aaa pioneer valleythe assassination. a limited number of timed same-day tickets are available for...

AAA PIONEER VALLEY

FEBRUARY 2016Vol. 34, Issue 2

this month

On the cover: Passengers on board the Anthem of the Seas can try surfi ng and skydiving in

the ship’s new simulators.

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. A new story will be selected randomly and published in the next issue of AAA Times. If your story runs, you’ll win a one-year membership renewal. For more information, visit AAA.com/Promo.

Plan your dream vacation with AAAMark your calendars! The 12th an-nual AAA Travel Showcase will be held Wednesday, March 23, at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfi eld. Dozens of travel partners will showcase their fantastic destinations and offer great deals to attendees.

AAA Driving School classesAccelerated one-week driver’s education classes will be held during February school vacation at the Hadley, Springfi eld and West Springfi eld AAA offi ces. Visit AAA.com/DrivingSchool or call 1-800-622-9211 to register.

Join the AAA Solo Travelers ClubLove to travel but don’t have a travel partner? Join the AAA Solo Traveler’s Club. The next meeting will be held Feb. 10, at 6:30 p.m., at the West Springfi eld offi ce. RSVP today. For more information, visit AAA.com/Solo.

Mature operator class in Springfi eldAAA Driving School will hold a program to help mature driv-ers stay abreast of the newest safety techniques when operating a motor vehicle. The next class will be held Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the AAA Springfi eld offi ce. The cost for AAA Members is $20. For details and to RSVP, visit AAA.com/DrivingSchool.

Free college fi nancial webinarsAAA offers a variety of free fi nan-cial webinars, including one about college funding options. To learn more, call 1-877-888-8609 or visit AAA.com/Register.

By Cynthia BenjaminThe 43 presidents of the United States

have left a legacy of policies and librar-ies – and so much more. The Northeast, in particular, is rich in presidential history, from the grand and historic to the fun little footnotes of their lives. As we celebrate Presidents Day this year, consider marking the occasion at one of these presidentially connected sites, all of which are within a day’s drive.

1. Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum, Northampton, Mass.: It seems fi tting that the humble and modest President Coolidge has the only presidential library in the nation that is housed in a public library, Northamp-ton’s Forbes Library. “Silent Cal” lived in Northampton before and after his presi-dency. The small collection includes docu-

ments, photographs, paintings, scrapbooks, memorabilia – and Coolidge’s famous mechanical exercise horse. The library and parking are free – and hassle-free.

2. Eisenhower National Historic Site , Gettysburg, Pa.: Adjacent to the

Gettysburg Battlefi eld, this scenic, tranquil farm was a weekend retreat for President Dwight Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie, and a meeting place for world leaders. The house retains virtually all of its original furnishings, right down to the fascinating knickknacks, creating an authentic peek into the 1950s. Don’t miss the grounds, too, which are home to a wide variety of fl ora and fauna and include gardens, a teahouse, a skeet range and a show barn for Eisenhower’s prized black Angus cattle. Purchase tickets at the Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park

and then hop on a shuttle bus to the site. Tickets may also be purchased online.

3. Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site , Washington, D.C.: The theater where President Abraham Lincoln was shot and mortally wounded has been sumptu-ously restored to its 1860s appearance and remains a working theater, as well as a national historic site replete with pro-grams, talks, tours and performances about that fateful April 14. Lincoln died on April 15, 1865, at the Petersen boarding house across the street from the theater, which now houses a museum with artifacts from the assassination. A limited number of timed same-day tickets are available for free, or advance tickets can be purchased online. The theater hosts many events, so be sure to check that it will open to the

Seat belts

AAA pushes for primary belt law

Cruising

By George MorseFrom 2008 to 2012, seat belts saved

nearly 63,000 lives, according to the National Highway Traffi c Safety Adminis-tration.

Sara Langenthal’s was one of them. In August 2008, a car crash on Route

18 in Bridgewater left Langenthal, then 16 years old, with a fractured skull and a subdural hematoma, among other injuries.

Had she not been buckled up, things could have been even worse.

“A seat belt saved my life, and I’m forever grateful,” said Langenthal, who, in mid-November, joined AAA offi cials and several others at the Massachusetts State House in Boston before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary to speak in support of a statewide primary seat belt law.

Proponents of the law included police of-fi cers, crash survivors, doctors and federal offi cials such as National Transportation Safety Board member Robert Sumwalt.

“Seat belts are the best defense against

Simon Brooke-Webb

New adventures await lucky cruisers this year, from the high-tech wizardry and unlimited activities on board Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, above, to social impact travel with Carnival’s Fathom line and nightly live music on board Holland America’s Koningsdam. Need more? Why not book the Regent Suite – which dwarves most homes and comes with a solarium – on the Regent Seven Seas’ Explorer. Find all our cruise coverage on pages 7 through 10.

10 TripTiks: Presidential connections

Continued on page 5

Continued on page 14

Learn where presidents and their families, including Eleanor Roosevelt, second from left, and Woodrow Wilson, above right, spent time.

All the presidents’ dens, open for view

President Woodrow Wilson House

2 AAA PIONEER VALLEY | FEBRUARY 2016

There are enormous benefits to being a AAA Member, and we are always working to add value to your member experience.

One of the greatest advantages we bring to our mem-bers day after day is the savings we offer through our Dis-counts & Rewards program, where we partner with more than 7,500 businesses and organizations nationwide. We hear all the time from AAA Members who are surprised to find discounts at places they wouldn’t expect. It’s always wise to ask if there is a member offer.

Among those who use AAA discounts, the average sav-ings per household is nearly $100 a year, enough to cover the cost of dues.

Let’s say you plan to go away on vacation for a week with your family.

If you’re flying, you can save on airport parking at Brad-ley Airport with Roncari Express Valet Parking, Galaxy Self Park or Executive Valet. And if you need new passport photos, have them taken at AAA and save: Plus and Pre-mier members receive up to two sets of photos for free.

You can book a AAA Diamond Rated hotel and take advantage of the often substantial AAA discount. Preferred

partners include Best Western, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott and Starwood. And you can keep saving with a rental car from AAA partners Hertz, Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental and discounted tickets for shows, movies and theme parks.

Visit your nearest AAA office and pick up some maps and travel books. While you’re there, you can also pick up new luggage and travel accessories at the AAA Travel Store, where you’ll receive special member savings. Locat-ed in every AAA office, AAA Travel Stores also carry a wide variety of travel publications such as Disney’s Birnbaum Guides and the AAA Pet-Book to help you plan your trip.

In only one week, the savings you could realize from being a AAA Member could add up to hundreds of dollars, and you’d also have the peace of mind that comes from be-longing to AAA. We hope you realize the value of your membership card wherever you go.

from the president’s deskChris E. Mensing

Your AAA Membership always delivers value

AAA PIONEERVALLEY OFFICERS

Chairman of the BoardHelen R. Caulton-Harris

Vice ChairMichael Godek

President & CEOChris E. Mensing

CFO & TreasurerRobert M. Dwyer

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THINGS WE LOVESAVINGS ON

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Save 25% off sitewide Feb. 1-14 with

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Save 20% off regular retail price at

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Save on select tickets plus 30% off select Ringling Bros. and

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Save 10% off individual tickets sales.

Restrictions may apply.

Visit AAA.com/Discounts for the most up-to-date listings and offer details. Restrictions may apply. Offers subject to change without notice and may not be combined with any other offers. Not responsible for typographical errors. Online discounts are only available when accessed through AAA.com.

FEBRUARY 2016 | AAA PIONEER VALLEY 3

AAA Diamond Ratings for hotels

and restaurants.

AAA Members save. Find details

at AAA.com/Discounts.

LOOK FOR THESE ICONS WITHIN AAA TIMESAAA GEM attractions offer a Great

Experience for Members.

MOVIE TICKETSAAA Members Save

Rave Motion Pictures Eastfield Mall and West Springfield AAA Price Reg. Price SavingsAdult Ticket: $840 $11-$1125 $260-$285

Cinemark Theatres Hampshire Mall, Hadley

Adult Ticket*: $840 $875-$9 $.35-.60

ConcessionSupersaver: $650 $905 $255

(includes one junior popcorn and a small soft drink; not valid for special engagements and may include additional charges for 3D showings)

Tickets available at AAA Pioneer Valley offices. All AAA ticket prices include any applicable handling/service fees; prices subject to change and availability.

Download. Register. Win.

FIND nearby member discounts

PLAN trips, get maps, book flights, hotels and car rental.

REQUEST roadside assistance

AAA.com/Mobile

Download the fully-loaded AAA Mobile® app, register your membership number, and you’ll automatically be entered to win a $50 Visa Gift card.*

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* Grab your dancing shoesEnjoy this concert featuring the music genre born from a blend of French Creole and African infl uences as performed by C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton. Wear your dancing shoes for a quick zydeco dance lesson during the intermission: Feb. 5, 7 p.m. $15. Visit www.iheg.com.

* ‘Raise the Roof’Follow the 10-year journey of two artists who set out to build a replica of Poland’s Gwozdziec Synagogue after the original build-ing was destroyed during World War II. The fi lm will be shown at the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst. Be sure to preregister: Feb. 7, 2 p.m. $8; $4 students. Visit www.yiddishbookcenter.org.

* Portrait drawing lectureSpringfi eld Museums in Springfi eld hosts painter and teacher Christina Grace Mastrangelo for an afternoon lesson on draw-ing the perfect portrait. The classical artist takes attendees on a journey through her creative process to produce stunning, lifelike images. Hire a sitter and leave the kids at home for this event: Feb. 25, 12:15-1:15 p.m. $4. Visit www.springfi eldmuseums.org.

things to do for $15 or lessget out!

School’s out and the kids are restless! Here are a few fun ideas for you and your kids to try out during winter break.

DISCOUNTED LIFT TICKETSAAA Members save $5 on adult week-

end lift tickets, including holiday week-ends, at Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont. Visit AAA.com/Discounts for details.

ERIC CARLE MUSEUM OF PICTURE BOOK ART

Located in Amherst, the Eric Carle Mu-seum of Picture Book Art is an art museum for all ages. The Carle collects and cel-ebrates picture books from around the world while offering gallery searches, an art studio and story times in the reading library. AAA Members save 25 percent on admission by showing their AAA card.

SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMSThe Springfi eld Museums offer ac-

cess to four world-class museums with a single admission, and AAA Members save $2 on adult admission by showing their AAA card. The museums include the George Wal-ter Vincent Smith Art Museum, the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts,

the Springfi eld Science Museum and the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Spring-fi eld History – plus the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden.

CINEMARK THEATRESMake it a movie day! AAA offers discount

admission passes for Cinemark Theatres as well as a concession super saver, which is good for a junior popcorn and small soft drink. Passes are available at your local AAA branch.

BASKETBALL HALL OF FAMEThe Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of

Fame has something for everyone, from life-long basketball fans to families with children just learning about the sport. Hundreds of interactive exhibits share the spotlight with skills challenges, live clinics and shooting contests. AAA Members save $2 on adult admission and $1 off youth admission by showing their AAA card.

discounts bulletin

When an unwelcome sur-prise like a flat tire or dead battery interrupts your travel, AAA Roadside Assistance can get you back on track. Whether you’re the driver or the pas-senger, you’re covered by our best-in-class roadside assis-tance. And you can request it three ways.

• By using the AAA Mobile App, which automatically transmits your location to AAA.

