AAA PIONEER VALLEY APRIL 2015 Vol. 33, Issue 4 this month On the cover: A hot air balloon drifts over Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. Major fun at the minors Minor league sports are plentiful in our area and can be a perfect spot for a reasonably priced family outing. In our April 10 TripTiks feature story on page 13, read about some of the options within a day’s drive. At right, MCU Park, where the Brooklyn Cyclones play, has amusement park rides in the background. Like many clubs, the Single-A affiliate of the New York Mets presents fireworks displays as part of the entertainment. These venues often have other notable regional at- tractions to visit in the same area. From Portland, Maine, to Reading, Pa., and many stops in between, find plenty of sporting action. 10 TripTiks More people than ever spent time in our national parks last year, setting an all-time record at 292.8 million visitors. That number could keep growing over the next two years as the U.S. National Park Service celebrates its centennial. Presi- dent Obama has also announced that fourth-graders and their families will get free admission to the parks for a year beginning with the upcoming school year this fall through the Every Kid in a Park program. A trip to any of our U.S. national parks is always an adventure. Read about one of these special journeys on page 7. TOP 10 MOST VISITED U.S. NATIONAL PARKS IN 2014 1. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, North Carolina...................... 10.1 million 2. Grand Canyon, Arizona.......................................................................... 4.76 million 3. Yosemite, California ...............................................................................3.88 million 4. Yellowstone, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho ............................................. 3.51 million 5. Rocky Mountain, Colorado ..................................................................3.43 million 6. Olympic, Washington ............................................................................. 3.24 million 7. Zion, Utah .................................................................................................. 3.2 million 8. Grand Teton, Wyoming .........................................................................2.79 million 9. Acadia, Maine .........................................................................................2.56 million 10. Glacier, Montana..................................................................................2.34 million Source: National Park Service Visitors hike along the Virgin River in The Narrows at Zion National Park. CELEBRATING OUR NATIONAL PARKS It’s easy to carry your AAA card on your phone Tell us your savings story Have you saved money with your AAA Membership? Tell us your AAA savings story and we’ll tell other AAA Times readers. Every issue, a story will be se- lected randomly and will be published in the next issue of AAA Times. If your story is published, you’ll win a one- year membership renewal! For more information, visit AAA.com/Promo. Learn about college funding AAA hosts a variety of free student financial aid webinars. To learn more about College Funding Op- tions, call 1-877-888-8609 or visit AAA.com/Register. Talk planned on cruising in Norway Head to the AAA Hadley office April 14 at 6:30 p.m. for a free presentation on cruising in Norway with Hurtigruten. To RSVP, call 1-800-622-9211, or visit AAA.com/TravelEvents. Class geared to older drivers A class in AAA’s Mature Operator Program, which is geared toward older drivers, is being held April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the AAA Springfield office. To register, visit AAA.com/DrivingSchool. AAA Driving School in April Sign up now for accelerated one- week driver’s ed classes held during April school vacation in AAA’s Hadley, Springfield and West Springfield of- fices. Visit AAA.com/Driving School or call 1-800-622-9211 to register. AAA offers RMV services AAA Members can visit the West Springfield office for expanded Mas- sachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicle services including license, registration and state ID renewals and duplicates, replacement license plate stickers and more. Visit AAA.com/RMV for a complete list of services. Join the AAA Solo Travelers Club Do you love to travel but don’t have a travel partner? Join the AAA Solo Travelers Club! For more informa- tion, call 1-800-622-9211 or visit AAA.com/Solo. You don’t have to reach for your wallet to take advantage of AAA Mem- bership benefits. You can reach for your smart- phone. Digital membership cards are now available through the AAA Mobile app. The cards work similarly to traditional, plastic mem- bership cards, and getting the tool set up on your smartphone is quick and easy. • On Apple iPhones, click on the App Store; on Android devices, click on the Google Play store. Search for the AAA Mobile app, then download it. • Once the download is complete, locate the AAA icon on your phone and click to open. Check the terms and conditions box and press con- tinue. You may be prompted for a zip code. • Enter your membership number and click continue again. • On iPhones, you’ll see a AAA Membership card icon in the up- per right-hand corner. On Android devices, it’s on a tab called “My AAA Card.” (See above). For Apple users, the card can be added to Passbook by clicking the Add to Passbook link, then clicking “add” in the upper right-hand corner. Return to your smartphone’s home screen and open Passbook. The back of the card (accessible by clicking the “i” in the lower right- hand corner) has a number for roadside assistance and an option to enable or disable automatic updates. You’ll also find the phone number and hours of your local AAA branch if you’ve enabled location services. For details, visit AAA.com/Mobile. Android AAA card button. Brooklyn Cyclones
Transcript
AAA PIONEER VALLEY
APRIL 2015Vol. 33, Issue 4
this month
On the cover: A hot air balloon drifts over Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah.
Major fun at the minorsMinor league sports are plentiful in our area and can
be a perfect spot for a reasonably priced family outing. In our April 10 TripTiks feature story on page 13, read about some of the options within a day’s drive.
At right, MCU Park, where the Brooklyn Cyclones play, has amusement park rides in the background. Like many clubs, the Single-A affi liate of the New York Mets presents fi reworks displays as part of the entertainment.
These venues often have other notable regional at-tractions to visit in the same area.
From Portland, Maine, to Reading, Pa., and many stops in between, fi nd plenty of sporting action.
10 TripTiks
More people than ever spent time in our national parks last year, setting an all-time record at 292.8 million visitors. That number could keep growing over the next two years as the U.S. National Park Service celebrates its centennial. Presi-dent Obama has also announced that fourth-graders and their families will get free admission to the parks for a year beginning with the upcoming school year this fall through the Every Kid in a Park program. A trip to any of our U.S. national parks is always an adventure. Read about one of these special journeys on page 7.
TOP 10 MOST VISITED U.S. NATIONAL PARKS IN 2014
1. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, North Carolina ......................10.1 million2. Grand Canyon, Arizona ..........................................................................4.76 million3. Yosemite, California ...............................................................................3.88 million4. Yellowstone, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho .............................................3.51 million5. Rocky Mountain, Colorado ..................................................................3.43 million6. Olympic, Washington .............................................................................3.24 million7. Zion, Utah ..................................................................................................3.2 million8. Grand Teton, Wyoming .........................................................................2.79 million9. Acadia, Maine .........................................................................................2.56 million10. Glacier, Montana ..................................................................................2.34 million
Source: National Park Service
Visitors hike along the Virgin River in The Narrows at Zion National Park.
CELEBRATING OUR NATIONAL PARKS
It’s easy to carry your AAA card on your phone
Tell us your savings story Have you saved money with your AAA Membership? Tell us your AAA savings story and we’ll tell other AAA Times readers. Every issue, a story will be se-lected randomly and will be published in the next issue of AAA Times. If your story is published, you’ll win a one-year membership renewal! For more information, visit AAA.com/Promo.
Learn about college fundingAAA hosts a variety of free student fi nancial aid webinars. To learn more about College Funding Op-tions, call 1-877-888-8609 or visit AAA.com/Register.
Talk planned on cruising in NorwayHead to the AAA Hadley offi ce April 14 at 6:30 p.m. for a free presentation on cruising in Norway with Hurtigruten. To RSVP, call 1-800-622-9211, or visit AAA.com/TravelEvents.
Class geared to older driversA class in AAA’s Mature Operator Program, which is geared toward older drivers, is being held April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the AAA Springfi eld offi ce. To register, visit AAA.com/DrivingSchool.
AAA Driving School in AprilSign up now for accelerated one-week driver’s ed classes held during April school vacation in AAA’s Hadley, Springfi eld and West Springfi eld of-fi ces. Visit AAA.com/Driving School or call 1-800-622-9211 to register.
AAA offers RMV servicesAAA Members can visit the West Springfi eld offi ce for expanded Mas-sachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicle services including license, registration and state ID renewals and duplicates, replacement license plate stickers and more. Visit AAA.com/RMV for a complete list of services.
Join the AAA Solo Travelers ClubDo you love to travel but don’t have a travel partner? Join the AAA Solo Travelers Club! For more informa-tion, call 1-800-622-9211 or visit AAA.com/Solo.
