It may be cold outside, but if you ride a motorcycle, it’s never too early to think about warmer weather and hitting the open road.  If you’re looking for a place to take your bike for maintenance, customization, or (heaven forbid) accident repairs, look no further than Lucky Cycles!

Located in Owings, Maryland, Lucky Cycles provides service, maintenance, and customization of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In business since 2004, owner Jim Purdy thoroughly enjoys each day of hands-on bike work. He puts his experience as a Harley mechanic to work each day performing routine repairs, but he really sinks his teeth into ground-up customizations. He specializes in building custom choppers and has completed dozens of modifications and service on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Jim’s passion for motorcycles began when his dad and a friend built him a custom mini bike when he was 7 years old. As a youth he raced motocross and continues to ride today.  Growing up, Jim and his father spent time working on  projects, including a complete ground-up restoration of his first car, a 1972 SS Nova.  After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a career in law enforcement in the DC area, Jim decided to return to his first love – working with metal and machines – and established Lucky Cycles while still working full-time in law enforcement.  After building three show-winning choppers in 2004, Jim decided to focus on Lucky Cycles full-time, turning it into the business he loves.

If you’re not in the market to customize your bike but want to keep it in tip-top shape, Lucky’s can take care of that for you, too. Parts and accessories are reasonably priced.  Services like paint, powder coating, chroming, custom parts and mounts, and frame-up restoration are also on the menu. Visit their web site at www.luckycycles.com to see what they have done and can do for you!  Lucky’s also works with all insurance companies, so if you are ever in a situation where you need your bike repaired due to an accident, give Jim a call at 410-286-7557.

Lucky Cycles is located at 6981 Briscoes Turn Road in Owings, MD. Stop in and see what they can do for you!

Do you drive a car?  Chances are pretty good that you do, and if you’re like most people, you want to keep it in good working condition so that you can get as much life out of it as possible. If you’re looking for a quality car care center that can keep your buggy in tip-top shape, look no further than Bowie Auto Service on Old Chapel Road in Bowie, Maryland.

Bob and Rose Woolley are the owners of Bowie Auto Service and have been providing quality car care for 21 years.  They perform all types of auto repairs on both foreign and domestic vehicles, including scheduled maintenance packages, system flushes (power steering, radiator, transmission, brakes), tire installation, mounting and balancing, shocks, struts, air conditioning service, axles, wheel bearings – and a host of other services from a list that’s too long to list here (but check their web site at www.bowieautoservice.com for a more complete list).  They also perform light work on diesel trucks.  Their location at 15300 Old Chapel Road is a filling station, so you can refuel before or after your service visit with regular gasoline or diesel fuel.  They also service ARI fleet vehicles.

A native Marylander, Bob has been getting his hands dirty with auto repairs since he was 15 years old, when he began working for Pat Goss at his garage in Riverdale, Maryland (you may recognize Pat as the host of the TV show Motor Week).  In fact, Bob honed his mechanical skills under Pat and worked at that same garage (after it changed hands) for 18 years before making the move to purchase his own station in Bowie in 1990. He opened up his shop and welcomed his first customers, doing auto servicing and repairs and running the business on his own for the first year.  As the business began to grow, he hired additional technicians to assist him.  Bob and Rose were married in 1994, and Rose came on board with the business full-time in 1996, taking over the administrative and marketing side of things so that Bob could concentrate fully on service.

In their spare time, Bob and Rose enjoy fishing and going to the beach, and they are active members of two local car clubs – the Asphalt Angels and the High Rollers (where Bob serves as president).  They restored a 1975 Chevy Laguna S3 that Bob purchased years ago and can be seen with it at area car shows.  They have three grown children and two grandchildren.

To keep your car running for years to come, the Woolleys recommend that you keep up with all scheduled maintenance and have services performed at the recommended intervals.  Make sure all fluids have been checked and are at the proper levels and tires are at their recommended pressures for safe winter driving.

Stop in for fuel and say hi to Bob and Rose – and if you need service, give them a call at 301-464-1112.

