Tools for driving safer longer

Transcription

DECEMBER 2012
Vol. 30, Issue 10
AAA PIONEER VALLEY
DECEMBER:
new
this month
AAA, RMV team up for Saturday service
Question 1 passes
overwhelmingly
Ballot Question 1 asked Massachusetts voters if automakers
should be required to give vehicle owners access to the same
diagnostic and repair information available to dealers and
authorized repair facilities. The
answer: a resounding “yes.” With
86 percent approval – representing 2.3 million votes – Bay State
residents showed they clearly
want the ability to have control
over the information their cars
generate, protect their privacy
and choose where they want to
have their vehicles fixed. AAA was
a staunch supporter of Question
1 and will continue to advocate
on members’ behalf on this issue. For more information, visit
RepairAnywhere.org.
AAA Member Thomas Dooley takes his eye
test for his driver’s license at a AAA office.
AAA Members who came to the West
Springfield office on a recent Saturday morning to renew their driver’s
licenses and vehicle registrations
appreciated the fact that AAA offers
the only Saturday Registry services in
Massachusetts.
“AAA remains committed to finding new ways to meet our members’
needs, and our Registry service is one
of our most popular benefits,” AAA
Pioneer Valley President and CEO,
Chris Mensing said. “For those who
Senior driving
Tools for driving safer longer
Recognizing
the changing needs
of America’s drivers
Tell us your
savings story
Have you saved money with your
AAA Membership? Tell us your
AAA Savings Story and we’ll tell
other AAA Times readers. Every
issue, a story will be selected
randomly and will be published
in the next issue of AAA Times. If
your story is published, you’ll win
a one-year membership renewal.
For more information, visit
AAA.com/Promo.
Special offers
in December
Save with exclusive special
savings events in December
from NASCAR, 1-800-Flowers, Banana Republic Factory
Stores, Travel Centers of America
and DirecTV. For details, visit
AAA.com/ClubDeal.
AAA offices will be
closed for holiday
AAA offices will be closed on
Tuesday, Dec. 25, for Christmas
Day, and on Tuesday, Jan. 1, for
New Year’s Day; 24-hour roadside
assistance is always available.
On the cover: Enjoy the
outdoors this winter
with family activities.
work during the week, or seniors who
rely on a weekend ride from a family
member, Saturday hours simply make
sense.”
Registrar Rachel Kaprielian said
the AAA-RMV partnership is “central
to MassDOT’s ongoing commitment
to improving customer service.”
“We hope to broaden our partnership with the auto club to more AAA
branches in Massachusetts and offer
Saturday hours in a greater number
continued on page 11
AAA launched “Lifelong Safe Mobility,” an association-wide priority initiative dedicated to
keeping seniors safe and mobile and driving as long as safely possible.
Older Americans today are
healthier and more active than
ever before. The aging baby
boomer generation is the fastest growing demographic in the
United States. By 2030, there will
be more than 70 million people
age 65 and older, and approximately 85 percent to 90 percent
of them will be licensed to drive.
In fact, seniors are outliving their
ability to drive safely by an average
of seven to 10 years, and for the
first time in history, we must plan
for our “driving retirement” just
as we plan for our financial retirement.
Senior drivers are among the
safest on the road, and often
reduce their risk of injury by
Continued on page 11
Communities celebrate new year with festivities
By Jeff Gahan
One of the biggest celebrations every year, New Year’s Eve, is marked in
ways ranging from small gatherings
with friends to citywide extravaganzas.
Although given the most publicity, New
York City isn’t the only location to experience throngs of people coming together
for a night of fun.
In 1976, Boston started a new way to
ring in the New Year, with a communitywide effort to celebrate local spirit, called
First Night Boston. Because of its success, a First Night brand was created and
began to spread across the country.
Today, more than 75 cities host their
own First Night celebrations. At most
locations, a button is purchased, granting
access to all of the city’s events. Often,
though, a lot of the outdoor activities are
free and open to the public.
This year, consider attending one of
the popular celebrations in a city or town
near you.
Worcester: The first city to take the
lead from Boston, Worcester started its
First Night in 1981. Unlike many other
cities, Worcester celebrates First Night
year round, as the city sponsors educational events for the arts throughout
the year for a variety of age groups. And
each year, the event takes on a theme for
the night. This year’s theme, chosen by
a communitywide vote, highlights the
culture and counterculture of the ’60s,
Northampton First Night is a celebraand is called “The Arts: Can You Dig It?”
First Night Worcester draws participants tion of art and artists with a focus on
continued on page 11 family activities.
2
AAA PIONEER VALLEY | DECEMBER 2012
from the
president’s desk
Chris E. Mensing
AAA PIONEER
VALLEY OFFICERS
Impaired driving can be
costly and life-altering
Chairman of the Board
Daniel M. Walsh, III
Vice Chairwoman
Helen R. Caulton-Harris
President & CEO
Chris E. Mensing
The most festive time of year can also be the most dangerous
time of year on the roadways.
According to a AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety analysis of
a decade’s worth of data, the year’s highest number of alcoholrelated traffic fatalities occurs on New Year’s Day.
When you’re making plans for festive gatherings this season,
please be sure they include a designated driver.
While the holidays make for a timely reason to raise the visibility of alcohol-related fatalities, AAA continues to spread the
message to not drink and drive in response to feedback from
members who cite impaired driving as one of their greatest safety
concerns.
And members are not alone. The AAA Foundation’s Traffic
Safety Culture Index reveals that 97 percent of drivers consider
impaired driving to be unacceptable. Despite that fact, Americans
continue to drink and drive. Alcohol-impaired drivers make up
about one-third of motor vehicle deaths.
To be sure, a DUI conviction can cost you financially, with legal
fees, bail and other related expenses potentially amounting to
more than $10,000. But, impaired driving can have a cost that
impacts much more than the wallet. Getting behind the wheel
after drinking can lead to life-altering outcomes.
A few statistics shed light on the true costs of impaired driving:
• It can cost you your life. In 2009, 10,839 people died in
alcohol-related traffic crashes. That’s about one death every 48
minutes.
• It can cost another’s life. Alcohol-related traffic crashes don’t
only affect the impaired driver. One third of alcohol-involved
traffic fatalities are passengers, occupants in other vehicles or
pedestrians.
• It can cost you your freedom. A first-time DUI conviction can
result in a six- to 12-month jail sentence – and more for repeat
offenders and for impaired drivers who injure or kill someone in a
crash. Monitoring bracelets, ignition interlock equipment, license
revocation and probation also place
restrictions on your life.
AAA works year round to educate
motorists about driving practices that
will help keep them safe and reduce
traffic-related crashes and the injuries
that can result. PreventDUI.AAA.com
is an online resource offering impaired
driving facts, transportation alternatives and expert advice. Once there, we
encourage visitors to Take the Pledge to
drive drug- and alcohol-free.
I would like to wish you a safe, joyous
holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year to come.
Don’t you just love that
AAA OFFICES
ADMINISTRATION
150 Capital Drive
W. Springfield, MA 01089
1-800-622-9211
AAA.com
WEST SPRINGFIELD
150 Capital Drive
HOURS:
Monday - Friday
9 am - 5:30 pm
Thursday - 9 am - 7 pm
Saturday - 9 am - 1 pm
Registry Services Available
Insurance Services unavailable Saturday
SPRINGFIELD
Five Town Plaza
270 Cooley Street
HOURS:
Monday - Friday
9 am - 5:30 pm
LONGMEADOW
Williams Place
789 Williams Street
HOURS:
Monday - Friday
9 am - 5:30 pm
new car insurance smell?
Loyalty Plus pricing
HADLEY
Campus Plaza
458 Russell Street
HOURS:
Monday - Friday
9 am - 5:30 pm
Smart driver discount
Green discount
Anti-theft discount
CFO & Treasurer
Robert M. Dwyer
Paid-in-full discount
GREENFIELD
Mohawk Mall
91 Main Street
HOURS:
Monday - Friday
9 am - 5:30 pm
HOLIDAY CLOSING
AAA offices will be closed:
Tue., December 25 - Christmas
Tue., January 1 - New Year
Times
Official Publication of
AAA Pioneer Valley
You’ll love everything about your car insurance when you insure with AAA and Commerce Insurance. Experience high-performance
handling, without sacrificing economy and dependability. There are a variety of attractive discounts to suit all types of drivers, like
“smart,” “green,” and “paid-in-full” ones. Discounts are available through your authorized AAA or Commerce Insurance agent…
so come on in and see how much we can save you on a brand-new policy!
EDITORIAL OFFICE
150 Capital Drive
W. Springfield, MA 01089
413-205-2231
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Mindy J. Ginley
TRAVEL EDITOR
Sandra J. Marsian
*Loyalty Plus pricing available for eligible AAA Members. Coverages and rates are subject to policy terms, conditions, and limits. Advanced
purchase required. Exclusions may apply.