You don’t have to reach for your wallet to take advantag e of AAA Mem-bership benefi ts.
You can reach for your smart-phone.
Digital membership cards are now available through the AAA Mobile app. The cards work similarly to traditional, plastic mem-bership cards, and getting the tool set up on your smartphone is quick and easy.
• On Apple iPhones, click on the App Store; on Android devices, click on the Google Play store. Search for the AAA Mobile app, then download it.
• Once the download is complete, locate the AAA icon on your phone and click to open. Check the terms and conditions box and press con-tinue. You may be prompted for a zip code.
• Enter your membership number and click continue again.
• On iPhones, you’ll see a AAA Membership card icon in the up-per right-hand corner. On Android devices, it’s on a tab called “My AAA Card.” (See above).
For Apple users, the card can be added to Passbook by clicking the Add to Passbook link, then clicking “add” in the upper right-hand corner. Return to your smartphone’s home screen and open Passbook.
The back of the card (accessible by clicking the “i” in the lower right-hand corner) has a number for roadside assistance and an option to enable or disable automatic updates.
You’ll also fi nd the phone number and hours of your local AAA branch if you’ve enabled location services.
For details, visit AAA.com/Mobile.
Android AAA card button.
Brooklyn Cyclones
2 AAA PIONEER VALLEY | APRIL 2015
For seven years, the AAA Foundation for Traffi c Safety has taken on the task of trying to better understand us – Ameri-can drivers – by measuring our attitudes and behaviors that affect our decision-making behind the wheel. The fi nished product is the annual Traffi c Safety Culture Index.
The profi le makes for interesting reading as it identifi es the concerns drivers have, and shows the way American drivers view various (safe and unsafe) everyday driving situations. But there seems to be one constant that runs through each year’s results: “Do as I say, not as I do.” This year is no different.
Look at the results of a survey of American drivers.Red light running: More than a third (36 percent) of driv-
ers admit to running red lights, yet 55 percent say it is a very serious threat and 73 percent say it is completely unaccept-able.
Speeding (10+ mph) on residential streets: Nearly half of drivers (44 percent) report they speed, yet 65 percent say it is completely unacceptable.
Drowsy driving: About three in 10 drivers (29 percent) admitted to driving when they’re so sleepy they have trouble keeping their eyes open, yet 45 percent call it a serious threat and 81 percent say it is completely unacceptable.
Texting/emailing: More than a quarter (27 percent) of drivers report typing or sending a text or email while driving,
yet 79 percent of drivers say it is a very serious threat to safety and 84 percent call it completely unacceptable.
It’s disappointing when we continue to see that a large number of motorists recognize the risks of certain behaviors but do them anyway. Add in the fact that one in fi ve drivers has been involved in a serious crash, and it’s obvious we still have work to do to enhance the safety culture in our society.
The traffi c safety survey also provided some insight into a subject that has gained a great deal of attention from AAA – cognitive distraction. Two out of three drivers believe the use of hands-free cellphones is acceptable, and nearly half of drivers who use in-vehicle speech-based systems don’t believe those systems are at all distracting. Extensive research has shown the op-posite to be true.
Where do we go from here? We know that changing driver behavior can be more challenging than build-ing safer cars and safer roadways. Enhancing the safety culture begins with each of us. The fact that drivers clearly recognize dangerous behavior, even if they don’t always practice what they preach, is a good start.
AAA Times is published ten times a year by AAA Pioneer Valley, 150 Capital Drive, W. Springfield, MA
01089 (USPS 002-740). Subscrip-tion rate: 50 cents per annum with
Periodicals Postage Paid at W. Springfield, MA and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send
address correction changes toAAA Pioneer Valley, 150 Capital Dr.,
West Springfield, MA 01089.
APRIL 2015 | AAA PIONEER VALLEY 3
N. Sheard, of Gill, AAA Premier Member since 2010I am a Premier AAA Member. While traveling to mid-coast
Maine from western Massachusetts, our van’s transmission failed right at the fi rst Maine toll booth. We had purchased an extended warranty on the van so I wanted it towed back to the dealer we bought it from in Keene N.H. I called AAA, and the tow truck came within a half-hour. The van was towed to Keene, and it didn’t cost me a penny. I’m so glad I purchased the Premier Membership. It is well worth the price and I will remain a AAA Premier Member from now on.
M. Gay, of Westfi eld, AAA Plus Member since 1990I have been a AAA Plus Member since 1990. Over the years I have mainly used AAA for fl at tires
and charging or replacing my battery. I will never forget the day I was with a friend who closed and locked her car door with the car still running. Using my membership, I called AAA and they came to our rescue.
Campion encouraged those visiting the renovated library to see the Commonwealth Museum and the newly opened Edward M. Kennedy Institute that neighbor the library on Columbia Point, in the Dorchester section of Boston.
“You could go to D.C. and spend a lot of time in lines, or you could come to Columbia Point and see all three muse-ums for 300 years of Ameri-can history,” Campion said.
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By Heather KittAfter undergoing major
technological and design upgrades, the main galleries of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston are once again open to the public, resulting in what JFK Library Foundation CEO Heather Campion describes as “an entirely new experi-ence.”
Library renovations in-clude the addition of 90- to 100-inch digital projection systems in every gallery, pro-viding guests with the oppor-tunity to immerse themselves in fi lms about President Kennedy’s legacy.
“Most people have seen President Kennedy’s most fa-mous speeches, but those are on old and scratchy fi lms,” Campion said. “Our library fi lms are enhanced both for better sound and for better visuals.”
Previously, the library’s only fi lm was of Kennedy’s
inaugural address. Now, fi lms on display include the fi rst televised presidential debate, the famous “Moon” speech, a tour of the White House by Jacqueline Bouvier Ken-nedy and more. These fi lms were restored and enhanced through an in-kind gift from Deluxe Entertainment Services Group, a Hollywood fi lm company that special-izes in fi lm preservation and digitization.
In addition, new interac-tive units are now placed throughout the museum.
“Like so many other muse-ums, there is so much we’re unable to share [due to lim-ited space],” Campion said.
To combat this, much of the library’s collections that are not on display have been included in the new interac-tive units. Guests are able to learn more about some things that they’re interested in, such as Jackie Kennedy’s dresses, and save them for later viewing at home.
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is in the Dorchester area of Boston, at Columbia Point.
MEMBERS SAVEAAA Members can save
$2 on adult admission to the JFK Library by showing their AAA cards at the door.
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Tanger® OutletsWrentham Village Premium OutletsYankee Mattress FactoryYawkey Way Store
Personal ServicesAAA Driving School AAA Prescription SavingsHealthtrax Fitness & WellnessLensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, Target OpticalConnect Hearing
WirelessAffinity CellulariDroppedSprint
DiningCheer’s Boston / Sam’s CafeHard Rock Cafe®
Landry’s® Seafood House The Crab House,Aquarium Restaurants® Chart House®, Muer Seafood Restaurants®, Saltgrass Steak House®
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All offers are subject to change without notice. Not responsible for typographical errors. Discounts and requirements vary, visit AAA.com/discounts for complete offers, restrictions and exclusions. *Discounts only available through AAA.com/discounts.