Trees are wonderful.  They provide us with oxygen, shade, beautiful scenery, fruit, and a rainbow of colors in the fall – just to mention a few things!  Sometimes they can cause problems, too, especially when weather causes them to become unstable or destructive.  It’s important to keep your trees healthy and stable for their well-being and yours – and that’s where our Merchant of the Month can help!

Economy Tree Service, Inc., provides complete tree service to keep the trees on your property in tip-top shape. They provide tree trimming, fertilizing, tree removal, lot clearing, stump grinding, shrub trimming and shrub removal services. They also specialize in hazardous tree removal – trees located next to houses or buildings or close to wires. Economy Tree Service also handles shrub trimming and removal, deadwood removal, storm damage, cleanup services, and tree spraying for disease and insects.

A native of Kent Island, William Roy has owned and operated Economy Tree Service since 1991. After working for another tree company, he decided to “branch” out on his own, buying a chipper and a stump grinder and growing his business from the roots up.  His operation now features two crews (including two arborists) and nine trucks, including chip trucks, bucket trucks, pickups, and log trucks. Economy Tree is headquartered in Queenstown on the Eastern Shore and serves customers in Queen Anne’s, Talbot, and Caroline Counties, as well as the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County area.  They also provide services for the town of Easton as well as Queen Anne and Talbot Counties, and state roads.

Economy Tree also sells firewood at reasonable prices and will deliver to your location for a nominal fee (or you can pick it up).  If you are having a tree trimmed or serviced, you can choose to have the trimmings chipped into mulch or, if big enough, cut into fireplace-sized logs for your use – or you can have it all hauled away!  William recommends oak, locust, and cherry for fireplace or woodstove use as they are all clean-burning hardwoods.  Poplar burns fast and pine leaves a residue in the chimney.

To keep your trees healthy, safe, and looking good, William recommends that you keep them trimmed and have the deadwood thinned so that the wind doesn’t catch them and cause damage.  He also recommends fertilizing for trees that have suffered damage from storms or insects.

Economy Tree Service provides 24-hour emergency service as well as free estimates.  Regular business hours are 7 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday.  They are located at 100 Arrington Road in Queenstown.  Visit the website at www.economytreeserviceinc.com or give them a call at 410-827-5198.

Winter is just around the corner, and with it, ski season.  Cash Flow Plus is proud to provide merchant services for the Annual Ski Swap, a fundraiser to benefit the Ski Liberty Ski Patrol.  The swap takes place this Sunday, October 30, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Ski Center, located at 4300 Fordham Road NW, Washington, D.C. 20016.  The rain date is Saturday, November 5.  Ski and snowboard enthusiasts can buy or sell used ski and snowboard equipment and clothing at this event, which is the D.C. area’s largest ski swap.

The Ski Liberty Ski Patrol is part of the National Ski Patrol System, Inc., a non-profit organization formed in 1938 and dedicated to promoting skiing and snowboarding safety throughout the country.  The NSP has a Ski Patrol presence at 98% of the ski resorts in the United States.  There are about 27,000 NSP members nationwide, with 120 members at Ski Liberty.  The Ski Liberty Ski Patrol, founded in 1974, is a member of the NSP.  Some of its members have been patrolling the same mountain since the 1970s.

Members of the Ski Patrol are volunteers who donate their time and expertise to provide aid and assistance, at no cost, to injured skiers and boarders throughout the United States.  The NSP’s premier outdoor emergency care course is used to educate ski patrollers throughout the world.

The annual Ski Swap at the Ski Center is the Ski Patrol’s only source of income – the proceeds from the swap support their tireless first-aid efforts, purchase training equipment, and cover expenses in conducting training courses for Patrol members.

If you are interested in attending the swap, here are some guidelines:

• If you are selling items, registration begins at 9:00 AM.
• Return by 3:30 PM to pick up unsold items. Items not picked up by 3:30 PM will be considered donated to the Ski Patrol.
• Pay by credit card, cash or check. You will receive a check in the mail for any sold items less a 20% commission from the Ski Patrol. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks to receive your check.
• For easy ample parking on Swap Day, turn on 50th Street from Massachusetts Avenue and use the large parking lot behind the office buildings.
• Boots and bindings over 10 years old cannot be sold.