1-800-622-9211 | AAA.com/Insurance
1-800-800-0825 | commerceinsurance.com
Pioneer Valley Automobile Club Insurance Agency, Inc.
Underwritten by the Commerce Insurance Company
INS.10529.12_PV
AAA Times is published ten times
a year by AAA Pioneer Valley, 150
Capital Drive, W. Springfield, MA
01089 (USPS 002-740). Subscription rate: 50 cents per annum with
Periodicals Postage Paid at
W. Springfield, MA and at additional
mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send
address correction changes to
AAA Pioneer Valley, 150 Capital Dr.,
West Springfield, MA 01089.
DECEMBER 2012 | AAA PIONEER VALLEY
fun things to do
for $10 or less
get out!
*
Festival of Trees
Enjoy entertainment, visits from Santa, and a tree raffle as the
Springfield Boys and Girls Club welcomes you to its 12th annual holiday event, open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m.-8
p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday,
through Dec. 9. Admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, under 12 free.
Visit www.visittreefest.com.
*
Outdoor adventure
Bring the family to Track Trip and
Sign Search, a guided walk up
Peaked Mountain in Monson, led by
local naturalist Kevin Kopchynski.
Meet in the main parking lot at
Peaked Mountain, 10 a.m. Dec. 8.
Admission: $10. Please call 413532-1631, ext. 13 to register. Visit
www.thetrustees.org.
*
Zumba fitness classes
Start moving with this Latin-inspired dance fitness program
that blends red-hot tunes and whole body workout. Every
class feels like a party. Drop in to Amherst Ballet Center, 29
Strong St., 9:30 a.m. each Sunday. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Admission: $5. Visit zulmarivera.zumba.com or email
zulma.riverap@gmail.com for more information.
AAA Premier Members
get concierge service
AAA offers three levels of
membership – Basic, Plus
and Premier – that provide unique benefits. AAA’s
highest level of membership, Premier Membership,
delivers the most extensive
coverage – including one
200-mile tow per household
per year and up to $1,500 in
trip interruption coverage.
And now, there is a new
benefit for Premier members – a free concierge
service to help members find
restaurants, activities and
attractions while away from
home. To learn more about
the benefits of AAA Premier
membership or to become a
Premier member, call 1-800622-9211.
Existing Premier members
can contact the concierge
service when traveling more
than 100 miles away from
home within the United
States and Canada at 1-877257-8154. This service will:
• Arrange for deliveries.
• Coordinate the setup of
computer or A/V equipment.
• Provide area information.
• Help members find lost
luggage.
• Provide guidance in the
event of lost tickets or travel
documents.
• Assist with emergency
travel arrangements.
• Contact friends and
relatives with emergency
messages.
• Provide emergency cash
transfer arrangements.
The service is free, but
the member pays for any
arrangements booked by the
concierge. For an added fee,
the service will also provide
translation services.
For details, visit
AAA.com/Premier.
5 ways
to save
3
Wrap up your holiday
shopping with AAA
This holiday season, turn to AAA to save.
Here are five ways to complete your holiday
shopping for less.
1. American Express Gift Cards. Buy five
or more American Express Gift Cards at your
local AAA office and the processing fee will be
waived. Cards can be purchased in any denomination from $20 to $500.
2. Movie tickets. Discounted tickets to
cinemas such as Rave and Cinemark make for
excellent stocking stuffers and fit easily into
holiday card mailings. To view prices, visit AAA.
com/Tickets.
3. Gifts and experiences. AAA.com/ClubDeal is home to discounts on travel, specialty
items and entertainment. Find savings with
Dell.com, Target.com, Sears and Kmart or
peruse the site for special offers.
4. Automotive and travel accessories.
Pick up an emergency road kit for your loved
ones at your local AAA office. The bag contains
items to help them be prepared if their car
breaks down. While there, shop for items of
interest in the travel store.
5. The Taste Dining and Activity Book.
AAA Members pay just $18.50 (a $6.50 savings)
off the purchase of the Western Massachusetts
edition of this discount dining and activity
The emergency road kit has all the items you
need in case of a breakdown.
book. Plus, $1 from every book sold at AAA
offices is donated to the Children’s Miracle
Network.
These are a few options to consider when
planning your gift giving. Be sure to visit
AAA.com/ClubDeal and stop by your local
AAA office for more information, as well as for
details on all offers.
AAA Members SAVE
on Falcons Tickets!
Adult
$
Child
$
Go With
AAA
Mobile
1825
save up to $275!
(under 17)
1225
save $.75!
Purchase your Falcons Flex Ticket
Vouchers at any AAA Travel Store which
can be redeemed at the Falcons Box
Office for any home game.
The free, fully loaded
app for iPhone and
Android
FIND
nearby member discounts
PLAN trips,
get maps, book hotels
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Please drop off your toy donation
DWDQ\$$$RI¿FHRU::/3
WKURXJK'HFHPEHUWK
Wed. - Sun. November 21 - December 5
Nightly December 6 - January 1
REQUEST
roadside assistance
AAA Members Save up to $5!
AAA Price $16
(Save $2 on weekdays; $5 on weekends & holidays)
Purchase tickets in advance
at any AAA Travel Store
Download it at your app store
AAA.com/mobile
4
10
TripTiks®
By Jeff Gahan
As we all know, malls,
plazas, outlets, and shopping centers can be more of
a hassle than a convenience
during the hustle and bustle
of the holiday season, but
who says shopping for loved
ones has to be stressful?
In recent years, online
shopping has been a convenient way to manage this
hectic experience, but we
have come up with an even
better alternative to holiday
shopping.
You can make a day of it
by visiting any of these AAA
GEM-rated attractions that
offer a great way to spend
time during the holiday
season, and all have excellent
shopping opportunities at
their gift shops and stores.
1. Hershey’s Chocolate
World at Hersheypark,
Hershey, Pa. Childhood
dreams of seeing a chocolate
factory in action become a
Why wait
in line?
AAA offers
Massachusetts
RMV Services
at no extra cost
for AAA Members.
sLicense renewals and
duplicates1
s Registration renewals and
duplicates2
sState ID renewals3
s Replacement license
plate stickers
Available at
the following
AAA office:
150 Capital Drive,
West Springfield
Monday - Friday
9 am - 5:30 pm;
Thursday 9 am - 7 pm;
Saturday 9 am - 1 pm
1
Duplicate license and license renewals
available for Class D, M and DM vehicles only,
excluding CDLs and commercial licenses.
2
Vehicles under 6,000 pounds only. 3ID
renewals do not include liquor IDs. AAA
accepts cash, check, money orders or credit
card for MA RMV license services; AAA
accepts cash, check or money orders for MA
RMV registration services. Checks should
be made payable to AAA.
Find unique gifts at a GEM attraction
reality here. The Chocolate
World Great American Tour
explains the chocolate-making
process and includes a free
sample. The gift shop is filled
with Hershey-branded merchandise, apparel, toys and,
of course, candy. During the
holidays, be sure to visit the
“Breakfast with Santa” event
on select dates.
2. Metropolitan Museum
of Art, New York City. Undoubtedly, New York City is a
shopping mecca, but for those
of us looking for an alternative to the windows on Fifth
Avenue, an afternoon at the
Metropolitan Museum of Art
can be a great way to break up
a day in the city. In addition
to works of art, the Met Store
offers jewelry, home decor and
stationery. And on Monday
holidays – including this
Christmas Eve and New Year’s
Eve – the Met offers special
free programming for families.
3. Monticello, Charlottesville, Va. Thomas Jefferson,
primary writer of the Declaration of Independence and the
third President of the United
States, designed and lived at
one of the most impressive estates in Virginia. The beauty of
the historic gardens matches
the grandeur of the house. The
shop here features great home
decorations, especially for a
house library or an office desk.
The holidays are a perfect time
to visit Monticello, where you
can experience Holiday Evening Tours and the popular
Holiday Wreath Workshop.
Brooks Walker
A trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a nice way to break
up a day of shopping in New York City, and it offers one-of-akind items in its gift shop.
4. Museum of Science,
Boston. The Museum of Sci-
ence is always an educational
and informative experience,
with an emphasis on handson learning. Attractions
include the intense Theatre
of Electricity, in which thunderous claps and dramatic
sparks animate the audience,
and the more relaxed and
Renew Online
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You can also:
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HEARING AIDS
Try Ours FREE
Come into Avada today
for a free hearing test.
Those who have a
hearing loss will get a
free demonstration of
the latest technology.
AAA Members receive
15% off or 0% interest for
12 months on all hearing
devices and 15% off on
batteries and accessories.
