Beaver by AAA East Central

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BEAVER/LAWRENCE REGION

Vol. 20 No. 1

JANUARY 2013

Introducing AAA Club Rewards on AAA.com

AAA has just launched an exciting new online discount program. AAA Club Rewards delivers an innovative shopping experience on AAA.com, where members can save with discount offers from approximately 30,000 participating merchants nationwide — including well-known brands like Macy’s, Best Buy, The Home Depot, and more. Over the years, AAA Discounts, including our Show Your Card & Save® program, have developed and grown. Now AAA Club Rewards will significantly enhance and expand the discounts and savings available to every member! Members can access these new discounts simply by visiting the discounts section of our website at AAA.com. The AAA Club Rewards shopping portal provides members with deep discounts and everyday savings on entertainment, electronics, home improvement, apparel, restaurants, pet care and more. Check the Hot List for local

& SAVINGS S T IF G E IV S U L C EX BERS! ...ONLY FOR MEM

continued on page 20

DISNEY MONTH at AAA is all about the JOY! AS TO ARTWORK: © DISNEY

AAA Travel’s absolute best month for Disney member values is here!

t’s time you thought differently about January. Sure, it’s often frigid & dark, but it’s also the very best time of the year for AAA memberonly savings & values on Disney vacations — a great time to lock in a 2013 getaway full of warmth & brightness to dash memories of January bleakness. At AAA, January snow gives

way to Disney “dough” — the exclusive “goodies” only members enjoy by staying at a Walt Disney World® on-site resort. AAA will give 300 members who book & deposit a new 2013 AAA Vacations ® package of 5 or more nights some great extras. Here’s how it works: • DELUXE: Be one of the first 100 to choose a Deluxe resort

AS TO ARTWORK: © DISNEY

More Disney magic feels great!

EXCLUSIVE AAA EAST CENTRAL OFFER!

Up to $50 per room off select Walt Disney World Resort hotel stays of 5+ nights plus a select assortment of gifts (photo albums, event tickets, tote bags) ®

Deluxe properties: $50 discount. Moderate: $25 discount. Book & deposit on a 2013 AAA Vacations package by 1/31/13 (travel by 12/31/13). New bookings only. Not combinable with other offers. Per room.

EXCLUSIVE 2013 AAA MEMBER BENEFITS!

WALT DISNEY WORLD® RESORT — select AAA Vacations packages AAA Vacations Diamond Savings Card • AAA Diamond Parking Disney’s Story Time Experience • Preferred Fireworks Viewing Location Hertz Complimentary Child Seat DISNEY CRUISE LINE® Special photo packages for inside & outside staterooms (1 per stateroom) ADVENTURES BY DISNEY® 5% discount off land packages purchased at the nondiscounted regular rate ®

AND...ENJOY SEVERAL OTHER LIMIT ED-T IME VALUE-ADDED BENEF ITS F ROM DISNEY! SEE DETAILS & RESTRICTIONS ON PAGE 8.

Travel | Insurance/Financial | Automotive | Member Savings | AAA.com

SEAT BELT USE IS AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH

(Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, for example) and get $50 off regular rates as well as a 50-sheet Disney Photo Album and 2 passes each for Walt Disney World® minigolf, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Cirque du SoTM leil’s “La Nouba” — all in a practical canvas tote bag! • MODERATE: The first 100 opting for a Moderate resort (Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, for example) receive a $25 discount, a photo album and 2 mini-golf passes in a tote. • VALUE: The first 100 to select a Value property (Disney’s Arts of Animation Resort, for example) take home a photo album in a canvas Disney tote. This blizzard of bonuses does not end there; enjoy a pile of exclusive member benefits (see box at left and visit AAA.com/ Disney). Plus there’s a flurry of Disney’s own limited-time offers with Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise Line® and Adventures by Disney® packages (see page 19 for details/ restrictions). Right now’s the absolute best time to plan & book 2013 Disney vacations at AAA. Hotel, cruise and tour availability for the coming year will never be better. And our expertise continued on page 19

AAA offers snowmobile title and registration services Some of the world’s best snowmobiling can be found right here in Pennsylvania. Each winter, more than 46,000 Pennsylvania registered snowmobiles travel over more than 2,500 miles of marked public trails. If you plan on riding your sled on any land other than your own, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR.) requires you to purchase a registration sticker, which is good for two years. AAA East Central Branch Offices in Pennsylvania are authorized agents for the DCNR and your local branch can complete all paperwork necessary to buy, sell, and register a snowmobile as well as replace a missing title, registration card or sticker. With AAA taking care of all the paperwork, you’ll soon be enjoying another beautiful winter in the Keystone State. For specific information on title and registration service for a snowmobile, call the AAA Member Service Center at 1.800.441.5008, or visit your local AAA office.

3rd Day Free at Universal Orlando®

Your 3rd day is free at Universal Orlando when you purchase a 2-day ticket at AAA now through June 16, 2013. Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure are filled with thrills and excitement for every member of the family. Tickets are valid through June 30, 2013. Discount tickets available for purchase only at AAA branch offices or online.

