GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA--Focus

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:27:00 EDT

North Shore colleges changing with the times

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:10:00 EDT

Near the edge of Coy Pond in Wenham, a large glass-and-brick building stands over the bucolic campus of Gordon College. The 80,000-square-foot edifice, which is near the end of its first phase of construction, will be dedicated as the Ken Olsen Science Center in September, and it could be the most tangible example of several innovative initiatives taking place at colleges around the North Shore.

Focus: Helping Cape Ann build — for 105 years

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:00:00 EDT

Ask Joe Parisi, president of The Building Center in Gloucester, what the business carries and his easy answer is, "Everything."
His longer answer is, "We have 20,000 different items with just about everything for your home and garden, plus we have a full lumberyard to help carpenters and builders put up new homes, plus we have paint, plumbing, electrical supplies and household items."

The family touch: Main Street Curtain Shop carries service across generations

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:00:00 EDT

The Curtain Shop in downtown Gloucester services customers all over the North Shore as well as from Maine to Florida — and for good reason:
It offers a personal touch that has been providing quality products for — in many cases — five generations of families.

Focus: When it comes to pest control, nothing bugs this business owner

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 01:51:00 EDT

Dan Croce, 28, planned on being an electrician. That was until he started doing it.
"It was the same thing everyday," he says now. "It didn't challenge me enough."
So, what was the next logical choice? Pest control.

Focus: Despite weak economy, now is a good time to invest

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 01:20:00 EDT

So you've got money to invest during these trying economic times.
It could be $1,000, it could be $100,000.
Regardless, here are a few guiding principles.
Relax (read: do not panic), reflect on your goals, form a plan that employs diversification and follow through with it.

Focus: Toys, with a small-town touch

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:23:00 EDT

People shouldn't have to leave town to buy a quality toy, said Tracy Trumble, owner of Seaside Toy Factory on Central Street in Manchester.
"Our goal is to bring quality toys to a small town so they don't have to leave home," said Mike Armas, Trumble's husband and the shop's co-owner.

Focus: A calm eye in real-estate storm

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:23:00 EDT

Despite the slowing economy and the nationwide mortgage crisis, Realtors on Cape Ann say business remains comparatively strong.
"We are experiencing an up-kick in the number of inquiries about our property — and an up-kick in appointments and offers," said Ruth Pino, branch executive at Carlson GMAC Real Estate.

Focus: 'Scooting' around economic hurdles

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:23:00 EDT

Small car dealerships such as Tony Tally Motor Co., a service station that sells pre-owned cars and performs state inspections on Essex Avenue in Gloucester, have been affected by the struggling economy and rising gas prices.

Focus: A Main Street 'Menage' for the senses

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:23:00 EDT

Walking into the Menage Gallery on Main Street in the heart of downtown Gloucester is like walking into a carnival.
At the door, you're greeted by a carved wooden California sea otter; once inside, your senses are dazzled by a collection of furniture, coffee tables and corner pieces.

Focus: Development projects in Gloucester's future

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:08:00 EDT

1. A Gloucester Marriott
When Gloucester Mayor Carolyn Kirk launched renewed discussion last month about the redevelopment of the city's harborfront, she outlined plans to target the city's Fort area — and announced that a Marriott hotel is already in the talking stages.