Call today for your
free demonstration
1-888-618-9218
10 convenient locations in
Western Massachusetts
Hear Your Absolute Best™
This offer cannot be combined with other offers.
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warm indoor butterfly garden.
And running until Jan. 13, the
“Mammoths and Mastodons:
Titans of the Ice Age” exhibit showcases these ancient
massive beasts. Buying from
the gift shop here is always
a safe bet, but the stockingstuffer options are too good to
pass up – the “Astronaut Ice
Cream” is a must.
5. Mystic Aquarium &
Institute for Exploration,
Mystic, Conn. Home to more
than 12,000 ocean animals,
including seals, sharks,
penguins, reef fish and the
country’s largest outdoor
beluga whale exhibit, Mystic
Aquarium provides hours of
entertainment and education
regarding all things ocean.
Purchasing books and toys
from the gift shop continues the fun and learning for
endless hours at home. The
Winter Waterland program,
taking place on the weekends and the last five days of
December, is a great way to
celebrate the holidays from
around the world.
6. Naismith Memorial
Basketball Hall of Fame,
Springfield, Mass. Sports
fans from all over the country find a reason to travel to
Springfield to visit the Basketball Hall of Fame, just off I-91
near the Connecticut River.
Since its invention in 1891,
basketball has become one
of the most popular sports in
America. At the Players Gallery, you can virtually shoot
hoops against some of the best
to play the game. The gift store
has a wide variety of apparel,
toys, games, collectibles, educational DVDs and books.
7. National Museum of
Natural History, Washington, D.C. With so many
Smithsonian museums to
choose from, it is hard to find
the time to visit them all.
But one that can’t be missed
is the National Museum of
Natural History. From the
magnificent Hope Diamond
to the David H. Koch Hall of
Human Origins, the museum
truly devotes itself to understanding the natural world
and our place in it. If visiting
before Jan. 6, be sure to catch
the “Titanoboa: Monster
Snake” exhibit. A recent discovery in a Colombian coal
mine revealed the remains of
a 65-million-year-old snake
that was more than 48 feet
long and weighed more than
2,500 pounds. This museum
has a variety of places to do
attraction shopping: Choose
from the gem and mineral
store, the gallery store, the
family store, the ocean kiosk
and the mammal store.
8. National Zoological
Park, Washington, D.C.
Anyone who enjoys animals
will be able to spend hours
upon hours at the National
Zoo. Giant pandas, Asian
elephants, African lions and
bald eagles are four of the
400 species on view. Every
December, the zoo hosts a
free monthlong event called
ZooLights, which features
thousand of lights and
animated exhibits. There are
several National Zoo stores
scattered throughout the
property, offering animalthemed toys, games, books,
apparel and jewelry, as well
as eco-friendly items.
9. Newport Mansions,
Newport, R.I. If you didn’t
get a chance to visit Newport
this summer and you marvel
at the beautiful mansions
overlooking Rhode Island
Sound, you will find that the
holiday season can be just as
awe-inspiring. Three of the
mansions – The Elms, The
Breakers and Marble House
– are completely decorated
for the holidays from midNovember until Jan. 1. Each
mansion hosts a Newport
Style store where you can
find great gift ideas. Seasonal
items and fashion accessories
like scarves and ties can really round off the rest of your
holiday shopping.
10. The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, N.Y.
A trip to Rockefeller Center
during the holidays is a given, but a detour to the Bronx
to visit The New York Botanical Garden is time well spent.
The Conservatory, a Victorian-style glasshouse open
year-round, offers guests a
chance to see plants from
around the world throughout
different time periods. And
from mid-November to midJanuary, the botanical garden
hosts the Holiday Train Show
in the Conservatory. The garden’s stores have everything
that someone with a green
thumb would need, and there
is no better way to freshen
up someone’s house in the
winter than with an indoor
plant.
Shop at your local AAA office for all your gift giving needs.
For their wallets
Discount Movie and Attraction Tickets
AAA Gift Membership
Save $10
Use promo code: TIMES12
Call 1-800-622-9211,
visit your local AAA office,
or AAA.com/gift
Give the gift of safety,
security and peace of mind.
Amex Gift Cards^
Buy 5 or more, pay no fees!
For their travels
AAA Travel Gift Certificate
Luggage Sets
Baggallini
Bags
Ameribag Bags
Available in any denomination.
Portable Emergency
Medical Record
For their plans
Birnbaum Walt
Disney Guide
AAA 2013
Road Atlas
Heat ‘n Go
Lifehammer
For the kids
AAA
PetBook
AAA Driving School
Gift Certificates
Snow Brushes
& Ice Scrapers
Books, puzzles & games
For their car
Emergency Road Kit
Discount Car Wash
Coupons
*on a new AAA Pioneeer Valley primary membership through Dec. 31st. Call for membership prices outside of the Pioneer Valley as they may vary.
^Terms and purchase fee applies.
Car Organizers
5
6
great 8
By The Phantom Gourmet
Every holiday is made a
little sweeter with some cookies and cakes from a great
local bake shop. These are
the eight greatest bakeries
Phantom has ever found.
LYNDELL’S
720 Broadway,
Somerville
Dating back to 1887,
Lyndell’s Bakery is still worth
its weight in cake flour. You
may be tempted by the Italian
pastries, but don’t dare leave
without a half moon in hand.
This black and white cookie
is for icing lovers only, with
a fluffy cake supporting twice
as much vanilla and chocolate frosting as the standard
version you’d find somewhere
else. Rainbow birthday cakes
line the front windows, and
the staff uses an old-school
string dispenser to wrap the
boxes.
PB BOULANGERIE BISTRO
15 Lecount Hollow Road,
South Wellfleet
PB Boulangerie is an authentic French bakery serving
the kind of buttery croissants,
rustic breads and indulgent
treats carb-lovers long for.
The trays of pastries, stacks
of cookies and shelves lined
with bread are all made in
the old-fashioned, Old World
style. Getting there early is
important, as it’s not uncommon for customers to wait
over an hour in a line stretching out the door.
FREDERICK’S PASTRIES
119 Main St., North
Andover
Frederick’s is a mini
bakery chain that, much like
Indulge on gourmet pastry for the holidays
The case at PB Boulangerie Bistro in South Wellfleet is filled with scrumptious pastries appealing
to customers who line up out the door.
Phantom, has a passion for
all things purple. There’s
vibrant purple velvet cake,
purple cake truffles, purple
cheesecake and even purple
wedding cakes. Other creative
confections include chocolate
M&M cups, chocolate-covered
potato chips and colossal cupcakes filled with maple buttercream. Even the whoopie
pies are made with a twist.
Rather than cake, Frederick’s
takes whatever cookies were
baked that day and sandwiches them around buttercream
frosting.
D. PALMIERI’S BAKERY
624 Killingly St.,
Johnston, R.I.
This classic family-run
Italian bakery has been leaving locals’ mouths watering for decades. They do it
all, from sweet pastries to
Rhode Island pizza strips: a
thick-crusted Sicilian-style
dough topped with sauce
and oregano that’s served at
room temperature. The sauce
is so good that cheese is just
not necessary on this pizza.
While takeout is popular,
there are a few seats both
inside and out to enjoy it all.
MODERN PASTRY
257 Hanover St.,
Boston
One of the North End’s
oldest pastry shops, Modern
Pastry makes the best cannoli this side of Sicily. Crispy
tubes of deep fried pastry
shell are filled to order and
hand dipped in chocolate
or almonds. Other Italian
specialties include colorful
cookies and almond marzipan
shaped into peaches, watermelon and cherries.
Driving School
Learn from the leaders in traffic safety
PETSI PIES
285 Beacon St.,
Somerville
Petsi Pies is a small storefront turning out perfect pies.
Their secret lies in the rich,
flaky crust baked to a golden
hue. The apple pie is nothing
short of awesome, but there
are also sticky, sweet pecan
pie and walnut fudge brownies. The house specialties are
all Southern, including sweet
potato pie spiced with ginger
and brown sugar. Phantom
loves the peach blueberry pie
bursting with ripe fruit and
the potato mushroom tart
layered with roasted red bliss
potatoes, fresh rosemary and
Gruyere cheese.
DANISH PASTRY HOUSE
330 Boston Ave.,
Medford
Danish Pastry House serves
all the sweets you’d find if
you took a trip to Denmark.
This super authentic shop
carries everything Danes
crave like crepes stuffed with
strawberries, bananas and
Nutella and sinful homemade pop tarts. Every day of
the week, the Danish Pastry
House makes great pastries
for breakfast and awesome
sandwiches for lunch. The
must-try item is the Kringle,
a traditional dessert that has
a flaky pastry exterior and
almond paste inside.