Hot Destinations & Free Tablet Offer

Find your place in the sun with exciting vacations to Hawaii and the Caribbean from AAA Travel and Pleasant Holidays. Cast like stepping-stones across an iridescent blue sea the Caribbean is famous its palm fringed beaches and perpetual sunshine. The Aloha State welcomes travelers with steaming volcanoes, lush tropical foliage and the seductive sway of the hula. AAA members who book an air inclusive, 7-night or longer Hawaiian or Caribbean vacation will receive a free Google Nexus 7 Tablet. With a stunning 7-inch display and all-day battery life, Nexus 7 is the perfect travel companion. (New bookings only for travel by May 31, 2013. Total minimum package value of $3,000). SEE PAGE 7

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AAA MOTORIST

Read, plan, go with the 2013 AAA TourBook® guides They’re free, easy and packed with great information

ith so many handy resources for travelers — from websites and apps, to printed guidebooks — why do members request AAA TourBook guides by the million, year after year? The answer is simple: They’re free, easy and packed with great information! If it has been a while since you last looked at a TourBook you’ll discover a redesigned layout, handy navigation tools and vibrant new content that make travel planning simple. AAA TourBooks are more concise, easier to read — even easier to carry! For more than eight decades, AAA’s annually updated TourBooks have evolved by expanding geographical regions, enriching content and supporting social and technological shifts, such as Internet service, pet acceptance and sustainability issues. Best of all, they’re free for the asking as part of your AAA membership. Easier to use — Kick back and pore through the fascinating destination overviews, followed by pages of hotel, restaurant and attraction listings. Get a fix on the big picture with history and visitor information and references like the Annual Events, GEM Attraction Index and Points of Interest. Or, when time is short, leave the legwork to AAA’s travel experts. Turn to trip planning shortcuts like the Must Do: AAA Editor’s Picks, 1-Day

AAA DIRECTORY INTERNET WEB SITE: www.AAA.com AAA MEMBER SERVICES • ADDRESS CHANGE triptiks, tourbooks, maps, license 412-363-5100 or 1-800-441-5008 APPROVED AUTO REPAIR 412-365-7411 or 1-800-233-9733 EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE 412-362-1900 or 1-800-222-4357 EXPRESS TRAVEL RESERVATIONS

airline tickets, tours, cruises, rental cars

412-363-7283 or 1-800-354-8761

INSURANCE SERVICES: 1-800-207-7947 MEDIA RELATIONS: 412-365-7157 PUBLIC AFFAIRS: 412-365-7242 AAA MOTORIST: 412-365-7017 SAFETY: 412-365-7211 TDD for the hearing-impaired: 412-363-7144

AAA BRANCH OFFICE LOCATIONS

NEW LOOK BETTER BOOK — The 2013 AAA Tourbooks are available now at AAA offices. Itineraries and Top Picks for Kids, available for many destination cities. We’ll help you make the most of your trip with inspiring photos and informative content you can trust. Easier to carry — Some TourBook guides that previously contained multiple destinations have been split into smaller regions — a better fit with member travel patterns. That means fewer pages to carry, focused just on the places you’re visiting.

Give Yourself an Upgrade— to the highest level of protection available! Get more from your membership. Upgrade to AAA Premier. With expanded roadside assistance — and a host of other benefits — AAA Premier is a smart choice. To upgrade your membership, call or visit your local AAA office or AAA.com, or call the Member Service Center at

1-800-441-5008

JANUARY 2013

Easier to navigate — Save yourself the effort of checking multiple resources to get the lay of the land or find your way. Use the hotel, restaurant and attraction location maps throughout the guides for a bird’s-eye view of the places you plan to stay, dine and play in relation to landmarks and one another. Plus, to help you navigate the roadways, we’ve added overview and detail maps from the AAA Road Atlas series for easy route planning — all in one guide. Use the overview map to get the lay of the land, then use the individual maps to plan your route. Easier to plan — We’ve loaded these new guides with firsthand expertise from our professional travel editors and inspectors. Our 1-Day Itineraries and Must Do: AAA Editor’s Picks enhance the destination city sections, while AAA Inspector Notes are highlighted in the restaurant listings. Easier to travel — Now there’s no need to consult multiple travel resources to find your way to and around your destination. The 2013 TourBook guides are like traveling with a friend who is from the area and knows it like the back of their hand! See for yourself — Before your next trip, stop by your local AAA office or visit us on AAA.com to request copies of the 2013 edition TourBook guides — available free, exclusively for members. Then prepare to enjoy your easiest, more enjoyable travel planning experience yet.

AAA e-TOURBOOKS

AAA’s trusted travel information is now available in portable electronic formats that can be synced with today’s most popular mobile e-reader devices for onthe-go use. AAA now offers over 100 free, eTourBook guides, with content that is refreshed daily to ensure you receive the most up-to-date travel information. They’re available exclusively for AAA members at AAA.com/ebooks.

