By Trevor Warner Assistant Managing Editor

twarner@paradisepost.com @TrevorWarner3 on Twitter

Dina and Don McSpadden will celebrate The Screen and Window Shop's 40th year with a customer appreciation day on May 22. The McSpadden's took over the business in 2000. Trevor Warner - The Post

There's an old saying, "You make a better door than a window." Well, the folks at The Screen and Window Shop in Paradise do a good job with both.

Shop owners Don and Dina McSpadden are looking forward to the shop's 40th anniversary celebration later this month. The shop opened in May 1974 and the McSpaddens took over in 2000, expanding it into its current operation.

"It used to be just a screen shop, but we expanded to window and glass," Dina said Friday morning at the shop.

Don said he owned Willows Glass and his background made for a natural transition at the screen shop.

And with the McSpaddens' community-first mindset, they aim to offer the Ridge the best in service and quality.

"We're selling ourselves, we're not selling a big corporation," Don said, adding that person-to-person service is what sets The Screen and Window Shop apart from box stores. In fact, Don said, it is the personal interaction with the people that is the best part of the business.

"We live here and it's important to be a part of the community," Dina said, adding they are also members of the Ridge Chamber of Commerce and Paradise Rotary. "This isn't just a business to us, it's a part of our life."

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Screen and Window shop helps locals see clearly

Hotels have always been in the business of providing beds, but now some are going to luxurious lengths to make sure guests sleep tight. Theyre using purified air, hypoallergenic cleansers and eco-friendly materials to reduce environmental toxins that can cause allergies, breathing difficulties and especially sleep impairment.

For guests who suffer from allergies, especially in countries like the U.K., where hay fever is more pronounced, these accommodation options are an excellent choice, says Kathryn Tilbury, the health, fitness and wellness adviser in-residence at the Grosvenor House Apartments, a Jumeirah property in London.

Tilburys job, in part, is to ensure that every guest has a customized experience and that often begins with sleep. Jumeirah installs health-related amenities for long-term guests, including a personal gym, and equips the apartments with hypoallergenic trappings.

As luxe hoteliers raise the bar, the rest of the industry is following. Linda Burndorfer, owner of Outn About Travel, Inc., a Winnipeg-based travel agency, says sleep amenities are appealing across the board. Even a feather or foam pillow option makes Burndorfer happy when she travels.

Whats the moral to the bedtime story? Relax, breathe easily, put a Do Not Disturb sign on the door and check out until morning.

Here are a handful of companies that want your dreams to be sweet.

Crystal Cruises

Its the first cruise line to install hypoallergenic rooms using the Pure Marine Solutions system so that guests get the best quality sleep. With passengers living on board its ships up to 108 days at a time, cruisers need to rest up properly. Those who suffer from environmental allergies can rest assured that the Crystal Serenitys 70 Pure cabins have been thoroughly made over to incorporate standards that include disinfecting heating and cooling elements (think drop pans, fan blades and condensation lines) to meticulous training about hypoallergenic standards for the housekeeping staff when making up the rooms twice daily. The best perk of all: no extra cost to guests.

Silver Celebration World Cruise: Departs Miami, Jan. 14-May 4, 2015. Cabins from $43,445 (U.S.) a person, all inclusive. crystalcruises.com

Hotel clat in Beijing

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Dreamy amenities for tired travellers

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. Posted 05/09/2014

VERNON HILLS, Ill. - In response to industry demand for a drive that is fast, dependable, easy to use, and easy to integrate and install, Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc., announces the release of the A800 Series all-in-one variable frequency drive (VFD). The A800 Series inverter combines traditional induction and permanent magnet motors into a single solution, providing high performance response and energy-efficient motor control.

The A800 meets the growing need among original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), end users and systems integrators for a multiple-capability VFD. It can be used in both induction motors and next-generation interior permanent motors and is suitable for both low performance applications such as pumps and fans, as well as high performance industrial applications.

For OEMs and systems integrators, the benefit is that the A800 can be used across a number of different applications and motor types, reducing designs, engineering, implementation, and long-term support, said Timothy Lomax, senior product manager, Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. Systems integrators will also appreciate its adaptable connectivity and flexible communication options.

Lomax explained that because of its flexibility, the A800 can be used throughout an entire facility, reducing training, inventory and support. Rather than requiring a unique VFD for each application, the A800 frequency controller can support multiple applications, ultimately reducing costs for the end user.

A800 VFDs are ideally suited as replacements for hydraulic drive systems and gear motors in the process and material handling industries, and replacements for inefficient motor drive systems in the food and beverage industry. It is also expected to achieve high adoption in the automotive, oil and gas, forestry products and wastewater industries. The A800 is appropriate for any motor control application that demands increased motor efficiency and maximum energy savings.

