Realty Capital Announces Over 17,300 sf of Signed Leasing Deals

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - November 2011: Realty Capital is pleased to announce the following leasing activity at Florida Mall Business Centre in Orlando and 2699 Lee Road in Winter Park.

Maxium Healthcare renewed 2,199 square feet at 2699 Lee Road in Winter Park. The renewal is for five years. Realty Capital’s Senior Vice President, Elliott Jamison, CCIM, Vice President, Robbie McEwan and Associate, Nathan Eissler, represented the landlord. Todd Davis with Colliers International, represented the tenant.

Kelly Services renewed 3,160 square feet at the Florida Mall Business Center located at 1650 Sand Lake Road in Orlando. The renewal is for one year. Realty Capital’s Senior Vice President, Elliott Jamison, CCIM, Vice President, Robbie McEwan and Associate, Nathan Eissler, represented the landlord.

Ethos Staffing leased 2,549 square feet at the Florida Mall Business Center located at 1650 Sand Lake Road in Orlando. The lease is for three years. Realty Capital’s Senior Vice President, Elliott Jamison, CCIM, Vice President, Robbie McEwan and Associate, Nathan Eissler, represented the landlord.

Personnel One renewed 1,650 square feet at 1650 Sand Lake Road at the Florida Mall Business Center in Orlando. The renewal is for three years. Realty Capital’s Senior Vice President, Elliott Jamison, CCIM, Vice President, Robbie McEwan and Associate, Nathan Eissler, represented the landlord. Duke Briggers with Swerigen Realty Group, represented the tenant.

Telemundo renewed 6,157 square feet at 1650 Sand Lake Road Florida Mall Business Center in Orlando. The renewal is for five years. Realty Capital’s Senior Vice President, Elliott Jamison, CCIM, Vice President, Robbie McEwan and Associate, Nathan Eissler, represented the landlord.

TAM Brazilian Airlines, GAIA, Inc, Diamond Walk-In Clinics and Hospitality Staffing Solutions leased a total of 5,010 SF at 1650 Sand Lake Road in Orlando. Realty Capital’s Senior Vice President, Elliott Jamison, CCIM, Vice President, Robbie McEwan and Associate, Nathan Eissler, represented the landlord.

SugarOak is a full service real estate company offering investment, management, and construction services across multiple property types. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, SugarOak has ownership interests and management portfolios across the US and Canada



SugarOak Announces Acquisition of Spalding Exchange Office Park in Norcross, GA

Herndon, VA - October 26, 2011 - SugarOak, a Virginia based owner/developer of commercial properties, announced the acquisition of the Spalding Exchange Office Park, 55,000 sq ft, in Norcross, Georgia.

Spalding Exchange is located off of Holcomb Bridge and is comprised of eight separate, Williamsburg style buildings. 

“We see tremendous upside potential for Spalding Exchange” said John MacDonell, asset manager for SugarOak. “We will move aggressively to revitalize the property and are confident it can once again be one of the premier office parks within the area.”

SugarOak is a full service real estate company offering investment, management, and construction services across multiple property types. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, SugarOak has ownership interests and management portfolios across the U.S. and Canada.

It's All in the Details -- in McLean, Va.

 At SugarOak, we are committed to meeting your needs with personalized service. The key to our success is a blend of quality craftsmanship, professionalism and a willingness to go the extra mile to fulfill your expectations. 

An example of such was the remodel and addition on a 1920s home, which brought us a new carpentry challenge. While simple in appearance, this beautifully understated arched opening to the porte-cochère was anything but simple. Prior to construction, the architect casually commented that he thought that “any good carpenter could do this,” but we knew that it would take one of the best and most experienced carpenters to achieve this detail.

Look closely and you will see that the cedar shakes are bent in two directions, and that the shakes have varying radius bends. Our site superintendent, a highly accomplished carpenter named Steve, designed and built a custom steam box, fueled by a water filled turkey fryer. He experimented by steaming and bending red and white cedar shakes to see which bent better across the grain.

He then created a custom press box to bend the shakes across the grain and a series of jigs to bend them with the grain. The steaming process started long before the arch was installed, as it took many days to steam and dry small batches of shakes.

Once dry but prior to installation, the shakes were primed on all sides. The arched shakes required slight beveled rips on both sides – a couple of degrees – to keep the joints consistent to the run.