SAVINGS ON YOUR FAVORITE BRANDSEntertainment & AttractionsBasketball Hall of FameBerkshire East Ski AreaBlue Man Group BostonBlue Man Group UniversalBoston BruinsBronx ZooChildren’s Museum at HolyokeCityStage & Symphony HallCoCo Key Water Resort - Waterbury, CTConnecticut’s Beardsley ZooEcoTariumEric Carle Museum of Picture Book ArtHistoric DeerfieldInternational Tennis Hall of FameMystic Seaport The Museum of America & The SeaNew Century TheatreNew England Air MuseumNew England Mutiny SoccerNew England RevolutionNew York AquariumProfessional River RunnersRoger Williams Park ZooBusch Gardens®, Sesame Place®, Adventure Island®, Water Country USA®.Six Flags®
Southwick’s ZooSpringfield MuseumsThe Hall at Patriot PlaceUniversal Orlando & HollywoodUrban AdventoursWachusett MountainWestern Mass. Pioneers
TravelAMTRAK®
Executive Valet ParkingGrand Canyon Railway ElMonte RVHertz®, Dollar®, Thrifty®
Hy-Line Cruises Luggage ForwardRoncari Express Valet ParkingThe Parking Spot
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APRIL 2015 | AAA PIONEER VALLEY 5
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your checked bag.$599
AAA Pet BookYour guide for AAA Approved pet-friendly hotels, campgrounds, and restaurants.$1095
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, April 15 • 6:30 pm
New partnerHistoric Deerfi eld Inc.,
founded in 1952, is an outdoor museum that focuses on the history and culture of the Con-necticut River Valley and early New England. It offers lodging and dining at the 19th-century Deerfi eld Inn and Champney’s Restaurant & Tavern, and the museum gift shop and bookstore offers a variety of American crafts, jewelry and reproductions, as well as souvenirs, books, and old-fashioned toys. AAA Members get $2.25 off an adult ticket and 50 cents off a child ticket by showing their cards upon admis-sion.
Amtrak discountAmtrak will double its AAA dis-
count on select trains for travel between April 22 and June 12. Up to two children are eligible to ride half-price with each adult. Visit AAA.com/Amtrak.
Pay less at PaylessThis spring, fi nd yourself in
a pair of new shoes, running sneakers, rain boots or sandals from Payless ShoeSource. AAA Members save 25 percent off regularly priced merchandise from April 5 to 18 at AAA.com/Discounts.
Universal OrlandoMembers save on tickets,
merchandise and participating food and beverage locations with their AAA card. Visit AAA.com/Discounts for more details.
Need new tires?Save 5 percent off tire and
wheel purchases at participat-ing Western Massachusetts locations. Customers will enjoy: guaranteed low prices, 30-day test drives, road hazard guaran-tee, free front-wheel alignments, nationwide warranty and more. Visit AAA.com/Discounts.
See a showSee touring Broadway musi-
cals, concerts and an educational series at Symphony Hall and off-Broadway musicals and comedies at CityStage. Members save 10 percent off individual tickets (some restrictions apply). Offer available by calling 413-788-7033 or in person at the box offi ce by using discount code AAA. Visit AAA.com/Discounts.
Spring break funStep, climb or crawl your way
into a world of imagination and play at the Children’s Museum at Holyoke this spring break. AAA Members save $1 off admission. Visit AAA.com/Discounts.
* Rare book show-and-tellVisit UMass Amherst to see some highlights of the Renais-sance Center’s extensive rare book collection, presented by curator David Katz. Refreshments co-sponsored by the Amherst Woman’s Club: April 15, 4-5 p.m. Free. Visit www.umass.edu/events/rare-book-show-and-tell-david-katz.
* Best of Valley Voices Story SlamVisit the Academy of Music in Northampton to see the win-ners of previous StorySlams, an entertaining competition that encourages storytellers to focus on what they say and how, without notes or props: April 18, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets: $10. Visit www.academyofmusictheatre.com.
* Jazz ensemblesJoin the Jazz Ensembles of Mount Holyoke College at Mc-Culloch Auditorium in South Hadley as they celebrate their 15th anniversary with favorite tunes from past performances: April 24, 7:30 p.m. Free. Visit www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/music/calendar_spring.
things to do for $15 or lessget out!
By Leslie L., of Springfi eldAAA Member since 2002
I just wanted to write a quick note of thanks regarding one of your emergency road service technicians. I have been having trouble with my car battery dying every four to six months for the last two years. I have a 2005 Kia Sorento, and once the original battery died, I purchased a new replacement battery from a local garage here in Springfi eld.
Everything was fi ne for the fi rst four to six months, then, dead battery. Another four to six months goes by – repeat. Mystery as to why it has died in the fi rst place. No solution. I’ve called AAA each time for a jump with the same outcome. Re-charge battery – test battery – battery is fi ne. Another four to six months go by - repeat.
Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015 – dead battery. I called AAA and the technician, Peter, arrived in re-cord time. I mentioned to him how frustrated I am with my
battery dying like clockwork every four to six months. Pe-ter goes about charging the battery and lets me know 20 minutes later that the battery is testing fi ne, as usual. He then mentions that he noticed that I have the wrong “type” of battery. He mentions that I should probably have an Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Battery. I’ve never heard of this type of battery. He goes on to explain that the battery I have is not powerful enough to run my car “continually.” It is fi ne for a while, but it slowly drains over time and dies because it is not powerful enough to run my car. This made perfect sense! Why neither the garage I bought the battery from nor my dealership (where I have my car serviced) didn’t pick up on this, I’ll never know. I was able to exchange my current battery for the “correct” battery. I’m very appreciative of the above-average service I received from Peter.
Member more than satisfi ed with AAA battery service
discounts bulletin
6 AAA PIONEER VALLEY | APRIL 2015
ONE-DAY TOURS*
May 16 - Bronx Zoo...............................................................$85Admission to the Bronx Zoo including zoo shuttle, monorail, children’s zoo, world of reptiles and congo gorilla forest ($79 child 3-12 years)May 30 - West Point Military Academy............................$138U.S. Military Academy Cadet Review viewing; lunch at Hotel Thayer; tourJun. 14 - Exploring the Hudson..........................................$120Guided walking tour over the Hudson; lunch; 2-hour narrated cruiseJun. 29 - Mormon Tab. Choir/Saratoga Perf. Arts. .........$152Dinner at the Desmond Hotel; reserved orchestra seatsJul. 11 - Block Island Breeze..............................................$129Ferry from Pt. Judith, RI; lunch at the National Hotel; guided tourAug. 15 - Gloucester Lobster Cruise..................................$109Lobster buffet lunch aboard the Beauport Princess; free time in RockportSep. 12 - Hampton Beach Seafood Fest..............................$72Sample the flavors of the seacoast at New England’s largest seaside festival Oct. 10 - Oktoberfest & Fall Foliage.......................................$124Enjoy lunch at The East Side Restaurant followed by a scenic ride on the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat Nov. 8 - Goodspeed Opera House.........................................$175Enjoy lunch at Oliver’s Tavern followed by “The Honeymooners” show
MULTI-DAY ESCORTED TOURS*May 31-Jun. 1 - 2-Day NYC 9/11 Memorial Tour..............$389Overnight at the Hampton Inn Riverwalk, Newark; NYC sightseeing tour; dinner at the Chart House; breakfast at hotel; Statue of Liberty Ferry; Ellis Island Imigra-tion Monument; Statue of Liberty; Ground Zero 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Jun. 9-11 3-Day Boston Red Sox in Baltimore Tour.........$5492 nights at the Holiday Inn Suites Hotel; 2 full breakfasts; sightseeing tours in Washington and Baltimore; tickets to 2 Boston Red Sox/Baltimore Orioles baseball games; Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor
Jun. 25-27 - 3-Day “Joseph” & Kutztown Folk Festival...$4792 nights at the Crowne Plaza, Reading, PA; Sands Casino; wine & cheese recep-tion, dinner & show at hotel; ‘Chalk Talk’ presentation; “Joseph” at theMillennium Theater with dinner; Kutztown Folk Festival; 2 breakfasts at hotel
Jul. 3-9 - 7-Day Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island...$16951 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
Aug. 5-6 - 2-Day Saratoga Races & Lake George............$369Overnight at the elegant Queensbury Hotel; welcome reception; Prospect Mountain scenic ride; twilight dinner cruise on Lake George; full breakfast at hotel; visit N.Y. State Museum in Albany; Saratoga sightseeing with a private guide; reserved Grandstand seating at the Saratoga Race Track
Aug. 26-28 - 3-Day Coast of Maine...................................$5492 nights at the Cedar Crest, Camden; wine & cheese reception; guided trolley tour through Acadia National Park; Boothbay Harbor cruise; The Maine Prison Store, Thomaston; 2 breakfasts; 2 dinners (lobster)
Sep. 13-15 - 3-Day Cape Cod & Nantucket Islands.............$5792 nights at the Conference Center of Hyannis; guided outer cape & Province-town tour; lobster dinner at the Riverway in Bass River; Hy-Line fast ferry to Nantucket; sightseeing tour on Nantucket; admission to Heritage Plantation in Sandwich; lunch at Lindsey’s Restaurant in Wareham; 2 breakfasts
Oct. 9-12 - 4-Day Washington & Annapolis Tour...............$6953 nights at the Rosslyn Holiday Inn; guided tours of Washington, D.C.; twilight tour of the Monuments; tram tour at Arlington National Cemetery; guided tour of U.S. Naval Academy 3 breakfasts; 3 dinners
Oct. 18-24 - 7-Day Myrtle Beach & Charleston Tour........$11292 nights in Fredericksburg, VA; 4 nights and 3 shows in Myrtle Beach; visit Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing; sightseeing tour of Charleston; 6 breakfasts; 4 dinners
Nov. 16-18 - 3-Day Miracle of Christmas.............................$4992 nights at the Crowne Plaza, Reading, PA; Sands Casino; wine & cheese reception, dinner & show at hotel; ‘Chalk Talk’ presentation; “Miracle of Christmas” at the Millennium Theater with dinner; American Treasure Tour; lunch; 2 breakfasts
Dec. 4-7 - 4-Day Niagara Falls Festival of Lights...............$6493 nights at the Courtyard Marriott; dinner at Betty’s Restaurant and atop Skylon Tower; guided sightseeing; Niagara on the Lake shopping; Ontario Butterfly Conservatory; lunch and wine tasting at Finger Lakes Winery; Duty Free shopping; 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
2015 Motorcoach ToursBook Early - Space is Limited! For tour details, visit
AAA.com/Travel or call 1-800-622-9211
*one-day tour prices are per person; multi-day tour prices based on double occupancy; prices and dates subject to change
By George MorseWhat’s the fi rst thing that
comes to mind when you think of Miami Beach?
