Horizons Fairfield, CT

Transcription

NOVEMBER 2016
AAA NORTHEAST
Fantastic AAA
deal from Sprint
Sign up for a discounted unlimited
voice, text and data plan and Sprint
will pay your AAA membership
renewal fees (at the Basic level) and
much more. Turn to page 4 and visit
AAA.com/Sprint to learn more.
Free workshops
on Social Security
Learn how to get the most out of
your Social Security benefits at these
upcoming workshops. The events
will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon
Nov. 19 at the Fairfield Woods Library
in Fairfield and Nov. 21 at the Mark
Twain Library in Redding from 6:30 to
8:30 p.m. For more information, go to
AAA.com/Register.
Class may mean
insurance discount
Connecticut drivers ages 60 and
older who take a AAA Driver Improvement Program course may qualify
for a discount on their auto insurance. The next classes will be held
from 4 to 8 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Darien
Police Department, 25 Hecker Ave.;
from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 5 at the
New Canaan Police Department,
174 South Ave.; from noon to 4
p.m. Nov. 8 at the Danbury Library,
170 Main St.; and from 5:30 to 9:30
p.m. at the Newtown Police Department, 3 Main St. To register, visit
AAA.com/DriverImprovement. Go
to www.danburylibrary.org and click
“events” for the Danbury class.
AAA offices closed
for the holidays
AAA Northeast offices will be closed
Nov. 11 for Veterans Day and Nov.
24 for Thanksgiving; 24-hour
roadside assistance will be available.
Membership questions may be directed to dedicated phone counselors from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
On-campus culture blooms
By George Morse
Colleges and universities are centers of
creativity and discovery.
That’s why it’s no surprise that many
of them house interesting museums
highlighting art and history, among other
subjects. Lucky for us, our area, and others nearby, are packed with world-class
colleges and universities and their accompanying impressive collections.
Here are 10 such museums within a
day’s drive.
1. Colby College Museum of Art,
Waterville, Maine: Ski resorts are a
big reason for visiting Maine when the
weather cools, but the Colby College
Museum of Art offers cultural motivation
for exploring northern New England.
Five wings with 38,000 feet of exhibition
space connect guests with parts of the
college’s 8,000 works, including pieces by
American artists such as Winslow Homer
and Georgia O’Keeffe, among others. The
collection also includes Greek and Roman antiquities, European art and early
Chinese art. It’s open Tuesday through
Saturday. Admission is free.
2. Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center,
Poughkeepsie, N.Y.: Vassar College
is said to have been the first college or
university nationwide to have an art
museum as part of its original plan. A
A chance to win
a brand-new car
© 2016 THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Now you can add teen drivers (ages
16 to 18) to your AAA membership for
free. They’ll be covered for their first
year at no charge. Add your teens today and they’ll be protected even when
you’re not around. Call 800-222-8252
for more information.
AAA app
Car shown is for illustrative purposes
only. Actual winning car may vary.
A full-scale model of a Torosaurus greets
visitors to Yale’s Peabody Museum.
36,000-square-foot facility showcases a
portion of its 19,000 items. See antiquities such as Roman tools, art from the
Hudson River School of American painting, photography and European art from
the 17th through 20th centuries among
other pieces. The museum is closed Mondays. Admission is free.
Continued on page 14
We’re so happy with our new
iPhone app that we’re offering a
chance to win a new car just for
using it.
Download and log in to the
new AAA iPhone app from Nov.
1 to April 30 to be automatically
entered for a chance to win a 2017
Ford Fusion S Hybrid (retail value
$26,060). The app’s exciting new
features include the ability to book
and manage travel, request and
track roadside assistance and so
much more! No purchase or AAA
membership is necessary. For
complete sweepstakes rules and
prize information, nonmember and
Android-user entry forms, and to
learn about the app’s exciting new
features, go to AAA.com/GetTheApp.
Traffic safety
Tame Mother Nature with AAA tips
By Roberto X. Cruz
Mother Nature does what she wants to
do, and it’s up to you, as a driver, to deal
with it. That means slowing down on icy
winter mornings and pulling over when
heavy rain is blinding you on the road.
Here’s what to do when you encounter
nature’s most challenging driving hazards.
FLASH FLOODS
Driving conditions are usually at their
worst during the first 10 minutes of a
downpour, when oils from the pavement
make the roadway slick. If the rain is really bad, don’t be afraid to pull over, and
never drive through large puddles – just
6 inches of standing water is enough to
damage undercarriage components.
BLACK ICE
These invisible patches of frozen water
tend to form on shaded areas of the road, as
well as bridges and overpasses and streets
that don’t get a lot of traffic. If you hit
some, look and steer in the direction that
you want the front end of the car to go, said
John Paul, senior manager of traffic safety
for AAA Northeast. Avoid hard braking and
be aware that even cars and trucks with
four-wheel drive can slip on ice.
FOG
Fog was responsible for a 140-vehicle
pileup in Texas on Thanksgiving Day in
2012. If you find yourself wading through
the fog, slow down and turn on your vehicle’s low-beam headlights or fog lights,
Paul said. Clean the windshield to reduce
glare and, if necessary, pull over, or use
the white line on the right side of the road
to navigate, Paul said.
SUN GLARE
If you’re driving just after sunrise or
before sunset the sun’s glare can be blinding. Polarized sunglasses and your car’s
sun visors are your allies in this case.
When the glare becomes too intense, stay
farther back from the car ahead of you
and switch on the headlights to make
your car more visible. Cleaning your
windshield will help fight the glare, too.
DARKNESS
At night, it can take seven seconds
or more to recover from the glare of
headlights or brightly lit signs and build-
Mr_Twister / iStock / Thinkstock
Add a teen to
AAA – for free!
10 TripTiks
MIchael Marsland / Yale University
this month
ings, according to a recent AAA study. If
your vision is bad, or you feel tired, avoid
driving at night. If you are in a situation
where an oncoming driver fails to dim
his or her high beams, look down and to
the right side of the road and use the lane
markings to guide your vehicle.
DEER
Dawn and dusk are like rush hour for
running deer. Use extra caution on rural
roads and highways during these hours.
If you spot one deer, expect others to be
close by. Slow down where there are deer
crossing signs (there have probably been
crashes there), and if you roll up on a buck
(or doe), resist the urge to swerve. The
deer might not know where to run and you
could wind up hitting something else.
LOOK FOR THESE ICONS THROUGHOUT HORIZONS FAIRFIELD COUNTY
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AAANortheast
On the cover: A new AAA study found that Americans spend an increasing amount of time in their automobiles.
F
2
AAA NORTHEAST | NOVEMBER 2016
from the
president’s desk
Mark A. Shaw
Grow your career with
opportunities at AAA
When you visit one of our AAA locations and receive Five
Diamond service, it’s not by accident. When you contact us
for roadside assistance and the AAA technician is polite and
efficient and quickly gets you back on your way, it’s not by
accident.
Here at AAA, we strive every day to deliver world-class service
to members, backed by a training and development program
that prepares our staff to exceed your expectations.
Technology has greatly changed the way businesses operate,
and it’s no different here at AAA. But people make us successful
and make you happy to be members. People from all walks of
life, with a wide variety of skills, all laser-focused on our core
mission – to help and serve as a way of life.
Staff associates who don’t have direct contact with AAA
members understand that their efforts, in ways large and small,
still impact your experience with us. Members will probably
never meet the people responsible for hiring and training our
roadside assistance technicians, or those who developed the
AAA iPhone app. But rest assured, their efforts are all geared toward making every experience you have with us a positive one.
Careers at AAA Northeast are as diverse as our products
and services. We have member service counselors; human
resources and information technology professionals; driving
instructors; insurance and travel agents; roadside assistance
call counselors and tow truck drivers; and marketing specialists
and accounting professionals.
Throughout the year, we have positions open on and off the
road, dealing directly with members or providing support. And
there’s much more to a career here than your job assignment
on day one. Technology and the addition of new services provide great opportunities for our staff members to grow and see
their roles evolve and expand. Our employees and our locations
are also active in their local communities, participating in outreach events and showing that AAA is a good corporate citizen.
As you read through this issue of AAA Horizons, I invite
you to take a closer look at the services
highlighted and picture yourself or someone you know as the person providing
those services to AAA members. Then visit
AAA.com/Careers to see a full list of opportunities available with AAA Northeast. We
hope you’ll find that there is a role for you
at AAA that will contribute to helping and
serving our members.
Enter the AAA Download
& Drive Sweepstakes!
Download and log in to the new AAA iPhone® app between November 1, 2016, and April 30, 2017,
and automatically be entered for a chance to win a new 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid S sedan!**
HEADQUARTERS
2276 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT 06518
For emergency 24-hour
road service:
call 800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP)
For all other AAA services,
departments and branches:
call 800-222-8252
AAA.com
BRANFORD
143 Cedar St. • 203-433-3258
DANBURY
93 Lake Ave. • 203-448-2964
FAIRFIELD
1201 Kings Highway • 203-455-0080
HAMDEN
2276 Whitney Ave. • 203-937-2597
MILFORD
827 Bridgeport Ave. • 203-283-8131
NORWALK
495 Westport Ave. • 203-293-1724
STAMFORD
1101 High Ridge Road • 203-388-2189
WATERBURY
835 Wolcott St. • 203-721-8284
BRANCH HOURS
Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
AAA
online
shopping
jus t got
easier!
AA A.com/Tickets
The all new AAA iPhone® app lets you:
• Request and track roadside assistance*
• Book and save on hotels, cars and flights
• Manage membership details
• Find the cheapest gas and so much more!
Mov ie Ticke ts
Attraction Ticke ts
Car shown is for Illustrative
purposes only. Actual
winning car may vary.
Get your shopping
done in one click.
Visit AAA.com/Tickets
today!
Go to AAA.com/GetTheApp
BO.51153.16_CT
from your iPhone® to download and enter now!
Available for iPhone® iOS only. Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Must be a current member of AAA Northeast to use certain features. Screen image may vary depending on app version and device. See terms of use for additional
information.
*Service Tracker through the AAA app is available only when Roadside Assistance is requested online and is subject to availability. AAA app may not work correctly if either your GPS or the service vehicle’s GPS is not enabled. Membership Roadside
Assistance terms and conditions apply. Copyright ©2016 AAA Northeast. All Rights Reserved.