The carpenter started installation at the center and worked towards each corner. Even steaming could not get a shake to accommodate the complex intersection vertical to the arch. Since lacing the shakes was not an option, a mitre was required. The verticals were coped into the arch and back cut to get the tightest possible fit. The arched shakes were similarly coped into the vertical sides. The end result is a stunning sweep of shakes that both curve into and rise up and over across the arched opening.

SugarOak has been building luxury custom homes, additions and remodeling since 1983. We firmly believe that building your “dream” home should be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The SugarOak advantage is our team of professionals who provide an integrated, cooperative approach to the design and construction process.

If you would like more information about SugarOak Custom Homes, please contact Josila Smith at 703 435-9335 or go to http://www.sugaroak.com/



Janet Northcutt's kindergarden class enjoys the new slides at Daleville Elementary School



DALEVILLE -- Daleville Elementary School students have a new way to have fun on the playground. SugarOak Holdings last spring donated seven "like-new" slides from the playground area at the former Daleville Outlet Mall-turned-business park, now known as Heartland Business Center.

Daleville's Parent-Teacher Organization, with $10,000 already set aside to get new playground equipment, was able to refurbish the slides to almost new condition.

With the supervision from American Playground, Eagle Scout Brad Edwards helped organize the installation of the slides last month.

"I just really wanted to help the elementary school kids. I wanted to give them something they could get exercise on and have fun on," Edwards said.

"We haven't had slides for a while, so it's really great to have these. The students really love them. They line up waiting to use them," Assistant Principal Kim Beard said.

The installation of the slides took two weeks, around 20 volunteers and 12 hours of work, and was completed Sept. 17.

"My favorite part is being able to see all the kids playing on [the slides], and know that I made that possible," Edwards said.

175 recently hired for IBM customer service center at Heartland



Heartland Business Center
9301 S Innovation Drive, Daleville IN



DALEVILLE, Ind. — With the recent announcement of IBM’s new customer service center employing 175, the Heartland Business Center is nearly full.

The 220,000-square-foot business center was once an outlet mall and has been developed into a business center over the past several years, said Terry Murphy, vice president of the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance.

About 20,000 square feet remains at the center.

IBM opened its first business center three years ago and is now located both at the Heartland Business Center and in the 63,000-square-foot space it shares with Jarden Home Brands that was once Burlington Motor Carriers’ corporate office.

“IBM is one of the most globally recognized companies in the country,” Murphy said. “For them to have a growing presence here in this part of the country is great. It gives instant name recognition for companies looking to locate here and expand. We are encouraged by the fact that a company of the caliber of IBM has made a substantial investment in this community and continues to grow.”

IBM doesn’t disclose the number of employees at its centers, but the company has about 700 employees in Daleville. The new, trained employees began work Monday.

“This expansion gives us the opportunity to work for future projects,” Murphy said. “Other corporations can see we are a community that has a successful track record. That’s a plus for us.”

The Heartland Business Center is a boon for central Indiana, Murphy said, pointing out it is a great synergy of businesses and a good way to reuse an existing facility.

IBM officials have said their desire to expand locally came from their satisfaction of the local job force.

“IBM opened its first center on Commerce Drive three years ago,” said Kent Holcomb, IBM senior state executive. “(Monday’s) announcement is directly tied to the skill of our employees and superior customer service being delivered in Daleville.”

One of IBM’s consumer electronics customers in Daleville has been given the Call Center Excellence Award North America, which ranks it as one of the top five companies in the country for consumer feedback. The award is sponsored by the International Quality and Productivity Center and is based on consumer satisfaction survey ratings. And company officials have said that IBM’s work for health care providers — the company doesn’t disclose company names — has increased productivity by 38 percent and maintained quality measurement at more than 99 percent for more than 160,000 clients.

Murphy said the Alliance, Delaware County commissioners and Delaware County Redevelopment Commission all were critical to making the expansion happen. The Redevelopment Commission approved the use tax increment financing funds as an incentive to help bring the new jobs and investment to Daleville.

IBM is now one of Daleville’s biggest employers and other incentives could bring its employment levels to as high as 1,000.