• By visiting AAA.com/RoadsideAssistance.

• By making a toll-free phone call. The number is on the back of your AAA card.

Whichever way is most con-venient, AAA is ready to lend members a hand – any car, anytime, anywhere.

Download the free AAA Mobile app today at AAA.com/Mobile.

Need help? We’ve got you covered three ways


LifeLock is a leading provider of proac-tive identity theft protection services for consumers.

The company’s threat detec-tion, identity protection and remediation services help provide peace of mind for consumers amid the growing threat of identity theft. For over a decade, Life-Lock has been a pio-neer in identity protection, leveraging unique data, science and patented technology from ID Analytics, Inc., to offer identity theft protection that goes beyond credit monitoring.

LifeLock offers a suite of products to fi t the diverse needs of its over 4 million members, but at the core, its products help detect identity-related incidents, keep members apprised about suspi-cious activity and address fraud-related issues.

It also has an award-winning, U.S.-based member service team staffed with specialists who make the calls, fi le the paperwork and take the painstaking steps to help restore your identity if it is ever compromised.

AAA Members receive a 15 percent discount on Life-Lock identity theft protection and a 30-day free trial. Visit AAA.com/LifeLock for more information.

See TurboTax product guarantees: https://turbotax.intuit.com/lp/yoy/guarantees.jsp

© 2015-2016 Intuit Inc. All rights reserved. Intuit, TurboTax and TurboTax Online, among others, are registered trademarks and/or service marks of Intuit Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other parties’ trademarks or service marks are the property of their respective owners.

As a AAA member, you’ll save up to $20 on TurboTax federal products.

Learn More:AAA.com/TurboTax

Get your biggest refund the smarter way — and save up to $20.

* 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 cannot be combined with any other discounts. This contains references to brand-name prescription drugs that are trademarks or registered trademarks of pharmaceutical manufacturers that are not affiliated with CVS Caremark or AAA.

prescription costs up to 50%*CUTSave money on prescriptions for your family and your pets.

• FREE to AAA members• Helps save on prescriptions NOT COVERED BY YOUR INSURANCE• Save on frequently prescribed PET MEDICATIONS, too.

Simply present your AAA card to your pharmacist when filling your prescription. Instructions for your pharmacist are listed on the back of your AAA card.

If AAA Prescription Savings is not listed on the back of your AAA card, visit WWW.AAA.COM/PRESCRIPTIONS to download a AAA Prescription Savings card, or call 1-866-AAA-SAVE (1-866-222-7283).

According to R.L. Polk & Co., the average passenger car on the road today is 11 years old.

It’s not a shock that motor-ists are keeping their cars on the road longer for a variety of reasons – from increased qual-ity of vehicles to being unable to afford a new car. But no matter the age, sometimes a special occasion arises and the family car with the not so pleasant scent, dents of char-acter and last night’s takeout on the fl oor just won’t cut it.

Luckily, Hertz can help with a temporary upgrade to the family car from one of its many locations across the country.

Nervous about an upcom-ing class reunion or your son’s prom? There is no deny-

ing the confi dence boost you get when stepping out of a luxury sedan or sports car.

Birthday, anniversary or big milestone celebra-tion? Renting a car for a celebration is a great way to make your loved ones feel special. It’s just more fun to go out to dinner or take a weekend trip in a sleek convertible or cool muscle car than in the family minivan.

Big business meeting? Consider renting a car to make a great fi rst impression. Whether a client needs to be picked up from the airport or a group is going out to dinner, renting a classy new SUV or luxury sedan can project an excellent business image.

Planning a trip to the great outdoors? Having

the right vehicle can make or break your plans if you’re going camping, fi shing or tailgating. Renting an SUV or a truck will maximize your time outdoors and the time you spend with your family.

Taking a road trip? Rent-ing a vehicle can provide ad-ditional space and save on fuel costs, especially if your family car is a gas-guzzler. Renting a larger vehicle can also allow an extended family or group of friends to travel together.

Thanks to Hertz and AAA, no matter the occasion, ar-riving in style is easy, con-venient and affordable. Book today at AAA.com/Hertz or by calling 1-800-654-3080.

Special occasion? Arrive in style with a Hertz rental

The U.S. State Department is expecting an increase in pass-port applications through 2018 and encourages travel-ers to submit pass-port applications well ahead of their planned travel dates in order to avoid delays.

Passport photos and applications are available at AAA offices. (AAA, however, does not process the appli-cations.) For more information, visit AAA.com/Travel.

Think sooner rather than later for passport

Protect yourself from identity theft

Taking a road trip? A rental car might give you more room.


10 TripTiks®

Sites preserve presidential history

public on the day of your visit. 4. George Washington’s

Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm, Fredericksburg, Va.: If young George really chopped down a cherry tree and then fes-sed up, and later hurled a silver dollar across the Rappahannock River, this is where it happened. The farm is closed in February except for a few dates, includ-ing a Washington’s birthday celebration on Feb. 13. In ad-dition to Colonial games, other activities and birthday cake, the visitors center is open for the celebration, and, if the weather cooperates, you can take the iPad tour of the farm’s demon-stration gardens, meadows, bird sanctuary and the foundation of the long-gone Washington home. That home will rise again soon, thanks to the work of ar-cheologists – who get their day of celebration on Feb. 15.

5. General Grant National Memorial, New York City: This largely overlooked national memorial is a soaring tribute to Civil War hero and President Ulysses S. Grant. The breathtak-ing marble and white granite structure with a 150-foot domed ceiling is the largest mauso-leum in North America and a towering presence in Manhat-tan’s Riverside Park. Rangers are on-site for occasional tours and talks and there’s a visitors center with exhibits. Free.

6. Roosevelt Campobello International Park, Welsh-pool, New Brunswick, Canada: You’ll want to wait until spring to see this spec-tacular park – but it’s worth the wait. A symbol of friendship between two nations, the park is home to Roosevelt Cottage, where Franklin D. Roosevelt summered for much of his life. The 34-room “cottage” is almost exactly as it was in 1920, and the self-guided tour includes his offi ce and Eleanor Roosevelt’s writing room. Also explore the park’s extensive gardens, bogs, forests, and beaches to discover why FDR called Campobello his “beloved island.” Free.

7. Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, Oyster Bay, N.Y.: Walk in the footsteps of Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th president, at his “Summer White House.” Fresh from a $10 million renovation, Teddy’s 26-room Queen Anne home fairly gleams, and everything in the house – except the cur-tains – is original. Among the 12,000 items are 36 stuffed wild animals. If the weather allows, there’s also 83 acres of forests, meadows, salt marsh and beach to explore. Admission to the home is $10, the grounds and museum on the site are free.

8. St. Mary’s Church, New-port, R.I.: As you enter St. Mary’s, you can almost picture John F. Kennedy and his bride, Jackie, sweeping down the aisle at their wedding on Sept. 12, 1953. With gorgeous gothic

arches and magnifi cent stained glass windows, the church seems a picture-perfect setting for the Camelot couple. There is Mass most days at this welcom-ing church, as well as concerts and many special tours. Be sure to inquire about the new pre-sentation, “Return to Camelot – The Kennedy Wedding.”

9. Union Oyster House , Boston: Tucked away

in a corner of this historic restaurant is a booth that was a favorite Sunday afternoon retreat for John F. Kennedy. The future president reportedly would eat lobster stew as he sat poring over newspapers. While JFK came here for privacy, din-

ers in booth 18 won’t get that today – the booth is now labeled with plaques of Kennedy. Mem-bers of the Kennedy clan still frequent the restaurant, which serves fresh seafood and other New England favorites.

10. President Woodrow Wilson House, Washington, D.C.: The only presidential

museum in the nation’s capital, Wilson and wife, Edith, moved to the stately red-brick Georgian Revival house in fashionable Dupont Circle on the day they left the White House. The home is vintage World War I, includ-ing the furnishings, art, state gifts and personal effects of the 28th president and Mrs. Wilson.

Left, Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site in Washington, D.C. Center, the President Woodrow Wilson House in Washington, D.C., is the only presidential museum in the nation’s capital. Right, the General Grant National Memorial in New York.

National Parks ServiceTodd A. Smith Photography

Continued from 1


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Wilmington, Vt.

Frosty white fun in the Green Mountain stateBy Kim Foley MacKinnon

Southern Vermont is chock-full of charming towns and villages, including Wilmington, which is in the Mount Snow area, just a couple of hours by car from Boston. It’s halfway be-tween Bennington and Brattle-boro, along Route 9, which is also called the Molly Stark Byway. Molly Stark was the wife of Gen. John Stark, who led the Colonial militia to victory at the Battle of Bennington on Aug. 16, 1777.

The small town, which is fi lled with 18th- and 19th-century buildings, is a good base for wintry fun. Nearby Mount Snow, Timber Creek and The Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain offer Alpine and cross-country skiing, as well as a slew of other winter activities, from ice-skating to snowshoeing.

Wilmington’s Main Street seems straight out of central casting, with family-run shops, quirky restaurants and art galleries. It’s easily walkable and easy to load up with locally made goods too tempting to pass up, like cheese and maple syrup. While it’s certainly a four-season town – fall is especially beautiful here – Wilmington is at its best in winter.

DOWinter fun: Downhill skiers

have their pick of nearby moun-tains and terrains, and many head to Mount Snow Resort, in West Dover, to hit the slopes. For different kinds of snowy fun,

there are plenty of options. You don’t have to stay at the Hermit-age Inn , also in West Dover, to take advantage of all the outdoors activities it offers, which includes cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, ice-skating, sleigh rides, and private snowmobile tours. You can also rent any gear you may need there.

Adams Farm: This seventh-generation working farm is pop-ular with families since kids can interact with the animals. In winter, the animals are housed in a barn, but you can still visit and animal feed is still available. You’ll see cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens, emus, goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas and horses,

among other animals. The farm also offers horse-drawn sleigh rides. Passengers ride through the property to an old log cabin, where you can warm up with hot chocolate by the wood stove and listen to a vintage player piano. If it’s snowing and you can get someone to sing, it’s like a Currier & Ives postcard.

1836 Country Store: This is an entertaining stop where you can fi nd everything from maple syrup to penny candy – and just about anything else you might want. Crafts, T-shirts, breads and all sorts of sundries are jam-packed into the shop, which is situated in an old barn and is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Even people

not looking to buy anything come in to browse and to feel like they’ve stepped back in time.

EATDot’s Diner: This beloved

diner serves up everything from its nationally famous berry-berry pancakes (blackberry, blueberry, strawberry and rasp-berry) to Vermont maple berry chicken. And beloved is not an overstatement: When Hurri-cane Irene all but destroyed the diner in 2011, the owners were ready to pack it in, but the town wouldn’t let them. Donations, loans and grants poured in and Dot’s was reborn.

Cask & Kiln: A relative new-comer to the dining scene in

Wilmington, the Cask & Kiln is a stylish addition with a creative menu. The two-story restaurant has a more formal dining room on the fi rst fl oor and a casual lounge on the second fl oor. Its brunch-time build-your-own Bloody Mary bar is not to be missed. One of the menu favorites is the hearth-roasted chicken for two, which is maple brined, then air dried and kiln roasted. The popovers are equally popular, as is the cheese platter with a choice of several local varieties.