1634 Valley View Blvd. ............................. 814-946-1277 Brookville 288 Main St. ................................................. 814-849-5381 Butler 138 Clearview Circle .................................... 724-287-2713 Cranberry The Village Shoppes, 20510 Rt. 19 .......... 724-772-1122 Erie 6660 Peach St. Unit #2 .............................. 814-866-0246 Franklin 102 Sugar Creek Town Center Rd. ........... 814-432-3960 Greensburg Eastgate Shopping Center 5142 Route 30, Suite 135 ......................... 724-834-8300 Grove City 24 Pine Grove Village Dr. .......................... 724-458-8930 Harborcreek 4430 Buffalo Rd. ........................................ 814-897-9508 Hermitage 1749 E. State St.......................................... 724-981-9141 Indiana 1169 Wayne Ave........................................ 724-349-4193 Jamestown (New York) 111 W. Fifth St., Jamestown, N.Y.. ........... 716-488-1981 Kittanning Franklin Village Mall. ............................... 724-543-1924 Lewisburg 530 1/2 North Derr Drive . ....................... 570-524-7455 Lower Burrell/New Kensington Area Crossroads Plaza 2503 Leechburg Rd.................................... 724-339-4440 McKean County (Bradford) 587 South Ave. .......................................... 814-368-3113 Meadville 18939 Park Avenue Plaza Unit #7 ............ 814-724-2247 New Castle 40 East St.................................................... 724-658-8551 Niagara-Orleans 7135 Rochester Rd, Lockport, NY. ............ 716-434-2865 Pittsburgh–Century III Area (Pleasant Hills) 9 Clairton Blvd. (RT 51). ........................... 412-655-6100 Pittsburgh–Downtown 538 Smithfield St. ...................................... 412-338-4300 Pittsburgh–East Liberty/Shadyside 5900 Baum Blvd. ........................................ 412-365-7196 Pittsburgh–Monroeville 2725 Mosside Blvd. .................................... 412-858-4640 Pittsburgh–North Hills Area (Ross Township) 4790 McKnight Rd. .................................... 412-367-7600 Pittsburgh–Robinson Township Robinson Town Centre 1760 Park Manor Blvd. ............................. 412-809-2800 Pittsburgh–South Hills Area (Bethel Park) 160 Ft. Couch Rd. ...................................... 412-833-5203 Rochester 300 Adams St. ............................................ 724-775-8000 St. Marys 1375 Bucktail Rd. ...................................... 814-834-7838 Somerset 110 N. Center Ave. .................................... 814-443-6526 Sunbury 1001 Market Street. .................................. 570-286-4507 Uniontown 111 W. Main St. ......................................... 724-438-8575 Warren 2285 Market St. ......................................... 814-723-6660 Washington 196 Murtland Ave. .................................... 724-222-3800 Waynesburg 184 Greene Plaza, US 21 & I-79 ................ 724-627-3434 White Oak/McKeesport Area Oak Park Mall, 2001 Lincoln Way ............ 412-675-3400

JANUARY 2013

AAA MOTORIST

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Saving lives one click at a time Beaver/Lawrence Region Official publication of the Beaver/Lawrence Region of AAA East Central Published monthly (except bimonthly Aug./Sept., Nov./Dec.) by AAA East Central 300 Adams St, Rochester PA 15074-2173 724-775-8000 USPS 0506-910 ISSN 0199-2325 Periodicals Postage Paid at Rochester PA Postmaster: Send address changes to AAA Motorist Beaver/Lawrence Region c/o AAA, 5900 Baum Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15206-3854 Subscription Rate: $1 included in Primary Membership dues. All others: $2/year.

Publisher.................................... James J. McGrath Managing Editor ............................Douglas O’Neil Editorial Office 5900 Baum Blvd, Pittsburgh PA 15206-3854 412-365-7017 e-mail: motorist@aaaec.com

AAA EAST CENTRAL Chairman:.................................................Richard.S..Hamilton Vice.Chairman:.........................................James.E..Broome,.Jr. Vice.Chairman:........................................ Douglas.W..Caldwell Vice.Chairman:..........................................Mary.Lynn.Laughlin. Vice.Chairman:..................................... Martha.Hartle.Munsch OFFICERS: President:.....................................................James.J..McGrath Executive.Vice.President:............................. .James.E..Lehman Treasurer.&.CFO:............................................ Michael.R..Pratt Secretary:..................................................Robert.H..Compton GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Glenn.B..Bachman,.James.E..Broome,.Jr.,.Steve.D..Bullock**,. Douglas.W..Caldwell,.Charles.O..Casto,.Edward.C..Coaxum,.Jr.,. Robert.S..Collins,.Robert.H..Compton,.Jon.E..Denney,.Debra.A.. Dinnocenzo,.Floyd.R..Ganassi**,.Richard.S..Hamilton,.James.H.. Kanicki,.Mary.Lynn.Laughlin,..William.Duff.McCrady,.James.M.. McDonnell**,.Thomas.V..McKernan.Jr.,.Martha.Hartle.Munsch,. Gary.K..Munsie,.Terrence.L..Walton** EAST CENTRAL REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Debra.A..Dinnocenzo,.Chairman,.Neil.D..Bassi,.Vice.Chairman,. Robert.L..Anderson,.George.J..Anetakis,.Carol.Asam,.Christian. Asam,.Jack.A..Barkley,.William.E..Bierer**,.Ellsworth.T..Bowser,. Louise.R..Brown,.Peter.Burton,.Marianne.B..Campbell,.Charles. O.. Casto,. Hans. P.B.. Christensen,. Michael.A.. Cochran,. Daniel. J..Collins.Jr.**,.Robert.S..Collins,.Robert.H..Compton,.Terence. Conner,. James. J.. Dodaro,. James. O.. Doersam,. Jack. G.. Ellis,. J.. Terrence. Farrell,. Floyd. R.. Ganassi**,. Mona. N.. Generett,. Charles.W..Groce.,.Richard.S..Hamilton,.Mark.Henschen,.Luke. Howe,. David. W.. Hunter**,. Richard. Kallenborn,. Herbert. G.. Koenig,. Mark. S.. Mansour,. W.. Duff. McCrady,. Martha. Hartle. Munsch,.W.. Lee. Oswalt,. III,. Michael. Parkes,. John. D.. Petruso,. Louis. Pomerico,. Leonard. L.. Scheinholtz**,. John. L.. Sellstrom,. James.C..Stump,.Jr.,.James.F..Ward *ex.officio **emeritus.directors