If you said the sun, sand and beautiful people of South Beach, or SoBe, you’re not alone.
But that is far from every-thing the area has to offer.
Together, Miami and Miami Beach (two different cities) and the surrounding area offer a diverse mix of recreation and culture, lively nightlife and bountiful shopping.
“Depending upon your interest and who you’re travel-ing with – friends, families, couples – there is something for everybody,” said John Finkle, a travel counselor in AAA’s West Caldwell, N.J., branch.
In terms of culture, the area provides both volume and variety. The annual Art Basel Miami Beach showcases modern and contemporary art from more than 250 galleries worldwide.
The Wynwood Arts District, in Miami, has been transformed from a former warehouse zone to a neighborhood replete with
art galleries and antique stores. Check out spots such as Wyn-wood Walls, an outdoor exhibit dedicated to street art.
The Art Deco District of Miami Beach has hundreds of historic and eye-catching struc-tures that are on the National Register of Historic Places.
To experience Miami’s His-panic culture, venture to Little Havana and stroll down Calle Ocho where you’ll fi nd restau-rants and coffee shops. You may even catch a game of dominos at Maximo Gomez Park, also known as Domino Park.
For a look into the past, tour Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
, an opulent early 20th-century mansion surrounded by elaborate gardens.
For those visiting the locale with children, Miami and Miami Beach have a slate of options for family fun.
Zoo Miami offers a look at more than 2,000 animals. Guests can even feed a giraffe and an Indian rhinoceros.
For a look around by land and sea, hop aboard an amphibious vehicle with Duck Tours-South
Beach. The ride includes a splashdown into Biscayne Bay for sights such as Star Island, home to many celebrity man-sions.
Miami Seaquarium has interesting presentations and experiences. Swim with seals, encounter a dolphin or strap on a dive helmet and walk through a 300,000-gallon tropical reef.
Jungle Island , the Miami Children’s Museum and the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science are other kid-friendly options.
For shopping, the area can meet and exceed your expecta-tions – easily.
Start by visiting Lincoln Road. It is pedestrian-friendly with a variety of stores, restau-rants, cafes and unique local architecture. You don’t see a parking garage like 1111 Lin-coln Road every day, either. It was designed by internationally known Swiss architects.
If you have an interest in furniture or interior design, check the Miami Design District nestled between Northeast 2nd and Miami avenues.
Miami’s Coral Gables neigh-borhood and its Miracle Mile offer more than 200 retailers and 70 restaurants, while the Collins Avenue Fashion District of Miami Beach is a great spot for browsing everything from dresses to footwear.
Aside from shopping, the out-doors (of course) is one of South Florida’s biggest draws.
Everglades National Park is a short trip from Miami. Its 1.5 million acres house 14 endangered species, and it’s the only subtropical preserve on the North American continent.
The waters off Miami and
Miami Beach also offer some of the world’s largest artifi cial reefs. Scuba divers will fi nd an assortment of sunken treasures ranging from tugboats to sailing vessels.
Boaters have ample opportu-nity to enjoy the coastline above water, and the area has long hosted the Miami International Boat Show featuring thousands of boats from around the globe.
And, along with South Beach, travelers can unwind at Key Biscayne beaches such as Cran-don Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
Miami
Art, culture and everything else
Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau / MiamiandBeaches.com
Wynwood Walls in Miami is an outdoor art exhibit open to the public free of charge.
APRIL 2015 | AAA PIONEER VALLEY 7
For more information, call or visit your nearest AAA Travel Agent today. | 1.800.622.9211 | AAA.com/travel * Rate is land only, per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply; call for details. CST# 2006766-20 UBN# 601220855 Nevada Seller of Travel Registration No. 2003-0279
National Parks of America12 Days · 16 Meals · starting at $3,199* AAA Members save $25 per person!
Highlights: Scottsdale, Lake Powell, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Salt Lake City, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Old Faithful, Sheridan, Bighorn Mountains, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument
AAA Vacations® Complimentary Inclusion: Receive a $75 credit to use toward the optional tour of your choice. If you purchase 2 or more optional tours you will receive a $100 credit.
discover america’s treasuresgreatest
By Karen O’BrienThe U.S. National Park
Service celebrates its centen-nial in 2016, and will mark that milestone with a series of events beginning this year. A campaign called “Find Your Park” is being introduced to invite a new gen-eration of Americans to discover our great national park system for themselves. For more on the effort, visit www.nps.gov/2016.
Plans for the centennial cel-ebration prompted me to refl ect on a fabulous trip my husband and I took more than a decade ago with our two young teen boys and three other families.
We began our journey in Las Vegas, an easy fl ight from the East Coast. This starting point also set up an interesting di-chotomy as we set out: the glitz, glamour and reproductions (we had a view of a scaled-down Eiffel Tower from our hotel window) of The Strip against the elegance and splendor of nature in its glory. We enjoyed both, perhaps more so for the inherent contrast.
From Nevada, we drove to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
in Arizona, then we headed to Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area , which straddle the
FEE-FREE DAYS IN 2015April 18-19: Opening weekend of National Park WeekAug. 25: National Park Service BirthdaySept. 26: National Public Lands DayNov. 11: Veterans DayNote that parks will be more crowded than usual on these days.
No fees were charged earlier this year on Jan. 19 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Feb. 14-16 for Presidents Day weekend.
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL ANNUAL PASSThis pass costs $80 and covers admission for a year from the
month of purchase to more than 2,000 national parks and federally operated recreation sites across the country. An annual pass is free for members of the U.S. military and their dependents. For details, visit www.nps.gov/fi ndapark/passes.htm.
border of Arizona and Utah. After that, we moved on to Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks, both in Utah. From Zion, we drove back to Vegas.
The trip made for a simple loop that awed us with incred-ible scenery not only at the parks themselves, but also along the way.
As we struck out from Vegas to the North Rim, one of our sons set aside his Nintendo Game Boy on the back seat and remarked: “You don’t even need to play video games, you can just look out the window.” My husband and I exchanged a glance, jaws on our laps.
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon – less accessible and with a shorter season than the South Rim – draws only 10 per-cent of the park’s visitors. The scenery is just as spectacular, but it’s open only from May 15 to Oct. 15 due to harsher winter weather. The higher elevation makes for cooler temperatures in the summer, though. The historic Grand Canyon Lodge that sits on the chasm’s edge has a large outdoor patio and enormous windows offering a
view from the interior. When we arrived, we rushed over to look out the windows (the long wooded entrance road doesn’t provide any glimpses) and our fi rst peek was incredibly disappointing. Haze. That’s all we could see. This ended up making the experience perfect, however, as the foggy mist gradually began to lift, and the gorgeous scenery was revealed in a nearly ceremonial unveiling worthy of the display. Our group stayed in several of the rustic, attractive cabins on site, ideal for communing with nature.
GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
Lake Powell, set in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, was like nothing we East Coast residents had ever seen. One of our fellow travel-ers summed up my feelings exactly when he said that if he hadn’t driven here himself or had slept through the trip and was awakened the next morn-ing, he would have thought he had arrived on another planet. The rocky terrain and endless waterways make for a boaters paradise. Like many others, we rented a powerboat and explored
as much as we could of the vast lake dotted with coves and in-lets. We pulled over to our own private beach where the kids had great fun swimming in the clear waters. Houseboat rentals are very popular at Lake Powell, and we were jealous when we passed by them and saw people using the slides attached to the back to take turns slipping into the water. We also took a wonderful fl oat trip on the nearby Colorado River, which is very calm in this area, circling around Horseshoe Bend, an oft-photographed natural wonder. As we eased along the river, rock walls towered above us.
BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Like the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, cooler temperatures greeted us here. It was in the 80s in July compared to the 100-degree temperatures we left behind in Vegas. While it’s not as well-known as the Grand Canyon or even Zion, this was a favorite spot for many of us. The hoodoos that fi ll the canyon with an orange-hued glow are enchanting. The hiking paths themselves are attractive in color and texture – the light-col-
ored crushed stone passageways were so different from other trails we had taken. The scenery in the park – from within or without – presents fantastical formations from every angle.
ZION NATIONAL PARKWhile we spent much of our
time in Bryce hiking and look-ing down into the canyon, our heads were constantly tilted up in Zion to take in the massive and colorful sandstone cliffs. The park is fi lled with birds and other wildlife. We stayed at the on-site Zion Lodge and were greeted one day by a zealous fl ock of wild turkeys that had taken a keen interest in our morning bagels. The Narrows is a thin gorge in Zion Canyon with 1,000-foot walls along the Virgin River. Hiking trails range from easy to strenuous, and inexperienced hikers, people with young children and anyone fearful of heights should choose their routes with care. Some feature steep, narrow drop-offs. I had a lump lodged in my throat for about a half-mile as I threaded my way along one of these pathways, fearing that my boys, bounding on ahead of me, would not be careful enough.
U.S. national parks
A country fi lled with natural beauty
NPS / Michael Quinn
Visitors take in the view from the patio of the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim.
8 AAA PIONEER VALLEY | APRIL 2015
MY GRANDPA IS THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL.
When grandparents and grandchildren get together magical moments happen.
So enjoy the family adventure of a lifetime in the grandest of style.
Call or visit your nearest AAA Travel agent today1-800-622-9211AAA.com/travel
*Fares are in US$, per person, based on double occupancy. Fares do not include Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses. For full terms/conditions please visit www.hollandamerica.com or consult the appropriate Holland America Line brochure. Ships’ Registry, The Netherlands.
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Book any Royal Caribbean International® sailing and receive exclusive values such as priority check-in, up to $100 to spend onboard and much more when booking with AAA Travel.
It’s the perfect way to make an incredible vacation even better.
Just 20 years ago, the modern river cruise industry didn’t exist. In the last decade, river cruising’s popularity has grown dramatically, and more than 500,000 people now take a river cruise each year.
Destinations range from the United States to Europe, Russia, Egypt and even China and Southeast Asia; and many ships are recently built and designed for comfortable travel, with amenities like hotel-style beds, spacious public areas, verandas and even suites. Also, as ocean ships have grown larger and larger, many travelers are discovering river cruis-ing provides an intimate, comfortable alternative.
AAA Travel agents Alyson Reed and Karen Basilone recently sailed on their fi rst river cruise – Viking Cruises’ Rhine Getaway sailing – and shared their experi-ence with us.
How did this cruise differ from ocean cruises?
Alyson: This was my fi rst river cruise, and I found it to be a relaxing alterna-tive to other types of travel. It was totally different from the ocean cruises I’ve been on, and I preferred it. The ride was much
more tranquil, getting on and off the ship was easier, there were fewer crowds and we received more personal service from the staff, who were beyond friendly.
Karen: It was a more laid-back, per-sonalized experience. With such a small group of guests, you get to know your fel-low guests and the crew very well. There are no long lines, or waiting for anything, you can just come and go as you please while at port with no worries.
Did you fi nd it to be a good value?Alyson and Karen: When you factor
in that beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, and an extensive va-riety of shore excursions are offered at each port of call along with the person-alized service, it really is comparable.
What did you like best about river cruising?
Alyson: I liked the excursions. The smaller group size allowed us to ask questions, spend more time in each spot and not feel rushed. And the local guides made the difference. We walked through castles, saw beautiful churches and enjoyed a pub crawl in Germany. The best part was interacting with the locals.
Karen: My favorite part was the relaxing pace, great food and the time we had to really explore each city.
How was the food?Alyson: Superb! All of the meals
were fabulous on board. They included cuisine from each country we visited: Black Forest cake after visiting the Black Forest, Sauerbratten in Ger-many, etc. The chef came out each
evening before dinner to talk about the menu and how it is prepared.
Karen: The food was top-notch. The chef used the freshest ingredients based on what was in season and special to each locale. He was out and about during din-ner to answer any questions or make sug-gestions if you prefer something different.
Would you recommend river cruis-ing to your clients?
Alyson: Defi nitely! This has been the best trip to date for me. River cruising was so much more than I expected, and Viking did an outstanding job from start to fi nish.
Karen: Yes, river cruising is a very convenient way to see the world. It re-minds me of an escorted tour except your hotel and transportation follow you, so you never need to worry about packing, or where you may be eating that evening.
If you are interested in learning more about River Cruising or about Viking River Cruises, feel free to reach out to either Alyson or Karen about their recent experience. They would be happy to answer your questions, research your options and obtain pricing for you on this or any other vacation.
Travel agents experience intimacy of river cruising
AAA Travel agents Karen Basilone, left, and Alyson Reed enjoy a Beer Culture Tour excursion in Cologne, Germany.
APRIL 2015 | AAA PIONEER VALLEY 9
ENJOY REDUCED RATES AND $550 RESORT CREDIT!
Grand Faro Los Cabos
ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE PRICE IS PER PERSON AND INCLUDES:
Call or visit your nearest AAA Travel agent today1-800-622-9211
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Tours operated by Travel Impressions, Ltd. Rate is land only, per person and based on double occupancy. When traveling to Mexico passports must be valid for at least 6 months after completed travel date. Blackout, weekend, holiday and peak season surcharges apply. 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, NEVADA #2004-0029, Washington UBI #602 425 801.. LR020-15_DF_2.9.15
*Early Booking Discount cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion except from the Ambassador discount, restrictions apply. Capacity controlled and offer subject to change without notice. Special offer must be booked prior to May 31, 2015. Travel is valid for Norway Coastal voyages Sept 1 - Oct 31, 2015, that are 6 days or longer. Ships Registry: Norway
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Hurtigruten CruisesTuesday, April 14AAA Hadley • 6:30 pm
t
Learn about cruising from the Midnight Sun to the Northern Lights.
Today’s grandparents are active and enjoy exploring the world. They value spending time with their children and grandchildren.
In today’s fast-paced world, travel affords families an opportunity to spend quality time reconnecting and sharing experiences.
And, according to the results of a AAA Travel survey conducted last year, many travelers realize this. Here are some of the results:
• More than a third of respon-dents (36 percent) planned to take a multigenerational trip in the next 12 months, a 4 percent increase from last year.
• More than a quarter of respon-dents (26 percent) planned to travel with three generations, including both their children and their parents or in-laws.
• Another 5 percent planned to travel with their parents.
• And 15 percent planned to take
their grandchildren on vacation, up from 11 percent in 2013.
The key to planning a successful multigenerational trip is to make sure there is something that every-one will enjoy.
While that may seem daunting, with the variety of ages and interests to cater to within one group, there are many travel options available to facilitate a trip that will appeal to everyone.