**Sweepstakes: No purchase or AAA membership necessary to enter or win and membership will not increase odds of winning. To be automatically entered you must have an iPhone and a AAA Northeast membership. All others must enter by
mail or internet entry. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received.Void where prohibited. For complete sweepstakes rules and prize information, nonmember and Android user entry forms, go to AAA.com/GetTheApp. MEM.80638.16_H
NH-C
SFI-00993
NOVEMBER 2016 | AAA NORTHEAST
In Your Backyard
The Maritime Aquarium
Aquarium lights up for holidays
By Nathan Duke
Folks looking for some light
entertainment can find just that
at the Maritime Aquarium at
Norwalk
this month when
the site kicks off its 15th annual
Festival of Lighthouses Contest.
The contest, which runs
Nov. 19 to Jan. 16, features 20
handcrafted lighthouses built
by local artists and residents.
Visitors can follow the beacons
through the aquarium’s various
galleries and, at the end, cast a
vote for their favorite designs.
The builder who gets the most
votes wins $1,500.
“This contest is a wonderful
holiday tradition for the Maritime Aquarium that is made
possible by the creativity and
the hours and hours of work of
the contestants,” said Dave Sigworth, publicist for the aquarium. “Each year, we have contest
regulars who come in with a
new annual entry and others
who have seen the exhibit year
after year and finally decided to
act on their lighthouse idea.”
All of the structures are between 3 and 6 feet tall and have
a working light, but otherwise
represent their creators’ imaginations. Some of the entries are
scale models of real lighthouses,
get out!
3
fun things to do
for $15 or less
*
CraftWestport 2016
*
Museum After Dark
*
UBS Parade Spectacular
Find fanciful gifts for the holidays at this fine-craft event, which features
175 artists from around the country, at Staples High School in Westport:
Nov. 5, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Nov. 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10; $5 ages 12-18. Visit
www.wywl.com.
Join experts at the Fairfield Museum and History Center to discuss
the importance of preserving Old Mill Pond and for an author’s
signing of “The Beautiful Pond”: Nov. 16, 6-8 p.m. $5. Visit
www.fairfieldhistory.org.
Enjoy one of the largest helium balloon parades in the country! The
parade steps off from downtown Stamford, where you’ll see familiar
balloon characters, marching bands and award-winning floats: Nov. 20,
noon. Free. Visit www.stamford-downtown.com.
A sea turtle enchants a guest,
top, at the Maritime Aquarium
in Norwalk. At right, the aquarium’s Festival of Lighthouses
Contest kicks off this month.
while others incorporate comedic or abstract elements.
The most common materials used are wood, plastic and
papier-mache, although past
beacons have used offbeat
materials such as paper clips,
candy, furnace filters, yarn and
gingerbread.
The aquarium will offer
special programs in November,
including lighthouse cruises on
the first two Saturdays of the
month, a coat drive, painting
class, a “turkeyfish” weekend
Visit AAA.com/Calendar for more fun things to do.
where visitors can learn about
and taste the fish, and a toy
boat-making workshop.
The aquarium is open daily
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Maritime Aquarium,
10 North Water St., Norwalk:
www.maritimeaquarium.org,
203-852-0700.
Maximize your
Social Security
benefits!
If you are approaching or in retirement,
you must attend!
Discover the “Switch and Timing Strategies”
which can increase benefits by 32% or greater,
up to lifetime benefits of $100,000 more.
At these FREE seminars, you will learn:
• How to receive benefits from former spouse or deceased
spouse’s earnings
• 3 ways to increase benefits and reduce taxes on benefits
• Free Timing Analysis Report for attendees
INSERT
CARD
Saturday, November 19
Fairfield Woods Library
10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
1147 Fairfield Woods Rd., Fairfield
Monday, November 21
Mark Twain Library
6:30–8 p.m.
439 Redding Rd., Redding
To register, call 1-800-978-7953
or visit AAARetire.com
APPROVED
Products and rates may vary. Insurance may be offered through the following agencies depending on your
geographic location: AAA New York Insurance Services, Inc., AAA Northeast Insurance Agency, Inc., AAA
New Jersey Insurance Agency, Inc., AAA Insurance Agency, Inc. or Automobile Club Insurance Agency, Inc.
INS.70605.16_F
$30
Add to cart
AAA NORTHEAST
An Official Publication of AAA Northeast
From click to dip to tap to scan,
we’ve been reimagining payments for 60 years.
Since the earliest payment cards, Visa has been securing how you pay every step of
the way. So whether a transaction happens through a card, smart device, biometric
reader or whatever’s around the corner, we’re innovating to ensure the payment
experience will be seamless, secure and convenient.
AAA NORTHEAST OFFICERS
Chairman of the Board Paul C. Petrillo
Secretary Marta Genovese
Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee
Frederick K. Butler
President and CEO Mark A. Shaw
1101 High Ridge Road • Stamford, CT 06905
203-388-2189
AAA.com/Horizons
EDITORIAL OFFICE
PUBLISHER Mark A. Shaw
ASSISTANT EDITOR Michael Ferrari
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Mary C. Wyatt
WRITER George Morse
DESIGN & PRODUCTION EDITOR Sandra M. Castro
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Karen Shilad
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Aimée Carrier
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE Jeff Gahan
COPY EDITOR Dana Rae Laverty
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICAL ADVISER John Paul
AAA membership is subject to terms and conditions. To review, see the Membership Agreement at
AAA.com/MemberAgreement or call 800-222-8252 to receive a copy.
ADVERTISING 516-873-2249
Learn more at www.visa.com/innovation
AAA Horizons Fairfield County is published monthly by AAA Northeast, 1101 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06905.
(USPS 025386.) Subscription rate is $1 annually (included in Primary membership dues) with Periodicals Postage paid at
Westport, CT and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER - send address correction changes to AAA Publications,
2276 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT 06518. Publication of an advertisement in AAA Horizons Fairfield County does not constitute an endorsement of the product by AAA Northeast. Editorial control is retained by AAA Horizons Fairfield County.
AAA Horizons Fairfield County
Vol. 8 • No. 11
F
4
Protect valuables with the right plans
Creating a list of things in your home can help you choose the correct insurance.
By Roberto X. Cruz
It’s tough to think about, but imagine that you lost
everything in a fire and had to start over again. What
would it cost you to replace the furniture, clothes,
gadgets and jewelry inside your home or apartment?
For many families, that figure could easily exceed
$20,000, said Anthony Villella, an insurance sales
manager for AAA Northeast. If you own a diamond
ring or have a couple of pieces of high-end furniture,
that number might be even higher.
That’s why personal property coverage is so important, Villella said. A typical component of renters and
homeowners policies, personal property coverage is
what helps you pay to replace your stuff if it’s ever
damaged or stolen. Here’s how to make sure you
have enough.
CREATING A HOME INVENTORY
Most homeowners insurance policies come with
a built-in percentage of personal property coverage
based on the overall value of the home (typically 50
to 70 percent), Villella said. Renters insurance, on
the other hand, has more of an a-la-carte approach.
“With renters insurance, you choose which of your
belongings you want insured and pay a rate based
on their value,” Villella said. “Maybe you don’t care
about your clothes, but you need to replace that
bedroom set if something happens, so you make sure
you have coverage for those items.”
Selecting what to insure is good for your wallet,
unless you underestimate the value of your belongings and recoup less than what it costs to replace
your property, Villella said.
One way to avoid falling short is to create a roomby-room home inventory. This is a detailed list of
all your possessions, complete with photos and/
or videos, that can be stored online and accessed
if you have to file a claim. Creating this list can be
time-consuming, but you can use it to calculate how
much coverage you need. There are also free mobile
apps and online spreadsheets that can help you get it
done.
INSURING EXPENSIVE ITEMS
Most insurance policies set special limits for how
much money you can claim if jewelry is damaged
or stolen. If you own something of great value, like
a diamond engagement ring or a family heirloom,
insure it for its replacement value by adding what’s
called a rider (or floater) to your policy, Villella said.
This costs extra, but there is typically no deductible
in the event of a claim, plus it protects the jewelry
from all types of losses – even if you lose it or drop it
down the kitchen sink.
Like riders, renters and homeowners policies
come with added benefits, one of which is personal
liability protection. This coverage kicks in if you are
found responsible for someone’s injury or damaged
property.
There are also ways to save money by bundling, or
combining, auto coverage with a renters or homeowners policy. Talk to your insurance agent at least
once a year to find out exactly how you – and your
belongings – are covered.
PROTECT YOUR STUFF
AAA insurance agents can help you find a renters, condo or homeowners policy that fits your
needs. For a free quote, call 866-222-7871 or visit
AAA.com/Quote.
AAA, Sprint offer free membership renewal
How can AAA members get their annual Basic membership dues renewed for free?
It’s easy. Just sign up for wireless service through
Sprint.
Sprint will pay its customers’ annual AAA Basic membership renewal fees, including Primary and Associate
member fees, for as long as each member remains a
Sprint subscriber.
That’s not the only exclusive AAA membership perk,
either.
Members are eligible for 25 percent off accessories,
in addition to a free family locator that allows account
holders to electronically locate other devices on their
plans.
“Exclusive offers and discounts are one of the top
reasons to join and renew with AAA. This enhanced
ROP
partnership with Sprint is a perfect example of a deal
that you will not find elsewhere,” said John Galvin, AAA
Northeast executive vice president.
“It’s exciting to offer members this opportunity to take
advantage of quality, discounted wireless service coupled
with the amazing value of free AAA Basic membership
renewal,” Galvin said.
AAA members can also get 10 percent off eligible
wireless plans through Sprint or, until Jan. 6, 2017,
take advantage of a discounted unlimited voice, text and
data plans. The AAA Unlimited Plan is $55 a month for a
single line, $90 a month for two lines, and $25 a month
for each additional line.
AAA members can enroll, or find further details, online at AAA.com/Sprint, at any Sprint wireless location,
or by calling Sprint at 800-754-6907.
AAA Insurance
has earned Brand of
the Year status in
the auto insurance
category, according
to a 2016 Harris Poll
EquiTrend study.
“At AAA Northeast,
we’ve been providing
our members with
insurance they can
trust for many years,”
said Francis X. Doyle,
senior vice president
of AAA Insurance.
“AAA is proud to
Francis X. Doyle, senior
provide exceptional
vice president of AAA
insurance at competiInsurance.
tive rates, deliver great
customer service and offer our members peace
of mind at home, on the highway or when they
are preparing for the future. We are honored that
American consumers selected AAA Insurance as
the highest-ranked auto insurance brand in the
nation.”
The annual Harris Poll EquiTrend survey
analyzed more than 97,000 American opinions on
more than 3,800 brands across nearly 500 industry
categories. Brand perceptions – such as emotional
connection, functional attributes, brand awareness,
influence and familiarity – were measured and
ranked against key competitors in each category.