The Anchor: Housed in a replica of an 1850s maple syrup cannery, this is the place to come when you’re craving seafood. The menu features New England staples, with lobsters and shellfi sh as the standouts. There are also plenty of steak and chop choices. On Friday and Saturday nights, the Black Angus prime rib dinner special is a steal (make reserva-tions!). Service is stellar, and the gorgeous oak and marble bar is a favorite local hangout that offers plenty of Vermont beers.

STAYBig Bear’s Lodge

, 344 Route 100, West Dover.

The Hermitage Inn , 25 Handle Road,

West Dover.Horizon Inn , 861

Route 9 East, Molly Stark By-way, Wilmington.

Visit AAA.com/Hotels.

Winter sports such as sled-ding, cross-country skiing and snowshoe-ing are the order of the day at The Hermit-age Club.

The Hermitage Club

Giveyourself an upgrade -

to the highest level of protection available! Get more from your

membership. Upgrade to AAA Premier. With expanded roadside

assistance – including an up to 200 mile tow, home

lock out service and a host of other benefits – AAA Premier is a smart choice.

To upgrade, visit AAA.com/Premier


VACATION LIKEYOU MEAN IT.®

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s16)*Activity Credit is not valid for the purchase of Universal Orlando Gift Cards. Tour provider reserves the right to restrict additional products and activities with advance written notice to AAA. Value must be exhausted in a single transaction. Remaining unused balance will not be retained or returned to the AAA Member. Only valid at Attraction Ticket Center desks located within select hotels within Universal Orlando Resort. Desk hours vary and are subject to change. Not valid for limited time promotional packages which include advertised discounts or free inclusions in excess of $25.00. **Package purchase required; one “A Universe of Savings” coupon book per package. Other restrictions may apply. Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations is registered with the State of Florida as a seller of travel. Registration number ST-24215. Cabana Bay Beach Resort © 2016 UCF Hotel Venture II. All rights reserved. © 2016 MARVEL. Blue Man Group Photo by Lindsay Best. © 2016 BMP. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2016 Universal Studios. © 2016 Universal Orlando. All rights reserved. 1513949/JG

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Carnival Corporation recently launched Fathom, a cruise line devoted to social impact travel that allows travelers to work alongside local residents to tackle community needs.

“Fathom will cater to a grow-ing market of consumers who want to have a positive impact on people’s lives, and aren’t always sure where to begin,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corpora-tion.

Fathom expects to attract 37,000 annual travelers who could spend more than 100,000 days a year either volunteering or immersing in educational and cultural exchanges.

Beginning in April, Fathom will embark on weekly seven-day voyages from Port Miami aboard the MV Adonia, a 704-passenger vessel. Fathom’s fi rst destination will be the northern Dominican Republic, where Carnival Corpo-ration’s new port, Amber Cove, will serve as home base.

After April, Fathom will offer both Dominican and Cuban itin-eraries on a regular basis, offering a range of activities.

“We’re incredibly excited and humbled by this potential opportunity to help travelers

experience the amazing beauty and culture of Cuba, while being able to provide educational and cultural exchange activities that will benefi t both the traveler and the Cuban people,” said Tara Russell, president of Fathom and global impact lead for Carnival Corporation.

The ultimate goal of Fathom is to develop lasting partner-ships that allow for meaningful personal enrichment of travel-ers, while providing long-term educational, environmental and economic development benefi ts in its partner countries.

Prices for the seven-day trip to the Dominican Republic start at $974 per person, which includes an exterior cabin with a view, all meals on the ship, onboard social impact immersion experiences, and related supplies, taxes, fees and port expenses.

Prices for seven-day itinerar-ies to Cuba start at $1,800 per person, excluding taxes, port and other government and related fees. It includes all meals on the ship and onboard social impact immersion experiences.

For more information, call or visit your nearest AAA travel agent.

Great 8

Sinful chocolate treatsBy Phantom Gourmet

Life is like a box a choco-lates; you never know what you’re gonna get. But Phantom guarantees you’ll get something heavenly if you visit the eight greatest spots for chocolate.

CHOCOLATE THERAPY60 Worcester Road,

FraminghamThis unique chocolate

shop takes decadent truffl es and infuses them with heal-ing powers. So, if your blood pressure is high, they might recommend nibbling on a Pom Balm fi lled with antioxidant-rich pomegranate. You can also fi nd truffl es infused with cold-pressed olive oil, lavender, sage, and even tomatoes and rosemary. The dark chocolate dipped pretzels may not have many health benefi ts, but they sure are delicious.

SPOT!20 Broadway, Norwood

Spot! is a bagel bakery, a sandwich shop, a convenience store and a candy shop all rolled into one. If you want something chocolatey, fresh-baked and truly over the top, order the Fluffernutter Bagel. They make authentic New York style bagels, which are traditionally boiled then baked. The Fluffernutter starts with a toasted chocolate chip bagel, which is smeared with homemade fresh-ground peanut butter, a layer of Fluff, and a generous scoop of choco-latey Nutella over the top.

HOLY DONUT194 Park Ave., Portland, Maine

Customers line up at this one-of-a-kind doughnut shop because the deep-fried beau-ties are unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Each gour-met doughnut is made with a mashed potato base and avail-able in fun fl avors like coffee brandy, savory bacon and ched-dar, and toasted coconut. For chocolate lovers, it’s tough to beat the decadent dark choco-late and sea salt doughnut.

CAKES BY ERIN58 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill

Cakes by Erin is the brain-child of the uber-talented Erin Erler, who’s considered one of the top custom-cake bakers in the country. And when she’s not making sweet creations for celebrities like Conan O’Brien and Seth MacFarlane, she’s crafting indulgent treats like her Chocolate Death Roll. This baby triples the sweetness, featuring chocolate cake covered with chocolate buttercream that’s rolled up, sliced, and covered with chocolate ganache.

MAX BRENNER745 Boylston St., Boston

Max Brenner offers a menu of sweets, from do-it-yourself ice cream pops to huggable mugs of hot chocolate to gi-ant chocolate-fi lled syringes. There’s absolutely nothing ordinary about this over-the-top chocolate-themed restaurant. Each item on the menu, from drinks to dinner to dessert,

The P2C2 at Purefections in Quincy is made with chocolate, caramel, peanuts and potato sticks.

blows away customers. For the ultimate indulgence, order the Chocolate Chunks Pizza, loaded with melted milk and white chocolate chunks and toppings like bananas, peanut butter and roasted marshmallows.

PUREFECTIONS102 Franklin St., Quincy Purefections is a tiny

chocolate shop that’s huge on indulgence. It offers high-quality chocolate-dipped everything, from cookies to strawberries. The chocolate-covered brownie pops are hugely delicious, dipped in Belgian chocolate and crushed Oreos and served on a stick. But customers have the biggest reaction to the signature P2C2, made with smooth chocolate, rich caramel, peanuts and potato sticks. Available in either dark or milk chocolate, it’s a salty decadence.

YUMMIESRoute 1, Kittery, Maine

Yummies packs over 10,000 pounds of candy and

nuts into every sweet square inch. A person is bound to turn into a kid in a candy store here, especially when it comes to the overwhelming chocolate choices. You can fi nd old-fashioned chocolate bars, crunchy chocolate covered espresso beans, and indulgent chocolate-covered Oreos. It also offers home-made fudge and all sorts of chocolate novelties, from hockey pucks to horses.

CUPCAKE CITY137 Main St., Reading

This cute bakeshop serves cupcakes that are big in fl avor. And when it comes to chocolate, it doesn’t mess around, with creations like the hot fudge sundae, spiked with chocolate chips in the batter, and the dense and chocolatey s’mores, topped with marshmallow frosting. One of Phantom’s favorites is their elevated version of the classic Hostess cupcake, with a marshmallow cream fi lling and chocolate ganache on top.

New Fathom line fosters volunteerism, service

Chris Park Photography

Fathom guests can play after-school soccer games with local youths.


Tours operated by Travel Impressions, Ltd. Rate is land only, per person and based on double occupancy. Blackout, weekend, holiday and peak season surcharges apply. Rate is accurate at time of printing and is subject to changes, exceptions, cancellation charges and restrictions. All advertised savings are reflected in rate. Rate is subject to change based on currency fluctuations. Not responsible for errors or omissions in the printing of this ad. Additional higher priced packages available. Valid for new bookings only. 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. LR205-15_VK_12.11.15

Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort raises the bar on adults-only extravagance, offering

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AAA Member Benefits

Guests who have been anticipating booking a Caribbean voyage on Hol-land America Line’s newest ship, ms Koningsdam, can now do so.

The ship, which launches in April, will be based out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and sail a series of Caribbean voyages from No-vember 2016 through March 2017.

“Since we began taking reserva-tions for Koningsdam’s summer Europe season, guests have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to book a Caribbean voyage on our beautiful new ship,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland Amer-ica Line. “Demand for being among the fi rst to experience our latest innovations on Koningsdam is high, so we encourage anyone interested in a Caribbean cruise to book early. It’s going to be a fantastic inaugural season.”

Starting in November, the ship will offer two seven-day Caribbean itin-eraries. The eastern Caribbean route calls at the Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s private island. The western Caribbean route visits Half Moon Cay, Grand Cayman, Mexico and Key West, Fla.

The ship’s longer nine-, 10- and 11-day cruises showcase more islands, including Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Jamaica, Martinique and St. Lucia, to name a few.

The Caribbean cruises follow Kon-ingsdam’s inaugural season sailing to Amsterdam, Norway and Iceland.

HALF MOON CAYFeatured on all itineraries, Hol-

land America Line’s private island paradise is consistently rated the No. 1 Caribbean destination by guests. Perhaps it’s the pristine beaches and crystalline waters in varying shades of blue. Or maybe it’s the variety of activities offered, from swimming with stingrays to horseback riding through the surf. Or there’s always

the option of sitting back with a cool drink and soaking up the sun.

Cruise Critic’s Erica Silverstein recently wrote an article about Half Moon Cay and had this to say:

“Half Moon Cay – the private island in the Bahamas that Carnival and Holland America share – looks like a movie set of a beach. The sand is pristinely white, with nary a scratchy shell or untoward piece of seaweed. The sea is warm, but not too warm, and turquoise, just like all the postcards you see of Caribbean beaches that you always assumed were fake. The cabanas are painted in bright, happy colors, and the bars have quaint thatched roofs and invit-ing Adirondack chairs – or are set inside a faux pirate ship. You have to try to have a bad time there.”

ACTIVITIES GALOREVisitors looking to get out and ex-

plore Half Moon Cay have more than a dozen shore excursions from which to choose, including horseback rid-ing, personal watercraft adventures, deep-sea fi shing trips, glass-bottom boat rides, parasailing, and guided kayak trips and bike rides around the island.

ALL-AGES FUNMany guests love Half Moon Cay

for its abundance of children’s ac-tivities. The Half Moon Lagoon aqua park offers large water toys in the shapes of whales, sharks and dol-phins for kids to climb on and a pi-rate ship waterslide that sprays water from its cannons. A pirate-themed playground has two slides and two kid-sized wooden pirate ships.

PRIVATE BEACH CABANAS Guests looking for a bit of luxury

ashore take advantage of the private beachside cabanas and two-story vil-las. The cabanas feature a refrigera-tor, ceiling fan, air conditioner, table and chairs inside, deck chairs and a misting shower on the private ter-race, while the luxury villas feature all that plus a hot tub on the second fl oor, fl oating mats and snorkel gear for use throughout the day.