AAA Travel agents can help put together customized tours and fi nd resorts that cater to these types of vacations.
Cruising is another option that al-lows family members to participate in individual, age-appropriate activities while still providing opportunities to gather as a group for meals, shows and other onboard events.
It’s also a great idea to have a fam-ily planning meeting before you book a trip.
Planning a trip the entire family will remember
The key to a successful multigener-ational trip is to make plans that will appeal to everyone.
10 AAA PIONEER VALLEY | APRIL 2015
CruiseSavings, value and
exclusive member benefits
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. Shore excursion credit is per person and determined by stateroom category booked. Onboard credit is per stateroom, unless noted. 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. +Included in cruise rate: Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, for balcony cabins beginning with Cat D5 and include taxes and port charges.
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By George Morse You’re a week away from your dream vacation when
an unexpected illness or accident lands you in the hos-pital.
Around the same time, you’re coming to grips with the fact that you won’t be well enough to travel, you realize your cancellation window has closed and your trip is no longer refundable.
While this probably isn’t the kind of thing many travel-ers want to think about, it’s a scenario that can become all too real.
Trip protection coverage through AAA Pioneer Valley and Allianz Global Assistance is one way of safeguarding your travel investment. Travelers who take advantage of the coverage can recoup their fi nancial investment should their trip be canceled or interrupted for a variety of covered reasons that range from the death or injury of an immediate family member or travel companion to being subpoenaed.
“In the event something goes wrong, you’ve protected your investment. Nobody can ever predict what’s going
to happen to them,” said Donna Griffi n-Spirito, a travel agent in AAA’s Hadley offi ce.
Travelers can enhance their coverage by opting for additional protections against trip delay, baggage delays or fi nancial default of the travel provider.
Those traveling abroad can also take advantage of
the program’s emergency medical and dental coverage. Medicare doesn’t travel across U.S. borders and in some cases, standard medical insurance won’t cover travel-ers outside the country, either. The program’s coverage includes 24-hour-a-day access to multilingual represen-tatives ready to assist with fi nding a local pharmacy or a local doctor.
Additionally, travelers can protect themselves against the potential costs of emergency medical transportation, if needed.
A separate plan is available for travelers planning to visit domestic amusement parks.
To ensure a policy covers any pre-existing conditions, it’s best to add coverage within a week of making travel reservations, Griffi n-Spirito said, especially since insur-ance cannot be added following an injury or illness.
Even if you don’t need to fi le a claim, she added, it’s great peace of mind.
For more information, visit AAA.com/Travel and select “Travel Insurance” from the dropdown travel resources and add-on menu.
Because a trip to the doctor is no vacation
APRIL 2015 | AAA PIONEER VALLEY 11
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AAA’s Approved AutoAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA’’’’’’’’’’’’’’sssssssssssssssssssssssssss AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAApppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppprrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrroooooooooooooooooooooooooooooovvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuutttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooRepair Means QualityRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRReeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllllllllllliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiittttttttttttttttttttttttyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
AGAWAMV&F AUTO SERVICE443 Springfield Street 789-2181
CHICOPEEBRAD’S SERVICE CENTER760 Front Street 592-5187
EASTHAMPTONCERNAK BUICK102 Northampton Street 527-1209
GREENFIELD ART’S TIRE10 Silver Street 774-4349
HADLEYFIRESTONE TIRE AND SERVICE336 Russell Street 586-0480
HOLYOKED. E. BOURQUE & SONS1280 Dwight St.reet 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 536-0794SPRINGFIELDFIRESTONE 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
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By Phantom GourmetBeyond the Green Monster, there’s
a lot more to eat than just peanuts and boxes of Cracker Jack.
AUDUBON838 Beacon St., Boston
In the shadow of the Citgo sign is a great neighborhood restaurant and bar. The menu features a mix of New England comfort food, southern classics and Latin American and Mediterranean fl avors. Standout dishes include Salt & Pepper Shrimp, Honey Jalapeno Chicken Wings and Pork Potstickers. Phantom’s favorite is the Roasted Statler Chicken over creamy couscous risotto.
LORETTA’S LAST CALL1 Lansdowne St., Boston
Brand new to Lansdowne and Ipswich streets, Loretta’s fried chicken is crispy outside and juicy inside, and it’s available in four styles including extra crunchy herb buttermilk and Tennessee-style hot. For the ultimate southern experience, order your chicken over a golden, fresh-baked waffl e.
BLAZING PADDLES82 Lansdowne St., Boston
Attached to Fenway Park (and down-
stairs from Game On), Blazing Paddles puts a unique spin on the sports bar with a great pub food menu and a dozen pingpong tables. It serves classic Buffalo wings with plenty of blue cheese, house-made meatballs and warm pretzel sticks with honey mustard. But nothing beats the grilled cheese and tomato soup.
CASK ’N FLAGON62 Brookline Ave., Boston
Cask ’n Flagon has evolved from a typical baseball bar into a fi rst-class eatery. Since adding a second location in Mansfi eld it has raised the food game quite a bit. The kitchen covers all the bases with items ranging from barbecue to fi sh tacos. The Cask Combo features crispy Philly cheesesteak rolls, tender pulled pork sliders and outstanding Buf-falo dip.
GYRO CITY88 Peterborough St., Boston
While this sandwich shop may be small, it cranks out hundreds of authen-tic Greek gyros daily just like in the old country. Every sandwich starts with sea-soned pork that’s cooked on a rotating spit, sliced to order and stacked on fl uffy pita bread with creamy tzatziki, veggies
and fries. You can also order meat off the grill like the chicken souvlaki and the Greek version of a burger called Bifteki.
CITIZEN PUBLIC HOUSE & OYSTER BAR
1310 Boylston St., BostonThis cozy nook shucks some of the
city’s freshest oysters. It’s a low-key spot with hip music and a fi replace crackling
during the cooler months. Phantom loves the Peel ’N Eat Shrimp studded with Old Bay seasoning. For some-thing more substantial, try the Citizen Carpetbagger, a 10-ounce fi let topped with oyster compound butter and a fried oyster.
BLEACHER BAR82 Lansdowne St., Boston
This is literally attached to Fenway Park – below the bleachers with a screen that lets fan see directly into center fi eld. There’s no cover to get in, just a request to rotate seats from time to time. Flatbreads can be topped with everything from cheesesteak to pastrami. Sliders come in burger, sausage and pastrami. Snacks include gravy fries, onion rings, fried pickles and stuffed cherry peppers.
THE SAUSAGE GUY49 Lansdowne St., Boston
The Sausage Guy (aka David Little-fi eld) sets up his sausage cart on Lansdowne Street just behind Fenway’s Green Monster. The sausages feature a special blend of Italian seasonings – not too sweet or spicy. Served in a fl uffy sub roll, sauteed peppers and onions are slathered on top.
Great 8
Some fl avorful fi nds just outside Fenway
Loretta’s Last Call, a new eatery near Fenway Park, serves up wings that are crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
12 AAA PIONEER VALLEY | APRIL 2015
Preparing students for the road ahead
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Roadside assistance work-ers are true highway heroes. Day and night, in all kinds of weather, these roadside problem-solvers are the face
of AAA to millions of grateful members. Sadly, their job also is one of the most dan-gerous. Some are injured in the line of duty, while others
never make it home.Fortunately, many states
have laws that help en-sure the safety of roadside assistance personnel and
other emergency responders. Move-over laws, as they have come to be known, require motorists to change lanes or slow down when approach-
ing emergency vehicles such as police cars, fi re trucks and ambulances, or roadside assistance vehicles such as tow trucks, stopped on the side of the road with their lights fl ash-ing. Although move-over laws exist in every state, there is still little knowledge of them. In a national poll, 71 percent of Americans said they had not heard of them. The law’s wording varies from state to state, but here are some general answers to key questions.
What should I do if I see an emergency vehicle stopped on the side of the road with lights fl ashing?
First, slow down so that you can assess the situation. If you’re on a multi-lane highway and it’s safe to do so, move over by changing lanes away from the emer-gency vehicle. Leave at least one vacant lane between you and the emergency vehicle to provide a safe zone for emergency vehicles or work-ers performing their jobs in the area.