In addition to the area’s quality work force, Holcomb said the company decided to expand in Daleville because of the business environment in the area is a positive one and because the first center has been so successful — in terms of productivity, efficiency and customer service satisfaction.

It was a “natural next step forward,” he said.

The employees at the center are customer service representatives providing technical support for consumer electronic products, Holcomb said. The center also provides health care processing directly assisting more than 150,000 clients of a major insurance company so the customers can receive payments on claims.

Heartland Business Center is managed by SugarOak.  SugarOak is a full service real estate company offering investment, management, and construction services across multiple property types. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, SugarOak has ownership interests and management portfolios across the US and Canada

On the Rise to Once Again Become Two of the Premiere Office Parks in Norcross, GA

Norcross, GA- Acquired in April 2010 as part of the newly formed SOF Real Estate Fund, Crossings Center on Holcomb Bridge and Crossings Center on the Parkway are in the process of aggressively being repositioned to once again become two of the premier office parks in the area.  Façade and interior renovations combined with new landscaping and signage are just a few of the improvements.  The recent upgrades and change in leasing strategy have produced results.  Multiple new leases have been completed to date totaling over 32,000 square feet, which equates to over a 20% increase in occupancy, from 48% to 69%.   Twelve renewals have also been completed totaling over 42,000 square feet.  Leasing and management now looks to maintain the momentum through the Fall and into 2012.  Please visit www.crossingscenter.net for more information on the property.     

Exercise your mind and body at the new Paramount Martial Arts Center at Georgian Place

For Master Barbara Hauger, the dream of starting her own school to fulfill the mission of improving lives through the martial arts has become a reality. An instructor since 1986, Barbara has recently taken ownership of the school she previously managed: the new Paramount Martial Arts Center located at 113 Georgian Place in Somerset, PA. The new 3,500 ft. facility has a bamboo training floor and a full-view parent seating area. The building is handicapped accessible with an entrance right off the parking lot. Tonya Spangler, Vice President of Leasing & Sales for SOAR Somerset, LLC said the Martial Arts facility is a great addition to our mixed-use community center comprised of medical offices, professional services, and one of a kind shops.

Barbara started taking Tae Kwon Do classes in 1983, and received her 1st Dan Black Belt in 1986. She achieved her current rank of 6th Dan in 2006 from Master Ted Hillson, South Central Tae Kwon Do Association. Master Hauger teaches this Korean art at the Paramount Center because it provides major physical benefits and healthy releases for everyday stress and tension.

Paramount Martial Arts Center has something for everyone—from tots to teens to adults! The perfectly structured programs help people develop confidence, self-discipline, and respect, as well as improve coordination, balance, and agility. The family that kicks together has fun together as they learn this centuries-old discipline that develops the mind, body, and spirit and encourages a balance of knowledge, strength, and honesty.

The public is invited to a Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, September 17, 2011. The schedule of events is as follows:

9:15-9:45 a.m. Tot’s Class

10:00-11:00 a.m. Junior’s Class

11:00 a.m. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Celebration Workout (students & guests welcome)

1:00 p.m. Demonstration in the Courtyard (weather permitting)

Paramount Martial Arts Center

Barbara Hauger

113 Georgian Place, Somerset, PA 15501

814-443-4591

814-442-7173

info@paramountmartialarts.com

http://www.paramountmartialarts.com/

For more information, contact Master Barbara Hauger at 814-443-4591, or log on to www.paramountmartialarts.com. Learn self-defense and get a new sense of self.

Come for Fall Family Fun at the Scarecrow Festival

The cooler weather and brilliant colors of fall blanketing the Laurel Highlands once again welcomes the annual Scarecrow Festival at Georgian Place. Scheduled for Saturday, September 17 from 10AM to 6PM, the event, held rain or shine, comes to life through the collective efforts of the various merchants of Georgian Place, Laurel Arts and the Somerset County Farmers’ Market vendors. Admission and parking are free of charge.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy the popular Scarecrow Contest, the heart of the festival. Strolling through the courtyard, festival guests can take in nearly 50 handcrafted scarecrows on display and competing for over $1500 in cash prizes in three categories: 1. Business (open to all for-profit organizations); 2. Non-Profit (including youth groups, schools, churches, etc.); 3. Individual and/or Family. In addition, visitors are encouraged to cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award throughout the day. Winning entries will be announced near the end of the Festival, though all scarecrows will be on display through Saturday, October 2. Groups interested in entering a scarecrow may obtain an entry form and details by calling 814-443-3818. Entry forms due by September 5.