TRIPOLI BAKERY
106 Common St.,
Lawrence
For more than 80 years,
the Zappala family has been
kneading, baking and frosting their way into the hearts
and stomachs of everyone
they meet. Tripoli is famous
for Lobster Tail pastries,
exploding with a blend of
homemade whipped cream
and ricotta cheese. There’s
also a crispier version of fried
dough known as Guandi.
While Phantom can’t get
enough of Tripoli’s sweets,
it’s the Super Stick that
really impresses. This giant
baguette is perfect for parties
and gatherings.
Whoopie pies at Frederick’s
Pastries, which are a twist on
the traditional, come in many
varieties.
Statement of Ownership
Title of Publication: AAA Times
Publication Number: 0002-740
Number of Issues Published Annually: 10
Office of Publication: 150 Capital Drive,
West Springfield, MA 01089
cates
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and at the following high schools:
Amherst Regional High School, Chicopee High School,
Chicopee Comp. High School and Northampton High School
AAA Members save $75. All graduates receive a FREE AAA Membership.
Register Today
1-800-622-9211 x475 or AAA.com/DrivingSchool
The AAA Times is published by AAA Pioneer Valley, a notfor-profit membership organization under the laws of the
State of Massachusetts. The Editor and Publisher of the
AAA Times is Mindy J. Ginley. During the previous year, an
average of 113,089 copies of the AAA Times were printed
per issue, with 113,486 printed of the October issue. The
AAA Times has no dealers, carriers, or street vendors. It is
distributed solely through the U.S. Postal Service and at
AAA Branch offices. The average number mailed per issue
in the past year was 72,329 In-County and 40,952 Outside-County for a total of 113,281; with 72,146 In-County
and 40,924 Outside-County for a total of 113,570 of the
October issue mailed. The annual subscription rate is 50
cents. The average copies not distributed per issue in the
past year was 500, with 500 not distributed during October. The average total distribution per issue in the past year
was 113,281 with 113,070 in October. The percent paid/
requested circulation for the past year was 99 percent and
for October was 99 percent.
7
Scandinavia
Three cities,
each with
own appeal
By Dana Hammond
In the heart of Copenhagen’s
famously long pedestrian strip,
Stroget, where a stream of fabulous
faces from around the world courses
through the city, I stopped for a
smorrebrod. The Danes’ signature
sandwich, a tower of shrimp rising
from an open slice of bread, offered
something scrumptious for my stomach, while the setting provided food
for thought. As I digested the scene,
mounting subtleties yielded an obvious conclusion. Painting Scandinavia
with a broad stroke misses the mark.
A troika of social consciousness,
the Scandinavian countries – Denmark, Norway and Sweden – afford
citizens a comfortable standard of
living and cradle-to-grave security
through a comprehensive welfare
system. Scandinavians are highly
educated and highly taxed, too. They
also share a contagious reverence
for the sun-drenched skies of summer. At the height of the season, the
sun sets around midnight, if at all. It
literally ignites the region, and signals the best opportunity to discover
Scandinavia’s travel smorgasbord.
Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm –
the capital cities of Denmark, Norway
and Sweden, respectively – differ in
substance and style. Kaleidoscopic
Copenhagen, where inhabitants
delight in their city with childlike abandonment, stands in stark
contrast to staid Stockholm, with
its quiet, confident reserve. Among
these siblings, Stockholm comes off
as the responsible, older child to Copenhagen’s fun-loving, carefree baby
while Oslo, saddled with middle-child
syndrome, struggles somewhat to
distinguish itself.
how my AAA
card saved
me money
At far left,
Stockholm’s
Drottningholm
Palace. Left,
Copenhagen’s
canal.
Like a beauty who doesn’t need
baubles to make a statement, Stockholm announces itself absent a
glittering skyline. Comprised of 14
islands stitched together by dozens of
bridges and punctuated with elegant
spires, it’s a sophisticated setting.
Fittingly, every year, Nobel Prize
winners gather for a celebration
at City Hall. The building’s lavish
chambers are open for tours, and its
tower promises panoramic views.
STOCKHOLM
If City Hall is Stockholm’s head,
then Gamla Stan is its heart. Lanterns line the cobbled lanes of this
Old Town, illuminating the way to
antique shops and cellar restaurants.
Gamla Stan also is home to the Royal
Palace, with its impressive apartments and a treasury stuffed with
priceless regalia.
Stockholm touts the world’s first
open-air folk museum as well as
Scandinavia’s top tourist attraction,
the Vasa Museum. The royal warship
Vasa, a carved-oak magnum opus
with a bow that looks like an altarpiece, proved more a work of art than
a seaworthy vessel. It sank moments
after embarking on its maiden voyage. Brackish water spared Vasa from
boat-eating bugs, and today it ranks
as the oldest intact ship in the world.
Board a sound boat to see
Drottningholm Palace, a Baroque
vision that boasts lush gardens and
a spectacular theater. Spying Stockholm’s archipelago from the water
comes as a welcome bonus.
COPENHAGEN
Free city bikes make discovering
Copenhagen fun. Relaxing canal
tours further facilitate sightseeing.
From the twinkling lights of Tivoli
Johan Berge
Terje Borud
Gardens, an amusement park in
the center of the city that inspired
Walt Disney years ago, to the candycolored row houses and sloops of
Nyhavn, an inlet that once was home
to Hans Christian Andersen and now
houses trendy cafes, Copenhagen
exudes a whimsical charm. Adorned
with an iconic statue of The Little
Mermaid (inspired by Andersen’s
fairy tale), even the harbor enchants.
Plus, appreciating quirky Danish designs – especially home furnishings
found in museums and boutiques –
provides endless entertainment.
Copenhagen’s royal haunts deliver traditional delights. Rosenborg
Castle holds the crown jewels, while
Amalienborg Palace hosts the royals
themselves. At Christiansborg Palace, effusive tapestries tell a tale of
Danish history, incorporating everything from the Vikings to Elvis.
OSLO
Norway’s capital blossoms at the
end of a craggy fjord like a rose
springing out of a thorny stem. It’s
a stunning location, but greater
natural wonders beckon beyond the
city. Recognizing this, Oslo tourism choreographed “Norway in a
Nutshell,” an ambitious day trip that
involves scaling the mountainous
backbone of the country by train
Enter to Win!
3 day/2 night
By P. Forrant
AAA Member since 2012
My husband passed away last
year and two weeks later, my
car died. Someone was nice
enough to give me a jump. My
family said I need to get AAA
as dad is no longer here to
help me. So I did just that and
I bought their best plan. Well,
this summer, I was on vacation in Newport and on the way
home, my car died. So I decided
I would use AAA and have my
car towed over 100 miles.
They came quickly and were
extremely helpful. I don’t know
who I would have called if I did
not have the AAA Premier plan.
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Above, Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum. Left, Vigeland Park in Oslo’s
popular “Angry Boy” sculpture.
and sailing the ice-gouged grooves of
the fabled fjords by ferry. En route,
glaciers, waterfalls and forests appear
as life-like characters in an adventure
story.
Back in Oslo proper, a cultural
treasure trove awaits on Bygdoy
Peninsula, where the Viking Ship
Museum commands as much attention as the infamous seafarers did in
their day. The Fram, Kon-tiki and
Norwegian Maritime museums pay
tribute to more peaceful boats. Bygdoy also hosts a folk museum with a
13th century stave church.
Art lovers can admire Edvard
Munch’s famous work, “The Scream,”
at a museum dedicated to the Oslo
native and Scandinavia’s most popular painter. Another inspired venue,
Vigeland Park, showcases the provocative lifetime work of its namesake sculptor, Gustav Vigeland. The
park also prompts visitors to tap into
the Oslovian love of the outdoors.
A unique observation deck atop the
city’s landmark Holmenkollen ski
jump tower fosters similar feelings.
The newly renovated structure floats
above the surrounding forest and
fjord like a futuristic ramp to heaven.
Literally, the sky’s the limit when
feasting on Scandinavia’s travel
smorgasbord.
8
Drive vacations
Foxwoods offers best in rest and relaxation
By Christine E. McDermott
Confession time: I am not a party
person.
Welcoming the wee hours at a
crowded, loud nightclub is not my
thing. Nor is gambling or staying up
late in general.
But when it came time for my sister’s bachelorette party, I played my
dutiful matron-of-honor role and organized a group outing to Foxwoods
Resort Casino.
We had a nice dinner, the mothers
of the newlyweds-to-be headed home,
and the rest of us joined the masses at
Shrine.
Now, if you are into dancing to
booming techno music and feeling
like a VIP (after all, Kim Kardashian
is among the celebrities who have appeared here), you can’t do much better
than Shrine. I, on the other hand, was
missing my personal space.