Why do guests love Half Moon Cay so much? Matt Samms, Holland America Line’s vice president Carib-bean relations, sums it up nicely.

“It is what guests have pictured in their mind the Caribbean should look like,” Samms said. “The expe-rience ashore matches their high

expectations as well. And, we have the best staff in the industry.”

There’s so much to do and see on Half Moon Cay that guests keep com-ing back time and again.

ABOUT KONINGSDAMKoningsdam represents a new

Pinnacle Class of ship for Holland America Line. When it sets sail on its premier voyage April 8, the vessel will debut several innovative con-cepts while still featuring popular amenities guests associate with Hol-land America Line.

In a fi rst for Holland America Line, the ship will feature purpose-built staterooms for families of fi ve as well as single staterooms among its 1,331 guest accommodations.

Entertainment is taken to a new level with the energetic Music Walk area featuring all genres of music showcased in several venues, includ-ing Lincoln Center Stage with artists performing chamber music nightly; Billboard Onboard, where live musi-cians rock the crowd with chart-top-ping hits; and the popular BB King’s Blues Club in the Queen’s Lounge, which brings the best of Memphis music to sea.

Caribbean voyage

Dutch treats in store for Koningsdam guests

One of the most popular tours is horseback riding, by land and by sea. Half Moon Cay has a variety of fun activities for kids of all ages.


*Contact your travel agent for promotion details and full terms and conditions.

1-800-622-9211 AAA.com/Cruises

Call or visit your nearest AAA Travel agent today

Plus, each additional guest in your stateroom, beyond the first two guests, receives a FREE 40-minute Internet Package and a FREE Classic Non-alcoholic Beverage Package.*

By Dana Hammond Forget about new car smell. For me, nothing

compares to being onboard a ship that recently had a bottle of bubbly hurled at its bow. This affair with ocean travel started years ago, when a lido buffet and a private porthole spotlighting a patch of blue sea were enough to make me swoon. Without hesita-tion I began envisioning future cruises, but I didn’t dream big enough, it seems.

A NEW ANTHEMEvery year the industry outdoes itself. I pondered

that notion recently as Anthem of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s latest leviathan, sailed into year-round residency at Cape Liberty in New Jersey. Most pas-sengers on Anthem have private balconies, some fronting loft suites with soaring walls of glass. Via virtual balconies, even inside cabins have outside views. Like its sisters, Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas (which arrives midyear), Anthem literally boasts a boatload of attractions.

The culinary scene promises everything from whimsical, molecular gastronomy at the aptly named Wonderland. Yes, think Alice in Wonderland and what might happen if, say, Julia Child went down the rabbit hole. (Hint: Picture things like Buffalo chicken eggs and liquid Manzanilla olives.) Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, whose signature char-cuterie “planks” and handmade pastas are pure per-fection, offers rustic dishes at Jamie’s Italian, while noshing achieves nirvana at a gastropub courtesy of James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz. Plus, for a fun nightcap, robot bartenders beckon from the Bionic Bar. And don’t worry about calories. You’ll burn them off riding bumper cars and hover-ing on air in Anthem’s sleek skydiving simulator.

DreamWorks characters are onboard to entertain, and a production of the record-breaking musical “We Will Rock You” celebrates the band Queen. Admiring Anthem’s artwork amounts to another show. The ultimate attraction, however, has to be a fl ight on North Star, an observation pod that

rises 300 feet above the sea. In New York Harbor it puts passengers eye-to-eye with Lady Liberty for an unforgettable view. Better yet, considering Anthem’s convenient round-trip itineraries where you can catch fantastic views of the coastlines of Canada and New England as well as Caribbean islands, including the line’s private isle, CocoCay.

HARMONY’S PLEASING HYBRIDAnthem isn’t making waves alone. In May, Royal

Caribbean’s 6,410-passenger Harmony of the Seas will sail into record books as the largest cruise ship afl oat, surpassing sister ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. Its inaugural year will feature Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises. A fantas-tic hybrid, Harmony incorporates Anthem’s tech wizardry while reprising novelties that made its siblings sensational, namely an aerial zip line, the Rising Tide bar (a lounge that moves between decks, amounting to the best-appointed elevator anywhere) and themed “neighborhoods.” Balcony cabins over-look two neighborhoods, Central Park and Board-walk. Central Park features live foliage and alfresco dining; Boardwalk harbors a hand-carved carousel along with an AquaTheater starring high divers and other productions. Harmony also has interactive waterpark for tots, a trio of waterslides and a dry slide that corkscrews down 10 decks to rank as the tallest at sea.

CARNIVAL THRILLSCarnival Vista raises the bar with the fi rst ship-

board Imax theater. It anchors Carnival Multiplex, an area that also touts a Thrill Theater with moving seats. Passengers can pedal their way to cool views on SkyRide, a contraption comprised of recumbent-style bikes suspended on an aerial track. Plus, while waterslides are in Carnival’s DNA, the Kaleid-o-Slide on Vista rockets rafts through a trippy tube pulsat-ing with lights and music. And when it comes time to crash, tropical-themed Havana cabins sport ham-mocks while a dedicated family zone, dubbed Family Harbor, delivers cabins stuffed with pint-sized robes

and other amenities for kids as well as a concierge lounge for families to share. Vista debuts in Europe, but fall cruises from New York offer an easy way to hop aboard.

DUTCH TREATSHolland America fans have waited fi ve years for

another ship to hail, but a worthy vessel is fi nally on the horizon. Koningsdam arrives this spring, sailing initially throughout Europe. Its Grand Dutch Cafe looks like a Delftware work of art and dispenses treats celebrating the line’s heritage. An expanded Culinary Arts Center offers locally sourced farm-to-table dinners prepared in a show kitchen, while a dedicated wine-blending salon encourages oeno-philes to mix and label their own bottles. Satisfying every groove, Music Walk’s three stages showcase live programming in partnership with Lincoln Center, Billboard and BB King’s Blues Club. Kon-ingsdam also has a towering, glass-enclosed pool deck with a movie screen and a separate, tech-savvy theater surrounded by LED screens.

LUXURIOUS TOUCHES For an ultra-luxe fl oat, Regent Seven Seas is

launching a ship, too. Sprawling beam-to-beam, the Regent Suite on Seven Seas Explorer dwarfs most homes. It features a solarium, en-suite spa facilities and unfettered access to Canyon Ranch SpaClub therapists. What’s next? One can only imagine, but for now, I’m happy to relish in this fantastic fl otilla.

Cruising

At left, Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas will have a Central Park neighborhood. Center, Regent Seven Seas Explorer’s infi nity plunge pool, and Carnival Vista’s SkyRide, right, as depicted in artists’ renderings.

Swell new ships launch in 2016

Simon Brooke-Webb

Penguins from the movie “Madagascar” enjoy the pool deck on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas.

Simon Brooke-Webb


By Mindy J. GinleyIt’s no secret that there’s plenty to

do for adventure seekers aboard Royal Caribbean’s most innovative new ship, Anthem of the Seas.

This ship, which travels to the Caribbean from its home port of Cape Liberty, N.J., is full of fi ne dining, adults-only options and technological advances galore.

After checking out some of the thrills – including the North Star, which offers a panoramic view 300 feet above sea level, a skydiving simu-lator, and the bumper cars at SeaPlex – we found the perfect place to chill: the adults-only Solarium.

The glass-canopied Solarium pool and its surroundings offer the ulti-mate place to unwind and relax. The layout is designed with seating on

various “islands” surrounded by water, giving you the sensation of fl oating on air. There are three tiers of cascading pools with plenty of hot tub space and a fun swing built for two suspended from the ceiling that faces the ocean.

The nearby Sunshine Bar serves healthy smoothies as well as alcoholic beverages. After chilling out in the hot tub with a frozen drink, we sat on the swing and enjoyed the serenity of the ocean views.

One of our favorite meals was lunch in Devinly Decadence at Solarium Bistro. Named after celebrity chef Devin Alexander, the best-selling author of eight cookbooks and chef on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” the eatery features comfort food favorites that cut the fat but keep the fl avor. All entrees are less than 500 calories

each. We loved the cowboy-rubbed beef tenderloin and the ahi tuna tacos. And because we were eating healthy,

it was easy to justify ending our meal with a piece of the decadent fl ourless chocolate cake.

DCL-16DCL-16DCL-16DCL-16-47231-47231-47231-47231 ©Di©Di©Di©Disney sney sney sney Ships’Ships’Ships’Ships’ RegisRegisRegisRegistry: Ttry: Ttry: Ttry: The Bahhe Bahhe Bahhe Bahamasamasamasamas

THAW OUT ON A TROPICAL DISNEY CRUISE.

Call or visit your nearest AAA Travel agent to book your magical Disney Cruise Line vacation.

Chances are good your family is ready to defrost from the winter. So now is the perfect time to plan your escape with a 3- or 4-night voyage to The Bahamas, featuring a stop at

Disney Castaway Cay, a private island paradise.

1-800-622-9211AAA.com/Cruises

The largest suites on European waters.An onboard concierge to customize each guest’s cruise.

The most modern river cruise fleet.More travel awards than any other river cruise line.

The World’s Leading River Cruise Line…By Far®

© 2015. Travel + Leisure and Time Inc. are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Viking Cruises. CST#2052644-40 #1 RIVER CRUISE LINE

Call or visit your nearest AAA Travel agent today. 1-800-622-9211 | AAA.com/Travel

Innovations abound on Anthem of the Seas

Adventure seekers

Passengers can seek serenity in the ship’s adults-only Solarium pool, which offers spectacular views, a swing built for two and a bar that serves up smoothies.

Call or visit your nearest

AAA Travel agent today

1-800-622-9211

AAA.com/Travel

11-NIGHT DENALI EXPLORER Land & Sea Vacation

Coral, Island or Star Princess® | Tour 15N & 15S | 5/11-9/13/16 $1,779*fares from

Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses of up to $239 per person are additional, and are subject to change.

*$1,779 fare is based on category IF on Star Princess departing 9/10/16 for Tour #15N on a space-available basis at time of booking. Fares for other dates may vary. Fares are per person, non-air, cruise-only, based on double occupancy and apply to the first two passengers in a stateroom. These fares do not apply to singles or third/fourth-berth passengers. This offer is capacity controlled and may not be combinable with any other public, group or past passenger discount, including onboard credits. Offer is not transferable and is available to residents of the 50 United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and the District of Columbia who are 21 years of age or older and receive this offer. Fares quoted in U.S. dollars. Please refer to the applicable Princess Cruises brochure or for terms, conditions and definitions that apply to all bookings. ©2016, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.


Y O U ’ R E A

F I S H F R I E N D I N G

D E A L D I V E R.

Oasis of the Seas® 7-NIGHT EASTERN/WESTERN CARIBBEANDeparting from Ft . Lauderdale, FLMarch – August 2016

STARTING FROM $1,170* USD PER PERSON

Taxes, fees and port expenses of up to $116.80 per personare additional and subject to change.

Anthem of the Seas® 9-NIGHT BERMUDA& CARIBBEAN

Departing from Cape Liber ty, NJMay – August 2016


Taxes, fees and port expenses of up to $191.78 per person are additional and subject to change.

Allure of the Seas® 7-NIGHT EASTERN/WESTERN CARIBBEAN

Departing from Ft . Lauderdale, FLMarch – August 2016


Taxes, fees and port expenses of up to $ 117.02 per personare additional and subject to change.