Whether you are a skier or a boarder, there is something for everyone!  Come out and support the Ski Patrol!  They’re there when you need them!

There’s nothing like having your own car – for some people, it’s almost an extension of themselves. A person’s choice of automobile says a lot about their lifestyle and personality, so when a problem crops up, or it’s time for regular maintenance, it’s a good feeling to know that your car is in the right hands.  Our merchant of the month strives to keep your car running at its peak!

Tech Automotive and Broken Wing Cycles, located in Huntingtown, Maryland, performs all types of maintenance and repair service for cars, trucks, and motorcycles.  With a staff of four ASE (Automotive Service Excellence)-certified mechanics and an exhaust specialist, Tech Auto strives to extend the life of your vehicle for as long as possible.

Tommy Gilmartin, owner of Tech Auto, realized early on that he had a talent for automotive repair when he began working on cars as a teenager.  He worked for many years for several auto dealerships, expanding his experience and honing his craft, prior to venturing out on his own. In 2006, he opened the doors of Tech Auto, offering car and truck repair. An avid motorcyclist, Tommy added motorcycle repair to his line of services, specializing in fixing crashed bikes.  The “Broken Wing Cycles” name actually comes from the fact that Tech Auto works predominantly on Harley Davidson cycles, and the Harley logo often contains eagle’s wings.  Tommy takes in those injured “eagles,” mends those “broken wings,” and sends them back to “fly” again!  Tech Auto also offers hot-rod custom exhaust systems.

Like many business owners, Tommy enjoys being his own boss and running his own business.  He continues to perform repairs on a daily basis but focuses on the challenging cases that appear on his doorstep.  When he’s not mending a Harley or working on a repair, he takes to the road on his Harley Davidson Road Glide motorcycle; he also enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his 5 grandchildren.

Tech Auto provides service for all makes and models and offers hot-rod custom exhaust systems, too.  They have a regular roster of customers but are always willing to welcome new ones.  Give Tommy a call at 410-257-9101 or visit the shop at 155 Prospect Drive, Suite 103, in Huntingtown, MD.  The shop is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM.

Are you looking for a new look?  Maybe a new haircut, a bit of color or curl?  Perhaps a relaxing manicure or facial is what you need…or better yet, a pick-me-up for your feet that seem to be spending a lot of time out of shoes this summer!  Whether you’re looking for a change to your style, a few hours of pampering, or simply a trim, Julians Hair Designers can help!

Located in the Lions Creek Center on Route 260 in Dunkirk, Maryland, Julians Hair Designers offers a myriad of hair, skin, and nail care designed to make you look and feel your best from head to toes!  Teresa Zanelotti-Whitten and Joanie Zanelotti-Cook, sisters and partners in Julians, and their staff of professionally-trained stylists provide the best in haircuts and styles for women, men, and children, as well as texturizing, coloring, waving, and reconditioning.  Skin care includes customized and specialized facial treatments, waxing, and makeup application, and for beautiful hands Julian’s offers a full range of manicure services and nail enhancements. They can also help keep your feet fresh and pretty during the summer with full pedicure services.

Julians is a family-owned business through and through and has been serving customers for 31 years.  Teresa and Joanie’s parents, Joseph and Doris Zanelotti, helped the sisters open their first two salons in Camp Springs in Prince George’s County in 1981. When they relocated to Calvert County, their parents retired and Teresa and Joanie took over the administration of the business in addition to providing hair, nail, and skin care services.  They have been serving their loyal clients (and new ones, too) ever since.

Both Teresa and Joanie were born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Takoma Park before moving to the Upper Marlboro area. In addition to having four children each and grandchildren, too (Teresa has 6, Joanie has 1), the sisters enjoy outdoor activities, especially fishing.  They take pride in giving back to their community as much as possible – the salon has raised funds for the Avon Breast Cancer Awareness program for several years in a row now and actively participates in the Relay for Life.  They also support the Wigs for Kids program, which uses donated hair to make wigs for children who are undergoing chemotherapy treatments or have other hair-loss conditions. Teresa also served on the State Board of Cosmetology for nine years.

