I have asked him repeatedly not to come in or to make some noise so I know he's coming. He says he "forgets."

If I'm in the shower or bent over with my head upside down blow-drying my hair and turn around or look up and see another person, I get startled. My adrenaline pumps and I end up yelling at him.

I'd prefer to get clean and pretty in peace. My husband thinks I'm overreacting. Am I? -- Bothered In The Bathroom

 

Dear Bothered: Feeling as strongly as you do, it's surprising that you would move into a house in which the master bedroom and bath are set up this way. And yes, I do think you're overreacting.

However, you have a couple of options: The first would be for you to get clean and pretty in one of the other bathrooms. The second would be to start a remodeling project and have a door (or doors) to your master bath installed so your husband can knock before entering.

 

Dear Abby: I am married to a wonderful and unique man. Despite his privileged upbringing he is very down-to-earth. His parents' affluence afforded him many opportunities and still does.

Unfortunately, my in-laws are snobbish, self-absorbed and competitive. They are critical of everyone -- especially their grown son. They put him and each other down constantly. They cause scenes and can't enjoy life.

My husband is trying to be patient because he knows his parents aren't going to change at their age. But they consume so much of our energy with their constant dramatic highs and lows. Any advice for dealing with drama queens (and kings)? They do love us and can be considerate. -- Living In The Real World In New Jersey

 

Dear Real: It may help you and your husband to understand that people who act the way your in-laws do are usually insecure on some basic level. They put others down to inflate their egos and reassure themselves that they're "OK" by magnifying (or inventing) flaws in others.

When your in-laws start to criticize, be pleasant and make a point of saying something positive about their target. It will short-circuit the rant.

Write to Dear Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

See the original post:
Dear Abby: Couple's bathroom a battleground

Dear Abby: My otherwise loving, honest, generous, kind and attentive husband of 10 years feels it’s his right to walk into the bathroom whenever he wants, even when I’m in there. He says it’s coincidence, but I think he does it intentionally. We don’t have locks—or even doors—to shut our master bathroom. We do have other bathrooms in the house.

I have asked him repeatedly not to come in or to make some noise so I know he’s coming. He says he “forgets.” If I’m in the shower or bent over with my head upside down blow-drying my hair and turn around or look up and see another person, I get startled. My adrenaline pumps and I end up yelling at him.

I’d prefer to get clean and pretty in peace. My husband thinks I’m overreacting. Am I?

—Bothered in the Bathroom

Dear Bothered: Feeling as strongly as you do, it’s surprising that you would move into a house in which the master bedroom and bath are set up this way. And yes, I do think you’re overreacting.

However, you have a couple of options: The first would be for you to get clean and pretty in one of the other bathrooms. The second would be to start a remodeling project and have a door (or doors) to your master bath installed so your husband can knock before entering.

Shell out for sitter

Dear Abby: I’m a 40-year-old working mother raising a daughter who is the joy of my life. Once in a great while I’ll accept an invitation to go on a date and hire a baby sitter to watch my daughter.

My question is, who should pay for the sitter? The man who asked me out or should I? I have yet to have a suitor offer to pay. Is that just the way it is, or are these men just cheap?

—Mom On a Budget

Dear Mom: Paying for your daughter’s sitter is YOUR responsibility. When you become involved in a steady relationship and the cost of a sitter becomes a financial burden, discuss it then with your boyfriend, who should be willing to share some of the cost.

Link:
Bathroom becomes battleground

DEAR ABBY: My otherwise loving, honest, generous, kind and attentive husband of 10 years feels it's his right to walk into the bathroom whenever he wants, even when I'm in there. He says it's coincidence, but I think he does it intentionally. We don't have locks -- or even doors -- to shut our master bathroom. We do have other bathrooms in the house.

I have asked him repeatedly not to come in or to make some noise so I know he's coming. He says he "forgets." If I'm in the shower or bent over with my head upside down blow-drying my hair and turn around or look up and see another person, I get startled. My adrenaline pumps and I end up yelling at him.

I'd prefer to get clean and pretty in peace. My husband thinks I'm overreacting. Am I? -- BOTHERED IN THE BATHROOM

DEAR BOTHERED: Feeling as strongly as you do, it's surprising that you would move into a house in which the master bedroom and bath are set up this way. And yes, I do think you're overreacting.

However, you have a couple of options: The first would be for you to get clean and pretty in one of the other bathrooms. The second would be to start a remodeling project and have a door (or doors) to your master bath installed so your husband can knock before entering.

DEAR ABBY: I am married to a wonderful and unique man. Despite his privileged upbringing he is very down-to-earth. His parents' affluence afforded him many opportunities and still does. Unfortunately, my in-laws are snobbish, self-absorbed and competitive. They are critical of everyone -- especially their grown son. They put him and each other down constantly. They cause scenes and can't enjoy life.