AAA Insurance received the highest equity score
among auto insurance brands in the study, which
surveyed 97,120 U.S. consumers ages 15 and older
online between Dec. 22, 2015, and Feb. 1, 2016.
Bet_Noire / iStock / Thinkstock (top); Media Bakery (left)
AAA gets award
for insurance
excellence
5
DIFFERENT AGES, DIFFERENT STAGES—
BOTH SAVING BIG ON AUTO & HOME INSURANCE.
BE PART OF THE SAVINGS GENERATION
™
Get your quote today!
AAA.com/QuoteNow or 1• 800 • AAA • 7505
AUTO + HOME
LIFE
2016 Auto Insurance Brand of the
Year Based on the 2016 Harris Poll
EquiTrend® Equity Score
Products and rates may vary. Insurance may be offered through the following agencies depending on your geographic location: AAA New York Insurance Services, Inc., AAA Northeast Insurance Agency, Inc., AAA New Jersey Insurance Agency, Inc.,
AAA Insurance Agency, Inc. or Automobile Club Insurance Agency, Inc. Advance purchase required. Some restrictions may apply.
AAA Insurance received the highest numerical equity Score among Auto Insurance brands included in the 2016 Harris Poll EquiTrend® Study, which is based on opinions of 97,120 U.S. consumers ages 15 and over surveyed online between December 22, 2015, and February 1, 2016.
Your opinion may differ. “Highest Ranked” was determined by a pure ranking of a sample of Auto Insurance brands. Insurance provided by AAA New York Insurance Services, Inc., AAA Northeast Insurance Agency, Inc., AAA New Jersey Insurance Agency, Inc., AAA Insurance Agency, Inc.
or Automobile Club Insurance Agency, Inc. INS.68620.16_CT
NH-C
my first car
Nicole Miller
fashion designer
American fashion
designer Nicole
Miller, who studied
at the Rhode Island
School of Design,
is based in New
York City and
Sag Harbor, Long
Island. Celebrities
including Beyonce,
Angelina Jolie and
Carrie Underwood
have worn her
clothes. Miller’s fall
2016 collection is
inspired by Nordic
themes.
What was your first car?
My first car was an Opel Kadett station wagon
that my dad bought me when I was in college at
RISD. It was red with a black interior, and I just
thought it was the best thing ever.
How did you acquire it?
My father took me on a surprise trip to a car
dealer one day and announced he was buying me a
car. I was beyond thrilled. He had it all picked out.
I think it cost about $800.
What are some of your favorite memories
of the car?
I had some fun times in Providence (R.I.) with
my car. It was great because I could drive my
friends around and take them to parties at night.
I remember, one time, on our way somewhere,
my engine overheated and I had to run into a
coffee shop and get two glasses of water to put
in the radiator. Just enough to get us where we
were going!
What happened to it?
I traded it in for a Datsun B210 hatchback!
Motorists driving
more than ever
American drivers spend an average of more than 290
hours behind the wheel each year, according to a new
survey from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
“The amount of time the average driver spends behind
the wheel each year is equivalent to seven 40-hour weeks
at the office,” says John Paul, senior manager of traffic
safety at AAA Northeast. “It’s clear that traveling by car
remains a central part of American’s lives.”
The American Driving Survey, the most current and
comprehensive look at how much Americans drive on a
daily and yearly basis, also revealed that U.S. motorists
drove a total of 2.45 trillion miles last year, a 2.4 percent
increase from 2014.
Other survey findings include:
• On average, men reported driving 2,314 more miles
than women per year and spent 18 percent more time
behind the wheel.
• More than 86 percent of U.S. households had at least
one car for every driver in the home. Twenty-eight percent had more cars than drivers.
• Motorists over age 75 drove fewer miles (5,840 annually) than teenagers (7,551 annually). Motorists ages 30 to
49 drove 13,506 miles annually, more than any other age
group.
• Drivers who live in rural areas drive more miles
(13,029 annually) compared to drivers who live in cities or
towns (10,571 annually).
• Motorists in the Northeast drove less (9,328 miles
annually) compared to the Midwest and Southern regions
(11,295 miles annually).
• More than 50 percent of miles driven by Americans
was done in cars, followed by SUVs (20 percent), pickup
trucks (17 percent) and vans (7.9 percent). Men did a
greater share of driving in pickup trucks compared to
women, who did most of their driving in cars and SUVs.
• Drivers without passengers made up over 66 percent
of total driving trips. Women were 24 percent more likely
than men to have a passenger in the vehicle.
• Americans drove the most during the fall at 31.5
miles daily and least during the winter (January through
March) at 26.2 miles daily.
Courtesy of NIcole Miller
6
S
N
E
E
T
JOIN FOR
FREE
Now you can add teen drivers (ages 16-18)
to your AAA membership for FREE!
They’ll be covered for their first year at no charge.
Add your teens today, so they’ll be protected even
when you’re not around.
GET THE APP
New & improved for iOS
AAA.com/Mobile
1-800-222-8252
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©2016 AAA (9/16)
NH-C
Old Saybrook
Rick’s Picks
Seaside retreat packed with history
Extend your summer
By Dana Rae Laverty
Travel to Old Saybrook, Conn., and
you’ll be surrounded ...
By water – To the east, the town is
bordered by the Connecticut River,
and its southern edge juts into Long
Island Sound.
By history – English settlers,
led by Viscount Saye and Sele
and Lord Brooke, erected a fort at
Saybrook Point in 1635, making
it one of the oldest settlements in
the United States.
By a feisty spirit, reminiscent of the
town’s most famous resident – Katharine Hepburn lived in the borough
of Fenwick for most of her years,
calling it her “paradise.”
Old Saybrook is also a haven for
those who want to escape the demands of today. Its picturesque Main
Street is quintessential New England,
with historic homes from the 18th
and 19th centuries and charming
boutiques and antique stores.
DO
The Katharine Hepburn Cultural
Arts Center, Old Saybrook: Learn
about the Oscar-winning actress
in this performing arts center that
also houses a small museum in
her honor. There, you can see her
Emmy Award, photographs of her in
Hollywood and Fenwick, and several
letters penned by the star. Located
in the former Town Hall on Main
Street, The Kate (as it’s known) hosts
concerts, plays and Hepburn movies.
Self-guided walking tour, Old
Saybrook: You can explore the
historic Main Street area by
downloading a self-guided walking
The marina
and lighthouse
room at the
Saybrook Point
Inn & Spa overlooks where
Long Island
Sound meets
the Connecticut
River.
tour from the Old Saybrook
Chamber of Commerce’s website
(www.oldsaybrookchamber.com).
You’ll stroll by more than three
centuries of history as you make
your way from the town’s railroad
station to a millstone, the last relic
of a windmill built by English
settler Lion Gardiner in 1636.
Connecticut River Museum,
Essex: This waterside museum pays
homage to the longest river in New
England, which flows from Quebec,
Canada, to the Long Island Sound.
It shows how Native Americans first
settled along the river, the many
industries that cropped up along its
shores (including steamboat companies, yacht builders and a witch hazel
distillery) and, finally, to its Industrial
Revolution era pollution and its
rebirth as a thriving waterway.
EAT
Fresh Salt
: This
restaurant, inside the Saybrook Point
Inn & Spa
, is named for
its location, where the fresh waters of
the Connecticut River meet the salt
waters of Long Island Sound. Chef
Gese Rodriguez turns out three kinds
of chowder, fresh fish and elegant
dishes crafted with local oysters. Try
the Sriracha-style calamari, with an
explosion of sweet and tangy flavors.
Penny Lane Pub
: With a
cheeky nod to the Beatles, this British ale pub is the perfect place to
settle into a high-backed booth and
enjoy some comfort food. Standards
like French onion soup, corned beef
and cabbage and hearty burgers
round out the menu.
Paperback Cafe : Veggie lovers
will find lots of options here, including a verde omelet stuffed with baby
spinach, avocado and broccoli. Fresh
fruit, carrot sticks and pumpernickel
bread are welcome surprises.
SLEEP
Saybrook Point Inn & Spa
, Old Saybrook.
Quality Inn Old Saybrook
,
Old Saybrook.
Bee & Thistle Inn
, Old
Lyme.
Editor’s note: As the
vice president of travel
for AAA Northeast,
Rick Del Nero is our
go-to person for vacation tips, travel trends
and destination advice. If you have a suggested topic for Rick’s
Picks, email gmorse@
aaanortheast.com.
By Rick DelNero
Winter is on its
way, and whether the
season turns out to be historically severe or
uncannily moderate, it’s safe to count on cold
temperatures and at least some snow.
If the possibility of waiting months for a
sunny spring day seems unbearable, consider
a visit to these destinations where you’ll likely
find some warmth in the chilly months ahead.
• Maui, Hawaii: Maui has some of the
state’s best beaches, and temps can reach the
low 80s in the winter. The Hana Highway
is a good option for enjoying the great natural
scenery. Consider a guided tour to unwind.
Whale watching is a popular winter activity
with humpbacks flocking to the area.
• Key West, Fla.: Expect winter highs in
the mid-to-upper 70s. Check out Key West’s
numerous art galleries and popular tourist
attractions, such as the Ernest Hemingway
Home and Museum
. Don’t leave without
taking a photo by the famous buoy marking
the southernmost point in the continental U.S.
• Sydney, Australia: Our winter is the
Southern Hemisphere’s summer, with highs
in the 70s and 80s. Touring the Sydney Opera
House and visiting Bondi Beach are two
obvious bets. Some travelers break up
Australian getaways with time in California.
Disneyland
, in Anaheim, typically sees
winter highs in the low 70s.
• LISINOPRIL • LEXAPRO • LORAZEPAM • CLONAZEPAM • LANTUS • ATENOLOL •
ZOLIPIDEM
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• AMO
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prescription
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to
EVOTHYROXINE • ZOLPIDEM TARTRATE • PROAIR INHALER • PR
ROPECIA • SIMVASTATIN • LLE
• LEVOTHYROXINE • PHENTERMINE • XALATAN
METHYLPREDNISOLONE
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EYE DROPS
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Cut out the attached
prescription Savings card and save
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• PROAIR
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money
on prescriptions
forHyour
familyINHALER
and your• PROP
pets.PECIA • SIMVA
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prescriptions NOT
COVERED BY
YOUR INSURANCE
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• PROAIR
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Keep this card with your AAA membership card.