A full schedule of family fun, guests can expect to be delighted throughout the day with festivities including a scarecrow making workshop, pumpkin painting, wandering live scarecrows, a quilt show and sale, a petting zoo, live entertainment and the opportunity to design your own carved gourd. Visitors may also indulge their taste buds in the flavors of the season at one of the onsite food vendors. Another new feature for 2011 includes the addition of crafters demonstrating and selling their wares throughout the festival. Also new to the festival this year, guests may pose for a memorable photo with a giant 200 pound pumpkin!

The scarecrow making workshop, hosted by Laurel Arts staff and volunteers, teaches participants how to create a unique, life-size scarecrow to take home just in time for the autumn season. All scarecrow building materials are included at a nominal fee, with proceeds to benefit Laurel Arts. No reservations are needed for this first-come, first-served activity. Laurel Arts, a local non-profit organization, works to foster the visual and performing arts in Somerset County.

Pumpkin painting will take place on the courtyard from 11AM until supplies run out. Brushes, paint and pumpkins, locally grown by vendors of the Somerset County Farmers’ Market, will be provided free of charge for children 12 and under. The Farmers’ Market will also be open during the festival between 9AM and 1PM, where you’ll find quality, farm fresh goods at reasonable prices, including beef, pork and lamb, vegetables and fruit, plants, honey and maple products and baked goods.

Meadowbrooke Gourds, specializing in raising, drying and crafting gourds for all seasons at their farm in Carlisle, PA, will be joining the festivities for the first time this year. Visitors will have a chance to select a dried gourd of their choice and then come up with a one-of-a-kind design, limited only by imagination. Meadowbrooke’s very best craftsmen will be on hand to carve the design into the gourd. All ages and levels of artistic skill are encouraged to try this activity! Gourd prices range from $5 and up.

The 2011 Scarecrow Festival is co-sponsored by Somerset Trust Company and Georgian Place. For more information or a complete schedule of the day’s events, call 814-443-3818. Check out the 2011 Scarecrow Festival at Georgian Place fan page on Facebook for regular updates and news about the event.

Currently seeking vendors—crafts, pottery, jewelry, folk art, metal & wood, florals, textiles, food and more. Please call 814-233-9959 or 814-701-2064 for details and to reserve a space.

DOG PARK GROUND BREAKING AT GEORGIAN PLACE

Somerset, PA --- August 29, 2011 --- A group of loyal dog owners have joined forces to develop a park for off-leash, owner-supervised, canines. Wings of Change, Inc., a nonprofit 501 © (3) was formed in 2010 to create the first off-leash dog park in Somerset County. Approximately 5.4 acres of land at Georgian Place will be developed by the organization to provide a safe place for dog owners to legally exercise and socialize their dogs off leash. Use of the park will be free of charge. The community is invited to attend the ground breaking to be held on Thursday, September 1st at 6:00 pm. Those in attendance will get to see the site and a sneak peek at the construction plans. “I am excited about the new dog park”, said Jim Atchison, Founder and President of Wings of Change, Inc. “Thanks to the generosity of SOAR Somerset, LLC, owners of Georgian Place, who have provided us a beautiful site to create Jager & Friends Dog Park we could have a dog park open by next spring. It is a very peaceful and relaxing area overlooking Lake Somerset. We couldn’t ask for a better site.”

The dog park will be completely fenced in. The dogs will be required to be on-leash except when they are in fenced in off-leash areas. Three different fenced runs will be provided: one for dogs over 30 pounds, one for under 30 pounds, and one for smaller dogs under 10 pounds. The entrances will have a double gate to provide safety for dogs and owners while entering and exiting the area. Features and amenities will be include handicapped accessible restrooms, 24 hour surveillance, information kiosk, registry and rules, waste bag dispensers, picnic tables, and walking trail surrounding the park. The supporters are planning to include recreational activities and awareness programs about responsible dog ownership, canine health, acceptable behavior skills, the importance of socialization, and proper human-canine park etiquette. Tonya Spangler, Vice President of Leasing and Sales for SOAR Somerset, LLC, said “We are confident the park will be a first-class operation, with good oversight and management. A dog park is a great community attraction and amenity, not only for local residents to enjoy, but for travelers to our town. We are happy to be in a position to provide this land to help make this project possible.”