Teresa and Joanie invite you to visit Julians Hair Designers for a new look or a pampering service!  They are located at 2823 W. Chesapeake Beach Road in Dunkirk.  For an appointment, call 301-812-0800.  You can also visit their website for  detailed information and pricing at www.julianshair.com.

Finding a job in today’s market can be challenging, competitive, and often frustrating.  If you’re just starting out in your career, looking for a change, or preparing for a more promising future, you will want to contact our merchant of the month!

In August of 2004, Beth Colley founded Chesapeake Résumé Writing Service, a full-scale career management and résumé writing firm.Shewrites strategic marketing documents related to job search such as résumés, LinkedIn profiles, professional bios, cover letters, and federal job search documents and assists clients in career exploration, job search, and interview preparation..

Prior to starting Chesapeake Résumé Writing Service, Beth worked in Christian Education and music ministry in the church. In January 2000, after a brief time attending seminary in Washington, D.C., Beth sought a career change and accepted a job as a Resource Specialist at Anne Arundel Workforce Development Center.  There, she performed a variety of tasks with a primary focus on customer interaction and assisting job seekers with various job search needs.  Most of the time, all  it involved was listening and having empathy In 2001, she was promoted to the position of Career Consultant where she managed a case load of individual job seekers, assessing clients’ needs and determining what kinds of services or training they needed in order to get employed. “This was a natural transition from full-time ministry,” Beth said, “it’s still about meeting people where they are and helping them get to a better place personally, professionally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.” As a Career Consultant, Beth discovered a knack for career management and quickly honed her career coaching, résumé writing, and case management skills while working one-on-one with a diverse client base.  In October of 2003, Beth acquired her first professional certification, Certified Professional Résumé Writer, and within a year she started Chesapeake Résumé Writing Service from her home with a newborn infant daughter and two-year-old son in tow.

Since opening her business, Beth has earned additional credentials as a Certified Expert Résumé Writer, Certified Federal Job Search Coach, and Certified Career Management Coach.   For Beth, the best part about the job is working with a diverse group of professionals from all over the United States.  “I love knowing that what I do truly empowers people and changes lives,” Beth says.  “Careers and work are a huge part of the American lifestyle and culture. I love knowing that I can truly affect change in people’s lives and get them enthusiastic about their careers again.

Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Beth lives in Crownsville with her husband and two children.  She was a music major and played varsity soccer in college and enjoys  performing with a  group called Singers Madrigale  and singing in her church choir at Annapolis Evangelical Presbyterian Church. You may see her singing at the Maryland Renaissance Festival or coaching youth soccer somewhere in the county on weekends throughout the fall.

Visit Beth’s web site at www.chesres.com.

It’s officially summer in Maryland!  Even though schools are still in session for a few more weeks, many Marylanders are preparing for a season of fun in the sun and on the water.  If you’re a boater, our merchant of the month can help make your summer a great one!

Abell Custom Marine is a full-service marina in Edgewater, Maryland.  Located at the Gingerville Yachting Center on Gingerville Creek (right behind Chesapeake Spas and near Yellowfin Restaurant on Solomons Island Road), Abell Custom Marine provides facilities for mooring, storing, and maintaining your boat.

Born in Washington, DC, owner Jeff Abell moved to Edgewater at the age of 7 and has been on the water ever since, working on boats since he was old enough to hold a paint brush!  He was a waterman throughout his high school years, crabbing and oystering and maintaining his own work boats.  He worked for Hatteras Yachts and became skilled at fiberglass, gelcoat, and paint repairs, then landed a position as a service manager for another boat dealer before moving up to co-manage Liberty Marina in Edgewater.  After several years at Liberty, Jeff decided to try his hand at operating his own marine repair business on a part-time basis in 1983. That business became a full-time venture in 1995, and Jeff moved it to Oak Grove Marina, where he provided services for 19 years before relocating to Gingerville Yachting Center in January of 2011.  Married with three grown sons, Jeff enjoys boating, and hot-rod and classic cars in his spare time.