During that trip to Foxwoods,
though, I got to thinking: This would
actually be a great place for a closeto-home winter escape. Without ever
stepping outdoors, you can visit two
high-end spas, boutique shops, a
swank bowling alley, a comedy club, a
theater and 38 restaurants – two with
AAA Four Diamond ratings.
I recently returned with my mother
for a relaxing girls weekend – and I
didn’t hear a beat of techno.
At High Rollers Luxury Lanes & Lounge, reserve a lane with your friends, and relax
on a cushy couch when it’s not your turn to bowl.
DO
Play a game: You don’t need to
gamble to enjoy Foxwoods. But that
doesn’t mean there aren’t games to be
played. Start at High Rollers Luxury
U.S. PASSPORT
PHOTOS
Available at all AAA offices and ready in just minutes!
s AAA Plus/Plus RV and
Premier/Premier RV Members: Up to 2 sets FREE
sAAA Basic Members:
$5 . 2 5 / per set
s Non-Members:
$10 . 5 0 / per set
Valid AAA card must be shown for Member prices. Member prices valid only for the member listed on the card and their minor children (17 & younger).
Child photos will only be taken if the child is able to sit up without assistance. Please do not wear a white shirt.
Passport applications are also available, but AAA does not process applications.
Uncover the
“Jewel of the Atlantic”
Lanes & Lounge, which is a far cry
from your local bowling alley. Reserve
a lane with your friends, and relax on a
cushy couch when it’s not your turn to
bowl. High-definition TVs hang above
the lanes, and a full-service menu
includes appetizers, burgers, pizza
and cocktails. Plus, there are billiards,
shuffleboard and video games. Foxwoods is also home to the Tree House
Arcade, with more than 100 video
games – both current and classic – pinball machines and more.
See a show: Brian Setzer Orchestra, Jerry Seinfeld and Kenny Rogers
are just some of the big names coming
to the MGM Grand Theater in December. The Comix Comedy Club features
up-and-coming standup artists, dueling pianos and themed nights. And
through Jan. 27, “VICTORY: An Exhibition Celebrating Boston Sports” is on
display in the Great Cedar Exhibition
Hall. Among the treasures you’ll see:
Ted Williams’ Fenway Park locker, Ray
Bourque’s Boston Garden locker and a
life-size statue of Larry Bird.
Unwind at a spa: Looking for the
antithesis of snow and ice? Try a hot
stone massage. The resort boasts two
spas: G Spa & Salon at MGM and Norwich Spa at Foxwoods in the Grand
Pequot Tower. G Spa, which received
the “Best of” award from Connecticut
Magazine in 2011 and 2012, is the epitome of relaxation. Guests who book
a treatment receive access to the spa
– and its indoor pool, hot tub, sauna
and steam room – for the day. Following your massage or facial, plan to
stay awhile. The hotel’s room-service
menu is available, so you can eat lunch
by the indoor pool – or if the weather
is unseasonably warm – on the patio
overlooking the outdoor pools.
EAT
: For fine dinCraftsteak
ing, look no further than “Top Chef”
judge Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak. The
restaurant is an ode to beef – whether
it be corn-fed, grass-fed or wagyu – and
the kitchen uses seasonal ingredients
from artisanal farms and some of the
world’s top ranches.
Paragon
: Enjoy Frenchand Asian-inspired cuisine on the 24th
floor of the Grand Pequot Tower, with
the accompaniment of a classical pianist.
Kitchen at Shrine
: Upstairs
from the nightclub, the Kitchen features an extensive sushi menu, as well
as yummy snacks like lobster Rangoon
and spicy lettuce cups with wok-glazed
chicken and candied cashews.
Festival Buffet: As with any resort
casino, Foxwoods hosts an extensive
buffet with Italian, Asian, barbecue,
seafood and more. Different menus are
offered for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
SLEEP
Grand Pequot Tower at Foxwoods
350 Trolley
Resort Casino
Line Blvd, Mashantucket, Conn.
MGM Grand at Foxwoods
240 MGM Grand Drive, Mashantucket,
Conn.
Two Trees Inn at Foxwoods Re240 Indiantown
sort Casino
Road, Mashantucket, Conn.
Ask your agent for the latest
offers for your travel dates
3 NIGHTS FROM
$440 PER PERSON*
Christine E. McDermott
Appetizers at the Kitchen at Shrine include spicy lettuce cups, with wok-glazed
chicken, candied cashews and wonton chips.
Beyond its famous pink-sand beaches, shockingly blue waters,
playful pastel-colored homes and world-class golf courses,
Bermuda has an abundance of things to do and places to see.
With seven golf courses spread over 22-acres, Bermuda is a
golfer’s paradise. Beautiful weather year-round lets golfers tee
off with outstanding ocean views surrounding them. Refresh
and recharge yourself with a deep massage or facial at one of
Bermuda’s luxury spas before exploring Bermuda at night.
Your dream vacation is only a short flight away.
SAMPLE PACKAGE IS PER
PERSON AND INCLUDES:
3-night hotel accommodations
Roundtrip hotel transfers
Hotel tax
Ask about your Travel Impressions AAA Member Benefits.
Travel With Someone You Trust®.
Contact your local AAA Travel Agent or www.AAA.com
Tours operated by Travel Impressions. *Rate is based on The Fairmont Southampton and is land only, per person, based on double
occupancy in Moderate room category. Offer is valid on a minimum stay of 3 nights for bookings made and traveled 1/1/133/31/13. Advertised rate is valid for travel 1/1/13- 3/31/13. Blackout, weekend, holiday and peak season surcharges apply.
Promotion is accurate at time of printing and is subject to changes, exceptions, cancellation charges and restrictions. Additional
higher priced packages available. Valid for new bookings only. Not responsible for errors or omissions in the printing of this ad.
CST #2029006-20, IOWA #758, NEVADA #2004-0029, Washington UBI #602 425 801. LU044-12_SH_10.15.12.
A. Verrocchi, AAA Member since 1990
One evening, after dropping off my sons in eastern
Massachusetts, I began experiencing the sickening
sounds that accompany the demise of a transmission. It was during a snow and windstorm that
knocked out electricity and limited cellphone access.
I was able to contact AAA, but soon thereafter, lost
the signal. I had no way of checking on the situation.
I had to hope that I supplied enough geographical
information to be located. The tow truck found me. The driver informed me that it was
going to be a busy evening as he had already worked a 15-hour day towing, and there
was more to come. At no time did he show any sign of frustration or negativity. After we
dropped off the car, he made sure the service station called my contact person for a ride
home. He smiled and wished me good luck. I wished him the same. That’s what I call
friendly service. I will always be a AAA Plus member.
how my AAA
card saved
me money
9
Let AAA digital travel guides help you on your trip
As you plan for your next trip,
let AAA’s series of digital travel
guides lead you on a tour through
North America’s most popular
vacation destinations.
Meander through cities and hike
the trails of national parks with
AAA’s team of professional travel
editors. Discover each location’s
key features and learn about the
things you don’t want to miss.
Browse AAA Approved and Diamond rated hotel and restaurant
listings to find places to stay and
dine that are just right for you.
Go to AAA.com/ebooks and
choose from 101 titles, each
packed with detailed destination
information, Editor’s Picks for
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Titles are free and exclusively for
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Guide content is refreshed daily
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you download a title. Each title is
provided in file formats designed
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Sync files to your Kindle, Nook or
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Tap into the vacation possibilities with AAA eTourBook Guides
at AAA.com/ebooks.
AAA digital travel
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at time of booking. Restrictions may apply. Best Price Guarantee valid within 24 hours of initial booking.
10
Old and new blend beautifully in Quebec City
By Craig Idlebrook
Stucco architecture, cobblestone streets and walled fortifications all sound like something
you would need to get on a
plane to see.
Instead, it takes less than a
day’s drive to discover attractive
sites such as these in Quebec
City, along with flaky croissants,
cool jazz and a distinctly French
Canadian flavor to life.
Offering a perfect fusion
of Old World and New World
charm, Quebec City is a hidden
jewel carved out of the cliffs
near the St. Lawrence River.
It has the distinction of being
the only city in the Americas
north of Mexico with Colonial
fortifications still standing,
and the streets within those
fortifications maintain all the
history and architectural feel
of the city’s storied French and
English past.
Yet Quebec City pulsates with
postmodern design, all varieties
of music and the young spirit
of the college town it also is,
and visitors can find vibrant
museums, raucous festivals and
TQ/L-A Couturier
cutting-edge theater within its
historic grounds.
DO
The Musee de la Civilisation: This interactive exploration of history and culture is the
most popular museum in Quebec City partly because it feels
nothing like a stodgy museum.
r
C lea
THE TRUSTED
CHOICE FOR
AUTO GLASS
Striking exhibits offer more
questions than answers about
what makes the human race
distinct and what role culture
and art play in shaping a nation’s destiny. Keeping with the
interactive theme, the museum
features a spacious children’s
section with fanciful exhibits to
fascinate all ages.