Jager and Friends Dog Park is looking for financial support from local businesses and individuals who have an interest in becoming members and volunteers. The Somerset Co. Chamber of Commerce has indicated it will provide its full support for this project. According to the Executive Summary for Wings of Change, Inc., the dog park is expected to enhance tourism in Somerset County. Many travelers today travel with their pets, mostly with dogs. There are no off-leash dog parks between Shippensburg and Monroeville where travelers can stop and exercise their dogs. This will give them the opportunity to take advantage of our local shopping, restaurants, and many other activities.

Wings of Change, Inc.’s Board of Directors have established a timetable for the construction of the park. The land donation was step one. The long term agreement will now allow Wings of Change to request local and regional grant monies. Installation of the fence is the next priority. The grand opening and start of educational programs is planned for spring 2012. The park will be sustained through grant programs, donations and volunteers. The long-term operating costs for this project are expected to be minimal, approximately $3,000 per year for insurance, utilities, and supplies. The bulk of the capital cost for the project, approximately $95,000, is needed to build the enclosure and kiosk structure, install utilities, and obtain benches, water fountains, etc. Capital cost funds are being solicited from state, regional, and local grant-making organizations, businesses, foundations, and individuals who support the park’s ideals. In addition to the site donation, the local community has already contributed $4,700 of donations to date. Additional monies for capital costs and operating funds will be raised from annual memberships and community fund-raising activities as the project matures. Help has already been secured for many projects through the two local prisons, members, Somerset County parole office, and local construction businesses.

For additional information, please contact Jim Atchison at 814-279-5439 or email jnatchison@verizon.net. Please join us for the ground breaking on Thursday, September 1st at 6:00 pm to view the site and construction plans for the facility.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Three Long-term Leases Totaling Over 23,000 Square Feet at Kissimmee Shopping Center

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated one renewal and two new long-term lease agreements totaling 23,014 square feet at Kissimmee Shopping Center on Old Vineland Road in Kissimmee. Kissimmee Shopping Center is managed by SugarOak Managment Services.

Paul P. Partyka, managing partner at NAI Realvest brokered all three transactions representing the landlord, Herndon, Va.-based KVOS, LLC.

Bealls Outlet Center renewed its lease of 15,686 square feet at 2523 Old Vineland Rd. for five years. “The significant growth Bealls experienced over the past three years at this location was the deciding factor on its extension of the lease for five more years,” Partyka said.

Kissimmee-based Jerr-a-bel’s Bridal, in an expansion move from the Poinciana area, signed a seven-year lease for 3,197 square feet at 2547 Old Vineland Rd. in the Kissimmee Shopping Center.

And at 2549 Old Vineland Rd. in the same center, the Tabernacula Nuevo Comienco church leased 4,138 square feet for three years. “Tabernacula headed by Pastor Hector Mundo is expanding its space, relocating from a smaller location to accommodate the growing congregation,” said Partyka.

SugarOak is a full service real estate company offering investment, management, and construction services across multiple property types. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, SugarOak has ownership interests and management portfolios across the US and Canada

Freedom Music Festival at Georgian Place

Join the fun and annual celebration of our nation’s birthday at the Freedom Music Festival held this Saturday, July 2, at Georgian Place. Bring a picnic and a blanket and settle in to enjoy the music of seven live bands as they perform continuously from noon until dusk on the courtyard lawn at Georgian Place. The line-up for the event is sponsored by Blubaughs Music and includes M/C – DJ Rocko – all day long; Willing Vessels Band – family entertainment; Jump 2 Jupiter – Mr. Smalls Battle of the Bands Winner; empt(e) - hard driving industrial rock; Ophydium – heavy metal; Artic Wolf- party band; Dirty Dogs – one of the area’s favorite bands; and Birdhouse – featuring the always popular JD and Cindy Ross. The stage will be open if time allows between sets…make sure you’re ready to perform and show the community what you’ve got! Don’t forget to check out blubaughsmusic.com for the best selection of musical instruments and accessories in the area and to register to win tickets to see the Clarks in on July 9th at Laurel Arts! In addition to all the live music performances, you can Cruise-in with your antique or classic car all day long starting at 9am, couples and families can enjoy playing the old fashioned lawn games set up in various stations throughout the village. In addition to relaxing and playing games, enjoy strolling through the village and browsing the shops. Stay for a great view of Somerset’s fireworks from atop the hill in our south west facing lots. Some food & drinks will be available or you can bring your own. Glo-sticks and prizes for kids will be available while supplies last. Everyone is welcome at this free event. So round up the troops, wave your flags and enjoy some all American family fun. For more information on Georgian Place or opportunities available for leasing or purchasing space at the center, please call 814-443-3818 or visit our website at http://www.georgianplace.net/