My husband is trying to be patient because he knows his parents aren't going to change at their age. But they consume so much of our energy with their constant dramatic highs and lows. Any advice for dealing with drama queens (and kings)? They do love us and can be considerate. -- LIVING IN THE REAL WORLD IN NEW JERSEY

DEAR REAL: It may help you and your husband to understand that people who act the way your in-laws do are usually insecure on some basic level. They put others down to inflate their egos and reassure themselves that they're "OK" by magnifying (or inventing) flaws in others. When your in-laws start to criticize, be pleasant and make a point of saying something positive about their target. It will short-circuit the rant.

DEAR ABBY: I'm a 40-year-old working mother raising a daughter who is the joy of my life. Once in a great while I'll accept an invitation to go on a date and hire a baby sitter to watch my daughter.

My question is, who should pay for the sitter? The man who asked me out or should I? I have yet to have a suitor offer to pay. Is that just the way it is, or are these men just cheap? -- MOM ON A BUDGET

DEAR MOM: Paying for your daughter's sitter is your responsibility. When you become involved in a steady relationship and the cost of a sitter becomes a financial burden, discuss it then with your boyfriend, who should be willing to share some of the cost.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

To order "How to Write Letters for All Occasions," send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby -- Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.

Here is the original post:
Couple Can't Come To Terms Over Bathroom Battleground

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Hamilton Jewelers receives ethical standings award

DATE POSTED: Thursday, February 16, 2012 7:05 PM EST

By Bradley Koltz

   You’ve no-doubt heard about some of the troubling practices surrounding some gem exports in various parts of the world.

   You can shop with confidence at locally owned Hamilton Jewelers. They recently became the first family owned jeweler to receive the Responsible Jewelry Council’s (RJC) certification for meeting “the ethical, human rights, social and environmental standards as established by the RJC’s Member Certification System.”

   Hamilton Jewelers has served our community since 1912, and this certification recognizes their ongoing commitment to ethical and responsible practices. Find out more about RJC certification at http://www.responsiblejewellery.com and more about Hamilton Jewelers at http://www.hamiltonjewelers.com.

   — — —

   Mardi Gras is on Tuesday, February 21st and McCaffrey’s is offering their special Mardi Gras Menu of Prepared Foods, from February 17—21. You can check out the menu in the Seasonal Menu section of their website at http://www.mccaffreys.com.

   Sales & deals

   Mrs. G’s Presidents Day Sale runs until February 29th with special low prices on electronics as well as laundry and kitchen appliances. Rebates are also available. Mrs. G’s is located on Route 1 south, ½ mile south of I-95/295. Call 609-882-1444 for more information.

   — — —

   Farrington Music on Route 206 in Princeton has all musical instruments up to 50% off regular price.

   — — —

   T&T Pet Supply on Route 206 in Skillman will honor competitor coupons throughout February. Call 609-252-1400 for details.

   — — —

   Sticky Wicket, which is now open 7 days a week, is featuring all day 13 chicken entrees for only $6.95. They’re at 2465 South Broad Street on Independence Plaza in Hamilton. Call 609-439-0007 for more information, or just go and enjoy some great chicken dishes.

   — — —

   Mark Pratico’s Chamilia Event is going on now. They’re at 876 Whitehorse Avenue in Hamilton. Call 609-585-6363 and find out more.

   — — —

   President’s Day is Family Day at the State Theatre of New Jersey in New Brunswick. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of family friendly entertainment spread across five venues where families can enjoy food, live characters perform popular children’s shows and more. Details can be found at on the theatre’s website at http://www.statetheatrenj.org/familyday.

   — — —

   Create Yourself Salon & Spa in Allentown is offering a handful of February specials. They’re extending Valentine’s Day for the whole month of February with Valentine inspired flavored pedicures served with complimentary Shirley Temple and chocolate covered strawberries to finish off the pampered spa experience. Call 608-259-1050 or visit http://www.createyourselfsalon.net for more information.

   Spring clean-up & fix-up

   All this unseasonably (read wonderful) warm weather has me thinking Spring Clean up, which usually also includes fixing up what I break doing the clean up.

   Here are a few local businesses to consider:

   Allstate Carpet Cleaning, located in Englishtown, specializes in water damage, carpet and upholstery cleaning, marble restoration, and tile and grout cleaning. They’ve been in business since 2008 and they can be reached at 732-956-3900.

   Perfect Basement services all of New Jersey and they’ve been in business since 2004. They specialize in water proofing, mold remediation, and structural repair. Call them today for a free estimate at (888) 665-3259.

   Maintenance King, located in Kendall Park, has been in business since 1982. They’re family owned, fully insured, and they specialize in residential and commercial cleaning. They do floor and carpet cleaning, window cleaning, power washing, general cleaning, and they can be reached at (609) 987-1188.

   Ameri-Brite Cleaning LLC services the Middlesex and Mercer counties, for both commercial and residential projects. They offer an anti-allergen pre-spray and fiber rinse for people for allergies. Check them out online at http://www.ameri-brite.com or call them at 609-620-1010.

   Got a pair of shoes that are worn down or have a broken heal? Do not throw them away but bring them to Luigi’s Shoe Repair on 206 in Skillman. Call 609-924-0771 for more information.