Fortifications of Quebec:
Taking a stroll atop any section
of the 2.8 miles of the city’s
surviving ramparts is sure to
check off itinerary boxes for any
group of vacationers. The walk
offers an immediate feel of the
city’s history, while also giving
an unparalleled perspective of
the natural beauty of both the
St. Lawrence River and the surrounding landscape.
The Quebec City
fortifications,
above, include
2.8 miles of
ramparts and
views of the St.
Lawrence River.
Left, visitors
take a stroll in
the Quartier Petit Champlain,
which is filled
with boutiques.
Office du tourisme de Quebec / Jean-Francois
Aquarium du Quebec: This
large indoor and outdoor attraction hosts some 10,000 marine
animals, from polar bears to
seals. It’s not just a place to
stare at the fish, however. The
ENHANCE
Watch: You can see many of the city’s famous exteriors in
Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller, “I Confess,” including the legendary
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, one of the most photographed
lodgings in the world. Though filmed in 1953, the movie still gives
an accurate impression of Old Quebec, since little has changed in
the city’s historical center.
Read: The multigenerational saga, “Where the River Narrows,”
by Aimee Laberge, tells much of the history of Quebec City
through the lens of three generations of a family. It shows that
the city’s history, and all family history, can be complicated and
messy. The title takes its name from the traditional Mi’kmaq name
for the city.
You do have a choice about who replaces or repairs
your auto glass. Getting it done right is important for your
safety, so choose AAA Auto Glass for the best quality,
mobile convenience, and service others just can’t
touch. Plus, we’ll take care of all the details for you.
Schedule your appointment:
Call 1-800-622-9211 (option 5)
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Offer expires 12/31/12.
40-acre site also offers a water
playground to cool off in warm
weather and a tree-to-tree trail
of gangplanks, vines and nets
that are adventurous enough
for children and low enough for
parents to be able to watch.
EAT
: Old
Panache
World flavor with a greenminded twist, Panache endeavors to offer traditional Quebec
fare made from local, organic
sources. The elegant decor only
adds to the view of the nearby
river, and an extensive wine list
means you can find the perfect
accompaniment for any dish, be
it beet soup or roasted veal.
Restaurant Le Graffiti
: A hip mix of French
Canadian and Italian cuisine,
the presentation of each dish
is more like a work of art. This
might be a nice choice for
the couple that can’t decide
between the meat-centered fare
of French Canadian cuisine and
the lighter feel that comes from
a Mediterranean menu.
Commensal
: Just
outside the Old City walls,
this casual dining cafe proves
healthy eating can be fun, tasty
and inexpensive. At Commensal, you grab a plate and walk
through long self-serve bars
filled with every type of delicious
vegetarian cuisine imaginable.
SLEEP
, 71
Hotel 71
Rue Saint-Pierre
Fairmont Le Chateau
,1
Frontenac
Rue des Carrieres
Auberge Place d’Armes
, 24 Rue Ste.-Anne
Best Western Plus City
, 330 Rue de
Centre
la Couronne
Visit AAA.com/Hotels.
Saturday
Registry
service
Continued from page 1
of locations,” she added.
“The option to renew on
Saturday is an important
and essential convenience
for customers juggling
work and family.”
The number of license
renewal requests has quadrupled in the past year at
the six AAA offices offering
the service: Boston, Saugus, Worcester, Framingham, West Springfield and
South Dennis. The West
Springfield office provides
license and registration
renewal services from 9
a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday; 9 a.m. to
7 p.m. Thursday; and from
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Not only do AAA
Members appreciate the
convenience of Saturday
hours, but also they note
the speed of the transactions and minimal wait
times.
The Registry of Motor
Vehicles first partnered
with AAA in 2009, piloting
a license and registration renewal program in
two offices. In 2010, it
expanded to include the
offices currently offering
renewals.
Keeping
seniors safe
behind wheel
wearing safety belts, not
drinking and driving and
by observing speed limits;
however, seniors are more
likely to be injured or
killed in a crash due to
age-related fragility. With
the exception of teenagers,
seniors have the highest
crash death rate per mile
driven. As we age, our ability to drive safely is affected
by natural changes to our
bodies over time.
In recognition of these
changing demographics,
AAA launched “Lifelong
Safe Mobility.” This
association-wide priority initiative is dedicated
to keeping seniors safe
and mobile and driving
as long as safely possible.
Senior safety and mobility
is a quality of life issue.
By working to protect and
promote it, you can help
maintain confidence and
independence among seniors, and foster a society
where older adults can live
to their full potential.
To learn more, visit
SeniorDriving.AAA.com.
11
AAA can help with your college financing
By Jeff Gahan
The cost of higher education in this country is
continuing to rise, with no
end in sight. Families often
turn to student loans – both
federal and private – to help
offset the initial cost of attending college. While this
financial assistance is beneficial, it can quickly become a
burden for the student and/
or parents after graduation.
AAA offers a variety of
student lending assistance,
ranging from free financial
seminars and advice, to help
for members in filling out
forms and comparing college
financial aid assistance packages, to providing private
loan consolidation.
Donald Kerr, AAA’s student lending manager, is
eager to help, inform and
educate families throughout
the college process.
“The first advice I give everyone that I meet with is to
not ignore any problems that
may come up,” Kerr said.
“Students or parents should
call their loan providers
right away to see what types
of assistance can be offered if
there are any problems.”
Kerr said all borrowers
should learn what their
options and rights are with
their loan providers before a problem gets out of
hand, because borrowers
can lose rights to assistance
programs if they are in bad
standing with their providers.
A variety of assistance is
available to you as a AAA
Member.
A popular option available
to borrowers is loan consolidation. There are programs
for both federal and private
loan consolidation. Kerr
suggests making sure this
option is right for your particular circumstances.
A federal loan consolidation makes the most sense if
a borrower is making several
different loan payments each
month, and a consolidation
would result in one monthly
payment.
Borrowers can extend the
number of years they have
to repay their loan, resulting
in lower monthly payments;
however, that would also
increase the amount of
interest owed over the life of
the loan.
A private loan consolidation has a few differences. It
depends on being approved
for another loan, whereas
AAA offers a variety of higher education financial assistance
including free financial seminars and advice, help filling out
forms and comparing college financial aid assistance packages
and providing private loan consolidation.
the federal programs are
available to everyone who is
in good standing with their
loans. And sometimes the
private loan consolidations
require a co-signer as well.
Kerr mentioned that a lot
of borrowers think consolidation is the same as refinancing their loans, which
isn’t necessarily true. While
obtaining a lower interest
rate on your loans may be a
benefit of consolidating, it
isn’t always the case.
But your monthly payment will be reduced, which
makes repayment of your
student debt more affordable.
Community events ring in the new year
from throughout Central
Massachusetts and surrounding areas.
Northampton: Going on
its 28th year, First Night
Northampton is an all-out
celebration of the arts. Since
Northampton is already
known for being an artistic and musically inclined
city, its citywide New Year’s
Eve party is always popular among Western Massachusetts’ residents. With
family-oriented fireworks at
6:15 p.m., and hundreds of
performances at more than
20 venues during the noonto-midnight party, First
Night Northampton should
be a memorable event.
Boston: The first, longest
running and largest First
Night festival, Boston provides hundreds of thousands
of people entertainment
each year. The daylong event
features both indoor and outdoor activities, displays and
performances, including musical acts, street performers
and ice sculptures. There is
a family festival at the Hynes
Convention Center, a grand
procession down Boylston
Street, and of course, fireworks. All outdoor activities
are free to the public, and you
can attend indoor activities
with the purchase of a First
Night Boston button, sold at
a discounted rate at select
AAA offices and other locations.
Providence, R.I.: Providence is celebrating the 10th
anniversary of its New Year’s
Eve celebration called “Bright
Night.” Originally running
for 18 years as an official
“First Night,” the city canceled the event in 2003 because of financial problems.
In less than three months,
the community, local artists
and volunteers were able to
produce a New Year’s Eve
event in First Night’s stead.
Today, the event is still an
artist-run celebration that
involves the entire city of
Providence, making it the
biggest New Year’s Eve party
in Rhode Island.
The Brattleboro Circus
performs at
a past First
Night celebration in
Northampton.
Matthew Ragan
The weather won’t wait . . .
neither should you.
Have your battery
tested today.
If your battery is showing
signs of weakness, call or visit us online
to receive a free battery quote.
1-800-AAA-HELP | AAA.com/battery
12
Keep your home well protected
while you’re away with these tips
You’ve been preparing for your seasonal
move to warmer weather for months: mapping your route, arranging for flights and
planning visits. But what steps have you
taken to protect your home while you’re
away for the winter? While you’re enjoying
your time in the sun and warm weather,
your home is left vulnerable to criminals
and the forces of Mother Nature, but it
doesn’t have to be that way. Implement
some of our home security suggestions and
your home will be well protected.