The A800 comes in traditional chassis style, large system/component style and fully enclosed, severe environment style configurations. It is available in 200, 400, 575 and 690 voltage classes.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation offers a comprehensive line of factory automation products and solutions.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.Headquartered in Vernon Hills, Ill., Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc., offers a wide range of factory automation products, solutions, training and support services for the industrial and commercial sectors. A U.S. affiliate company of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric Automation represents more than 75 years experience in the automation industry. A broad product portfolio includes programmable automation controllers (PAC), programmable logic controllers (PLC), human machine interfaces (HMI), variable frequency drives (VFD), servo amplifiers and motors, control software, computerized numerical control (CNC), circuit breakers, robots and motion controllers. The company takes its motion control solutions on the road with the 53-foot long Solutions in Motion mobile showroom that appears at tradeshows, training seminars and other events across North America. Additional information about Mitsubishi Electric Automation is available at http://www.MEAU.com.

In addition to factory automation, Mitsubishi Electric US group companies principal businesses include semiconductor devices, automotive electrical components, elevators and escalators, heating and cooling products, solar modules, electric utility products, and large-scale video displays for stadiums and arenas. There are 50 locations throughout North America with approximately 3,600 employees.

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Mitsubishi Electric Automation Introduces All-in-One Variable Frequency Drive

Talk about the perfect Mothers Day present for Mother Earth.

Today, President Obama announced at a Walmart in California that 300 leading U.S. companies have taken the solar pledge, committing to install nearly 1 gigawatt (GW) of new solar as part of their business plans. Thats a huge increase in the use of solar in the commercial sector.

For Americas solar energy industry, this is like getting a triple-A investment rating from Moodys or Standard and Poors. Solar has become a street-smart investment. These companies are expanding their use of solar because it makes sense from both a business and social responsibility viewpoint. Having worked closely with both the Administration and the private sector to increase the use of clean, reliable solar nationwide, SEIA applauds this exciting, new initiative, and we look forward to assisting commercial businesses, homebuilders, rural coops, governmental entities and Americas financial community in bringing these new solar installations online.

This bold initiative is part of a solar boom in America which is already taking place. Today, more than 30 utility-scale, clean energy projects are under construction, putting thousands of electricians, steelworkers and laborers to work, while helping to reduce dangerous carbon emissions. These facilities, along with rooftop solar on homes, businesses and schools, will help to generate clean, abundant energy for generations to come. Whats more, innovative solar heating and cooling systems are offering American consumers, businesses and schools cost-efficient, effective options for meeting their energy needs, in addition to reducing our nations overall energy consumption.

Clearly, the President sees solar as a critical technology for addressing climate change, and his speech today created a direct link between our need to address climate change and the positive impact that solar can have on reducing pollution. Heres a breakdown on the commitments announced today:

President Obama also highlighted several executive actions, including:

Finally, the President also announced that the White House has now gone live with the 6.3kW system on the White House. After 6 years of lobbying the administration, we are thrilled that they have finalized the installation and that solar is once again back on the White House. See a video of the installation below:

Todays remarks follow the increased visibility the White House is giving to climate issues. Last summer, the Administration released the Presidents Climate Action Plan, followed by a Presidential Memorandum increasing federal solar deployment, a solar mention in the State of the Union, last months White House Solar Summit and this weeks sobering National Climate Assessment.

Solar offers real hope for the future. Smart public policies, like the solar Investment Tax Credit, have helped to create 143,000 American jobs in the solar industry, pumped tens of billions of dollars into the U.S. economy, spurred private sector innovation and investment, and helped to fight climate change. Theyve also helped to make solar the fastest-growing source of renewable energy in America. But theres even more we can do as an industry. Minor changes in federal contracting and Treasury regulations would allow solar to compete as a low-cost alternative on federal buildings, saving millions of dollars for taxpayers and putting even more Americans to work. We look forward to working with the President and Congress on a critically-needed, long-term energy policy, which will help to ensure future prosperity for America.

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Private Sector Investment in Solar Poised to Explode

A new social housing initiative in some of Hobart's most disadvantaged suburbs is being lauded by community groups.

The Catholic Church's welfare agency Centacare is taking on the management of more than 1000 homes in Bridgewater, Gagebrook and Herdsmans Cove from Housing Tasmania.

It's part of a bold new plan to revitalise the area.

Over the next 10 years, Centacare's Evolve Housing will upgrade and build new homes and install heating and cooling.

Social services like counselling and training will also be set up.

Helen Manser from the community organisation Jordan River Service says people will get better housing.

"With the upgrading of the existing properties, plus the plan to build new properties on vacant land, that's just huge for our community," she said.