Regional President ...............Edward J. Scala

Regional Board of Directors Samuel Fuller, Anthony F. Lucarelli, Boyd McDowell, Louis Pomerico, Edward J. Scala, Joseph E. Scala, Edmund Smith

New Castle 724-658-8551 40 East St

Rochester 724-775-8000 300 Adams St

Copyright ©2013 by AAA East Central. Publication of an advertisement in the AAA Motorist does not constitute an endorsement of the product or service by the AAA Motorist or by AAA East Central, except in the case of products and services which are being offered by AAA East Central.

Seat belt use climbs to an all-time high By Edward Scala President, Beaver/Lawrence Region eat belt usage in America reached record levels in 2012, with nearly nine in ten motorists now choosing to buckle up. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) annual National Occupant Protection Use Survey, seat belt use has increased steadily — climbing from 15 percent in 1984 — to 86 percent in 2012. Organizations like AAA have made tremendous strides in raising awareness and passing meaningful legislation, but it only serves to underscore the magnitude of the problem that remains. Fifty-two percent of the 21,253 passenger-vehicle occupants killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2011 — the last year that statistics are available — were unrestrained at the time of the crash. The laws of physics can be unforgiving. The rapid deceleration that occurs at the moment of impact increases an occupant’s “crash weight” exponentially. A 60-pound child unbelted in the back seat of a car traveling at 30 miles per hour, will impact the windshield with the same force as a young elephant — about 2,700 pounds — if involved in a sudden collision. Restraints keep people and vehicles moving together, retaining the occupant within the safety structure of the cabin after the initial impact has occurred. Unrestrained occupants will continue to travel until they collide with, or are ejected from the vehicle — something that is almost always deadly.

Ed Scala Crashes often involve secondary impacts and rollovers, where the effect on passengers is very much like being in a washing machine during the spin cycle. Seat belts help keep occupants safely strapped inside the vehicle until all of the crash energy has dissipated. Research shows that the risk of fatal injury to front-seat, passenger-car occupants is reduced by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent when seat belts are worn correctly. According to NHTSA, seat belts save more than 13,000 lives every year. Even in today’s era of active safety systems and crumple zones seat belts remain the single most effective traffic safety device for preventing death and

injury. Air bags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them. If you don’t wear a seat belt, you could be thrown into a rapidly deploying frontal air bag, which could injure or even kill you. If your vehicle has a passenger side air bag, it is essential that children 12 and under ride properly restrained in the back seat. It’s also important that seat belts be worn correctly. The lap belt and shoulder belt should be secured across the pelvis and rib cage, which are better able to withstand crash forces than other parts of your body. Place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck. Adjust the lap belt across your hips below your stomach. Never put the shoulder belt behind your back or under an arm. The NHTSA survey found that seat belt use continues to be higher in states with primary belt laws. These permit law enforcement to issue citations solely on the basis of not using a seat belt, rather than requiring additional violations. Nationwide, 32 states and the District of Columbia have primary laws on the books. AAA believes that uniform state laws, consistent enforcement and educating the public about the proper use of seat belts and restraints are essential to preventing vehicle injuries and deaths. We strongly support primary seat belt laws in all states because they increase usage, save lives and reduce the societal and economic consequences of a crash. Accidents will happen, they just don’t have to become tragedies.

membersonly

Make CDs part of your investment strategy AAA Deposit Program offers a full range of CDs and IRA CDs

hat’s your investment strategy? Growth? Income? Asset preservation? Any investment strategy should start with a goal — for instance, saving for retirement or funding a child’s education. Your choice of investments to reach this goal will depend upon your time horizon as well as your appetite for risk. For most people, their appetite for risk decreases with their investment time frame. In other words, the nearer you are to your goal, the more you’ll want to reduce risk in your portfolio. And that’s where Certificates of Deposit (CDs) come in. Compared with more volatile investments; CDs offer a combination of access, liquidity, safety, and growth potential that make them an ideal choice for those looking to reduce risk in their portfolios. • Access — You can purchase CDs in a variety of maturities with terms ranging from three months to ten years — making it easy to access funds