What should I do if I’m not able to safely change lanes away from the emergency vehicle or I’m on a two-lane road?
If you are unable to safely move over by changing lanes, you should slow down to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit and ap-proach with caution.
If I cannot change lanes safely, should I stop my vehicle in the roadway?
No, you should slow down while maintaining a safe speed. Do not stop in the roadway or block the fl ow of traffi c unless directed to do so by emergency personnel.
How can I avoid becom-ing involved in a crash when traffi c slows?
Stay alert. The single most important thing you can do to protect yourself and oth-ers is to pay attention behind the wheel.
By scanning the roadway for incidents that lie ahead of you and being aware of activities of vehicles around you, you will be able to an-ticipate problems and react safely.
Moving over or slowing down for emergency vehicles on the roadside is the safe thing to do in any state, because it provides a needed safety cushion for those who help motorists by keeping them safe on the roadways. Doing so is not just the right thing to do – it’s the law in most states.
If you would like more information on state move-over laws, contact AAA Government Relations at 202-942-2050.
Find more resources at: Drivinglaws.AAA.com/laws/move-over-law.
Move-over laws help keep highway heroes safe
APRIL 2015 | AAA PIONEER VALLEY 13
FINANCE AND INSURE YOUR TOYS WITH AAA.
AAA makes it fast and easy to finance and insure all of your toys — motorcycle, boat or RV. All it takes to get low rates and flexible coverage options is a call to a friendly and knowledgeable AAA account manager. See how much you could save.
By George MorseFor many athletes, the road
to the big leagues starts in the minors.
For fans, that represents an opportunity to catch the stars of tomorrow, today.
Our area is loaded with minor league sports teams, and along with great, on-the-fi eld action, these clubs routinely host unique promotions.
These minor league sports teams all offer fun experiences and they are all within a day’s drive.
1. Albany Devils, Albany, N.Y. : The top American Hockey League affi liate of the New Jersey Devils has called Albany home since 2010. The Devils wrap up their regular season with a trio of home games and promotional events in April, including fan and military appreciation nights. Visitors catching a game at the Times Union Center also have a great launching-off point for exploring some of the city’s best offerings. The state capitol and the New York State Museum are within walking distance along with other attractions and restaurants.
2. Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Bridgeport, Conn. : The Sound Tigers is as locally inspired as team names get. The “sound” refers to Long Island Sound, which is just south of Webster Bank Arena. The “ti-ger” is a symbol for the circus, such as the shows made famous by former Bridgeport resident P.T. Barnum. The Sound Tigers sit just across the water from their NHL affi liate, the New York Islanders, and their regu-lar matchups with the Hartford Wolf Pack are sometimes called the Battle of Connecticut. On April 11, fans can bring their dogs to the arena for Pucks-N-Paws.
3. Brooklyn Cyclones, Brooklyn, N.Y.: You won’t often fi nd a stadium like MCU Park, which recognizes its Co-ney Island locale at every turn. Located on the area’s board-walk, the fi eld’s skyline is dot-ted with amusement park rides such as a rollercoaster (beyond left fi eld) and the historic B&B Carousell (behind right-center). Stop by on Jersday Thursdays, where the fi rst 3,000 fans get an alternate designed Cyclones jersey, check out fi reworks on Fridays and Saturdays and don’t miss Kyle, a juggling peanut vendor. The Cyclones are the short-season Single-A affi liate of the New York Mets. Nearby, the original Nathan’s Famous hot dog location is one of many local attractions.
4. Hartford Wolf Pack, Hartford, Conn.: In April 1997, the former Whalers of the NHL played their fi nal game in Hartford. After that, the former Binghamton Rangers of the AHL relocated to Hartford. Though the team was briefl y
10 TripTiks®
known as the Connecticut Whale, it has spent most of its existence as the Wolf Pack and is currently the AHL affi liate of the New York Rangers. The team plays home games at the XL Center, which underwent a $35 million renovation ahead of the current season. Fans have a few chances to catch the team this month.
5. Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Allentown, Pa.: Since it opened in 2008, more fans have visited Coca-Cola Park than any other minor league baseball stadium. The venue offers a modern, original fan experi-ence through offerings such as a video gaming system in the men’s restrooms. Mascots roam the stadium, and the coming season is slated to have numer-ous theme nights and give-aways including T-shirt Tues-
days and IronPigs fedora hats for Father’s Day. Round out the day with a trip to Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom (GEM), about 10 minutes from the stadium.
6. Lowell Spinners, Low-ell, Mass. : The Lowell Spinners give fans a chance to see the future while immersed in the past. The short-season Single-A affi liate of the Boston Red Sox has been a stop in the Major League journey of several well-known ball players, includ-ing Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz. LeLacheur Park is located along the Merrimack River the city’s historic industrial center. Enjoy on-fi eld action and in-game entertainment ranging from theme nights, Frisbee-catching dogs, fi reworks and kids-eat-free Mondays, then tour the Lowell National Historical Park for more history.
7. Pawtucket Red Sox, Pawtucket, R.I. : It would be tough to provide a full list of the greats who have played at McCoy Stadium. Visitors look-ing for some names, however, can fi nd them in the facility’s numerous murals of everyone from former Red Sox greats Wade Boggs to Nomar Gar-ciaparra. The PawSox are the Triple-A affi liate of the Boston Red Sox. One of the most popular activities is autograph fi shing, where fans dangle containers with pens and items over the dugout, hoping for the signature of an up-and-comer. New team owners say they may move the team to Providence in a few years.
8. Portland Sea Dogs, Portland, Maine: Catching a Sea Dogs game at Hadlock Field is truly a Maine-inspired baseball experience. There’s a lobster roll on the concessions menu and regular mascot races are held that feature a blue-berry, a potato, a pine tree and a lobster. A lighthouse in center fi eld is even raised following a Sea Dogs home run or victory. The Double-A affi liate of the Boston Red Sox will host the Eastern League All-Star game in July and, among numerous other themed promotions, the team will have its annual Field of Dreams/Fan Appreciation event in September, where players emerge in 1920s-era uniforms from an array of cornstalks.
9. Providence Bruins, Providence, R.I. : The P-Bruins have some of the highest attendance fi gures among all AHL teams. The team typically takes the ice on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons before crowds of 8,000 to 10,000 fans inside the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. The facility is connected to Provi-dence Place, allowing fans to park in the garage and get to the arena without ever having to step foot outside. The Dunk is also a short walk from some great Providence restaurants. The P-Bruins are the top AHL affi liate of the Boston Bruins. Families can enjoy good deals during the season including special packages for a game on April 12 that includes tickets, a hot dog and a soda.
10. Reading Fightin’ Phils, Reading, Pa.: There’s a reason some people call Read-ing Baseballtown. FirstEn-ergy Stadium, home of the Philadelphia Phillies Double-A affi liate, is entering its 65th season of baseball. The stadium underwent renovations ahead of the 2011 season though it kept its original grandstand and playing fi eld intact. The stadium offers free parking, and fans may get a glimpse of a pregame concert with the Phillies Mascot Band, includ-ing Change-Up the Turtle on percussion. The team’s scheduled fi reworks displays will get larger throughout the season, with each event setting a new record as the largest in park history.
Minor league games packed with fun
Ralph TroutA mascot band performs at the Fightin’ Phils.
The Sound Tigers
The Bridgeport Sound Tigers mascot takes the ice.
14 AAA PIONEER VALLEY | APRIL 2015
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. AAA Private Loans by Discover Student Loans are made by Discover 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.13916.14_PV
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When you drive an older car, you never know
what can go wrong.
Until it does.That’s why AAA offers an exclusive Vehicle Extended
Service Plan, providing members with extended automotive coverage after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired.
This exclusive AAA plan offers customized coverage levels. And depending on the level you choose, it may cover all major repairs for up to 7 years and 230,000 odometer miles. It’s a service plan for life’s unexpected expenses.
Vehicle Extended Service Plan
Affordable. Customized Plans. Easy.
For more information,call 1-800-622-9211 x215or visit AAA.com/Warranty
Proper maintenance can help prevent a vehicle break-down.