2011 Horseradish & Herb Festival At Georgian Place

SOMERSET, PA – June 24, 2011 – The grounds at Georgian Place will be filled with herbs and much more to celebrate horseradish “the herb of the year” during the First Annual Horseradish and Herb Festival to be held Saturday, June 25th and Sunday June 26th, 2011 throughout the village. This special indoor/outdoor event will feature over 25 vendors, offering a wide assortment of horseradish products, plants, specialty foods, jellies, jewelry, crafts, and quality antiques. You can listen to scheduled lectures throughout both days discussing herbs, cooking, and of course, the secret ingredient….horseradish! The event is sponsored by Sugar Grove Herbs, where owner Barb Will’s favorite motto is “everyone needs a little sunshine”. Barb has been in the herbal business for over 23 years and specializes in teas and vitamins. The store has a treasure of unique items, including Natures Sunshine vitamins, over 100 specialty loose leaf teas, garden accessories, gifts, and a splash of eclectic antiques. Will says, “I am always interested in sharing my passion and spreading the knowledge and excitement of herbs and gardening”, on why she decided to organize the event. Attendees at the event will learn everything there is to know about horseradish. Both a root vegetable and herb, horseradish has an interesting history, tracing as far back as 1500 BC. The best time to harvest plants is after a hard frost, but they can be harvested year round. Keep the plant refrigerated to maintain hotness, if you like it hot. There will be a drawing every 15 minutes for a free bottle of horseradish sauce donated by H.J. Heinz Company. And if all this is not enough, popular and interactive DJ Rocko will be playing from 11:30 am - 3:30 pm. The show runs from 10 am to 5 pm both days. Rain or Shine. Free Admission. In addition to all of the other activities, there will be a Horseradish Food Contest, judged by three celebrity judges, all with vast knowledge of culinary arts and herbs. Chef Reece Deist, C.C. head chef at the Georgian Inn of Somerset; Lori Noll, owner/operator of Lorelei’s, a bed and breakfast and culinary classroom where she teaches cooking classes; and Matthew Myers, owner of Matteo’s Herbs Galore in Johnstown. Local folks can enter recipes containing horseradish in different categories to be judged from appetizers to desserts and one for just the main ingredient, homemade horseradish! The village at Georgian Place is the perfect setting for strolling outdoors, and with so much to see and do a trip to the Georgian Place Horseradish and Herb Festival will be a well deserved and enticing day out you won’t want to miss!

Lecture Schedule: Saturday, June 25th , 2011 11:00 am - Kathy Randall (Folklore Storytelling) 12:30 pm - Tina Sams ( Wild Edibles) 1:45pm - Susanna Reppert Brill (Horseradish) 3:00 pm- Barbara Steel ( Scented Geraniums)

TAKE A TRAIN TO THE GEORGIAN PLACE HERB AND CRAFT FESTIVAL

The Laurel Highlands Model Railroad Club (a 501 C 3 non-profit charitable organization) is “kicking – off” its “Trains for Tots” Christmas campaign in conjunction with the “Horseradish Festival” being held at the Georgian Place in Somerset, Pa on June 25 and 26. So dig out your old model trains, especially the rusted and broken ones, and deliver them to the Railroad Club at 209 Georgian Place during the festival. The club will repair and make serviceable all model trains received and give them to our local Somerset Kids And Countians in Need Organization who in turn will award these train sets to their needy clients during the Christmas season. Also, those delivering model trains to the club during this event will receive free admission for the day to enjoy the areas largest multi-scale display and a receipt evidencing your possible tax deductible contribution. For more information call 814-445-8922

Business park donates playground to Daleville Elementary

DALEVILLE -- Daleville Elementary School will get new playground equipment this summer -- well, new to the school -- thanks to the neighboring Heartland Business Center.