1-866-AAA-SAVE (1-866-222-7283)
AZITHROMYC
MEMBERS
OROTHIAZID
PHARMACIST:
HCL • ALPRA RXBIN: 004336 RXPCN: AAA
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LAVIX • PRO Issuer: (80840)
0 1
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CUT
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this card. Your pharmacist may also ask to see your AAA membership card. You must
have an active AAA membership to participate in Prescription Savings. For a list of
participating pharmacies, visit www.AAA.com/prescriptions or call 1-866-AAA-SAVE.
THIS IS NOT INSURANCE
Process claims online by submitting the RXGRP number and member
ID number located on the front of this card to CVS Caremark. Use a person code of 01
for all members/claims (including pet prescriptions).
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* AAA Prescription Savings is NOT insurance. Discounts are only available from participating pharmacies. By using this card, you agree to pay the entire prescription cost less any applicable discount. AAA
members save an average of 24% on prescriptions. Savings may vary by pharmacy, drug strength, dosage, and quantity. Savings are based on actual 2014 drug purchases for this program administered by CVS Caremark, located in Woonsocket,
RI. The program administrator may obtain fees or rebates from manufacturers and/or pharmacies based on your prescription drug purchases. These fees or rebates may be retained by the program administrator or shared with you and/or your
pharmacy. Prescription claims through this program will not be eligible for reimbursement through Medicaid, Medicare or any other government program. Heartworm or flea/tick prevention medications are not covered. AAA Prescription Savings
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F
Saybrook Point Inn & Spa (left); medwt16072 / Photodisc / Thinkstock (right)
8
A Rocky Mountaineer train in the Canadian Rockies.
Rail cars pass through verdant Fraser Valley.
9
Gourmet fare is a hallmark of Rocky Mountaineer trips.
Rocky Mountaineer
Elevate your station with a luxurious rail trip
By Jill Fergus
There is still a certain romance associated with
train travel – especially when that travel is with
Rocky Mountaineer. This luxury train line offers
sightseeing trips throughout the Pacific Northwest, and one of its most popular offerings is the
Vancouver-to-Banff route, which I took with friends
last spring. The two-day, one-night journey travels
through some of western Canada’s most spectacular
scenery, and since the train travels only during daylight hours (with an overnight in a hotel), you won’t
miss a thing.
Before our departure, I explored Vancouver, a
gorgeous coastal city surrounded by water and
mountains. I strolled along shop-lined Robson Street
and checked out Gastown, the oldest part of town
and now one of the trendiest. Down by the harbor,
I marveled at the array of sailboats, ferries, cruise
ships – even seaplanes – vying for space on the water.
That evening, at our hotel, the classic Fairmont
Hotel Vancouver
(Rocky Mountaineer can
arrange pre- and post-trip hotel stays), we toasted to
our impending journey.
At the station, early the next morning, I got my
first glimpse of the gold-and-royal blue train – quite
the beauty! Passengers can choose from two classes
of service, SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf – my choice –
which features bilevel dome cars that allow for
maximum landscape viewing. Not long after I found
my assigned seat – plush recliners w ith plenty of
legroom – the train started moving and friendly staff
members, called hosts, were dispensing coffee and
scones, a pre-breakfast before the real thing in the
downstairs dining car, an elegant space with white
tablecloths and silverware. Things were definitely
looking good for the journey ahead.
It didn’t take long for the cameras to come out.
In the Fraser Valley, which has attracted everyone
from First Nations peoples and fur traders to farmers and gold miners, we passed emerald green fields
and glacier-fed rivers and lakes. We saw the swirling
rapids and steep narrow gorges of Hell’s Gate and
12,972-foot-high Mount Robson, the Canadian Rockies’ highest peak.
After breakfast (cranberry-apple French toast
among other tasty treats) I fell into a relaxed rhythm
of reading, listening to music and drifting off (the
Wi-Fi was spotty which suited me just fine). Before I
knew it, we were being called for lunch. The threecourse meal included entrees of roasted Alberta pork
tenderloin with a sweet yam mash and steelhead
salmon with a dill cream sauce, served with JacksonTriggs and Sumac Ridge Estate wines.
That evening, we departed the train for an overnight in the city of Kamloops in central British
Columbia. Before checking into the Sandman Signature Hotel, we stopped for a bite to eat and a microbrew at the bustling Noble Pig Brewery. I wish we
had more time in town (nearby is the well-regarded
Monte Creek Ranch Winery in the up-and-coming
Thompson Valley wine region) but we were eager to
get back on the train, where the views of the Rockies really kicked into overdrive – and the elevation
climbed from 1,100 to 5,000 feet. We passed Craigellachie, where the last spike was driven to complete
the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885, and kept an
4-night Kentucky
eye out for waterfalls near Roger’s Pass. At certain
points, wildflower-studded rocky outcroppings were
often just yards from our windows.
After another gourmet lunch, it was back to
relaxation mode. Some of us went downstairs to
take in the pine-scented air in the outdoor vestibule,
while others played word games and trivia (incredibly fun!). Hosts, who frequently pointed out places
of interest, were always on hand for drink orders and
to pass out snacks such as trail mix or chocolatecovered nuts (you definitely will not go hungry).
Occasionally, you’d hear “Bald eagle on the left!” and
all chatter ceased while we craned our necks to spot
the majestic bird. Hawks, bighorn sheep, mountain
goats, bears and elk are a few other animals that you
might see along the way. But, alas, by late afternoon,
we were pulling into Banff station, signaling the end
of our Rocky Mountaineer journey.
Thankfully, we still had a stay at the Fairmont
Hotel Banff Springs
to look forward to.
This historic fairy-tale castle hotel, built in 1888, is
within beautiful Banff National Park. I wish I had
an excuse for the deep tissue massage I had at the
hotel’s award-winning Willow Stream Spa, such as I
had to lug my suitcase on and off the train, but no,
all that was taken care of. I was just being indulgent.
Our last night, we dined on cheese fondue at the
hotel’s chalet-style Waldhaus Restaurant. Comfort
food seemed appropriate, as our Rocky Mountaineer
experience from beginning to end was made as comfortable and seamless as possible. Combine that with
top-notch service and world-class scenery and you’ve
got the makings of an incredible trip.
Derby
INCLUDES ROUNDTRIP AIR!
Grab your hats and join us for the 143rd Kentucky Derby – one of the
world’s greatest and most celebrated sporting events! Experience the thrill of
these exciting races, walk between the twin spires of Churchill Downs, sample
a mint julep and place a few bets.
May 3 – 7, 2017 • AAA Select Vacations
Includes: ROUNDTRIP AIR, roundtrip airport transfers, 4-night
hotel stay, daily breakfast, guided tour to a Bourbon Distillery
& Horse Farm with lunch, tickets and roundtrip transfers to
The Oaks and The Derby Races, and more!
from
$3,969*
per person
Book with AAA Travel today! 1-800-222-7448 • AAA Locations • AAA.com/Vacations
*Rate is per person, based on occupancy as described, subject to availability, terms and conditions, valid at the time of publication and may change prior to booking. Rates are based on roundtrip air travel to/from Boston. Ask about land-only rates from NY (JFK), Providence, Bradley, and Newark. Advertised vacation rate is valid for
select travel on 5/3/17 - 5/7/17. Certain restrictions apply. Rates shown include government-imposed fees and taxes which are subject to change without notice. Additional airline restrictions, including, but limited to, baggage fees (see iflybags.com for specific details), standby policies and fees, non-refundable tickets and change
fees with pre-flight notification deadlines, may apply. Fees and policies vary among airlines and are subject to change without notice. Please contact the airline directly for details and answers to specific questions you may have. Valid on new bookings only. AAA does not assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the
content of the offers displayed. Not combinable with AAA ClubDeal offers. Contact a AAA Northeast travel counselor for more information. Restrictions may apply. TRA.69132.16_H
ROP
10
AAA members get
Start your
next vacation
with AAA.
by land
EXCLUSIVE
SAVINGS,
BENEFITS & INCLUSIONS
by sea
CANCUN
BAHAMAS
5-NIGHT
7-NIGHT
ALL-INCLUSIVE SANDOS
CARACOL ECO RESORT
BAHAMAS
BAYONNE, NJ, ROUNDTRIP
PLEASANT HOLIDAYS
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Anthem of the Seas
PUNTA CANA
taxes and fees of $150 pp are additional
7-NIGHT
USA & BERMUDA
TRAVEL IMPRESSIONS
from $2,549'
ALASKA
INSIDE PASSAGE
COSTA RICA
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Nieuw Amsterdam
from $1,034§
from $869*
ALL-INCLUSIVE
HARD ROCK HOTEL
7-NIGHT
VANCOUVER ROUNDTRIP
from $799*
8-NIGHT
VIBRANT COSTA RICA
taxes and fees of $210.12 pp are additional
________________________
AAA SELECT VACATIONS
from $2,999±
9-NIGHT
Paris
USA
7-NIGHT
3-NIGHT
New ship!
EASTERN
CARIBBEAN
UNIVERSAL GETAWAY
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO®
FT. LAUDERDALE ROUNDTRIP
Includes: 3 nights at Loews Sapphire
Falls Resort, 2-Day Park-to-Park Ticket
from $189^ (including tickets)
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Harmony of the Seas
from $1,055*
per adult, per night, tax inclusive
Plus, ask us how to get up to a $75 gift card!
________________________
Sail away to the turquoise seas
of Nassau, St. Thomas, and St.
Maarten. Enjoy shore excursions,
entertainment and sunshine
aboard the brand-new Harmony
of the Seas!
8-NIGHT
CANYON COUNTRY
AAA MEMBER
CHOICE VACATIONS®
from $2,359
________________________
WALT DISNEY WORLD®
For as little as $2,413 including
tickets for a family of four at a
select Disney’s All-Star Resort
$87+ per person, per day
Plus, get a FREE $50 gift card++
CANADIAN ROCKIES
7-NIGHT
COASTAL PASSAGE
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER
from $4,591
9
from $1,599
________________________
14-NIGHT
NEW YORK, BERMUDA
& THE WEST INDIES
NEW YORK TO SAN JUAN
VIKING OCEAN CRUISES
Viking Star
from $3,599
*
taxes and fees are included
PARIS ROUNDTRIP
9-NIGHT
PORTUGAL & THE
DOURO RIVER VALLEY
VIKING RIVER CRUISES
Viking Longships
from $1,999°
ALL-INCLUSIVE LISBON TO PORTO
taxes and fees are included
________________________
AAA EXCLUSIVE VACATIONS
Aboard Uniworld’s Queen Isabel
11-NIGHT
N. EUROPE,
SCANDINAVIA & RUSSIA
from $4,349†
COPENHAGEN ROUNDTRIP
Enjoy scenic views of the Douro while
experiencing all-inclusive river cruising.