when you need them. Keep in mind, however, that there is a penalty for early withdrawal, so you’ll want to plan your timing to match your specific needs. • Liquidity — CDs offer a greater variety of short-term investment horizons, making them an excellent choice for anyone seeking both security and liquidity. • Safety — CDs can be an ideal foil to the volatility of higher-risk assets such as stocks. Prices of bonds and bond mutual funds also react to changes in market interest rates. With a CD, however, you can lock in a rate and not worry about losing your principal. And finding the safest place to save is just as important. Deposits through AAA are FDIC insured up to the maximum allowed by law. • Growth potential — If you need a dependable return on your money, but don’t need your money for a period of time, CDs can be an excellent investment choice. You can also make your savings work harder for you: open

multiple CDs with different maturity dates. It’s called “CD laddering” and it’s a great way to take advantage of the best CD rates for longer terms and ensure you have liquidity and flexibility when you need it, since one or more CDs will always be approaching maturity. So, whether you’re investing for the short-term, or looking to lower risk in a longer-term portfolio as you approach your goal, consider including CDs as part of your investment strategy. The AAA Deposit Program through Discover Bank offers a full range of CDs and IRA CDs with terms from 3 months to 10 years as well as Money Market and Online Savings Accounts. AAA members enjoy preferred rates on 12, 24 and 60-month CDs and IRA CDs. Open an account online in minutes at AAA.com/Deposits or contact us 24/7 at 1.888.728.3230. Legal Disclaimer: The article and information provided herein are for informational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional advice.

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JANUARY 2013

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AAA MOTORIST

Why insurance premiums are increasing

JANUARY 2013

Natural disasters, low interest rates important factors

nsurance premiums are a function of three factors: The perception of future risks, recent catastrophic claims and the return available on investment. Hurricanes (like Sandy) and even the devastating Japanese earthquake and tsunami in 2010 affect insurance premiums in the United States. That’s because insurance companies routinely purchase reinsurance coverage from large reinsurance companies who have been increasing their rates. Yes, insurance companies are just like you: They assess the risks they can cover, and then buy their own insurance to protect themselves against very large but unlikely events that would overwhelm their reserves. We saw a similar tightening in 2001, following the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. The direct costs themselves were significant, but reinsurance companies also increased their rates to cover their own risks and ensure clients were protected in case of acts of war, chemical strikes, etc. Fortunately, their worst fears weren’t realized, but prudent insurers are in business to cover the worst-case scenario, and so they had to plan and set premiums accordingly. Fast forward to today, though, and we have a different phenomenon at work. Reinsurers had just started to climb out of the substantial capital shocks of 2008 and 2009 when they got hit with

NEGATIVE RETURN — Low interest rates are having an adverse effect on insurance premiums. the Japan tsunami. But as they work to replenish their reserves, insurers all over the world have been forced to reckon with a new reality: Low interest rates. Insurance companies make money in two ways: Bringing in premiums, and investing the “float.” Normally, insurers break even or even run a slight loss on premiums. This keeps premiums affordable, but is only possible because they can invest their accumulated reserves at a profit. Ten years ago, an insurance company could get 5 or 6 percent on a portfolio of Treasuries. Now that same

insurer struggles to get 2 or 3 percent on a AA-rated bond portfolio, and U.S. Treasuries — the traditional mainstay of conservatively run insurance companies, may well be generating a negative real return after inflation. Something has to give. That’s what we’re seeing now: Actuaries have no choice but to increase premiums to cover anticipated payouts in light of the new lower interest rate environment. To do otherwise risks insolvency, which does no service to the insured at all, and even defeats the purpose of insurance.

The tightening of the reinsurance market, combined with adjustments to account for the lower returns on assets, is now making its presence felt on Main Street Insurance markets tend to cycle along with other industries. As reinsurance pools of capital get replenished, or as interest rates rise, allowing carriers to generate more revenue from the “float” rate increases tend to moderate, and new carriers spring up to compete for business. So if you are seeing rates increase, it’s more a matter of prudence in the face of risk and low returns on capital, which impacts all carriers everywhere. As a result rates increase to make sure there are enough in reserves to cover future claims. No one is exempt, and it’s a bigger issue than any single insurance agency, carrier, or insurance line.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Trust AAA to steer you right on all your current and future Auto, Home and Life insurance needs. Combining your coverage with one insurance company could make a significant difference in your premium. Call 800.207.7947, or visit AAA. com/ insurance for more information or to schedule a comprehensive Insurance review. AAA – your trusted insurance advisor.

E15 gasoline could create problems for your car Less than 5 percent of vehicles approved to use new blend

AA East Central is urging regulators and the fuel industry to halt the sale of E15 gasoline until there are more protections for motorists. A recent AAA survey found a strong likelihood of consumer confusion, as well as the potential for voided warranties and vehicle damage. An overwhelming 95 percent of consumers surveyed have not heard of E15, and nearly half (44 percent) said they did not know if the fuel was approved for use in their primary vehicle. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved E15 for sale last June, a gasoline blend that contains 15 percent ethanol. “It is clear that millions of Americans are unfamiliar with E15, which means there is a strong possibility that many motorists may improperly fill up using this gasoline and damage their vehicle,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “Bringing E15 to the market without adequate safeguards does not responsibly meet the needs of consumers.” Consumers will find orange-andblack signs at the pump that state the new fuel blend is approved for use in all flex-fuel vehicles and 2001 model year and newer cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles and SUVs. But AAA polled auto manufactur-

