While most people think of spring as a time for cleaning, a good top-to-bottom vacuuming and dusting during the fall not only makes your home more inviting as you spend more time indoors, but helps get you ready for entertaining during the upcoming holidays.  You don’t need to look any further than our merchant of the month to help you get started on your seasonal cleaning!

Mike Nalepa and his son, Paul, own and operate Star Sew and Vac, located on Southern Maryland Boulevard in Dunkirk, Maryland. A longtime Maryland resident, Mike has been in the sales and service of vacuums and sewing machines since 1966, having purchased Star Vacuums in Suitland in 1988. Paul joined the business at that time, and the father-son operation has been working well ever since. While the Suitland store closed about seven years ago, Star Sew and Vac in Dunkirk is scheduled to celebrate its 14th anniversary in January 2010.

Star Sew and Vac specializes in the sale and service of Oreck brand vacuum cleaners and enjoys the status of being recognized as an Oreck “Select” store and authorized dealer.  Oreck vacuum owners receive a warranty on their purchase and can also purchase extended service contracts, and Mike and Paul perform regular and warranty service on Oreck products purchased anywhere.

If you own a vacuum that’s not an Oreck, Mike and Paul can service and repair it for you and will offer you a free estimate on repairs. All of their repairs are done in-house at the Dunkirk store. Mike says that like many things these days, some vacuums are not built like they used to be – but he and Paul can help you make the decision on whether to repair or replace your vacuum.  They also repair all makes and models of vacuums and provide free estimates, too. For peak performance, Mike recommends service for your vacuum every two years.

You can also find a complete line of vacuum cleaner parts and accessories at Star Sew and Vac – anything from bags to belts! They also carry Oreck cleaning products and air purifiers, and they rent and sell shampooers for deep-down cleaning.

In addition to vacuums, Mike and Paul repair sewing machines and provide free repair estimates for them as well. While they don’t sell sewing machines, Mike and Paul can recommend Babylock, Pfaff, and White brand sewing machines if you’re in the market for one.

Star Sew and Vac offers Oreck products at factory-direct prices and matches all Oreck sale prices (internet or printed ads).  A free gift almost always accompanies the purchase of an Oreck vacuum, giving you more value for your money! Stop in and see Mike and Paul at 10096 Southern Maryland Boulevard in Dunkirk.  Star Sew and Vac is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM and Saturday from10 AM to 4 PM.  You can reach them by phone at 301-855-3992 or 410-257-7383.

For those who weren’t able to attend our Educational Seminar on September 19, here are some important links to web sites that contain a host of information on Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards and Compliance:

VISA’s Web Site:  http://usa.visa.com/merchants/risk_management/cisp_overview.html

VISA Incident Response Information: http://usa.visa.com/merchants/risk_management/cisp_if_compromised.html?it=l2|/merchants/risk_management/cisp.html|If%20Compromised

MasterCard Security Site: http://www.mastercard.com/us/merchant/security/index.html

MasterCard PCI Manual: http://www.mastercard.com/us/wce/PDF/10172_MasterCard_PCI_Manual.pdf

American Express Security Requirements: https://www209.americanexpress.com/merchant/singlevoice/dsw/FrontServlet?request_type=dsw&pg_nm=pci&ln=en&frm=US

Discover article with levels and a link to their security program: http://www.paymentsnews.com/2009/01/discover-announ.html

JCB’s PCI Site: http://www.jcb-global.com/english/pci/index.html