Onboard dining, roundtrip airport
transfers, exclusive offshore excursions
— it’s all included!
PRINCESS CRUISES
Regal Princess
$2,099*
________________________
9-NIGHT
ENCHANTING DANUBE
AAA Vacations® Best Price Guarantee & 24/7 Member Care Service
FIND MORE GREAT TRAVEL PACKAGES:
1-800-222-7448 | AAA locations | AAA.com/Travel
ALL: Rate valid on new bookings only. Rates are per person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Rates, offer and itinerary shown are current at time of print, capacity controlled and subject to change
and availability. AAA does not assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content of the offers displayed. Ask your AAA Northeast travel counselor for best rate and full terms and conditions at time of
booking. Other restrictions may apply.
Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Celebrity, Princess: *Rates are based on interior stateroom, cruise only, including port charges (7-night Bahamas rate valid 11/25/17, 7-night Eastern Caribbean rate valid 3/18/17,
7-night Alaska rate valid 5/6/17, 9-night Bermuda rate valid 6/18/17, and 11-night Northern Europe rate valid 5/11/17). Taxes, government fees, fuel surcharges and any other applicable vendor surcharges are additional. Age
restrictions may apply to certain AAA Vacations benefits. Offer is not combinable with any other offer or promotion, including but not limited to, Shareholder benefits, Future or Next Cruise offers, promotions, or benefits.
AAA Vacations® Best Price Guarantee and 24/7 Member Care are applicable to AAA members only.
AAA Select Vacations: ±Rate is based on roundtrip air travel to/from Boston. Advertised vacation rate is valid for select travel on 3/10/17 – 3/18/17. A minimum of 20 or more passengers booked is required for tour
departure to be guaranteed. Full refund will be returned for all bookings if tour is cancelled by AAA for due to lack of participation. Certain restrictions apply. Valid on new bookings only. AAA does not assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content of the offers displayed.
AAA Exclusive Vacations: †AAA Exclusive Vacations is a d/b/a of Member Select Vacations LLC. (Cat 5 stateroom, 5/5/17 Queen Isabel, 10/6/17 SS Maria Theresa). Offer valid on new bookings only. CST# 2125005-50.
Rocky Mountaineer: 9Price shown is per person USD in GoldLeaf Service for the 5/19/17 start date from Vancouver, subject to availability. Price is based on double occupancy and does not include Canadian tax (GST)
or flights. Price is expressed in USD as a guideline only and may vary at the time of booking due to changes in the exchange rate with the CAD. Additional conditions apply.
Viking River Cruises: °Price based on CAT F, 11/26/17 sailing.
Viking Ocean Cruises: *Price based on CAT V2, select October 2017 & September 2018 sailings.
ROP
from $1,689*
taxes and fees of $228.77 pp are additional
7-NIGHT
7-NIGHT
AAA MEMBER
CHOICE VACATIONS®
CELEBRITY CRUISES
Celebrity Summit
PARIS & NORMANDY
IRELAND
IRISH ADVENTURE
BAYONNE, NJ, ROUNDTRIP
EUROPE
6-NIGHT/7-DAY
DISNEY VACATION
PACKAGE
BERMUDA &
AMERICA’S CUP
ALL-INCLUSIVE BUDAPEST TO PASSAU
AAA EXCLUSIVE VACATIONS
Aboard Uniworld’s SS Maria Theresa
from $3,649†
Travel Impressions: 'Tours operated by Travel Impressions, Ltd. Rate is land only, based on travel 12/12/16 – 12/19/16; must be booked by 12/13/16. Blackout, weekend, holiday and peak season surcharges apply. Travel
Impressions materials (including, but not limited to, names, trademark, service marks, logos, marketing materials, etc.) shall not be used, reproduced, transmitted or distributed in any way, except with the express written
consent of Travel Impressions. CST #2029006-20, IOWA #758, Washington UBI #602 425 801.
Pleasant Holidays: §Rate is per person, land only, based on double occupancy unless otherwise stated based on roundtrip air travel to/from Boston, MA (BOS). Advertised vacation rate valid for departure 3/22/17. CST#
1007939-10. UBI# 601 915 263. TAR# 5308. Copyright © 2016 Pleasant Holidays, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Universal Orlando®: ^Rate is per adult, per night, tax inclusive and based on double adult occupancy for a 3-night stay at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Standard Room. Subject to availability, room type, hotel, and
travel dates selected. Rate valid for bookings now – 12/15/16 and travel Sunday – Thursday; now – 11/22/16, 11/27/16 – 12/15/16. Number of rooms available on this promotion is limited. Rates are higher on Friday & Saturday
nights. Additional onsite hotels, rates and travel dates available. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance.
Walt Disney World: +Sample prices are based on 2 adults, 1 junior and 1 child in a standard room at a select Disney All-Star Resort for select 2016 dates: Oct 6 – Nov 18 and Nov 26 – Dec 10, 2016. The number of
rooms allocated for these packages may be limited. Tickets valid for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. All prices are in U.S. dollars. Entertainment offerings subject to change without
notice. ++Walt Disney World Tour Package must include onsite hotel stay and tickets for a minimum of 5-nights. Valid on new bookings only. Must be an existing member of AAA Northeast. Walt Disney Travel Company
CST#1022229-50 NVST# 2006-0198 ©Disney EPCOT-14-37240
TRA.69386.16_H
11
Volcanoes
Jann Huizenga / iStockphoto / Thinkstock
World’s fiery natural wonders are a blast to visit
By George Morse
There will always be a place
for man-made fun on vacation, but it’s hard for even the
best theme parks and museums to match the breathtaking awesomeness of a natural
wonder.
And by natural wonder, of
course, I mean a volcano.
Many waterfalls, mountains
and gorges are beloved tourist
spots for good reason. Not
only do volcanoes earn a spot
among their ranks, but these
fiery portals into our planet
are part of quite a few popular
destinations.
Here are a few examples of
where you can experience a
volcano on your next getaway.
Hawaii Volcanoes National
: Hawaii Volcanoes
Park
National Park is home to a pair
of massive volcanoes including
Kilauea, one of the most active
sites in the world where lucky
visitors can get live views of
Italy’s Mount Etna, in Sicily, can be viewed in a number of ways.
streaming lava. Helicopter and
boat tours are popular ways of
glimpsing the scene, as is
hiking. Fit volcano seekers can
tackle a 19-mile, one-way lurch
to the top of Mauna Loa, the
world’s most massive volcano,
with a summit roughly 56,000
feet above its base deep in the
Pacific Ocean.
Yes, that’s bigger than Everest.
Traveling by foot also affords visitors the opportunity
to view the area’s diverse landscape, said Amy MacDougal,
a travel counselor in AAA’s
Warwick, R.I., branch, including natural steam vents that
accent lush rain forests.
“It’s incredibly interesting.
To walk through there and
think that at one time there
was active lava flowing around
you is fascinating,” she said.
Don’t neglect to visit the
Thurston Lava Tube, a walkthrough cavern carved by
centuries of volcanic activity.
It’s one stop along the Crater
Rim Drive, an 11-mile, scenic
loop that connects with Chain
of Craters Road, a similarly
magnificent 18.8-mile route.
Those looking for a place
to stay can consider Volcano
House
. It’s the only
hotel in the park, and it offers
views of the Halemaumau
Crater.
Iceland: Pop quiz: Why is
Iceland known as the land of
fire and ice? If you guessed
glaciers and volcanoes, you
win! Geothermal activity
beneath Iceland’s surface is a
big source of energy for the
nation that fuels its natu-
ral hot springs, such as the
world-famous Blue Lagoon.
Vatnajokull National Park is
one spot for volcanoes, including Askja and Kverkfjoll.
There’s also Thrihnukagigur,
just outside Reykjavik, where
seasonal tours take visitors
inside the dormant structure.
Italy: There’s more than
one way to reach the top of
Mount Etna, on Sicily, the
biggest volcano in Europe.
Some travelers tackle it by
a mix of cable car and allterrain vehicle. Others hike it.
Mount Stromboli, on an Aeolian island in the Tyrrhenian
Sea, is another noteworthy
Italian volcano, though the
award for most known volcano goes to Mount Vesuvius.
A national park in Naples,
the volcano’s power has been
preserved in the ruins of
Pompeii since 79 A.D., when a
massive eruption froze life in
its tracks.
SeniorDriving.AAA.com
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Improvement
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12
RATES INCLUDE:
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& 24/7 Member Care*
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on EUROPEAN CITIES
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DISCOVER PRAGUE, VIENNA
& BUDAPEST
Select travel dates: tour begins Wednesdays
Visit iconic sites, stay in first-class accommodations and enjoy AAA
complimentary inclusions. There has never been a better way to see
your favorite European cities.
from
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to Margaret Island
9-day
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& VENICE
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from
$1,999†
“Skip the line”
Vatican guided tour
7-day
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Select travel dates: tour begins Thursdays
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8-day
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Flamenco show and
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AAA Exclusive Vacations is a d/b/a of Member Select Vacations LLC. AAA does not assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content of the offers displayed. AAA Exclusive Vacations reserves the exclusive right to change or cancel itineraries, hotels and other tour components whenever it is deemed necessary. If this occurs, every effort will be made to offer
alternate dates, hotels or other tour components. Ask your AAA Northeast travel counselor for best rate and full terms and conditions at time of booking. Restrictions may apply. CST# 2125005-50
*AAA Vacations® Best Price Guarantee and 24/7 Member Care are applicable to AAA members only. If you book a qualifying AAA Vacations® cruise or tour package and find a valid better rate for the exact itinerary within 24 hours of your booking, AAA will match the lower rate and send you a $50 AAA Vacations® future travel credit certificate. Certain restrictions apply. Visit
AAA.com/AAAVacations for full details. †Rates are land only, per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability and terms and conditions, (9-day Discover Prague valid 3/14/17, 9-day Discover Italy valid 3/15/17, 7-day Discover London & Paris valid 3/9/17, 8-day Discover Spain valid 3/9/17). Package shown is current at the time of print, capacity controlled
and may be subject to change and availability. TRA.69102.16_H&NJ
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1
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This promotion will not impact the standard earn rate on purchases or the bonus rewards offers on travel, gas, grocery store and drug store purchases. The value of this reward may constitute taxable income to you. You may be
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13
Dining Out
Today’s new take on a classic
comfort food – mac and cheese
By Linda Giuca
Right up there with tomato
soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese
stands as a child-friendly meal
that satisfies adult tastes as well.