Centacare's Kim Bomford hopes the project will revitalise the area.

"We know it won't happen overnight, but really help to change the profile of what really has the potential to be a great place to live, in terms of its location," she said.

"And really assisting those residents that we currently have to make the best of the opportunities that we're able to provide in the precinct."

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Social housing initiative evolves in troubled suburbs

Today's most viewed articles SIS presents annual President's Awards

SANFORD, Maine SIS Bank's annual corporators meeting in March included the presentation of the President's Awards, given to employees who went above and beyond the call of duty during the previous calendar year.

Tina Gagne, a commercial lender at the bank's Portsmouth branch, earned the award for Business Development. Gagne helped the bank exceed its commercial lending goals during its inaugural year in New Hampshire.

The entire South Sanford branch team earned the award for Volunteerism. In 2013, the branch staff set up a program to automatically deduct money from their paychecks to form a fund to be used for donations to local charities. Causes included the Sanford Backpack Program, the Boy Scouts and the Samaritan's Purse, an international relief fund for children who are victims of war, poverty, hunger and disease. Their most recent donation was given to a local family in need of fuel assistance, and their efforts caused a ripple effect of support.

SIS Bank, headquartered in Sanford, has branches in Springvale, South Sanford, Limerick, Buxton, Waterboro, Wells and York, Maine and Portsmouth, N.H.

NEWMARKET Nate Ashton and Adam Pomeroy, certified service technicians, recently completed a two-day Diamond Dealer Technical Training program at Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating training center in Southborough, Mass. Their participation is part of the qualification process for Proulx Oil & Propane to become a Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer.

The two-day M&P Series Service course is a hands-on program with specific training on the sizing, engineering, installation and service of the Mitsubishi Electric Heating and Cooling ductless line. The Mitsubishi Electric Heating and Cooling ductless line are Energy Star Systems that incorporate eco-comfort technology, dual and triple-allergen filtration, and whisper-quiet operation. New technology is revolutionizing the heat pump and a space-saving design means easy and unobtrusive installation, and is a breakthrough in comfort.

Proulx Oil & Propane will continue the qualification process to become a Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor, giving customers the confidence to know it is trained to install and maintain Mitsubishi ductless systems and provide the extended manufacturer's warranty.

Proulx Oil & Propane is a family-owned and operated company in Newmarket and Epping, serving residential and commercial customers in New Hampshire and Maine with additional operations in Center Conway. For more information, visit http://www.proulxoilandpropane.com.

WESTFIELD, Mass. Tighe & Bond, a New England leader in civil and environmental engineering consulting, announced the recent hire of William Hardy, P.E., as chief operating officer.

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Business Names and Faces

SERVES: 4-6

INGREDIENTS:

one 12-ounce box jumbo pasta shells (see hints below) 1/3 cup finely diced sweet onion 1 - 2 Tbs olive oil 1/3 cup thinly sliced asparagus 2 cups chopped fresh spinach 1/3 cup defrosted frozen peas

one 15-ounce tub ricotta cheese 8-ounces grated mozzarella cheese 1 large egg black pepper to taste 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint 1/4 - 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 cup marinara sauce plus 1/4 cup water (plus more as needed to serve)

PROCEDURE:

Add one 12-ounce box of jumbo pasta shells to a large pot of boiling water and also preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Next, use a large saute pan with a splash of olive oil to saute 1/3 cup finely diced sweet onion for a minute or two.

Then add 1/3 cup finely sliced asparagus and add about 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach and cook that down.

Then add 1/3 cup defrosted frozen peas and turn the heat off.

Original post:
Stuffed Baked Pasta Shells "Prima Vera"

Paradise Valley, Arizona (PRWEB) April 30, 2014

Frequent colds, allergies, or asthma can all be caused by poor indoor air quality and high pollution inside the home. With summer heat approaching, Arizonans are sure to spend up to 90% of their time indoors, according to AAA Cooling Specialists, an HVAC company providing AC repair in Paradise Valley AZ. With so much reliance on regulated indoor temperatures to stay comfortable, AAA Cooling Specialists also informs indoor air can be cleaned with a few household tasks. AAA Cooling Specialists offers the following tips to Paradise Valley homeowners to consider while conquering spring cleaning duties.

Clean with microfibers

Towels and dusters do their job to attract dust, but by cleaning with microfibers, the dust and pollutants cling to the dusters instead of redistribute through the air. Properly clean or discard microfiber products according to the manufacturers suggestions.

Vacuum floors and clean blinds more frequently

With more time spent indoors, the need to clean high traffic areas becomes more important. The air conditioner can circulate cleaner air if the dust and pollutants are kept to a minimum.