Here are five suggestions for protecting
your home:
• Install motion sensors and floodlights,
and set interior lights on timers.
• Stop mail and newspaper delivery; nothing screams vacant home louder than a pile
of the daily news.
• Lock your valuables in a safety deposit
box or personal safe.
• Make police, neighbors, your Neighborhood Watch, and your security company
aware that you’ll be leaving town. Give out
your contact information for while you’re
away, and inform others who may be checking on your property in your absence.
• We understand the desire to tell the
world you’re going on a vacation, but don’t
post on Facebook or tweet your travels;
criminals use social media too.
Here are six suggestions for keeping your
home safe from winter weather:
• Avoid the big chill. Set heat at a mini-
mum of 55 degrees to ensure pipes don’t
freeze. If your home uses propane, be sure
the tank is full.
• Monitor power outages. Ask a neighbor to give you a call if the power goes
out in your neighborhood, and ask if they
mind making sure that all of the important
appliances in your home are functioning
once power is restored. If your home uses a
sump-pump, also have them make sure it’s
working.
• Make a checklist. You’ve probably
asked someone to “check in” on your home
periodically. Take the initiative to write up
a handy checklist of items so you know the
house is checked thoroughly.
• Hire a housesitter. Housesitting is a
booming business. Often, the house sitter
will work at no charge, just for the opportunity to experience a new area.
• Inspect your property. Inspect your
property for dead trees and limbs that could
easily fall down in a windstorm, and cut
them down. If an ice storm hits, falling
limbs not only damage property, they are a
safety hazard.
• Sidewalk shovel. Arrange for someone
to clean off the sidewalk in front of your
home. In many areas, it is a law, but moreover, a shoveled sidewalk and driveway are
signs of an occupied home. Don’t forget that
decks and the roof of your home can be at
risk of collapse under the weight of snow
and ice.
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To determine how much life insurance you will need, you have
to calculate your current and future financial obligations.
Life insurance: How
much do you need?
year, respectively. Let’s say
One of the most frequently
their mortgage and credit card
asked questions when considdebt is a combined $275,000.
ering life insurance is, “How
Then assume their children’s
much do I need?” Not coincieducation will cost $100,000
dentally, it’s also a question of
per child. So far, there is a
utmost importance.
$475,000 insurance need.
Not having enough covTom and Mary would also
erage could jeopardize the
like additional coverage to pay
lifestyle you’ve worked hard
household and other expenses
to provide for your family, not
for the next
to mention
20 years until
the financial
“Usually the
their children
and emotional
distress it may
need is actually are grown and
retirement
cause them
higher than
income for
long after you
the survivare gone.
originally
ing spouse
“Getting the
becomes
right amount of
planned for.”
available. The
life insurance
— Michael O’Neill, SBLI
Smiths have
is critical,”
determined
said Michael
that $40,000
O’Neill, senior
per year for 20 years is apvice president of marketing
propriate, meaning they’ll
and distribution at SBLI, a naneed an additional $800,000 of
tional life insurance company
coverage.
based in Massachusetts and
That means each of the
a longstanding AAA partner.
Smiths needs $1,275,000 in
“I don’t think a life insurance
life insurance. Based on SBLI’s
beneficiary ever thought they
income guidelines of issuing
received too much money.
policies up to 20 times the anUsually, the need is actually
nual income of a 45-year-old,
higher than originally planned
both would qualify.
for.”
A 20-year, guaranteed level
The first step in determinpremium term policy could be
ing how much coverage you
appropriate for both Tom and
need is to identify the reasons
Mary. While the length and
for buying it. Is it for income
amount of coverage may seem
replacement? Is it to pay off a
daunting, term life insurance
mortgage, debt, or your chilis surprisingly affordable.
dren’s tuition? Perhaps you
Assuming very good health,
need it to sustain your small
Tom’s monthly premium
business. Some need it for all
could be $125.02 with SBLI,
of these things.
while Mary’s could be $96.18.
Next, calculate your current
“In the end, you can only
and future financial obligabuy what you can afford,”
tions.
O’Neill said. “However, famiAn experienced life insurlies are often surprised at how
ance professional can help you,
well a term policy fits their
but consider a typical family’s
budget. Premiums are usually
obligations. Tom and Mary
less than a cable bill or phone
Smith, both 45, have two chilbill, yet the peace of mind the
dren. They have a mortgage,
coverage provides both the
and plan to send the kids to
policyholder and their family
state colleges. Tom and Mary
is worth infinitely more.”
make $85,000 and $65,000 per
road rules
AAA answers your questions on traffic
safety and driving courtesy
Is there a law that addresses passing state
vehicle convoys while they
paint the lines on the
roadway?
When passing a convoy
of paint trucks, a passenger
vehicle or a slow-moving
snowplow, your decision to
pass is at your own risk. There
are several things to consider
when you choose to pass any
vehicle. These include, but
are not limited to, the speed
of traffic, the availability of a
clear passing lane, road conditions, traffic signs, postings
and lane markings. You need
to consider all of the rules
of the road, as well as the
amount of time required to
pass the vehicle(s).
How much notice is required when using your
directional to make a turn?
Is it 100 feet?
A turn signal is used to give
as much notice of a motorist’s intention to make a turn
without causing confusion as
to where the turn will be. Best
practices generally state to
signal your turn at least 100
feet before making the turn.
On a highway, signal at least
500 feet before a turn. It is
best to signal before you apply
your brakes, so you make
your intentions known to
other drivers.
I see many cars parked
on the opposite side of
the street facing in my
direction? What is the law
regarding parking on the
sides of the street?
Parking with left-side
wheels facing the curb is
against the law on a two-way
street. A motorist should park
the vehicle in the same direction traffic is flowing.
Should a vehicle exit a
rotary from the middle lane
or the outermost lane?
If the rotary has a single
lane, you must merge from the
right lane of the road you are
traveling. You must exit onto
the right lane of the road you
intend to travel. If the rotary
has multiple lanes, look for
signs to help you choose the
proper lane. Travel through
the middle or inner lane. Exit
onto the right lane only.
In low-visibility situations like fog, rain, dusk
or dawn, is it illegal to use
parking lights instead of
headlights?
Most states require all
motorists to use headlights
during any low-visibility driving situation.
Since truck drivers are
prohibited from using
the far-left lane to pass
other vehicles, shouldn’t
a motorist traveling in
the center lane make a
courtesy lane change to
the right, especially when
traveling slower than the
speed limit?
Although frustrating for
truck drivers, if a motorist is
near or at the speed limit, he
or she can stay in the travel
lane. Any time a vehicle is
moving well below the speed
limit, the motorist should
move to the right lane to
allow other vehicles to pass.
Unfortunately, a courtesy lane
change is not a law.
Make sure your
tires are ready
for winter
Are you using all-season or snow tires this
winter? Dave Albert from Brill’s Automotive in
Westfield provides tips on how to make sure
your tires are ready for winter driving.
Proper tire care can be quick and simple.
Every month and again before any long trip,
you should inspect your tires, including the
spare. An easy way to remember what to check
is TRAP: Tread, Rotation, Alignment and Pressure.
TREAD
Tread is the part of the tire that comes in
contact with the road. When the tread is worn
down or worn unevenly, it can reduce the
ability of the tire to grip the road in adverse
conditions. Visually check your tires for uneven
wear, looking for unusually smooth areas
across, side to side and around the tire. Also
check for cuts, cracks or other signs of damage.
ROTATE
Snow tires get mounted on the drive axle
wheels and should be only used during the winter. The standard for rotating all-season tires
used to be every other oil change or every 6,000
miles. With service intervals extending beyond
6,000 miles (check your owner’s manual for
recommendations), proper maintenance is now
to have your tires rotated whenever you have
your car serviced. Rotating the tire keeps all
the tires wearing evenly.
ALIGNMENT
Some signs that your car needs an alignment
are pulling or drifting to one side or the other,
or the steering wheel is off center when you’re
driving down the road. If you hit a curb or a
pothole hard, it may be enough to put your car
out of alignment. This will also cause your tires
to wear out prematurely.
PRESSURE
A properly inflated tire will be safer and last
longer. Using the car manufacturer’s recommended pressure and not the maximum printed on the tire sidewall will increase your fuel
economy. When your tires are under-inflated,
they create more rolling resistance, causing
your car to burn more fuel. Most of today’s
new cars come equipped with a tire-pressuremonitoring system that will alert you when the
tire pressure is low.