Many restaurants offer a
traditional mac and cheese or
a variation as an easily recognizable comfort food. Some
entrepreneurs have built entire
menus around the simple dish,
pulling all sorts of ingredients
from the pantry to create more
elaborate concoctions such as
pulled pork, Philly cheesesteak
or pizza mac-and-cheese dishes.
Here are some spots in western
Connecticut that turn macaroni
and cheese into a special meal.
MACDADDY’S MACARONI &
CHEESE BAR
650 Main St., Monroe
Weekly specials plus a menu
of more than 25 macaroni-andcheese dishes bring customers
to MacDaddy’s, which serves up
the cheesy goodness in castiron skillets. Primarily a takeout shop, the space includes six
tables for those who can’t wait
to dig into their pasta. Purists can opt for the Mac USA, a
traditional mac with cheddar
cheese. Most popular, though,
are variations such as pulled
pork made with blue cheese;
Buffalo chicken with cheddar
and blue cheeses; mozzarellatopped lobster; and Mac French
onion with Gruyere, caramelized onions and applewoodsmoked bacon.
MAC N’ OUT
690 Beechmont Ave.,
Bridgeport; 902 Boston Post
Road, Milford
Owner Kate Voll and her
three sisters used to talk
about how they would shape a
macaroni-and-cheese restaurant. Voll took the concept and
ran with it. She now operates
two shops with a wide variety
of dishes based on cheese-rich
pasta. Munchies range from
the mac Panini – deep-fried
mac and cheese with marinara
sauce tucked into white bread
and toasted on a panini grill
The lobster
mac and
cheese at
Good News
Cafe in
Woodbury.
– to chili mac and cheese in
a crispy spring roll. The most
popular main dishes are the
classic grandma’s mac with
white cheddar and American
cheeses; chicken broccoli, with
a cheddar and American cheese
base; and chicken bacon ranch,
prepared with both Gruyere and
cheddar.
BACKSTAGE
84 Main St., Torrington
Fannie Farmer’s classic
macaroni and cheese is just
one of the comfort foods taking
center stage at this eatery. Fannie’s recipe calls for a rich roux
made with milk, cream and
cheese, plus a topping of crisp
buttered breadcrumbs. Customers can embellish their order
by adding chicken, bacon or
lobster. The extensive, eclectic
menu features soups and salads,
small plates, burgers and chef’s
specials.
GOOD NEWS CAFE
694 Main St. South,
Woodbury
Fresh, locally sourced
ingredients are the hallmark
of chef/owner Carole Peck’s
cuisine. One dish, however,
knows no season. The lots of
lobster “adult” baked macaroni has claimed a coveted
spot on the menu for 19 years.
A sophisticated version of the
classic cheese and pasta pairing,
Peck adds provolone and fresh
spinach to the mix. The heady
aroma and flavor of truffle oil
elevate the dish to a new level.
The lobster mac is available in
two sizes at lunch and a generous full portion at dinner.
UP
TO
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AAA.com/Tickets
To secure discounted AAA prices, tickets must be purchased at a AAA Northeast location or online at
AAA.com/Tickets. Prices, offers and discounts subject to change without notice. Check AAA.com for
up-to-date discount listings, codes and restrictions. BO.70040.16_CT
Florida Fun
AAA membership is subject to terms and conditions. To review, see the Membership
Agreement at AAA.com/MemberAgreement or call 800-222-8252 to receive a copy.
Purchase tickets for your next Florida
vacation in advance and SAVE!
2-Day Park-to-Park Pass
Adult $234.29*
Save $21.30
Get eTourBooks
with just a swipe
Child $223.64*
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Take advantage of our online
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vacation. With more than 100
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assistance of the paper TourBook easily accessed through
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e-reader. Packed with destination highlights, Diamond Rated
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14
College culture 101 (minus the boring lectures)
Visitors take in paintings in the RISD Museum of Art’s grand gallery, left. The museum’s 12th century statue of Buddha, right, is the largest wooden Japanese sculpture in the U.S.
Continued from page 1
3. Harvard Museum of Natural History
, Cambridge,
Mass.: In May, after a six-month closure, the museum re-opened
its “Glass Flowers” exhibit featuring hundreds of plant models so
realistic it’s hard to believe they’re made of glass. Other exhibits
highlight everything from Asian wildlife specimens to rare
minerals and gemstones. Admission includes access to the
adjacent Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.
4. Mead Art Museum, Amherst, Mass.: The Mead Art Museum at Amherst College opened a renovated main gallery and new
exhibitions in early September. Fairchild Gallery houses works of
art and cultural objects from the museum’s collection, which spans
Italy…
ore captivating
about 5,000 years of history. The museum has also
introduced contemporary art in addition to its
African, American, European and Russian collections. Admission is free. Amherst College is part of
western Massachusetts’ Five College Consortium,
which includes museums such as the Beneski Museum of Natural History, also of Amherst College,
the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum and the
Smith College Museum of Art.
5. Penn Museum
, Philadelphia: Penn
Museum is a common name for the University of
ennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. It’s the nation’s largest university museum, and its exhibits include artifacts from
ancient Rome, Greece and Japan. Guests encounter items as large as a 15-ton granite sphinx to
2-inch-tall Aztec figurines. Visit before Nov. 27 to
see the “Golden Age of King Midas,” a collection of
items recovered from the royal tomb of the
famous king’s father. Go to www.penn.museum
for admission information.
6. Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton, N.J.: A show of more than 90 paintings
representing a variety of 12th through 19th century South Asian art premieres in Princeton later
this month and runs through early February. The
museum’s collection contains 97,000 pieces – including works by Monet, Gauguin and Rembrandt
– amassed over 260 years. Check out the Campus
Collections for a look at portraits of noteworthy
university figures and art commissioned by the
school. The museum is located on campus, and
admission is free. Stop by for highlight tours
weekends during the academic year.
7. RISD Museum
, Providence, R.I.: The
RISD Museum is known as Rhode Island’s leading
museum of art and design, and it’s easy to see
why. Founded in 1877 as part of the renowned
Rhode Island School of Design, it’s home to
roughly 100,000 objects including but not limited
to ancient art, Asian art, paintings, photographs,
costumes, decorative art and textiles. Visit the
third Thursday of every month after 5 p.m. or all
day Sunday for free admission.
8. U.S. Naval Academy Museum, Annapolis,
Md.: The. U.S. Naval Academy is an undergraduate
college for future officers of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Should you visit, enjoy a guided tour,
and check out the U.S. Naval Academy Museum,
in Preble Hall. Historical artifacts combine with
multimedia to tell the story of the U.S. Navy and,
of course, the academy’s part in preparing officers.
Admission is free and the museum is open every
day except major holidays. A valid government ID
for visitors 18 and older is required for entry.
9. Williams College Museum of Art,
Williamstown, Mass.: It makes sense that an
institution consistently ranked as one of the
nation’s best liberal arts schools has a great art
museum. Its collection of nearly 14,000 works
runs the gamut from ancient Egyptian to international modern and contemporary art. Admission is
free. If you visit, budget some time to check out
the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute
,
just a five-minute drive away.
10. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural
, New Haven, Conn.: A massive
History
brontosaurus skeleton and the opportunity to
touch a 100-million-year-old fossil are two
highlights of this museum. Guests can also enjoy
aboriginal bark paintings, dioramas of North
America and southern New England, and pieces of
moon rock. Stop by the Yale University Art Gallery
and the Yale Center for British Art while you’re in
town. They’re both free.
Did we miss one of your favorite university
museums? Go to AAA.com/Horizons to post a
comment on the story.
Discounts Bulletin
13 Days, 17 Meals • Starting at $2,849*
AAA Members SAVE $50 per person!
AAA Vacations® Complimentary Inclusion:
Receive a $50 credit towards a pre-booked optional tour.
Highlights…Rome, Colosseum, Ruins of Pompeii, Sorrento Coast,
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Winery, Venice, Murano Island, Verona, Stresa, Locarno - Switzerland
On all air-inclusive tours, receive roundtrip home to airport sedan service†
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*Rate is land only, per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Rate includes $50
AAA Member Benefit savings. AAA Vacations® Complimentary Inclusion: Receive a $50 credit to use toward
a pre-booked optional tour of your choice.†Not valid on group travel. Included in many U.S. cities within a
50 mile radius of more than 90 airport gateways. Service is available between 51 and 75 miles for a small
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call for details. CST# 2006766-20 UBN# 601220855 Nevada Seller of Travel Registration No. 2003-0279
NH-C
Deals to help get you in the holiday spirit
AAA helps members celebrate the holidays
with discounts on gifts and tickets to some of the
season’s hottest shows.
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes: Celebrate the most
wonderful time of the year with Santa and the
Rockettes. AAA members save 20 percent on
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Ticket Monster: New offer! Save 15 percent
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RISD Museum
Italian Vistas
AAA fuel study
AAA Car Care
Q&A
Drivers waste billions
on unnecessary fuels
MediaBakery
According to new AAA
research, American drivers
wasted more than $2.1 billion in the last year by using
premium-grade gasoline in
vehicles designed to run on
regular fuel.
With 16.5 million U.S. drivers having used premium fuel
in the last 12 months despite
vehicle manufacturers’ recommendations, AAA conducted
a comprehensive fuel evaluation to determine what, if any,
benefit the practice offered
to consumers. After using industry-standard test protocols
designed to evaluate vehicle
performance, fuel economy
and emissions, AAA found
no benefit to using premium
gasoline in a vehicle that only
requires regular-grade fuel.
“Drivers see the ‘premium’
name at the pump and may
assume the fuel is better for
their vehicles,” said John
Paul, AAA Northeast Senior
Manager of Traffic Safety.
“AAA cautions drivers that
premium gasoline is higher
octane, not higher quality,
and urges drivers to follow
the owner’s manual recommendations for their vehicle’s
fuel.”
In partnership with the
Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center, AAA
tested 87-octane (regular)
and 93-octane (premium)
gasoline in vehicles equipped
with a V-8, V-6 or 4-cylinder
engines designed to operate
on regular-grade fuel.
Higher-octane gasoline is not necessarily better for your car.
15
John Paul, AAA’s Car Doctor
Each vehicle was tested on
a dynamometer, a machine
that measures horsepower,
fuel economy and tailpipe
emissions, using both fuel
types and a variety of driving
conditions. The tests found
no significant increases in
any category, suggesting that
using premium gasoline when
it’s not required offers no
advantage.
AAA also surveyed drivers
to understand what type of
fuel their vehicles required
and how often they upgraded
to premium fuel. Results
revealed:
• Seventy percent of U.S.
drivers own vehicles that require regular gasoline, while
16 percent drive vehicles that
require premium fuel. The
remaining 14 percent own vehicles that require mid-grade
gasoline (10 percent) or use
an alternative energy source
(4 percent).