Change air filters once a month

Even if the air conditioner hasnt been turned on yet, a new filter will ensure the cleanest air possible is flowing through all vents and ducts. Call a professional if a leak in the duct system is suspected as this could lead to large amounts of dust coming from the attic.

Bathe and brush animals outside

Most homeowners are committed to keeping windows and doors closed during the summer to save money on energy bills, but trapping pet dander indoors will give it no place to go. Groom animals outdoors in the early morning or evening and only let pets inside once their excess fur has been brushed off as much as possible.

Originally posted here:
AAA Cooling Specialists Offers Spring Cleaning Tips for Optimum Indoor Air Quality

Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) April 29, 2014

Pro Ace Heating & Mechanical Ltd., has recently announced that their air ducts Vancouver services lower energy bills by up to 21% and eliminate the risk of severe respiratory diseases that families may be vulnerable to due to dirty air ducts. Often people install air ducts and forget all about them. This can be very dangerous for the family living inside the house since dirty air ducts carry a host of allergies, bacteria, pollen particles and toxins that work to destroy the health of the family in the long-run. The build-up of these notorious particles and layers of dust and dirt can greatly reduce the efficiency of the HVAC system and cause it to break down in severe cases.

Air Duct Vancouver & Health Hazards

Getting air ducts cleaned should be a part of every households routine. Pro Ace duct cleaning services not only flush out dust and other dirt particles from the air ducts, they also improve indoor air quality and the smell of air. Many harmful allergies and toxins can also be eliminated, along with the risk of severe respiratory diseases.

Cleaning your air ducts regularly is one of the most important services that Pro Ace Heating is proud to provide. Not only is air duct cleaning good for your central heating system and removing dust and allergens from your home, but it is also a great way to save money by reducing energy consumption by allowing your HVAC appliances to be more efficient, states a company representative. Dust, mold and bacteria in an air duct system will create a musty smell in a home that no amount of air fresheners or candles can eliminate. Regular air duct cleaning can eliminate this problem almost entirely.

Heating and cooling systems that breakdown due to a lack of proper maintenance cost thousands of dollars to repair. Air duct cleaning by Pro Ace increases the life of the HVAC system and reduces its energy consumption up to 21%.

About Pro Ace Heating & Mechanical Ltd

Serving Metro Vancouver for over 17 years with 75,000 happy clients, the Pro Ace team is made up of qualified professionals, with every technician possessing either a Class-A or Class-B gas fitting license. Pro Ace Heating is a company that values customer satisfaction and is committed to trying to make every customer into a lifelong customer. They offer free quotes and estimates with no obligation, and are prepared to beat any competitors price. Pro Ace Heating also offers one year no-interest, no-payment financing on installations.

For more information on the company, log on to http://acecare.ca/. To inquire about free membership and benefits, visit the website http://acecare.ca/ or call 604-293-3770.

Excerpt from:
Pro Ace Air Duct Services Reduce Energy Costs & Eliminate Health Hazards

Collingwood Connection

At Collus PowerStream, we promote a culture of conservation in the communities we serve. While environmental sustainability is important to us, so is saving you money on your electrical bills.

Cutting back on energy consumption, however, doesnt mean you have to skimp on comfort. In fact, upgrading your electrical heating and cooling sources will serve to better regulate temperatures in your living space while improving the efficiency of your entire home.

With the Ontario Power Authoritys Heating and Cooling Incentive, right now you can receive up to $650 to invest in a more efficient unit that offers improved reliability and warranty protection along with ongoing savings. As well as being beneficial to your wallet, newer units use a refrigerant that is ozone-friendly.

As much as 60 per cent of your homes energy goes toward heating costs, so it makes sense to swap your old units for energy-efficient cooling and heating sources. You could save up to $325 annually for making the switch.

Any Ontario resident or business (with residential heating and cooling systems) is eligible for the incentive, provided they install a suitable, ENERGY STAR qualified system or electrically commutated motor (ECM) furnace. You can check out the terms and conditions on the Ontario Power Authoritys saveONenergy website.

As the second largest municipally-owned electricity distribution company in Ontario, Collus PowerStream provides power to more than 365,000 residents and businesses located in communities north of Toronto and in Central Ontario.

Jointly owned by three of the most progressive municipalities in the province, the cities of Barrie, Markham and Vaughn, we are committed to providing the communities we serve with affordable, reliable and responsible electrical power.

With a focus on open communication, we pride ourselves on our prompt responsiveness to customer concerns and emergency situations, like outages due to extreme weather.

As a socially responsible company, we are dedicated to environmental sustainability and the safe distribution and use of electricity.

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Take advantage of HVAC rebates