   AB Carpet in Monroe Township has a wide variety of carpets, hardwood and other flooring options to refresh your home for spring. Check out their website for a $250 off $2,000 order coupon at http://www.abcarpetnj.com, or call 609-395-5588 for more information. They are located at 1600 Perrineville Road in Monroe Township.

   — — —

   If you’re looking to upgrade your appliances inside your home and looking to save a great deal of money, visit Better Living Discount Appliances in Jamesburg. From TV sets to refrigerators and stoves, Better Living has you covered. They are located at 77 East Railroad Avenue in Jamesburg. Give them a call today and let the savings begin. Call them at 732-521-1555 for more information.

   — — —

   In case our weather luck doesn’t hold out, you should know about East Coast Salt. They offer great pricing and do all the heavy work for you. They deliver for free to your home or business. Call them toll free at 1-888-273-1444 or visit them online at http://www.eastcoastsalt.com.

Welcome

   The Grand Opening of S&G Cleaning Services at Ilene Court (Building 8/Unit 3) in Hillsborough is scheduled for Tuesday, February 29 from 3 to 5 p.m. We hear Deputy Mayor Gloria McCauley will be on hand.

   — — —

   Rhythms of the Night is back in full swing. They’re located at 729 S. Main Street in Manville, and offer dining, entertainment and banquets. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to closing. Visit http://www.rhythmsofthenight.net or call 908-707-8757 for more information.

   Congratulations

   The following agents have completed Weidel Realtors’ masters’ Academy Program: Daniel Goldwyn, Nadia Kazakova, Leslie Lilienfeld and Dan Corcillo. The two week long, hands-on program covers a range of topics of the fundamentals of real estate, ranging from contract law to ethics and financing.

   Puzzling

   In conjunction with the exhibit Puzzles of the Brain: an Artist’s Journey through Amnesia, Morven Museum and Garden presents a conversation with puzzle writer Amy Goldstein. For reservations, which are required, and additional information call 609.924.8144 x106 or email info@morven.org.

— — —

If you’re a local business doing something new, interesting, good for the community, or just want to let our readers know about a new product or service, please contact General Manager Brad Koltz at bkoltz@centraljersey.com.

Click on the image above to view entire ad

See more here:
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Hamilton Jewelers receives ethical standings award

By CARLETON VARNEY

Special to the Daily News

There are many things prima, from prima ballerinas on the stage to prima classe on Italian aircraft. And there are lots of prima “Donnas” and prima “Dons,” for that matter. But there is only one Prima Antiques & Gallery in the Palm Beaches, and it’s on Antique Row in West Palm Beach.

Prima, of course, means the best of the best, and if you’re in touch with the history of Palm Beach, you know that Addison Mizner was the prima architect of his time. And today, I would venture to say, a prima custodian of the Addison Mizner image is Robert Eigelberger, known to his friends as Bob.

At his shop, he has assembled a collection of authentic Italian Mediterranean furnishings that’s a must-see for decorators — ceramics, mirrors, tapestries and lighting fixtures, any of which could give a home a touch of Palm Beach glamour.

Bob hails from St. Louis and in 1978 came to Palm Beach, where he became an early force in ensuring that the town’s architectural heritage would not be lost to redevelopment by helping found the town’s Landmark Preservation Commission.

It was Bob’s passion for the Mizner style that led him to turn Warden House, a mansion designed by the architect in the 1920s, into six apartments a couple of decades ago.

Those of you who have visited Warden House at 200 N. Ocean Blvd. know that the original floors, doorway details and terraces were carefully preserved for future owners and generations to enjoy.

Eigelberger lived in one of the apartments prior to his marriage to Suzy Cochran Phipps, his creative partner.

Eigelberger also converted and preserved another mansion, Bienestar, on Root Trail, and Villa Flora on North Ocean Boulevard at the corner of Dunbar Road.

If you visit Prima Antiques, I hope Bob will give you some tidbits about the Mizner indoor/outdoor style of living; his own passion for landscaping is well known.

Or you might meet Sybil de Bourbon Parme, who has been an antiques consultant to the shop for years and is also an interior-decorating consultant. For two years, she worked with the late Gianni Versace on his Miami residence Tutt. She assisted contractors, supervised restorers and advised on faux painting, among her duties there.

She enjoyed a youthful stint in Paris and moved to Palm Beach in the 1980s, where she lived with her family in The Vicarage, the historic home on North Lake Way, and met the Eigelbergers who live across the street.

A woman of many talents, she holds a patent on a turbo charger for motorbikes, acquired from her days in Los Angeles. When I asked Bob if he rode a motorcycle, he responded, “No, but I do ride a Vespa.”

Bob and Sybil share a passion for fantasy, creativity, color, Addison Mizner, tropical gardens, cooking, entertaining and offering shoppers high-quality items — and that is what Prima is all about. Stop by Suite 2 at 3300 S. Dixie Highway and see for yourself.

And tell them Carleton Varney sent you.

Go here to read the rest:
Your Family Decorator: Prima Antiques a reflection of Bob Eigelberger, Sybil de Bourbon Parme’s creativity