• Drivers unnecessarily
used premium gasoline in
their vehicle more than 270
million times in the last 12
months.
“When it comes to gasoline, ‘premium’ does not
mean ‘better’ if your vehicle
doesn’t require it,” Paul said.
“Drivers looking to upgrade
to a higher-quality fuel for
their vehicles should save
their money and select a Top
Tier gasoline, not a higheroctane one.”
Previous AAA research
found that fuel quality varies
significantly among gasoline
retailers and that using a
gasoline that meets Top Tier
standards can result in 19
times fewer engine deposits,
increase vehicle performance
and improve fuel economy.
Visit toptiergas.com to find a
Top Tier retailer near you.
For additional information
about premium fuel, including the full test report and fact
sheet, visit NewsRoom.AAA.com.
SM
I’m getting older and wonder about changing a flat
tire, especially getting the
wheel loose. Today’s lug
wrenches are small, and I’m
not sure I have the strength
to use them.
The cheapest solution is to
get a long breaker bar and deep
socket. This should give you extra
leverage to get the lugs loose.
I’ve been testing a battery-powered cordless impact wrench. It’s
lightweight and strong enough
to loosen and tighten most lug
nuts and has a handy built-in
LED light. You can check it out at
www.mychanic.us.
I am thinking about doing
basic work on my cars. What
kind of tools do I need?
A professional technician can
accumulate $50,000 worth of
tools over a lifetime. But you
don’t need to spend that much
to perform basic maintenance.
Start with a quality combination wrench and socket set in
1/4-inch, 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch
drives, a set of screwdrivers
and Torx bits, a scan tool (code
reader), a hydraulic jack and
safety stands, drive-on ramps
and access to an online repair
database such as AllDataDiy.
Send questions to AAA’s Car
Doctor at jpaul@aaanortheast.
KNOW HOW to supercharge your savings with NAPA. Stop into any
participating NAPA AUTO PARTS Store and get an exclusive, AAA
members-only 10% discount on your purchases.* So bring your
AAA card to NAPA and start saving today!
Not a member? Call AAA at 866.222.9414 or visit www.AAA.com.
*Some exclusions may apply.
ROP
16
driven
2016 Ford Focus
Ready. Set. DRIVE.
Give your teen the best driver training
with a nationally recognized curriculum and a
wealth of resources. Plus, your teen will receive
a FREE one-year Associate membership –
valued at $35* – for completing the program.
AAA.com/DriverTraining
1-855-222-1050
*One (1) free AAA Associate membership per person, per completed driver training package. Associate household memberships
are available on a restricted basis to those residing in the same household as the Primary member. An offer of a free Associate
membership cannot be combined with any other offer. DS.68664.16_RI/B/E/M/P/N/F
Save for the Future.
Whether it’s for a grandchild’s future or a trip around
the world, you can watch your savings grow with a AAA
CD from Discover Bank. AAA members get preferred
rates on 12-, 24-, or 60-month CD terms.
Benefits include:
1.35% APY for a AAA
24-month CD compared
to 0.47% APY national
average for a 24-month
CD2
1
O
No minimum opening
deposit required
By John Paul
AAA’s Car Doctor SM
The car: There was a time
when a small economy car
meant a lack of comfort and
low-grade materials; that is not
the case with the 2016 Ford
Focus, which is available as a
four-door sedan or a five-door
hatchback. There are two
engine choices: the standard
2.0-liter four-cylinder that puts
out 160 horsepower and the
optional 1.0-liter three-cylinder
engine with EcoBoost turbocharging. There are manual and
automatic transmissions as well
as a dual-clutch version. There
are three basic trim levels plus
the sporty ST and RS and even
an electric version. My road test
was in the four-door sedan SE
powered by the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine with a six-speed
automatic transmission.
The interior was comfortable with heated seats, a heated
steering wheel, automatic dualzone climate control, a sound
system with full Bluetooth connectivity, remote keyless entry,
a rearview camera and Ford’s
Sync system.
The controls were easy to
AAA auto facts
Seats: 5
Fuel: Regular and E85 FFV
Annual fuel costs: $1,400
Crash test: 5 stars
Spare tire: Compact spare
Base price: $18,515,
$22,995 as tested
Shop against: Mazda3,
Chevy Cruze and Hyundai
Elantra
operate. The SE model had
16-inch alloy wheels, automatic
headlights, cruise control, a trip
computer, a six-speaker audio
system and auxiliary controls
for the trip computer and radio
on the steering wheel. The rear
seat was a bit cramped. Overall,
the interior had a premium
look and feel.
The road test: The Focus
was quiet, rode well and
handled better than I expected. Performance from
the 1.0-liter, 123-horsepower
engine was pretty good. The
six-speed transmission and
the turbocharger worked well
together – certainly not a fast
car, but the combination did
the job. Merging on the highway or passing a slow-moving
truck was never a challenge.
Fuel economy was a highlight.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates 28 mpg
in the city and 40 mpg on the
highway; I averaged about 33
mpg overall. A stop/start feature
shuts off the engine to save fuel
when waiting for a light. The
brakes were not bad. A stop
from 60 mph would take about
135 feet.
The bottom line: This is the
best Ford Focus to date. The
ride is smooth and quiet, the
fuel economy is quite good
and there are plenty of luxury
touches and high-tech features.
Tune in to AAA’s Car
Doctor, John Paul,
at 8:30 a.m. Saturdays on
WROL-AM 950 or at
www.wrolradio.com. See a
video of the 2016 Ford Focus
online at AAA.com/Horizons.
IFTS AT AAA.
GREAT HOLIDAY G
Holiday shopping
jus t got easier!
O
A A A gift
membership
Movie ticke ts
Prepare for the brightest future!
Open a CD account today!
Call 1.800.347.7056 or visit AAA.DiscoverBank.com
Use invitation code: AAACDD716
Florida attracti on
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Plus, so much
Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 9/13/16 for a 24-month CD term and subject to
change daily without notice. Applies to personal accounts only. A penalty may be charged for early CD
withdrawal. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. There is no minimum opening deposit required
to open.
2
National CD Average APY based on rates of top 50 U.S. banks (ranked by total deposits) provided by
Informa Research Services, Inc., as of 9/13/16. Rate is accurate as of 8/16/16 and may change at any
time without prior notice. Fees could reduce the earnings on the account.
Deposit accounts offered by Discover Bank, Member FDIC
©2016 Discover Bank
1
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ickets
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Tech Talk
Solovyova / iStock / Thinkstock
New trend: Cars
are rolling hot spots
By George Morse
Looking for an interesting
way to pass the time on your
next family road trip?
Try convincing younger passengers that spotting license
plates from different states
used to be an exciting game.
Tablets, smartphones and
built-in LCD screens have fundamentally altered the road trip
experience. Wi-Fi hot spots are
one example of how some auto
manufacturers are addressing
growing entertainment expectations among passengers.
A hot spot gives several
devices, such as tablets, smartphones and laptops, simultaneous access to a single point of
internet access. It’s the same
idea as your home Wi-Fi system, but on the go.
The technology is common
among telecommunications
providers, many of which
permit customers to turn their
smartphones into hot spots or
sell dedicated hot spot devices.
Auto manufacturers have
taken varied approaches to
bringing such connectivity into vehicles. Some offer
built-in systems like OnStar,
a subscription-based system
from General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac)
that provides 4G LTE hot spots
capable of supporting up to
seven devices.
In June, Chevrolet announced it had sold more than
2.1 million OnStar 4G LTEconnected vehicles since June
2014, with customers consuming more than 3 million gigabytes of data, the equivalent of
streaming more than 100 mil-
More car manufacturers are offering Wi-Fi services in their autos.
lion hours of music. Chevrolet
also announced data usage had
grown for eight consecutive
quarters.
Chevy released the data in
concert with a data plan pricing
drop.
“Wireless connectivity
has proven to be a beneficial
technology for many Chevrolet
customers, from contractors
who use their Silverado as a
mobile office to families using
their Suburban on a summer
road trip,” said Sandor Piszar,
Chevrolet truck marketing
director.
Mercedes-Benz’s mbrace,
available on most 2016 models,
gives subscribers a mobile hot
spot for up to four devices.
Chrysler-Fiat (and Jeep and
Dodge) offers subscriptions
through Uconnect.
Others are leveraging
external devices to provide hot
17
spots. Ford lets drivers create
mobile hot spots by connecting
their USB mobile broadband
modems to its Sync system.
No matter the method, expansion of in-vehicle entertainment options doesn’t seem like
it will slow down anytime soon.
In January, the In-Vehicle
group of research firm Strategy Analytics released survey
results indicating consumer
interest in rear-seat entertainment systems is robust
among younger and middle age
groups, though the number of
consumers willing to pay for
such systems is “modest.”
“Connectivity is playing an
increasingly important role in
consumers’ purchase decision,
though large swaths of consumers are unwilling to pay a
premium or a subscription for
that connectivity,” said Derek
Vitta, senior analyst and the
report’s author.
“[Original equipment
manufacturers] must consider
the inclusion of reliable and
fast on-board connectivity a
‘must-have’ in future models
for a variety of reasons, and the
increased usage of streaming
media for rear-seat entertainment is certainly one of them.”
Hertz and AAA.
Holiday travel, with
all of the trimmings.
november games
WED, NOV. 2ND
11AM | VS ALBANY
SAT, NOV. 5TH
7PM | VS W-B/SCRAN.
SAT, NOV. 19TH
7PM | VS LEHIGH VALLEY
SUN, NOV. 20TH
5PM | VS BINGHAMTON
FRI, NOV. 25TH
7PM | VS W-B/SCRAN.
TUE, NOV. 29TH
7PM | VS ALBANY
AAA Members save $40 on weekly rentals when Promotion Code #111451
is included in your reservation.*
For reservations and additional information on
H[FOXVLYH$$$0HPEHUGLVFRXQWVDQGEHQHȨWV
Call: 1-800-654-3080
Click: AAA.com/hertz
Visit: <RXU/RFDO7UDYHO2IȨFH
Mention AAA Discount CDP# 240
*Advance reservations are required and must include your AAA CDP# along with PC#111451. PC# must be included in reservation or offer is void. Modifying your reservation
may result in a change in your rate and/or invalidate this offer. Subject to availability, this offer is redeemable on 5-day minimum weekly rentals at participating locations in
the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Offer is valid on all car classes except Dream cars. Blackouts may apply. This offer has no cash value, may not be used with Pre-pay
Rates, Tour Rates or Insurance Replacement Rates and may only be used with a AAA CDP#. Hertz age, driver, credit and qualifying rate restrictions for the renting location
apply. Taxes, tax reimbursement, age differential charges, fees, and optional service charges are not included. Discounts apply to time and mileage charges only and are in
local currency on redemption. At the time of rental, present your AAA membership card or Hertz/AAA Discount Card for identification. Offer valid for vehicle pickup through
1/31/17. Valid at participating locations. ® Reg. U.S. Pat. Off. © 2016 Hertz System, Inc.
hertz.com
Hertz & AAA. Where value rules the road.