Here are 10 services that can ensure your vehicle oper-ates safely and effi ciently and retains its resale value:
1. Check the tire pressure (including the spare) month-ly when the tires are cold. Always follow the infl ation pressure recommendations in your owner’s manual, not the number on the tire sidewall. This is the pressure needed to achieve the tire’s rated load capacity, and it may not be the correct pres-sure for your vehicle.
2. Check the air fi lter every six months or 7,500 miles. Hold it up to a 60-watt light bulb; if the light is blocked by most of the fi lter, replace it.
3. The battery cables, clamps and connections should be inspected at every oil change. If there are signs of corrosion or indications of electrical problems, have your repair shop test the
10 maintenance tips to keep vehicles running wellcharging and starting system and clean and tighten the battery connections.
4. Check your washer fl uid reservoir monthly. Top it off with a washer solution that has antifreeze protection. Test the washer spray nozzles for proper operation and aim.
5. Change your engine’s oil and oil fi lter at the specifi ed intervals. Always use oil that meets your vehicle manufac-turer’s specifi cations.
6. Check your car’s wiper blades at each oil change or whenever they fail to clean the glass in a single swipe. The life of a rubber insert is typically six to 12 months, depending on its exposure to heat, dirt and sunlight.
7. Check the coolant level at every oil change. Have the system fl ushed and refi lled with fresh coolant at the interval specifi ed in your vehicle owner’s manual. This can vary widely, from every two years to more than 100,000 miles, depending on the coolant type used.
8. Check the tread depth of your car’s tires whenever it appears low. You can also check tread depth by placing a quarter in the tread of the tire. When Washington’s en-tire head is showing it’s time to begin shopping for tires.
9. The drive belt condi-tion and tension should be checked at every oil change. Many cars today have auto-matic belt tensioners that require no maintenance. To prevent being stranded by a broken accessory drive belt, have your car’s belts replaced every four years or 60,000 miles.
10. Inspect the brake fl uid level at every oil change. If the level has fallen below the “low” mark on the fl uid reservoir, it usually indicates major brake wear or a leak; have the brakes inspected as soon as possible. Most ve-hicle manufacturers recom-mend that the brake fl uid be replaced periodically to fl ush moisture and contaminants from the system; check your
vehicle owner’s manual for specifi c recommendations.
If not otherwise specifi ed, AAA recommends fl ushing the brake system with new fl uid every two years.
Preventive car care is the
best way to protect your safety and the investment in your vehicle.
Visit AAA.com to fi nd a AAA Approved Auto repair facility to help you stay on top of maintenance needs.
Checking oil levels and replacing oil and fi lters regularly will help prevent serious problems over time.
Would you rather buy a used car from an unknown owner, or a well-known, responsible one? Hertz Car Sales give prospective buyers an attractive alternative to the typical car buying experi-ence, offering AAA Members low, fi xed pricing in a no-hassle, no-haggle environment on a great selection of well-equipped, late model vehicles.
At Hertz Car Sales in West Springfi eld, searching for a suit-able used car is easy, just browse through their online inventory and select your favorite vehicle. You can sort the vehicle list by make, model, year, price range etc. Once you fi nd the used car of your choice, select it for a full three-day test rental at a special low rate with the Hertz Three Days to Try, Zero Pressure to Buy offer.
You will enjoy peace of mind knowing that Hertz Car Sales maintains stringent stan-dards to ensure customers are satisfi ed. Most vehicles are still under factory warranty – that’s because most are still 25,000 to 40,000 miles young, with their best years ahead of them. Fully inspected and reconditioned, ve-hicles are certifi ed under Hertz quality standards. Certifi ed vehicles include a minimum warranty of 12 months/12,000 miles, whichever occurs fi rst.
AAA Members receive $475 off the purchase price of any used vehicle for sale at U.S. Hertz Car Sales locations. Members must present a valid, permanent membership card at time of purchase to receive the discount. For more information, visit AAA.com/BuyHertz.
Hertz car buying a deal for Members
APRIL 2015 | AAA PIONEER VALLEY 15
Whether you’re saving for that special project, a rainy day or a brighter tomorrow — count on AAA Deposits to help you reach your goals. Get great rates on Online Savings,
AAA preferred member rates on 12- 24- and 60-month CDs also available. * Annual Percentage Yield (APY). APY applies to personal accounts only. Advertised CD rate is accurate as of 02/03/2015 and subject to change daily without notice. Rate applies to a 24-month term. A penalty may be charged for early CD withdrawal. Fees could reduce earnings on the account.
New car shoppers haven’t had this many engine and transmission choices since the early days of the automobile. Why? Because federal fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission standards require that U.S. automakers achieve an average fl eet fuel economy rating of 35.5 mpg by the 2016 model year, and 54.5 mpg by 2025. Consumer interest in green car options is also driving demand. Here are some noteworthy powertrain innovations automakers are working on to meet these goals:
Better internal combustion engines: Gasoline still powers 95 percent of all cars sold in the United States. Car companies are building advanced gasoline and diesel engines that burn fuel more effi ciently to improve gas mileage.
Shrinking engine size: Automakers are adopting smaller four- and six-cylinder engines, and a few have put three-cylinder engines in their smallest models. Smaller and lighter engines mean other components such as sus-pensions and brakes can shrink, too, leading to even more fuel savings.
Transmissions with additional forward gears: It’s not uncommon for automatic trans-missions in new cars to have six to nine forward gears. The extra ratios help engines operate at peak effi ciency over a wide range of driving con-ditions. One automaker even offers automatic transmissions that use GPS data to anticipate hills and automatically shift to the best gears.
Better hybrids: Hybrid electric vehicles that
combine a gasoline engine with one or more electric motors offer the best fuel economy with the least demand on battery power of any electric car. Newer models have better system controls and use Atkinson-cycle engines for greater effi ciency. One of the best-known HEVs is the Toyota Prius, which has been out for 15 years and today is the single best-selling passen-ger car in California.
Fuel-cell electric vehicles: Several auto-makers expect to make fuel-cell electric vehicles powered by hydrogen available in the United States. These cars produce no emissions other than water vapor and heat, and compared to battery electric cars take minutes rather than hours to refuel. Early models will primarily be offered for lease in limited markets, as refueling stations are few and far between.
You can’t turn on the television or listen to the radio these days without hearing advertisements by large national auto insurance companies touting how much they can save you on your auto insurance. Your fi rst instinct, especially in tough economic times, would be to take the cost savings and purchase the insurance based on price. Your decision to do so could have serious repercussions for you in the future.
The Massachusetts auto insurance system has undergone some major changes that have provided drivers with more choic-es when it comes to coverage selection and discounts. While these are of benefi t to drivers, change has also brought new insurance companies to the state, the largest of which is Geico. Their insurance products are price-driven, which has caused some drivers to cancel their existing policies and purchase a policy based on price. The problem for some drivers is that they neglected to verify that the new policy they purchased online provided them with the same coverage or terms as they previ-ously had on their expiring policy. The Division of Insurance has issued numerous warnings and, in some cases, fi ned insurance companies that sell directly to consumers via the Internet since April 2008 for providing inaccurate quotes to drivers.
Drivers who fail to review their new policy could be left with one that has hidden deductibles, reduced limits of liability or no coverage at all, and when an accident occurs and you fi nd out you have to pay a higher deductible or you have no coverage, the money you saved suddenly isn’t worth it. If you are thinking of purchasing a policy based on price it is important to check with your independent agent like AAA Insurance, which represents more than one insurance company and can advise you what coverage would be best for your situation at prices you can af-ford. Contact your AAA Insurance account manager or visit us at AAA.com/Insurance.
Price alone should not drive your insurance purchase
Automakers make headway toward lower emissions
General Motors
The all-new 2016 Chevrolet Volt electric car with extended range, showcasing a sleeker, sportier design that offers 50 miles of EV range, greater effi ciency and stronger acceleration.
*All loans offered through AAA Pioneer Valley. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. Some fees and restrictions may apply. All loans subject to credit approval, appraisal and satisfactory title examination where applicable. Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest. Rates are for AAA members only. Other rates and terms available. Actual rate determined by individual creditworthiness. 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.14180.15_PV
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