HIGH FRUCTOSE FUEL — The higher blend of ethanol in E15 could cause engine problems. ers and found only about 12 million or less than 5 percent of the more than 240 million light-duty vehicles on the road today are equipped to use E15. AAA automotive engineering experts believe that sustained use of E15 in both newer and older vehicles could result in significant problems, such as accelerated engine wear and failure, fuel-system damage and false “check engine” lights for any vehicle not intended by its manufacturer to use E15. Unsuspecting consumers could end up with engine problems not covered by

their vehicles warranty. Five manufacturers (BMW, Chrysler, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen) are on record saying their warranties will not cover fuelrelated claims caused by the use of E15. Seven more (Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo) have said that the use of E15 does not comply with the fuel requirements specified in their owner’s manuals and may void warranty coverage. “The sale and use of E15 should be suspended until additional gas pump labeling and consumer education efforts

are implemented to mitigate problems for motorists and their vehicles,” said Brian Newbacher, director of public affairs for AAA East Central. “Consumers should carefully read pump labels and know their auto manufacturer’s recommendations to help prevent any problems from E15.” AAA thinks fuel producers and regulators can do a better job of educating consumers about the potential risks. This outreach should include a consumer education campaign and more effective pump labels, among other potential safeguards to protect consumers and their vehicles. AAA also recommends additional testing to conclusively determine the impact of E15 use on vehicle engines and fuel system components.

A SHORT LIST

The only vehicles currently certified by automakers to use E15 are flex-fuel models, 2001 model-year and newer Porsches, 2012 model-year and newer GM vehicles and 2013 model-year Fords. These approvals extend only to cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles (SUVs). The use of E15 is expressly prohibited in heavy-duty vehicles, boats, motorcycles, power equipment, lawn mowers and off-road vehicles.

JANUARY 2013

AAA MOTORIST

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Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

Add sun & fun — and a FREE Google Nexus 7 — to your winter...

Capturing your dreams. Creating memories.

Enjoy Hawaii or the Caribbean with Pleasant Holidays & AAA!

Give yourself (and your family and/or friends) something fun to look forward to this spring...and earn a fun reward in the process! AAA and Pleasant Holidays will give you a FREE Google Nexus 7 tablet computer when you book & make a deposit on a qualifying vacation to Hawaii or the Caribbean! To qualify, purchase your roundtrip air travel through AAA; travel anytime between now and May 31, 2013; stay 7 nights or longer; and meet the minimum vacation value level of $3,000 (excluding the cost of the flights). With a stunning 7-inch display and allday battery life, the thin & light Google Nexus 7 is the perfect portable travel companion. With up to 32GB of storage and the option to add mobile data, you can take even more of your favorite content with you — to Hawaii or the Caribbean, for example! That tablet sure can come in handy

when you’re on vacation; maybe you’re looking for a restaurant to try, where the best souvenirs can be found, what the weather will be like the next day, how late the ferry runs, what’s happening back home. The possibilities are endless...and

GET A FREE TABLET COMPUTER To get a FREE Nexus 7, book & deposit on a Hawaii or Caribbean Pleasant Holidays vacation by 1/31/13. Package must include roundtrip flights and a hotel stay of 7+ nights; the minimum value of the land-only portion must be $3,000. Travel by 5/31/13. New bookings only. Not combinable with any other offer.

once you have it, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it! You could probably say the same about your Hawaiian or Caribbean getaway: Once you luxuriate in the warmth of the sun...or relax in the balmy breezes...or succumb to the laid-back life-style, you may ask yourself how you could have ever hoped to get through spring without escaping to the paradise you’re in! When it comes to Hawaii and the Caribbean, you can trust Pleasant Holidays (PH) to create a vacation custom-made just for you. From 5-star luxury to family-friendly value, PH enhances your vacation with value-added extras such as free nights, complimentary room upgrades, rental car discounts and more. Their size & scope give them unique purchasing power that allows them to pass exceptional savings on to you. PH also offers the ultimate assurance with round-the-clock customer service and a choice of travel protection CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

AAA MEMBER-ONLY VALUES — FIND THEM FAST! Disney ....................................................... pages 1 & 19, 8

Through 1/31/13: Save $50 at select Walt Disney World deluxe-level resorts ($25 at moderatelevel resorts); depending on the resort, they also receive photo albums, admission tickets (minigolf, Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park, Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Cirque du Soleil’s “La Nouba” ) and a canvas Disney tote bag. AAA members enjoy exclusive benefits at Walt Disney World , on Disney Cruise Line sailings and on Adventures by Disney escorted tours. ®

Pleasant Holidays ............................................. pages 7-8 ®

Through 1/31/13: Get a FREE Google Nexus 7 tablet computer on air-inclusive, 7-night-or-longer Hawaiian or Caribbean vacations. New bookings only. Minimum value of land-only portion (excluding airfare): $3,000. Travel by 5/31/13. Not combinable with any other offer.

AAA Member Choice Vacations ................pages 9, 10, 13 ®

Through 1/31/13: PAGES 9 & 13 — Save $50 per member. PAGE 10 — Premier members save $650, Plus members save $600 and Basic members save $550. Per room, based on 2 to a room.

AAA Featured Vacations to the American West .... page 12 Through 1/31/13: Save $50 per room.