NH-C
18
Surprised?
You’re not alone.
If you didn’t realize we offer great loans and
financial services, that’s okay, now you do. AAA
Financial Services saves you time and money with
competitive rates and expert advisors—all from a
company you already know and trust.
1.99
Rates as low as APR
AUTO LOANS
Purchase & refinance
1-800-793-0508
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For the latest
rates or other low
rates and terms,
call or visit us
online.
MORTGAGE 30-YEAR
MORTGAGE 15-YEAR
1-800-446-6997 • AAA.com/Mortgage
1-800-446-6997 • AAA.com/Mortgage
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2.560
FREE Seminars and Webinars
To reserve your space, call 1-877-888-8609 or visit AAA.com/Register
Conventional
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30-year fixed, zero points
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AAA Fairhaven, 6–8 p.m.
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Webinar • Thursday, 11/3
1–2 p.m.
Seminar • Wednesday, 11/9
AAA Cranston, 6–8 p.m.
Seminar • Thursday, 11/17
AAA Quincy, 6–8 p.m.
Seminar • Wednesday, 11/30
AAA Greenville, 6–8 p.m.
Webinar • Wednesday, 11/9
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Seminar • Monday, 11/14
AAA Quincy, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
All loans offered through AAA Northeast Bank. FOR ALL PRODUCTS: Rates and terms subject to change without notice. Some restrictions apply. All loans are subject to credit approval, appraisal and satisfactory title examination where applicable. Consult your tax advisor regarding the tax deductibility of interest. MORTGAGE BROKER
ONLY, NOT A MORTGAGE LENDER OR MORTGAGE CORRESPONDENT LENDER. “We arrange but do not make loans.” Other rates and terms available. MORTGAGE 30-year: APR of 3.412% is based on a $200,000 single family purchase loan, 20% down payment, 360 payments of $884.19 and a 740 FICO score. 15-year:
APR of 2.560% is based on a $200,000 single family purchase loan, 20% down payment, 180 payments of $1,333.58 and a 740 FICO score. NMLS # 179871. Marketing Reverse Mortgage and/ or informational materials have not been authored, originated, provided by, submitted to, endorsed or approved by HUD or the
FHA, nor are we acting on behalf of or at their direction. AUTO LOAN: Rates listed are for AAA members only. Actual rate will be determined by individual credit worthiness. Rates may not be available in all areas. No down payment required for qualified applicants. Certain fees and restrictions may apply. Example:
Borrowing at 1.99% APR for new 2015–2017 cars for 60 months results in payments of $17.52 per $1,000 borrowed. Refinancing subject to applicable registry title fees. FIN.68752.16_CT
NH-C
making change
nito100 / iStock / Thinkstock
with AAA financial services
By Shaun McGee
AAA Northeast’s vice president of financial services
answers your questions.
Do I need an extended warranty if
my vehicle has a manufacturer’s warranty?
The majority of new vehicles sold today
come with a manufacturer’s warranty,
though how long it lasts can vary. Generally
speaking, these warranties run for three,
four or five years, or 36,000 to 50,000 miles.
McGee
Extended warranties pick up where
manufacturer warranties leave off. The so-called bumperto-bumper or exclusionary warranties protect just about
everything except for wear-and-tear items. Powertrain
warranties safeguard against less, but are available for older
models or high-mileage vehicles. This coverage is often
limited to problems stemming from significant engine or
transmission issues.
All exclusionary and powertrain warranties require
owners to keep up with maintenance schedules outlined in
owners manuals, and in many cases, a record of such maintenance is required for covered repairs to be performed.
There are a variety of plans available, and one of the most
important steps in knowing if such an investment is worthwhile is researching what a particular plan covers. Basic
plans cover major components such as the transmission
and engine, while more thorough options protect a larger
list of mechanical items.
Another factor worth weighing is how long you plan
to keep your vehicle. If you get a new car every few years,
you’re likely covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. If you
plan on sticking with a single car for several years, the likelihood of potentially costly repairs may rise accordingly.
If you plan to keep your vehicle for just a few years but
change your mind, many extended warranty plans can be
purchased later in a vehicle’s life.
To continue this discussion or to submit a question of your own, please drop our experts a line at
[email protected].
19
Your credit
Tips on how to improve your credit
By George Morse
In August 2015, the Fair Isaac
Corporation released statistics
showing that American credit
scores were on the rise.
The average FICO score – a
figure to help lenders determine an
individual’s creditworthiness – was
695 in 2015, 7 points higher than
10 years earlier. The percentage of
those with scores of 800 or greater
also rose, from 16.9 percent in 2005
to 19.9 percent in 2015.
Recent-year statistics through
VantageScore, a credit rating
system, reflect a similar trend. The
VantageScore national average was
669 in 2015, up 3 points from 2014
and 5 points from 2013, according
to credit reports by Experian.
The advantages of higher credit
scores can include lower borrowing
costs and access to additional credit.
Here are a few tips if you’re looking to strengthen your credit.
Check your credit report.
Consumers are entitled to a free
annual credit report. The official
site for free annual credit reports
authorized by federal law is
www.annualcreditreport.com. Review your report to know where you
stand and how you can improve.
Pay your bills on time. Paying all of your bills on time is the
foundation of solid credit. Credit
bureaus look favorably on borrowers who establish long-running
records of timely payments. A single
late or missed payment can undo
months of good work.
Have a mix of credit. Maintaining a mix of installment loans and
lines of credit can be beneficial.
Installment loans include mortgages, student loans or auto loans.
Revolving accounts include credit
cards, and managing such debt
demonstrates an ability to maintain
a healthy debt-to-available-credit
ratio.
Keep revolving account balances low. Credit card balances
should be kept in check against
account limits. There is no magic,
ideal ratio, though it’s often a good
idea to maintain balances less than
30 percent of an account limits.
Member wins $10,000 prize
Discover’s Parish Henry, left, and AAA
Northeast’s Shaun McGee present a symbolic $10,000 check to Catherine Fitzgerald.
After more than six years of using the AAA Deposit Program,
Catherine Fitzgerald is used to enjoying interest rates that consistently exceed national averages. Earlier this year, however, her
involvement with the program earned her a reward so good she
couldn’t believe it was real.
The longtime AAA member, of Westford, Mass., won the grand
prize of $10,000 in a national sweepstakes through AAA and Discover Bank. Fitzgerald felt stunned, and very lucky to win.
“I think the interest rates offered by Discover Bank are quite
good, and when combined with the uptick one receives as a AAA
member, they’re excellent,” Fitzgerald said.
She plans to use her winnings on home improvements and,
hopefully, some travel.
For more on the AAA Deposit Program, go to AAA.com/Deposit.
We have the
answer!
WITH A 24-MONTH AAA CD
AAA has a great student lending program.
Our refinance and consolidation loans will help put money back in your pocket
after you graduate from college, and our private loan product provides
competitive rates to help pay tuition and expenses.
FOR PREFERRED MEMBER CD RATES,
YOU’RE IN THE CLUB
The AAA Student Lending Program also provides:
• Trusted advisors to guide you
• Assistance filling out the FAFSA forms
• Informational webinars
O P E N A N A C C O U N T U S I N G I N V I TAT I O N C O D E : A A AC D D 9 1 6
Visit AAA.com/Deposits Call 1.800.347.7056
Call or visit today!
1-888-222-9413
AAA.com/FinancialAid
All advertised rates are current as of the date this advertisement was printed and are subject to change without notice. All loans are subject to the lender’s receipt
and approval of a completed loan application. The APR and loan fees applicable to your loan will depend on several factors, including the repayment option you
select and your credit history. AAA Advantage Loans are made by SunTrust. Consolidation and education refinance loans are made by the Rhode Island Student
Loan Authority, Darien Rowayton Bank and Citizens Bank. See rates and fees at AAA.com/FinancialAid for Annual Percentage Rate (APR) examples and other
important information about private student loans through the AAA Student Lending Program. AAA encourages prospective borrowers to exhaust scholarships,
grants, and federal loan options before applying for a private student loan. Federal loans are often less expensive and offer the widest variety of repayment options.
FIN.68731.16_H
H I G H - Y I E L D C D s • O N L I N E S AV I N G S • M O N E Y M A R K E T A C C O U N T S
1
Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 09/13/16 and subject to change daily without notice. This offer applies
to personal accounts only. A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. There
is no minimum opening balance required to open a CD account.
Deposit Accounts offered by Discover Bank, Member FDIC
©2016 Discover Bank
ROP
AAA.com/HolidayGifts
This is an offer to join AAA. You are under no obligation to pay the amount stated unless you accept this offer to join AAA. AAA membership is subject to terms and conditions. To review, see the Membership
Agreement at AAA.com/MemberAgreement or call 1-800-222-8252 to receive a copy. Associate household memberships are available only to those residing in the same household as the Primary member. Call for
Plus and Premier membership pricing. AAA Northeast proudly serves members in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York. Products and services may vary depending
upon your geographic location. © 2016. AAA Northeast. All Rights Reserved.
MEM.68427.16_H
Check AAA.com/Discounts for discount listings, codes and restrictions. Offers and discounts subject to change without notice. Valid AAA membership card may be required at time of purchase.
DISCOUNT:
Join and pay by
December 13 to
get a
Gift-Giving Dis
count: Save $15
on a new
Primary membersh
ip and save $20
on new
Associate memb
erships! Use Pro
mo Code 8651.
HAPPY HOLIDAY
S
Order your gifts today: Go to AAA.com/HolidayGifts,
call 1-800-JOIN-AAA (564-6222) or visit your nearest
AAA location.
• Great travel and entertainment deals
• World-class 24/7 roadside assistance
• Big savings at over 7,000 local and national merchants
Give the gift of AAA to your friends
and family this holiday season.
Holiday Treat
AAA Nor theast
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AAA.com/Mobile
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ROAD
WARRIORS
AAA Nor theast
November 2016

Horizons Fairfield, CT

Transcription

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