Freedom of the Seas® 7-NIGHT EASTERN/WESTERN CARIBBEAN

Departing from Port Canaveral, FLMarch – August 2016

STARTING FROM $965* USD PER PERSON

Taxes, fees and port expenses of up to $127.08 per personare additional and subject to change.

Call or visit your nearest AAA Travel Agent today1-800-622-9211 • AAA.com/Travel

*Prices are per person, cruise only, based on double occupancy in interior stateroom and in U.S. dollars. All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Prices are subject to availability and change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. ©2015 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas. 15048185 • 12/14/15

Terms & Conditions: AAA Vacations® Amenities apply to select 2016 sailings. $250 per person ($500 per stateroom) discount applies to cruises 13-nights or less; $400 per person ($800 per stateroom) discount applies to cruises 14 nights or more; $75 per person ($150 per stateroom) onboard credit applies to 7-night cruises; $100 per person ($200 per stateroom) onboard credit applies to Myanmar cruises; $150 per person ($300 per stateroom) onboard credit applies to 14-night Europe cruises. Combinable with other promotions in the marketplace. Cruise must be booked through AAA Travel in order to receive AAA Vacations® Amenities. CST#2065452-40

Receive AAA Vacations® Amenities From $500-$800 savings per stateroom

plus $150-$300 onboard credit per stateroomCall or visit your nearest AAA Travel agent today

1-800-622-9211 | AAA.com/Travel

SAVE UP TO $2,000 PER STATEROOMON SELECT 2016 RIVER CRUISES

No passport? No problem. There are a few places outside our 50

states that U.S citizens can visit without a passport, although we at AAA always recommend carrying a passport when traveling outside the U.S. Here are some of those places.

Puerto Rico: Kayaking across one of Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays is an unforgettable experience. Tiny organ-isms that release light when agitated bring a magnifi cent glow to the water. For a different but equally enjoyable experience, spend a day touring historic Old San Juan.

U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas all offer a slice of Caribbean paradise. Trunk Bay Beach,

on St. John, is among the most beauti-ful beaches in the world, and it’s also home to an underwater snorkeling trail. For those looking for a deeper diving adventure, Buck Island Reef, off St. Croix, is a national monument with more than 18,000 acres of submerged land and coral reef. And, for a slightly different perspective of the area, head over to St. Thomas where a sky-lift ride offers panoramic views from a height of 700 feet.

Guam: If you’re looking for beautiful beaches, hiking and scuba diving, Guam has you covered. It’s also home to the War in the Pacifi c National Historical Park with bunkers, pillboxes and other structures from World War II.

Go passport-free at these locales

Leave the pass-port at home if you’re visiting St. John, in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Rate is per person, land only, based on double occupancy. Advertised vacation rate(s) valid for select travel 11/1 – 12/20/16. Rates for other travel dates may vary. Rate based on current currency exchange rates as of 12/4/15; currency exchange rates subject to change without notice. Rates, terms, conditions and itinerary are subject to availability. Certain restrictions apply. Rate shown includes government-imposed fees and taxes. Rate is current as of 12/4/15; at the time you purchase your package, rates may be higher. For current prices, please see http://www.pleasantholidays.com. Additional restrictions apply. Advertised rates do not include any applicable daily resort or facility fees payable directly to the hotel operator at check-out; such fee amounts will be advised at the time of booking. AAA Member Benefi t: $80 discount is per booking and taken at time of booking. Discount does not apply to air/car only bookings and is not refl ected in the rate(s) shown. AAA members must make advance reservations through AAA Travel to obtain Member Benefi ts. Not responsible for errors or omissions. [Pleasant Holidays acts only as an agent for the various travel providers shown above.] CST# 1007939-10. UBI# 601 915 263. TAR# 5308. Copyright © 2016 Pleasant Holidays, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa

from $1038

Garden Pool Bungalow.Includes: 5 nights’ accommodation,

reduced rate, daily breakfast, transfers and taxes.

AAA Member Benefi t: Members receive $80 per booking discount at time of booking.

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1-800-622-9211 • AAA.com/Travel

BORA BORA A PERFECT PARADISE

Save up to$1,121

per couple by 2/25/16*

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Stress-freeGUIDED

VACATIONS

†Guest rating from review site Feefo as shown on Trafalgar.com as of 12/21/15. *Save up to $1,121 per couple with 7.5% Early Payment Discount (land only) on new 2016 Europe vacations booked and paid in full by 2/25/16. Sample savings based on European Supreme departing 9/20/16. Savings vary by itinerary, not valid on all vacations/departure dates and subject to availability. Not valid with other offers; may be combined with brochure discounts. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Other conditions apply. CST#2077132-20

97%Satisfaction rating from over 13,000 genuine reviews†

Vacation moments that turn into lifelong memories

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2016 AAA President’s TourICELAND’S MAGICAL NORTHERN LIGHTSMember Choice Vacations - 10/29/16 - 11/4/16

Reykjavik • Northern Lights Cruise • Golden Circle Thingvellir National Park • Geysir • Gullfoss Seljalandsfoss • Vik • Eyjafjallajokull Volcano Visitor Centre Skogar Museum • Skogafoss • Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon • Skaftafell National Park • Vatnajokull Glacier Blue Lagoon 7-Day guided tour includes:• roundtrip air from Boston • 6-nights’ hotel accommodations • 10 meals: 5 breakfasts, 5 dinners, • Sightseeing, expert travel director, and much more.• $50 off per person

from $3,049* double

CANYON COUNTRY Member Choice Vacations - 9/29/16 - 10/7/16

Scottsdale • Oak Creek Canyon • Kaibab National Forest • Grand Canyon • Lake Powell • Bryce Canyon National Park • Zion National Park • Las Vegas

9-Day guided tour includes:• roundtrip air from Hartford• 8-nights’ hotel accommodations• 11 meals: 7 breakfasts, 4 dinners• Round-trip home to airport sedan services provided when you

purchase airfare through Member Choice Vacations.• $25 off per person plus $75 credit to use toward the optional tour of

your choice. Purchase 2 or more optional tours and receive a $100 credit.

from $3,069* per person

$100 per person shore excursion credit & Pinnacle Grill Dinner for 2

Tour

s

Savings, value andexclusive member benefits

00000000000

FEATURED CRUISES

Additional member benefits on select cruises:

• Priority embarkation

• Onboard credits

• Specialty dining

• Prepaid gratuities

• And more!

Other sail dates and destinations available.

Each cruise includes Best Price Guarantee and 24/7 Member Care.†

All pricing is current at time of printing. Benefits, discounts and savings are for AAA Members only. ALL CRUISES: *Rate is per person, based on double occupancy, cruise only, including port charges, unless otherwise noted. Taxes, government fees, fuel surcharges and any other applicable vendor surcharges are additional, unless noted. Rate and member benefits shown are current at time of print, capacity controlled and subject to change and availability. AAA FEATURED CRUISES: *Member benefits are valid exclusively on AAA Vacations sailings. May not be transferred, exchanged or redeemed for cash or credited towards other purchases or substitutions. 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. Ask your AAA Travel agent for best rate and full terms and conditions at time of booking. Restrictions may apply. Best Price Guarantee valid within 24 hours of initial booking.

BOOK NOW! 1-800-622-9211 • AAA offices • AAA.com/TravelEARN

3XPOINTS

Triple your fun on your next AAA Trip! Tell your AAA Travel Agent you want to

apply for the AAA Member Rewards Visa card when you book your next trip.

ALASKAAlaska 7 Nights • from Seattle

Celebrity Solstice • 6/10/16 Ketchikan • Juneau • Tracy Arm • Inside Passage Skagway • Victoria, B.C.

from $1,149* double

Alaska Cruisetour10 Nights • from Fairbanks to Vancouver, B.C.Island Princess • 8/7/163-Day Tour followed by 7-Night CruiseLand Tour: Fairbanks • Denali • Mt. McKinley Whittier; Cruise: Anchorage • Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising • Skagway Juneau • Ketchikan • Vancouver

outside from $2,999* double

inside from $4,036* single

CANADA/NEW ENGLAND7 Nights - Boston Roundtrip

Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas • 10/9/16Portland, ME • Bar Harbor, ME • St. John, New Brunswick • Halifax, Nova Scotia

inside cabin from $881* double

Ask about motorcoach transportation to Boston

HAWAII11 Nights - from Vancouver, B.C.

Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas • 9/9/16Maui • Hilo • Kailua • Kauai • Honolulu

from $1,372* double

BERMUDA/CARIBBEANW. Caribbean 7 Nights • from Port Canaveral, FL

Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas • 6/5/16 Georgetown, Grand Cayman • Roatan, Honduas Cozumel, Mexico

from $1,037* double

Bermuda 7 Nights • from Boston

Holland America Veendam • 6/11/16 Hamilton, Bermuda

from $999* double

Bermuda 5 Nights • New Jersey Roundtrip

Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas 10/15/16 - 10/20/16 A Tribute to Great Legend’s SailingKing’s Wharf, Bermuda

from $1,054* double

Ask about motorcoach transportation to NJ

E. Caribbean 6 Nights • from New Jersey

Celebrity Summit • 10/16/16 - 10/22/16 Philipsburg, St. Maarten • Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas • San Juan, Puerto Rico

from $533* double

Ask about motorcoach transportation to NJ and

one-way return airfare from San Juan

EUROPEDanube River 7 Nights • from Budapest, Hungary

Uniworld River Beatrice • 6/5/16 Vienna, Austria • Linz, Austria • Passau, Germany

Call for pricing

Northern Europe 7 Nights • from Hamburg, Germany

Crystal Cruises Crystal Symphony • 7/2/16 Norway • Scotland • United Kingdom Amsterdam

from $2,405* double

Rhine River 7 Nights • from Basel, Switzerland

Viking Alruna • 7/2/16Breisach, Germany • Strasbourg, France Heidelberg, Germany • Cologne, Germany Kinderdijk, Netherlands • Amsterdam

from $2,656* double

Mediterranean 7 Nights • from Barcelona, Spain

Oceania Cruises Riviera • 6/2/16 Palma de Mallorca, Spain • Marseille, France Monte Carlo, Monaco • Portofino, Italy Cinque Terre, Italy • Florence, Italy • Rome

from $2,899* double


ONE-DAY TOURS*April 30 - West Point Dress Parade..................................$116U.S. Military Academy Cadet Review viewing; lunch at Hotel Thayer; guided tour. Limited seats available!

May 7 - Albany Tulip Festival..............................................$88After the Tulip Festival, enjoy a late Italian lunch at Buca di Beppo in Albany. Great gift for Mother’s Day!May 14 - Bronx Zoo...............................................................$96Admission to the Bronx Zoo including zoo shuttle, monorail, children’s zoo, world of reptiles and congo gorilla forest ($86 child age 3-12)

June 12 - Newport Playhouse............................................$119Enjoy a buffet lunch followed by Woody Allen’s “Play it Again Sam”

July 24 - Charles Riverboat and Cambridge....................$114 Narrated Charles River cruise; lunch at the Cheesecake Factory; guided tour of Cambridge.