Brill’s Automotive has been a AAA Approved
Auto Repair facility for five years. They have
the knowledge to service and repair even the
most challenging concerns on all makes and
models of domestic and import vehicles, using
the latest technology to assess the problem
and offer you alternatives. They guarantee all
of their work and know you’ll be happy with
the outcome. Stop in or give them a call at
413-568-9487. To find a AAA Approved facility
in your area go to AAA.com/Repair.
This is not the time to
be worrying about your
travel funds
AAA Battery Tenders can
help preserve a charge
Besides a home or a business, vehicles are likely among the largest
purchases most people make. Operating expenses add to the cost, but
can pale in comparison to emergency repairs if basic maintenance
is ignored. Know the proactive measures you can take to keep your
investment in top operating shape.
AAA has a new solution to help streamline vehicle maintenance.
AAA Battery Tenders by Deltran are designed to prevent a dead battery before it stops you in your tracks. Lead-acid batteries, the kind
found in cars, boats, personal watercraft and snow vehicles, can lose
their charge with as little as a week of inactivity. Don’t let a parked
vehicle present you with a premature bill for a replacement battery.
The AAA Battery Tenders are designed to fully charge and maintain
a wide variety of lead-acid vehicle batteries. The devices use microprocessor controlled multi-step “smart charging” and maintenance,
and are available through AAA Mobile Battery Service technicians, in
club offices and online at AAA.com/BatteryTender.
According to Joseph Ferraro, Vice President of AAA Automotive
Services, “AAA has long been known for coming to the aid of stranded
motorists. We are pleased to partner with companies like Deltran
who use technology to eliminate common causes of vehicle failure.
Combining the robust AAA network of roadside problem solving
technicians with the AAA Battery Tender devices means increased
convenience and peace of mind to our members.”
Discounted retail prices for AAA Members range from $29.95 to
$49.95, with an additional two-year warranty bonus beyond those
found in regular retail outlets.
With a little proactive planning and a dose of modern technology,
you can take charge of your vehicle battery’s life.
13
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14
fact sheet
driven
Seats: 5
Fuel: Regular
Crash test: Not yet rated
MPG: 27 city, 36 highway
Base price: $17,495
Base warranty: 3 years,
36,000 miles
EPA green score: 9
Shop against: Suzuki SX4,
Nissan Juke
2012 Subaru Impreza
F N
LO Z IXE E
A ER D - W
N O R
O - F AT
P T E E E,
IO
N
!*
By John Paul,
AAA’s Car Doctor SM
The car: The Subaru Impreza is all new for 2012. The
compact car is a bit larger
and powered by a new 2.0-liter engine that develops 148
horsepower.
Like all Subaru models, the
Impreza is all-wheel drive. It
is available in a four-door sedan, five-door hatchback and
the sport WRX and Sti versions. Our road test was in the
four-door sedan with the continuously variable automatic
transmission.
The road test: As I slid
behind the wheel, one of the
most obvious changes was
to the interior. Gone are
the hard plastic surfaces of
previous models. The seats
are comfortable and offer a
reasonable amount of support
and plenty of legroom.
Unlike most of the population, I prefer cloth seats over
leather, and I believe Subaru
may be the only auto manufacturer to offer heated cloth
seats. The rear has seat belts
for three, but only two adults
will be comfortable there.
Rear-seat headroom and legroom have improved from
previous models. Standard
comfort and available amenities are increased across the
Impreza line for 2012.
The base model features a
tilt/telescoping steering wheel;
power windows, door locks
and side mirrors; a 60/40-split
fold-down rear seat; outside
temperature gauge; multifunction display with fuel
economy information; remote
keyless entry system; security
system with engine immobilizer; tilt/telescopic steering
wheel; variable intermittent
windshield wipers and a low
windshield washer fluid warning light.
Even carpeted floormats,
often an option in many cars,
are standard in all 2012 Im-
preza models.
Our test car had the optional navigation, CD player
and HD radio with satellite.
Although the system sounds
fine, navigation through the
touch screen is distracting
and frustrating.
There are some redundant
controls on the steering wheel
and a voice control system,
but none of this technology
takes the place of a simple
knob.
The four-cylinder engine
provides sufficient power,
but when fully loaded with
cargo and passengers, strains
to quickly get up to highway
speeds. The constantly variable transmission is quieter
than in previous models. A
manual mode adds six predetermined gears to allow the
Impreza to have a sportier
feel.
Fuel economy is rated at 27
mpg in the city and 36 mpg
on the highway. I averaged 30
mpg in a mix of driving.
The ride has improved from
the previous model. Gone is
Ask about our
Extended Warranty Program
SAVE ON
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Rates as low as
APR:
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New and used 2009-2013
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Car Care
Q&A
The air conditioner temperature in my 2011 Honda
CR-V rises a substantial
amount when I slow down.
Honda service said there
were no
leaks, and
Honda will
not cover
a recharging unless
the system has
a broken
part. The
John Paul, AAA’s dealer
Car Doctor
tells me
I need to
pay $100-plus for the attempt to fix the car.
SM
At these rates you could
open the door to a new car.
Your AAA membership is the key to saving money on
your auto loan. Whether your plan is to buy a new car
or refinance an existing loan, our specially negotiated
rates are bound to make you smile.
Call 888-222-9415
*Loans and the AAA Student Lending Program offered through AAA Southern New England Bank. Rates and terms are
subject to change without notice. Funding subject to acceptance of completed application. All loans are subject to credit
approval. The lender for Private loans under the AAA Student Lending Program is Discover Bank, Equal Opportunity
0IRHIV-REPPGEWIWMRXIVIWXVEXIWERHPSERJIIWZEV]ERHEVIFEWIHYTSRFSVVS[IVERHSVGSWMKRIVGVIHMXTVS½PIERH
other underwriting criteria. See Rates and Fees page on AAA.com/PrivateStudentLoan for Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
examples and other important information about Private student loans through the AAA Student Lending Program.
Terms and Conditions stated herein apply to the 2012-2013 academic year. You may qualify for Federal student loans.
The AAA Student Lending Program encourages prospective customers to exhaust Federal student loan options before
applying for a Private student loan, as Federal loans are often less expensive and offer the widest variety of repayment
options. FIN.10797.12_PV
the choppy feel, replaced with
a smoother, crisper ride.
As in all Subarus, the allwheel-drive system is seamless, never revealing its capability until the roads get slick.
All Impreza models are
equipped with a standard
four-wheel disc antilock brake
system with electronic brakeforce distribution and the
Brake Assist safety system.
This package gives the Impreza a smooth, controlled
feel even during panic stops.
Overall fit and finish is good,
garnering several compliments about the “richness and
depth” of the paint.
The bottom line: The latest
Impreza – with more interior
room, a quiet, comfortable
ride and improved fuel economy – is solidly better than
previous models in every way.
Other vehicles may offer
more performance and better
handling, but factor in allwheel drive, and the Subaru
Impreza continues to be one
of the best values on the market.
Visit one of our local offices
or click on AAA.com
All loans offered through AAA Pioneer Valley. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. Some fees and restrictions may
apply. All loans subject to credit approval, appraisal and satisfactory title examination where applicable. Consult your tax advisor
regarding the deductibility of interest. Rates are for AAA members only. Other rates and terms available. Actual rate determined
by individual creditworthiness. Rates may not be available in all areas. No down payment required for qualified applicants.
Refinancing subject to applicable registry title fees. *Borrowing at 2.49% APR for new and used cars for 48 months results in
payments of $21.90 per $1,000 borrowed. **Borrowing at 2.79% APR for new and used cars for 60 months results in payments
of $17.87 per $1,000 borrowed. FIN.10856.12_PV
If the system passes all the
typical performance tests,
this may be a normal characteristic of the car. Honda,
in many models, will limit
air conditioner operation at
low speeds during acceleration. In earlier Honda models,
the car’s computer could be
reprogrammed to reduce this
effect. Check with the Honda
dealer. Perhaps there is a
computer modification that
could help.
Do you have a question for
AAA’s Car Doctor? Send it to
jpaul@aaasne.com.
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All offers subject to change without notice and may not be combined with any other offers. Restrictions may apply. Visit AAA.com/ClubDeal for complete offer details. CD.10880.12
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0IONEER6ALLEY!UTOMOTIBLE#LUB)NSURANCE)NSURANCE!GENCY)NC!UTOLOANSOFFEREDTHROUGH!!!3OUTHERN.EW%NGLAND"ANKOffers subject to change without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers.
Discounts and requirements vary, visit AAA.com/discounts for complete details, exclusions and requirements before taking advantage of any offer. Online offers are only available when accessed through AAA.com.
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Events
to welcome
the new year
AAA PIONEER VALLEY
page 4
page 1
page 6
Gourmet
pastry for
the holidays
December 2012
AAA PIONEER VALLEY

Tools for driving safer longer

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