AAA Vacations Cruises..................................pages 13, 17 ®

Year-round: Best-Price Guarantee. 24/7 Member Care Help Desk. Benefits/experiences vary by cruise line and departure.

Trafalgar ............................................................... page 14

Limited time: Save up to $1,100 per couple to Europe.

Princess Cruises .................................................... page 14 1/15/13–2/15/13: Book a cruise to receive $325 Princess Onboard Value Booklet and $100 per person reduced deposit.

Universal Studios.................................................. page 15 Through 2/28/13: Purchase a 4-night-or-longer on-site vacation package and get a $100 gift card.

PLEASE REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE ARTICLE OR ADVERTISEMENT (BY PAGE NUMBER ABOVE) FOR COMPLETE DETAILS & RESTRICTIONS FOR EACH BENEFIT/OFFER.

PAGE 8

AAA MOTORIST

1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel

JANUARY 2013

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Add sun & fun — and a FREE Google Nexus 7 — to your winter...

Enjoy Hawaii or the Caribbean with Pleasant Holidays & AAA! CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

plans. Ask a AAA Travel Agent for details on seasonal added values, including resort & spa credits, complimentary room upgrades, kids-stay-free-&-eat offers, complimentary phone calls, Internet and more. Many Caribbean resorts offer all-inclusive vacations; one price covers your meals, drinks, activities, nightly entertainment, nonmotorized water sports, tips and more. Here’s just a sample (Feb 12-19, 2013) of the kinds of properties available to you:

BOLONGO BAY BEACH RESORT

Slip on your flip-flops, relax and have fun at this casual resort tucked in a cove on St Thomas in the US VIrgin Islands (no passport required for US citizens!). This intimate resort with 62 beachfont rooms is a place for good times with great people. Play all day on complimentary nonmotorized water sports. Set sail at sunset on the resort’s 53-foot catamaran. AAA Member Rate: $3,183

WESTIN ST MARTIN

This resort is nestled into a lush hillside on the French side of St Maarten and is embraced by miles of blue hues, acres of tropical colors and white-sand beaches. Its 308 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and 6 suites include a balcony and oversize bath. The resort boasts oceanfront restaurants and the largest freshwater infinity-edge pool on the island (including a swim-up bar & hot tub). Roll the dice or try your luck at the table-games-&-slots casino. AAA Member Rate: $3,209

OUTRIGGER REEF ON THE BEACH

After a $110 million top-to-bottom transformation, this re-invented hotel demonstrates a new vision of hospitality. A distinctive, refined resort on Waikiki, it has a renewed look combining timeless traditions with modern elegance while embracing the spirit of the sea. Guestrooms are warm & welcoming and include free Internet and long-distance calls. AAA Member Rate: $3,220

WESTIN KA’ANAPALI OCEAN VILLAS

On 26 oceanfront acres on North Ka’anapali Beach, this 4 Diamond property offers a unique blend of resort & villa-style living with all the comforts of home and the amenities of a world-class resort. Energize in lagoon-style pools, relax at Spa Helani and enjoy fine restaurants & markets. AAA Member Rate: $3,971

All rates shown are per room based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking and include accommodations.

JANUARY 2013

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 9

1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel

ART!

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

•

FOOD!

•

WINE!

The romance of Italy comes to life on this tour. Explore the lakes region your way when you choose between a scenic boat ride on Lake Maggiore or a visit to a local farm for a cheese & wine tasting. Explore the rugged coast and remote fishing villages of the Cinque Terre. Spend 4 relaxing nights in a Tuscan villa. Discover the hilltop town of San Gimignano. Experience medieval life at the Palazzo Davanzati. Visit a winery in the countryside and learn the secrets of Tuscan cuisine. Wander a Florentine food market. Spend 2 wonderful nights in Venice. Explore Lake Orta, one of Italy’s hidden treasures. Travel by boat to your welcome dinner on Isola dei Pescatori. Explore Lucca’s piazzas and medieval streets. These are Italy’s treasures! Special inclusion: A serenaded gondola cruise — with Prosecco! — on Venice’s canals! Experience the benefits of Whisper headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides. Enjoy regional wines included with every dinner.

This 13-day vacation has everything you’ve always wanted in a trip to Italy. Enjoy multiplenight stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast and Stresa in the Lakes District. Discover the treasures of Classical and Christian Rome. Walk in the footsteps of the ancient Romans in Pompeii. See Renaissance gems in Florence’s Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo’s “David.” Visit Locarno, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the scenic Borromean Islands. A guided walking tour of Venice illustrates how this city gained its wealth and power. Enjoy the magic of the Italian Lakes District in the captivating resort of Stresa. Stop at a winery & farm in the heart of Tuscany to sample local wines and specialities for an included lunch. Sail to enchanting Capri and explore this island paradise. Special inclusions: “Rome by Night” tour...Vatican museums & St Peter’s...a pasta factory ...a family-style Tuscan feast...and a serenaded gondola cruise in Venice! Experience the benefits of Whisper headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour. Enjoy regional Italian wines with every dinner.