Abell Custom Marine sports 50 in-water slips and 60 boatel slips.  They have a travel lift, boat lift, and boatel and forklift system to get your boat where it needs to be for you to do what you want to do with it!  Their inside shop facility can house up to 50 boats for year-round repairs and maintenance, and the largest boat they can store indoors is 50 feet.  Their outside travel lift can haul out boats up to 80 feet in length, and the boatel can hold boats up to 32 feet in size.  Maintenance includes engine systems, outdrive repairs, electrical and plumbing system repairs, fiberglass, gelcoat, and paint repairs, and insurance work.  Jeff and his crew also perform winterizing tasks, shrink-wrapping, and exterior detailing to get your boat ready for the season.

Abell Custom Marine is always looking for new customers!  At 2802 Solomons Island Road, it’s in a great location by land and water.  Hours are 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday and 8 AM to 12 Noon on Saturday.  Extended hours are available by appointment.  For more information, visit their web site at www.abellcustommarine.com or give them a call at 410-266-6849.

Take care of your body – it’s the only one you’ve got!  Our two merchants of the month have that thought in mind every day…they provide services that keep your body working at its peak and show you how to keep it that way!

Most people are familiar with chiropractic care and how it helps you recover from neck pain, back pain, accidents, and headaches – but did you know that chiropractic care is actually a tune-up for your body?  At Metro Area Chiropractic and Rehab in Bowie, MD, Dr. Nathan Kennedy specializes in keeping your body working at its peak.  In practice since 2004 and on his own with Metro since 2007, Dr. Kennedy can treat your whole family with regular chiropractic care that will help restore your body to optimum health by restoring your nervous system to its peak performance.

Dr. Kennedy is a native of  Chesapeake, Virginia,  and a graduate of both Norfolk State University and the Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, MO.  He and his wife, who hails from Baltimore, chose Upper Marlboro as their home due to its proximity to both families.  Originally interested in studying sports medicine, Dr. Kennedy’s interest in biomechanics and how the body works led him into the chiropractic field, where he learned about the “whole-body” health benefits of chiropractic care. Dr. Kennedy says that the the goal of chiropractic is not so much about relieving pain as it is about restoring the body to the proper positions that allow the nervous system to function at its peak, thus supporting the immune system. During an examination, he checks the joints in the body; if they are out of position, he adjusts them to restore proper function and optimum nervous system performance.  Dr. Kennedy also specializes in chiropractic care for expectant mothers.  During pregnancy, a woman’s body changes constantly, and complications can arise when women don’t adapt well to those changes.  Through chiropractic, Dr. Kennedy can ease the effects of these changes and help make pregnancy and delivery as smooth as possible – even to the point of relieving tension in pelvic ligaments that can allow a baby to turn into the proper birthing position.

Dr. Kennedy is a licensed Chiropractor with physical therapy privileges, and he is the only advanced proficiency activator practitioner in Prince George’s County (an activator is an instrument that adjusts without the audible “pops”).  He also provides patients with instruction for rehabilitation exercises that they can do at home to help maximize the benefits of in-office care.  If you’re in need of a tune-up, contact Dr. Kennedy at 301-575-6549.  Metro is located at 2905 Mitchellville Road, Suite 110, Bowie, MD.

If you’re on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and are in need of physical therapy, look no further than Chesapeake Physical Therapy, where Greg and Katy Weddell offer fast pain relief through treatments that unlock the body’s healing power.  A husband-and-wife team, Greg administers the business while Katy, a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, delivers relief to patients through physical therapy.  Their practice is located at 210 South Cross Street in Chestertown.

The Weddells are natives of the Eastern Shore.  Prior to starting their practice, they traveled the United States for two years while Katy worked in a variety of hospitals and outpatient, sports medicine, and geriatric facilities, gaining experience with a wide variety of therapies.  They returned to Maryland, started their family, and Katy spent several years working as a therapist in a local retirement home before striking out on her own in September of 2007.  Greg joined her as the practice administrator, and they have been providing pain relief and wellness therapy to patients ever since, with most of their clients coming to them through word-of-mouth referrals.