August - Long Island Lighthouse Cruise..........................$110 Narrated lighthouse cruise; dinner at Go Fish; free time in Mystic VillageSeptember 25 - Hudson Valley Garlic Festival..................$79Entrance into the Garlic Festival with craft and food vendors; entertainment.September 4 - NYC 9/11 Memorial Museum....................$94Admission to the 9/11 Memorial Museum; visit Chelsea MarketplaceOctober 16 - Granite State Octoberfest.............................$96Visit Grafton Cheese; lunch at The Inn at East Hill Farm with German Oom-pah Band entertainment.October 23 - Salem.............................................................$107Lunch at Victoria Station Restaurant; admission to Salem Witch MuseumNovember - Radio City..........................................................TBAOrchestra seats; free time in NYC for shopping

MULTI-DAY ESCORTED TOURS*June 1-3 - 3-Day Boston Red Sox in Baltimore Tour.......$5692 nights hotel; 2 full breakfast buffets; guided tour of Baltimore; tickets to 2 Boston Red Sox/Baltimore Orioles baseball games; Baltimore’s Inner Harbor; admission to Fort McHenry, Arundel Mills Shops & Maryland Live Casino

June - 7-Day Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island.......$17591 night private stateroom onboard ship; 5 nights hotel; guided tours of Nova Scotia, Halifax and Prince Edward Island; Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo; all sightseeing & admission fees; 4 breakfasts; 5 dinners

August 28-31 - 4-Day Montreal & Quebec.......................$8292 nights in Quebec; 1 night in Montreal; 2 breakfasts, 3 dinners; visit St. Anne de Beaupre, Montmorency Falls, Plains of Abraham, Quebec Parliament, Notre Dame, St. Joseph’s Oratory; sightseeing, casino, duty free shopping.

September 19-21 - 3-Day Samson Sight & Sound Theatre...........$4792 nights hotel; 2 breakfasts, dinner and show at the hotel, dinner at Shady Maple Smorgasbord, wine and cheese reception; “Samson” reserved orches-tra tickets; Longwood Gardens; Kitchen Kettle Village; Sands Casino

October 7-10 - 3-Day Washington & Annapolis Tour.....$7792 nights at the Rosslyn Holiday Inn; guided tour of Washington, D.C.; Mount Vernon; tram tour at Arlington National Cemetery; guided tour of U.S. Naval Academy; 3 breakfasts; 3 dinners

2016 Motorcoach ToursBook Early - Space is Limited! For tour details, visit

AAA.com/Travel or call 1-800-622-9211

*Call for dates and pricing. One-day tour prices are per person; multi-day tour prices based on double occupancy; prices and dates subject to change

February is Celebrity Cruise Month!

Book a Celebrity Cruise at AAA Travel during the month of February and enter the prize machine

for a chance to win dollars off your cruise, special amenities, prizes and more!

2016 CRUISE PARTNERS2016 AAA VACATIONS®

$75 onboard spending credit per person (7-night cruises)

$100 onboard spending credit per person (10- and 14-night cruises in Myanmar)

$150 onboard spending credit per person (14-night cruises in Europe)

$100 per person savings

$100 per stateroom onboard spending credit

Chef Table Dinner in Prime C (six-course meal with wine pairing)

VIP Priority Check-in

$25 per stateroom onboard spending credit (4-5 nights)

$50 per stateroom onboard spending credit (6-9 nights)

$100 per stateroom onboard spending credit (10+ nights)

$100 onboard spending credit per stateroom for Britannia accommodations

$400 onboard spending credit per stateroom for Grill Suite accommodations

Enhanced afternoon Tea Service

Complimentary dinner in Kings Court or Lido restaurants ($10 per person value)

$150-$1200 onboard spending credit for World Cruise guests (combinable with above)

Exclusive Savor & Swirl culinary event

Pinnacle Grill Dinner (fi rst two guests in stateroom)

Canaletto Dinner (fi rst two guests in stateroom) on select sailings

Taste of Excellence Cookbook - one per stateroom

$250-$475 per person shipboard credit on Grand Voyages (not combinable with above)

$200 per stateroom onboard spending credit

Complimentary group wine tasting and a complimentary bottle of wine


$25 onboard spending credit per stateroom (5 days or less)

$50 onboard spending credit per stateroom (6 to 11 days)

$75 onboard spending credit per stateroom (12+ days)

Exclusive group wine tasting with sommelier (fi rst two guests in stateroom)

Complimentary Regent Choice Shore Excursion (up to $299 per person value)

Private Cocktail Party with senior staff


$25 per stateroom onboard spending credit (3-5 night cruises)

$50 per stateroom onboard spending credit (6-9 night cruises)

$100 per stateroom onboard spending credit (10+ night cruises)

Dinner for two in a specialty restaurant on select sailings

Bottle of champagne on arrival (placed in stateroom)

One night complimentary pre-cruise hotel in a city center location

Transfer from airport to hotel and from hotel to ship

Breakfast on the day of check-out/ship embarkation

AMAWATERWAYS

AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES

CELEBRITY CRUISES

CUNARD LINE

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE

OCEANIA CRUISES

PRINCESS CRUISES

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

ROYAL CARIBBEANINTERNATIONAL

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISE COLLECTION

Up to $300 per person

savings plus a

welcome amenity

ON SELECT SAILINGS

$150 onboard spending credit

per stateroom

ON SELECT SAILINGS

Up to $75 onboard

spending credit per stateroom

Up to $300 onboard

spending credit per stateroom(DURING SELECT BOOKING WINDOWS)

ON SELECT SAILINGS

Up to $100 onboard

spending credit per stateroom

Onboard Value Booklet ($325 value)

(DURING SELECT BOOKING WINDOWS)

Up to $250 per person

savings

ON SELECT SAILINGS

One Spa treatment

per stateroom

Check AICWEB for exclusive AAA Vacations® Member Appreciation Cruises

Check AICWEB for exclusive AAA Vacations® Rockin’ the Caribbean Member Appreciation Cruise.

Exclusive AAA Vacations® Member

Appreciation Cruises

Exclusive AAA Vacations® Rockin’ the Caribbean Member Appreciation Cruise

Call or visit your nearest AAA Travel agent today 1-800-622-9211 | AAA.com/Travel

*Rates are land only, per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. †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 fee. One transfer

per room booking. Additional stops are not permitted on route. Other restrictions may apply; call for details. CST# 2006766-20 UBN# 601220855 Nevada Seller of Travel Registration No. 2003-0279

Tropical Costa Rica9 Days • 13 Meals • Starting at $1,599*

Highlights: San Jose, Coffee Plantation, Guanacaste, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Hanging Bridges Tour, Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal Cruise, Cooking Demonstration, Cano Negro Refuge, Zarcero, National Theatre

AAA Vacations® featured Complimentary Inclusion: Receive up to a $100 credit on the optional excursions of your choice!

On all air-inclusive tours, receive roundtrip home to airport sedan service†

AAA Members save $25 per person


motor vehicle injuries and fatalities because they protect vehicle occupants from the extreme forces experienced during crashes,” Sumwalt testifi ed.

Massachusetts currently has a secondary seat belt law, which means motorists can be cited for failing to buckle up only if they are stopped for a primary violation, such as speeding.

When it comes to seat belt usage, Massachusetts certainly has room for improvement.

In 2014, the state had the

fi fth lowest usage rate in the country, according to NHTSA. States with primary seat belt laws experience an average usage increase of 10 percent, tha translates to about 18 lives saved every year, with more than 650 injuries avoided, said Mary Maguire, director of public and legislative affairs for AAA Northeast.

Along with safety benefi ts, a primary law is estimated to have fi nancial benefi ts for the state, saving as much as $1 billion over fi ve years in costs stemming from car crashes.

Many support belt law

George Morse

Robert Sumwalt, a member of the National Transportation Safety Board, testifi ed in favor of a primary enforcement seat belt law at a hearing before the Joint Committee on the Judi-ciary in November.

Continued from 1

Do you love to travel

Then the AAA Solo Travelers Club is your solution!

Solo Travelers Club

but don’t have a travel partner?

RSVP today! 1-800-622-9211 or AAA.com/Solo

Next Meeting:Wednesday, February 10 • 6:30 pm

AAA West Springfield office

Savor the local cuisine, relive the Renaissance, and walk in the footsteps of the masters.

13 Days l 18 Meals l Starting at $3,124*

VistasTOUR OF ITALY HIGHLIGHTS: Rome, Colosseum, Ruins of Pompeii, Sorrento Coast, Isle of Capri, Florence, Michelangelo’s David, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Tuscan Winery, Venice, Murano Island, Verona, Stresa, Locarno (Switzerland).

Book any AAA Member Choice Vacations® trip or itinerary in February or March and earn 5X points when you pay with your AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card.†

AAA MEMBER CHOICE VACATIONS● More than 150 tours to destinations such as Asia,

Africa, North America, South Pacific, Europe, South and Central America

● Services of a tour manager to help with all the details● Round trip home to airport sedan service provided when

you purchase airfare through AAA Member Choice Vacations. (restrictions apply)

Visit your local AAA branch and book today!

Breathtaking Italian

TERMS & CONDITIONS:* This is a member price. Rate is land only, per person, based on double occupancy. Price includes a $25 per person member discount and is subject to availability. 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 fee. One transfer per room booking. Additional stops are not permitted on route. Other restrictions may apply; call for details.

† For information about the rates, fees, other costs, and benefits associated with the use of the credit card or to apply, visit your local AAA branch or AAA.com/creditcard. You will earn 5 points per dollar spent (consisting of 4 bonus points and 1 base point) on any AAA Member Choice Vacations transactions that have a transaction date from February 1–March 31, 2016. Purchases made through merchants other than Member Choice Vacations will not qualify for the bonus points. 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 issued an Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 (or other appropriate form) that reflects the value of such reward. Please consult your tax advisor, as neither we, nor our affiliates, provide tax advice. This credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and are used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. © 2015 Bank of America Corporation. ARJG894G

Many drivers don’t know what the check engine or service engine soon warning light on the instrument panel means. Under-standing the purpose of this light, and knowing what actions to take when it comes on, can help you nip problems in the bud – and possibly prevent major damage.

An illuminated check engine light means a problem may be causing the vehicle to produce excessive emissions. Sometimes the light will be accompanied by performance problems, such as engine hesitation, but other times the vehicle will appear normal. Common failures that can trigger a check engine light include:

• Faulty signals from engine control sensors such as oxygen, coolant temperature and intake airfl ow.

• Engine misfi res from faulty spark plugs, plug wires, ignition components, fuel injectors or other fuel system components.

• Emission control device failures, such as loose or cracked vacuum hoses, a loose or missing gas cap, or a defective exhaust gas recirculation valve.

If the light comes on for a little while and then goes out, there was likely a temporary problem in the system. The engine computer will store a diagnostic trouble code in its memory. If the light does not recur, no action is necessary.

If the light stays on, the car has an ongoing problem. You should take your vehicle to a repair

shop for further diagnosis.If the check engine repeatedly fl ashes on and

off, the catalytic converter may be overheating. This will damage the converter, which is costly to replace. If your repair shop is nearby, drive there immediately. If the shop is some distance away, shut off the car and call for assistance. Always have a fl ashing check engine light investigated right away.

AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities can diagnose check engine light problems and provide a full range of vehicle maintenance and repair services. To locate a shop near you, visit AAA.com/Repair.

TROUBLE CODES AHEADWhen your car’s check engine or service

engine soon warning light comes on, a diag-nostic trouble code (DTC) is stored in the car’s memory to help identify the problem.

