BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Some items can still be fixed, not ditched

By Bradley Koltz
   There was a time, or at least I keep telling my kids that there was, when, if something broke, you didn’t just throw it away. You fixed it.
   If you couldn’t do that yourself, you took it to a shop where they knew how to.
   Most of the time it cost much less to fix just about anything than to replace it. It turns out that fixing things instead of tossing them away is also a much better way to go for the environment.
   So, when our just-out-of-warrantee vacuum cleaner stopped vacuuming, I had several thoughts. First was just how foolish we had been to fall for the slick advertising about the new design with the cool ball instead of wheels, the see-through dust bin and the cyclonic suction and actually paid more for this vacuum than, not just my first car, oh no, we paid more for it than for my first three cars combined.
   True, they were very used and very cheap cars, and that was a very long time ago, but they were, well, they were cars for goodness sake.
   Anyway, the fancy, expensive new vacuum waited about a week after the warrantee expired and then it stopped doing its job. We asked around, and arranged to bring it to a local shop that sells and still repairs vacuums right here in Princeton.
   After dropping it off, my wife called me at work and asked if I had been to the American Sewing and Vac store at The Princeton Shopping Center. I’ve been by it dozens of times, but I had to admit that I had not ventured in. She said I needed to, and so, of course, I did.
   The store is amazing. It seems like they have anything and everything imaginable related to sewing and to vacuums. They have supplies. They have parts. They have books. They have equipment. Better still, they have knowledgeable, friendly staff, expert service and reasonable prices.
   Within a few days the vacuum was back at home and once again hunting dust bunnies, and for a lot less than a replacement would have cost.
   Visit them at The Princeton Shopping Center, right between Cutter’s Mill Pet Store and Metropolis Spa & Salon. Or call them at 609-921-2205.
Good to know…
   Mrs. G’s TV & Appliances 2012 President’s Day Sale is being extended through Feb. 29. Mrs. G’s manufacturers, including Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, Frigidaire, Bosch, LG and more are offering incredible discounts and rebates that are as good or even better than Black Friday. Mrs. G’s is located on Route 1 in Lawrenceville.
   Upcoming cooking classes at Whole Foods Market Princeton include “School of Fish . . . Cod!” on Friday, Feb. 24, and “Risotto, Risotto” on Wednesday, Feb. 29. Registration information is available in store, by phone at 609-799-2919, or online at http://wholefoodsmarket.com/princeton.
   Pear Tree Creations is having a 20 percent off sale. To find out more, call them at 609-924-6252 or visit them on Route 518 in Skillman.
   Ink can be very expensive when you buy new cartridges, and refill kits can be a messy hassle. Technician X in Skillman will refill the cartridge for you for less than a new one. They’re on Route 206. Call them at 609-681-1120 for more information.
   Massage Envy on Route 206 in Montgomery is offering a one-hour introductory massage for $49. Call 609-921-7000 to get more information.
   Looking for a great show? Tickets are on sale now for “The Wizard of Oz” at The Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College in West Windsor with upcoming performances in March. Check out their website at www.kelseyatmccc.org for dates and times. (609) 570-3333.
   Enjoy a delicious weekend brunch with a special menu at The Blue Rooster Café and Bakery located at 17 North Main Street in Cranbury. Visit their website for more information at www.blueroosterbakery.com. (609) 235-7539.
   If you’re in the East Windsor area and looking for a great bite to eat check out The Clairmont Diner. They’re open late for your convenience. Check out their website for a coupon at www.clairmontdiner.com. (609) 443-8222.
   The Princeton Learning Cooperative has announced that they are moving to 16 All Saints Road in Princeton. This move will allow them to extend their hours and significantly expand their program offerings. PLC will also be holding an open house this Saturday at 2 p.m. at their former space in the Arts Council building in Princeton. Visit them online at www.PLCTeens.org or call 609-851-2522 for more information.
Doing good
   The Saint Peter’s University Hospital Auxiliary will host its spring fashion show to benefit breast health programs at Saint Peter’s from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 11 at the Pines Manor in Edison.
   This year’s theme is “Fashion Runway 2012 – Dressed to Impress.”
   Tickets are $60 for the show — featuring fashions from Lord & Taylor – and a sit-down lunch. A 50/50 raffle and “Tricky Tray” will be held.
   Contact Marie Bowler, 732-745-8542, at Saint Peter’s Foundation for more information.
   If you’re a local business doing something new, interesting, good for the community, or just want to let our readers know about a new product or service, please contact General Manager Brad Koltz at [email protected].