Chesapeake PT offers treatment for neck and muscle pain, shoulder pain, pain from fractures, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.  Katy also provides therapy for joint replacement patients, other post-surgical therapies, orthotics for the feet, and strength and body conditioning for the geriatric population.  She also instructs patients on specific exercises to continue therapy at home, so that when their sessions with her are complete, they can continue to strengthen and heal.  Chesapeake PT is sensitive to the rising cost of medical care, and with that in mind, they offer programs for people with high-deductible insurance, high co-pays, or no insurance at all.  Therapy packages are priced at $499 for eight 30-minute sessions over a period of 60 days, and $799 for 16 sessions over a period of 60-90 days.  They also offer payment plans to make treatment as affordable as possible.  They accept most insurance plans and receive referrals from primary care physicians and orthopedic surgeons.  Appointments can be made by calling 410-778-3900.

Katy and Greg are active in their community, too.  Katy spreads the word about wellness at health fairs and at nearby Washington College.  Their son and daughter keep them busy in their spare time with their pursuit of sports, and Greg coaches his son’s baseball team as well as soccer.

Warm weather brings people outdoors for things like yard work, sports, and outdoor hobbies.  If you like to fish or hunt, you’ll want to stop in on one (or both) of our merchants of the month!

If you’re in Southern Maryland, the place to get your fishing and hunting supplies is Ron’s Bay Pro Shop, which has been serving outdoor sports enthusiasts in the area for over 25 years.  Owner Ron Manuel welcomes his regular customers and makes his new customers feel right at home as they find what they need to complete their outdoor experience.  Bay Pro Shop is located at the intersection of Routes 4 and 260 and carries a full line of fresh water and salt water fishing equipment, bait and tackle, rod and reels, archery equipment, black powder equipment, hunting clothing and footwear, paintball equipment, waterfowl calls, firearms, ammunition, and hunting and fishing accessories.  You can also obtain your Maryland hunting and fishing license at Bay Pro Shop.

Bay Pro Shop also provides a wide range of services to get you started and keep your equipment in tip-top shape for your outdoor hobbies.  If you’re a fisherman, they can install line on the reel of your choice, assemble a rod and reel combination that’s right for you needs, and also perform repairs.  They can install scopes on firearms, and they’re able to refill paintball air tanks and perform marker repair.  If you prefer archery, Bay Pro Shop can set up and adjust your bow so that it’s right for you.  The shop is open every day of the week at 7:00 AM (except Saturdays when they open at 6:30 AM), and closing times vary depending on the day (complete hours can be found on their website at www.bayproshop.com). Give them a call at 301-855-0351 or stop by the shop at 2819 Chesapeake Beach Road in Dunkirk.

Blue Fins Bait & Tackle is located at 700 Wise Avenue in the Dundalk area of Baltimore and carries everything you need for fishing and hunting.  David Mroz, a seasoned business owner, has been at the helm of Blue Fins since July 2009 and takes pride in providing sportsmen and women with the right tools, equipment, and supplies for the task at hand.  Blue Fins carries live bait, fresh chum, cut bait, lures, tackle, hunting supplies, deer corn, buck lure, ammunition, crossbows, and more.  Recently, they became a Registered Firearms Dealer and can now buy and sell guns. If they don’t have what you need in stock, they will do their best to get it for you so that you can enjoy your hobby to the fullest!

In addition to selling what you need, Blue Fins also offers seminars and monthly specials to get you in the mood for the fishing, crabbing, and hunting seasons. Blue Fins also sponsors an annual rockfish fishing tournament – this year it will be held on Saturday, June 11, from 6 AM to 4 PM.  Check-in will be at The Seasoned Mariner on Wise Avenue, and a pre-tournament Captain’s meeting will be held on Thursday, June 9, at 7:00 PM (for more information, visit their website at  www.bluefinsbait.com). If you’re a frequent shopper, you can take advantage of the Blue Fins Advantage Card, which will save you money throughout the year and qualify you for additional savings on unadvertised specials (the Advantage Card is currently on sale for $20).   They offer reel cleaning and reel and rod repair services, too!  Blue Fins is open 7 days a week (most days at 6 or 6:30 AM).  Check out their website  for specific hours or give them a call at 410-477-9244.