Contrary to popular belief, DTCs do not provide a defi nitive diagnosis of what must be done to repair the vehicle. Trouble codes indi-cate only that the onboard diagnostic system has identifi ed a parameter outside its normal operating range.

For example, a DTC may indicate that one cylinder in the engine is misfi ring, but it doesn’t know whether it’s because of a vacuum leak, clogged fuel injector, low fuel pressure, bad wiring connection, faulty spark plug or some other issue. Professional diagnosis is needed to determine the problem.

Check engine light a warningCar maintenance


Driving School

AAA.com/DrivingSchool1-800-622-9211

Graduates receive a FREE one-year AAABasic Membership**visit website for details

MembersSAVE$75

Learn from the experts in traffic safety

Register Today!

SCHOOL VACATIONONE WEEK ACCELERATED CLASS

Hadley, Springfield and West SpringfieldFeb. 15 - 19 • 9:30 AM - 4 PM

systems – worked well in AAA’s tests when the sensors were not blocked, but were signifi cantly less effective when sensors were obscured by vehicles parked alongside. In a common parking lot scenario, the tested systems failed to detect pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles and other vehicles at alarming rates.

• A passing motorcycle was not detected by the systems in 48 percent of tests.

• The systems failed to de-tect a bicycle passing behind the vehicle 40 percent of the time.

• The systems failed to detect a passing vehicle 30 percent of the time.

• While not all systems are

tech talk Backing in is the safest way to park A recent AAA survey found

that more than three-quar-ters of U.S. drivers park their vehicle incorrectly by pulling into a parking spot. This is different from other parts of the world, where drivers are more likely to back into parking spaces.

The safety difference is important, according to AAA Driver Training ex-perts: Driving forward out of a parking space increases driver visibility and lessens the likelihood of a crash.

Automakers are adding driver assistance technology to help drivers manage risky reverse maneuvers. AAA’s tests of rearview camera systems, for example, showed increased visibility of the rear blind zone by an average of 46 percent.

“Recognizing that Ameri-can parking habits differ from much of the world, automakers are increasingly adding technology to ve-hicles that is designed to ad-dress rear visibility concerns. However, AAA’s testing of these systems reveals sig-nifi cant shortcomings when used in real-world conditions and Americans should rely more on driving skills than technology,” said John Paul, senior manager of traffi c safety for AAA Northeast.

Rear cross-traffi c alert systems – growing in usage since they share sensors with blind-spot monitoring

SAFETY SYSTEMSRanging from

standard equip-ment to an op-tional feature, rear cross-traffi c alert systems were avail-able on 38 percent of 2015 model year vehicles. Technology pack-ages that include this feature vary in price from $600 to more than $9,000. The average cost is about $2,373 for 2015 model year vehicles.

BACKING INTO A PARKING

SPACE• Locate a space

large enough for you to safely back into.

• Signal to the spot you are backing into. This will let other drivers and pedestrians know your intentions.

• Slowly roll forward until your shoulders are centered in front of the space you wish to back into.

• Turn the wheels in the opposite direction of your selected parking space and roll out to ap-proximately a 45-degree angle and stop.

• Put the vehicle in reverse.

• Once the vehicle is straight in the space, stop and straighten the wheels.

• Continue to slowly back in. You have reached the rear parking boundary when the curb or painted line appears to divide the rear win-dow.

designed to detect pedestri-ans, the technology failed to detect people 60 percent of the time.

Technology may boost rear visibility and, in some cases, confi dence, but should not be relied on to prevent crashes. Even if your vehicle is equipped with a rearview camera or a rear cross-traffi c alert system, always reverse slowly, turning to check

blind spots, and make sure that a car, bicyclist or pe-destrian is not approaching your vehicle.

Taking the time to reverse into a space will pay off with the security that comes from an improved view of oncom-ing traffi c. Pulling out of a parking spot, instead of reversing, is an easy way to increase safety and visibility in busy parking lots.

Winter is the perfect time to make sure everyone in your household is covered. An associate membership is only $33* and comes with all the benefits of AAA for a fraction of the cost!

Share peace of mindwith those you love....

To add a member: Call 1-800-622-9211 or visit AAA.com/AddAssociate

....for only $33*


I bought a used Honda Civic for the great gas mileage, but there is a problem with this car: I believe the former owner must have been a very large person because the seat has no cushion to it and it is killing my back. I’ve driven several cars over my 48 years and never experienced seat problems and never had a back problem until now. I have adjusted the seat and tried adding cushions, with no relief. Do you have any sugges-tions?

I would have an automobile upholstery shop rebuild the seat. Adding memory-type foam to the seat may also work by adding cushioning and a little extra support. You may also be able to find a suitable used seat in a salvage yard.

INSTALLEDon the spot.Testing of yourbattery included.

RECYCLEDfor yourconvenience andthe environment.

WARRANTIEDfor 72 monthsacross NorthAmerica.

DELIVEREDanywhere youare, 365 daysper year.

Don’t let a dead batteryput your plans on ice.

Get a quote online: AAA.com/battery800-AAA-HELP (800-222-4357)

BATTERIES DELIVERED & INSTALLED!

The car: There was a time when an SUV was basically a truck with some comfortable appointments. Over the years that has changed, with many SUVs becoming as luxurious as any luxury car. As that has happened, however, some of these luxury SUVs have lost their ability to handle the rigors of driving off-road or battling winter weather. This is not the case with the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

The Range Rover Sport comes in four models: the SE, HSE, the top-of-the-line Autobiography, and Super-charged, which was the test-car model.

The luxuriously equipped Range Rover Sport Su-percharged is powered by a 510-horsepower super-charged V-8 that develops 461 foot-pounds of torque.

Power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission that can adjust engine perfor-mance in a variety of modes based on driving conditions.

The road test: The Range Rover Sport is a big vehicle without feeling huge – in fact, it drives a little smaller than its overall size. The ride is quite comfortable, and the steering is smoother and has a bit more feel than some recent sports sedans that I have driven.

The suspension system is quite interesting, with a normal height setting, a raised-height setting to allow for more aggressive off-road driving, and a lower setting for easy entry and exit as well as a slightly aerodynamic drag at highway speeds.

Located in front of the

driven2016 Range Rover Sport

shifter is a dial that adjusts the all-wheel-drive system to the terrain – there are set-tings for snow, loose gravel, rocks and just about any road condition that I would dare travel.

A trip to 60 mph is ac-complished in as little as fi ve seconds. This is an impressive number for a car that weighs just over 5,000 pounds. As a comparison, this is just a couple of tenths of a second slower than the latest V-8-powered Mustang GT.

The brakes are equally

impressive, easily able to stop this heavy vehicle in short or-der and also easy to modulate when driving off-road.

There is also a hill-descent setting that allows the vehicle’s computer to keep the Range Rover stable when driving down a steep incline.

The Environmental Protection Agency rates fuel economy at 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. During my time with the Range Rover Sport, I averaged 22.8 mpg, according to the electronic display.

AAA auto factsSeats: 5Fuel: PremiumMPG: 14 city, 19 highwayAnnual fuel costs: $2,600Base price: $63,350Shop against: BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes-Benz GLE

The interior of the Range Rover is luxurious, with beautiful trim and leather ev-erywhere you look. The con-trols have a substantial feel and are generally well-placed, but the window switch on the top of the door seems a bit odd, and the seat controls are diffi cult to use with the doors closed.

As with all Land Rovers, I found the combination navigation and sound-system display a little slow and clumsy. Although most op-erations can be controlled by voice, there is still too much distraction – which, in my opinion, could be fi xed with an extra button or switch.

The front seats are com-fortable and supportive and have enough adjustments for just about any size driver. The seats are heated and cooled and the steering wheel has a heater function.

The rear seats can easily accommodate two adults comfortably and an occasion-al third occupant. There is a huge sunroof that allows in plenty of light and fresh air. The rear cargo area is typi-cal of a vehicle of this size, with 28 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seat that expands to 62 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The bottom line: If you are looking for a luxury vehicle that just happens to be one of the most capable SUVs available, the Range Rover Sport is a great choice. If you want to add sports car performance, step up to the Supercharged model.

AAA Car Care Q&A


806 East Elm Street (Just off Rte. 5 beside McDonald’s)

ALL DOMESTIC & FOREIGN CARS AND TRUCKS

FREE LOANER CARS

• Commerce Insurance Preferred Glass Shop* •

• Insurance Approved, We Handle All Claims •

• New & Used Glass Available •

• Mobile Service Available •

• MA State Inspection Station - Two Bays •

MA Lic. #2772

ddddddddAAA’s Approved AutoAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA’’’’’’’’’’’’’’ssssssssssssssssssssssssssss AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppprrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrroooooooooooooooooooooooooooooovvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRepair Means QualityRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRReeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllllllllllllllllllllliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttttttttttttttttyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

AGAWAMV&F AUTO SERVICE443 Springfield Street 789-2181

AMHERSTNORTH AMHERST MOTORS*78 Sunderland Road 549-2880

GREENFIELD ART’S TIRE10 Silver Street 774-4349

HADLEYFIRESTONE TIRE AND SERVICE336 Russell Street 586-0480

HOLYOKED. E. BOURQUE & SONS1280 Dwight Street 539-2552

NORTHAMPTONACME AUTOMOTIVE*220 King Street 584-3710

FIRESTONE TIRE & SERVICE327 King Street 586-1584

PALMERJACKSON’S AUTO SALES & SERVICE1307 Park Street 289-1016

SOUTH HADLEY VERYL’S AUTOMOTIVE644 Newton Street 536-0794

SPRINGFIELDFIRESTONE TIRE & SERVICE1666 Boston Road 543-1312

LEONARD’S AUTO REPAIR288 Allen Street 785-1434

LYNDALE GARAGE, INC.87 Warehouse Street 732-3750

RICK’S AUTO BODY*375 Pasco Rd. 543-3368

WEST SPRINGFIELDSPARTAN AUTO CARE CENTER865 Memorial Avenue 739-2175

WESTFIELD BRILL’S AUTO SALES388 Southampton Road 568-9487

WILBRAHAMSPARTAN AUTO CARE CENTER2714 Boston Road 596-2479

WILLIAMSBURGCICHY’S GARAGE5 Main Street 268-7901

For a complete listing, visit AAA.com/Auto

Show your AAA Membership card before any work is done and receive:• 12 month/12,000 mile limited warranty

on repairs• Pricing within 10% of written estimate• Complimentary dispute resolution• Free Maintenance Inspections with paid services

Participating APPROVED AUTO REPAIR FACILITIES

*Approved Auto Body Facilities

Condominium master policy deductibles can be troublesome for condominium owners. It all depends on the condominium association’s bylaws. Sometimes the bylaws require the condominium association to insure com-monly owned areas and the unit owner to insure his/her individual unit. This is accom-plished by purchasing an HO-6 (unit owner policy).

“Suppose the association buys a condominium master policy to cover the com-mon areas with a $10,000 deductible and a fi re burns a clubhouse or maintenance building,” said Steve Brochu, vice president of insurance for AAA Pioneer Valley. “In the

absence of a ‘slush fund’ to pay for the deductible, the as-sociation would assess the unit owners since each unit owner has a share of the clubhouse or other common areas.”

Loss assessment coverage is included in the HO-6 in the amount of $1,000, which is the most a policy will provide. Condominium owners should consider purchasing additional loss assessment coverage to protect against paying out of pocket for property or liability claims.