SugarOak Holdings, which manages the business park, is giving the school a play structure that dates back to the facility's previous incarnation as an outlet shopping center. The Daleville

Community School Board on April 25 accepted the donation, which is valued around $10,000. Supt. Paul Garrison said the Parent-Teacher Organization would use $10,000 set aside for playground equipment to refurbish and recondition the donated structure, which will likely be installed at the school over the summer.

This marks the second recent donation to the schools from SugarOak, which in March gave the schools equipment including sinks and a walk-in cooler, with a total estimated value of more than $12,600.

SugarOak (http://www.sugaroak.com/) is a full service real estate company offering investment, management, and construction services across multiple property types. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, SugarOak has ownership interests and management portfolios across the US and Canada.

SugarOak to Present Two Projects in Upcoming Parade of Homes

SugarOak will be showcasing two current projects during the weekend of April 30 – May 1. In Arlington, a renovation project on a 1925 American Style Foursquare home maintains the 20th century Arts and Crafts Style, while providing the Homeowners with an updated living space.

The second project is a new home in Great Falls. A French Country style home with Master Suite on the first floor, authentic stucco and “old world” carpentry details. This home is for sale.

The Parade is hosted by The Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA). The beneficiary of this event is HomeAid Northern Virginia, whose mission is to build and renovate shelters for homeless children and families in Northern Virginia. For more information and maps for the event go to http://www.vaparade.com/.

Improv Group Is Back in the Funny Business

Richmond, VIRGINIA – March 25, 2011 – A local theater is getting a second chance to bring back the laughs. Christine Walters has leased 2,000 square feet in the Gold’s Gym Plaza at West Tower to revive ComedySportz, an improv comedy theater that has been out of the spotlight for two years. She’s set to open in April. ComedySportz was known for shows in which two teams of performers would compete in improv games and perform scenes. The paying audience would judge the results and award points. The business also had a little league program for budding performers ages 10 to 13, a high school league and a summer camp. “We trained so many people - kids and adults that have gone through the program - and enriched so many lives,” Walters said. The first ComedySportz location on Staples Mill Road opened in 2001 and closed eight years later after the economy slowed and spectators stop coming. “We were starting to see that people weren’t coming in like they were,” Walters said, adding that the hours and responsibilities of the business began to take a toll, too. “I was burnt out and ready to make a life change,” she said.

After they closed down the theater, ComedySportz groups performed at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen for 11 months, which wasn’t entirely successful, according to Walters. “We went and performed when people called asking for entertainment, but our hearts weren’t in it. “It wasn’t the same.” Walters worked at a local marketing firm until May 2010, when she decided sales were not for her. “I realized I was in the wrong business,” she said. ComedySportz performed their last show at the center in Glen Allen in January 2010 and started hunting for a new home.

With the location about to open in Gold’s Gym Plaza on the 8900 block of Broad Street, Walters has stepped down from her position as owner and general manager and will take on the role of marketing and sales director. Susan Scovill, a former performer, is joining as the business manager. Scovill, director of the Fair Housing Concepts in Action, is glad to see it coming back. “ComedySportz offers a unique improv experience - it’s the most fun thing I’ve ever done,” said Scovill. “Improv has a ripple effect on your life.” The company began raising funds on Kickstarter.com a few months ago for the new facility and made just under $5,000 toward the $10,000 they needed to start up. Walters plans to continue all of the programs they originally had, including the Richmond Improv Festival, which brought together comedy acts from across the country. “I want to start with quality shows, quality education and a quality corporate department,” Walters said. Even though the programs will the same, Walters said she will be making some changes to how the business will operate. “We’re changing the structure of the management team to avoid the severe burnout of one.”

About Gold’s Gym Plaza

The Gold’s Gym Plaza is located on West Broad Street west of Parham between West End Drive and Homeview Drive. The center is home to Gold’s Gym, Gelati Celesti, Richmond Dance Center, Peking Restaurant, Quizno’s, Calico Corners, Richmond Dance Center, For Eyes, Pho City Vietnamese Restaurant, and many others. The center is also home to the United Artist West Tower, a 10-screen movie theater.