You should consult with a AAA insurance account manager if you have questions about master policy deduct-ibles or any other insurance issue.

By George MorseMuch like a house needs a

foundation, a small business needs a business plan.

That’s one of the fi rst things Kasey Peters looks for when she’s working with a small busi-ness owner.

A strategy that compares expected revenue to expected expenses is an important part of the equation when weighing whether a business can afford to take on the insurance expenses it’ll need to properly protect itself, said Peters, a commercial lines account manager for AAA Pioneer Valley.

Property exposures are a common concern for small business owners. Needs vary based on whether a business owns its space or is renting, Peters said. In the case of the latter, it’s always a good idea for owners to review their lease or rental agreement to see exactly what items they’d be respon-sible for in the event of a loss – furniture and computers, for example, could potentially be costly to replace.

Liability is another coverage to consider. Businesses with a larger number of employees and a lot of foot traffi c may want to look at a larger policy compared with smaller operations that don’t have as many customers coming through the door.

Insurance

Small businesses benefi t from tailor-made policies

As a small business grows and changes, its insurance policies should adapt as well.

While some business owners address property exposures and liabilities with a package policy, Peters said there are other potentially applicable areas of coverage.

Some states, such as Mas-sachusetts, require worker’s compensation insurance, and umbrella insurance can shield business owners from claims that aren’t addressed by their primary policies.

“An umbrella policy can be very benefi cial,” Peters said.

Businesses with employee vehicles may also want to think about commercial automobile

policies, while those operating as independent contractors might be able to turn to pro-fessional liability insurance as a safeguard against errors and omissions.

And, as small businesses evolve, so too should their insurance plans.

“You want to make sure you don’t outgrow your coverage,” Peters said.

It’s typical for insurance providers to conduct an an-nual audit with owners to determine if their plans are adequately addressing their business needs.

RMV services at AAA offi ces

AAA Members can visit the West Springfi eld and Hadley offi ces for Massachusetts Reg-istry of Motor Vehicle services including license, registration and state identifi cation renewal and duplicates, replacement license plate stickers and more. The offi ces are open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.; Thursday until 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Save on tax preparation

AAA Members save up to $20 on TurboTax federal prod-ucts. Get started with Tur-boTax today and save. Visit AAA.com/Discounts.

Condominium insurance

Condomin-ium owners should make sure they know what kind of insur-ance policies their condo association holds.

Visit AAA’s senior driving website

Visit SeniorDriving.AAA.com to fi nd tools, programs and educational resources to help keep seniors behind the wheel for as long as safely possible. The site features driving evalu-ation tools, tips to improve driving skills and resources for family and friends on alterna-tive forms of transportation.


She used her AAAMembership today,although her car wasrunning fine.

She bought quality auto insurance and got a AAA Member discount.

Navigating the world of auto insurance isn’t complicated when you have AAA by your side. The same organization you trust to help with a roadside emergency can steer you toward quality providers with coverage that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Some of our partner carriers offer discounts based on your tenure as a AAA Member and as a customer with your present provider -- even if your insurance isn’t currently through AAA!

You owe it to yourself to get an auto quote from AAA Insurance. One of our knowl-edgeable agents will recommend coverage that fits your needs and make sure you get all the discounts for which you might be eligible.

It’s just one more way your AAA Membership works for you!

For a quote call, click or visit:

1-800-622-9211AAA.com/QuoteNow

Is putting money aside every chance I get the best way to build my savings?

Taking any opportunity you have to bolster your savings is certainly a good idea, though it’s always important to be working toward a goal. Knowing what you’re saving for and deciding when you want to have a certain amount put away can help you identify the best tools at your disposal to make the most of your efforts.

If you’re saving to buy a new car or home, you’ll want to know the total price you have in mind. The higher the price, the higher the down payment and, in many cases, the longer it will take to save. A high-yielding online savings account could be a good op-tion here, and you can even set it up to deposit money automati-cally through payroll deduction.

For longer-term investors, a certifi cate of deposit, more com-monly known as a CD, is a good choice. CDs offer a set return based on the length of the investment. Typically, the longer the

deposit, the greater the interest rate, so knowing when you hope to reach your savings goal can help you select a CD that will provide the greatest return.

Planning an age for retirement can be helpful, too: The less time you have before your target, the more aggressive you’ll need to be with your fi nancial plan, such as taking advantage of 401(k) catch-up provisions, if possible.

making changewith AAA fi nancial services

By George MorseFebruary is a popular month

for drivers to invest in a new vehicle, and with good reason: Presidents Day weekend is typically loaded with advertise-ments for limited-time sales events.

But for many drivers, picking out a new ride is only half of the car-buying equation. The other half: Selling your current car, truck, minivan or SUV.

Everyone wants to get the most from the sale of a vehicle, but it can be diffi cult to know exactly what to ask. AAA offers these tips for fi guring out what your car is worth:

• There are a few tools online that will help give you a baseline on your vehicle’s value. Kelley Blue Book’s website offers rough estimates based on year, make, model, optional features, condition, and whether you are planning to sell to a dealership or a private party, among other factors. The National Automo-bile Dealers Association, also known as NADA, offers a similar tool. You might not get the

price quoted by either resource, but it’s a helpful step in deter-mining a price range.

• Checking with local dealer-ships or online car shopping sites to gauge what similar ve-hicles are selling for is another good idea. Different vehicles and features are worth more in different regions. A four-wheel-drive truck, for example, might be more valuable in a rural area than an urban environ-ment. The time of year you’re selling can affect the value, too – convertibles, for example, don’t hold much appeal during

winter in the Northeast. • If you’re planning to trade-

in at a dealer, contact a few locations. Though many use similar services to determine values, they have different customers. Finding a salesper-son with a customer looking for something like what you’re sell-ing could mean a better price.

• Research will help you to know if an offer is in line with what others are paying.

• Ensuring your vehicle is clean can help your price. Proper maintenance is also valuable.

Automotive

Make sure you get the right price when selling your current vehicle

Doing some online re-search and contacting local deal-erships can help you get a better deal when selling your car.

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.

Surprised? You’re not alone.

*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 credit worthiness. Above rates reflect a .50% discount for borrowing less than 80% of the vehicle’s value. Rates may not be available in all areas. No down payment required for qualified applicants. FIN.15522.15_PV

New & used 2009–2016 models for 60 monthsBorrowing at 2.19% APR for 60 months results in payments of

$17.61 per $1,000 borrowed*

Rates as low as APR

For the latest rates or other low rates and terms, call 1-888-222-9415 or visit AAA.com.

New & used 2009–2016 models up to 48 monthsBorrowing at 1.94% APR for 36 months results in payments of

$21.66 per $1,000 borrowed*

Rates as low as APR

1.94%

2.19%


Save more in 2016

1.20% APY2

12-Month CD

as of 12/8/15

· No minimum opening deposit

· FDIC insurance to the

maximum allowed by law

· Online and mobile account

management

1-800-347-7056 or AAA.com/DepositsUse Invitation Code: AAACDA116

Among the best savings and money market rates.

— MoneyRates.com2Q 20154

Discover Bank

Open a high-yield, low-risk AAA CD from Discover Bank and save

more with a Top Tier1 rate, plus preferred member rates on 12-, 24-

or 60-month CDs.

1Discover received a “Top Tier” ranking in one or more deposit product categories during 3Q 2014. See www.bankrate.com/brm/rate/ranking.asp for complete details.2Annual Percentage Yield (APY). Applies to personal accounts only. Advertised CD rate is accurate as of 12/8/15 and subject to change daily without notice. Rate applies to a 12-month term. A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal. Fees could reduce the earnings on the account.3National CD Average APYs based on rates of top 50 U.S. banks (ranked by total deposits) provided by Informa Research Services, Inc. as of 12/8/15.4According to MoneyRates.com 2Q 2015 survey of 100 traditional and online banks. Deposit accounts offered by Discover Bank, Member FDIC.©2016 Discover Bank

Discover 12-Month CD2

0.25% APY3

1.20% APY2

National Average 12-Month CD3

AAA has a great student lending program.

Call or visit today!1-888-222-9413AAA.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 refi nance loans are made by Citizens Bank. See rates and fees at http://www.southernnewengland.aaa.com/fi nancial/fi nancial-aid-center/college-planning 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.15523.15_PV

When it comes to fi nding answers to your student loan questions, the AAA Student Lending Program is here for you. Our refi nance and consolidation loans will reduce loan payments after you have graduated while our private loan product provides competitive rates if you need help paying tuition and expenses.

The AAA Student Lending Program also provides: • Trusted advisors to guide you • Assistance fi lling out the FAFSA forms • Informational webinars • Help fi nding the right loan for you

We have the answer!

These are the top fi ve ques-tions to ask before buying an extended warranty or vehicle service agreement for your automobile.

1. What is the likelihood that my vehicle will break down over the next four to fi ve years?

Most vehicles will have the least amount of repairs in the fi rst 50,000 miles of owner-ship. The cost for mainte-nance and repairs is low; about 3 to 6 cents per mile depending on the model, the driver and the roads it travels. How well a car was main-tained helps determine how well it will perform in the future, but even well-main-tained cars will break down eventually. If you don’t know a car’s repair history or have reason to believe it may not have been well-maintained, then protecting yourself from potential problems may be a smart move. AAA offers four vehicle extended service plans, including an exclusion-ary level for vehicles with

fewer than 80,000 odometer miles.

2. What is the best way for me to pay for extended protection?

Sometimes you can buy an extended plan when you buy a car. This can mean higher monthly payments but it also stretches out the payments over the life of the loan. Most companies also offer a pay-ment plan option, where your coverage starts within 30 days of purchase and extends for some years or miles past the point when it is paid off. You can also buy month-to-month coverage; however, if you miss a payment your protection stops or you might need to make up a payment before a claim is considered. AAA has a variety of payment options for its vehicle extended service plans.

3. What levels of cover-age are available for my vehicle and which one should I buy?

Always buy the best level of coverage available for your

vehicle that is competitively priced. Nobody ever com-plains about having too much coverage, only too little. Try-ing to save a couple hundred bucks over a four-to fi ve-year period by buying down in coverage means you increase your risk of having to pay for more repairs that will not be covered. AAA’s extended service plans provide varying levels of protection designed for vehicles up to 20 years old and with 1 up to 175,000 miles on the odometer.

4. Can I have a copy of the agreement to review in advance of purchase?

There are only two reasons a company would not pro-vide you a copy in advance of purchase.

They don’t have a copy or can’t answer questions about it, or they don’t want you to see a copy until you buy it.

AAA helped design the four agreements offered to our members, which in-clude special provisions. We encourage members to get a

sample quote with an agree-ment in advance (good for 14 days), to read it and prepare a list of questions or con-cerns about any aspect of the agreement. We will address your questions and concerns before you pay a cent.

5. Is the agreement in-sured and is this company I’m buying it from likely to still be around in the future?

It is relatively easy to set

up a business to sell vehicle service agreements in most states. Save yourself the risk by using only companies with at least 10 years of busi-ness experience. AAA offers fully insured vehicle extended service plans with an under-writer A-rated by A.M. Best Company and an administra-tor with more than 20 years of experience.

For more information, visit AAA.com/Warranty.

Financing

Top fi ve questions to ask when choosing an extended warranty

Extended warranties come in all shapes and sizes.

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