Aug 31–Sept 11 AAA Member Rate: $5,610

Oct 12-24 AAA Member Rate: $5,650

Rate is per person double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh-Milan, Venice-Pittsburgh), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 17 meals, inItaly tour director, air & hotel taxes (subject to change) and vendor travel protection. Visit AAA.com/GoItaly for itinerary and more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

Rate is per person double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh-Rome, Milan-Pittsburgh), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 21 meals, in-Italy tour director, air & hotel taxes (subject to change) and vendor travel protection. Visit AAA.com/ GoItaly for itinerary and more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

includes 4 nights in a Tuscan villa!

AAA MEMBER BENEFIT SAVE $50.00 PER PERSON

AIR-INCLUSIVE FLORIDA ISLAND VACATIONS

Anna Maria

APRIL 16-21 • AAA MEMBER RATE: $1,689

Anna Maria is a gem of an island untarnished by crowds that descend upon Florida’s other Gulf Coast jewels. Indulge in 5 nights at Tradewinds, a charmingly cozy Old Florida–feel resort. Its romantic old-fashioned pastel apartment cottages line a private street ending at a palm-fringed pool and a pier jutting into Sarasota Bay. Steps away, a private beach beckons you to the turquoise water you’re coming for. Each cottage has a full kitchen, bedroom and bathroom with tub/shower, a queen sleeper sofa and a private front porch or verandah. Under 8 miles long and about 1 at its widest, Anna Maria is tethered to Bradenton by 3 bridges. What this eye-pleasing islet lacks in size is more than made up for by an unpretentious, relaxing atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to lose yourself — the secret of a truly satisfying vacation. From a setting teeming with windsurfers, kayakers, jet skiers and boaters to a sleepy & quaint Old Florida tableau, Anna Maria appeals to Type A’s seeking to “grab the gusto” and to Type B’s who say “doing nothing is fun.” A special feature of AAA’s package is the opportunity to select 2 activities from 4 options. You may opt for the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota...OR a Segway tour of Coquina Beach & Longboat Key. On another day, the BeachHorses experience (limited space; first come, first serve) starts with a sunset horseback beach ride; then the horses glide into the water and swim...OR choose the Pirates Spring Training Center tour. Of course, there’s always fishing, biking, water sports, golfing and tennis. For a slow-down-fast vacation, dispense with driving, unless you’re talking golf carts or bikes; a free trolley gets you where you need to go. So slip off your shoes for seashore strolling and enjoy swaying palms & pines, shimmering blue-green waters, a rusALL PHOTOS: BRADENTONAREA CVB/TOM SHELBY tic wooden pier and funky beach bars! TM

Rate is per person double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (PittsburghTampa), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, cottage accommodations, 2 special attraction/activity excursions, 1 meal, all taxes/gratuties for included features and a AAA Tour Manager in Florida. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

Amelia

APRIL 15-20 • AAA MEMBER RATE: $1,449

Just off northeast Florida’s coast lies Amelia Island, beckoning visitors to enjoy its warm hospitality and mild climate. With pristine beaches, abundant wildlife and calm waters, Amelia has been a beloved destination for generations. Many celebrities (modern-day entertainers as well as prominent political figures throughout history) have chosen this area as their exclusive getaway. See what makes this little (13 miles long by 4 miles wide)barrier island named for Princess Amelia, daughter of George II of Great Britain, so special. Spend 5 relaxing nights at a beachside boutique-style hotel property with easy access to the beach and historic sites. One morning you’ll enjoy a relaxing and informative cruise. It’s a great way to get an overview of the area and to get to know those traveling with you! Afterward, continue the fun at the included lunch at a popular waterside restaurant. On another day, choose one of these included tours (transportation provided): • Enjoy a 5-mile horseback ride along the beach. Gentle horses & spectacular scenery make for a wonderful way to start the day! • Step aboard a Segway and journey through the subtropical vegetation of Ft George Island, one of the East Coast’s most ecological and historic sites. Hear about the island’s lost tribes, natural resources and coastal critters from eco-guides who show you the “real” Florida.

After a day to enjoy the countless options outside your door (including 7 golf courses), choose one of these included tours (transportation provided): • Marvel at the serene beauty of creeks and wetlands on a guided nature tour by kayak. • Venture out with a seasoned captain to catch some of the sea’s finest fish. Includes instruction/equipment. Impress everyone with your “big fish” story or tale of the one that got away! Rate is per person double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (PittsburghJacksonville), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, 2 special attraction/activity excursions, 6 meals, all taxes/gratuties for included features and a AAA Tour Manager in Florida. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

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AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY 2013

1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Irish Heritage 5 full days of the best of Ireland! Cliffs of Moher Bunratty Castle River Shannon Ferry Flying Boat Museum Ring of Kerry Blarney Castle Waterford Crystal Glendalough Dublin

MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS!

UP TO $650 OFF per room, based on 2 to a room $

650

PREMIER

600

PLUS

550

BASIC

To get discount, book & deposit by 1/31/13.

ALPINE LAKES & SCENIC TRAINS Switzerland, Italy

Breathtaking vistas paint the canvas of your trip of a lifetime through Switzerland & Italy. Explore dramatic railways and scenic lakes; enjoy cultural experiences in charming villages in the heart of Europe.

CLIFFS OF MOHER

May 12-19 • AAA Member Rate: $1,679 Rate is per person double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 11 meals (including Bunratty Castle medieval banquet/entertainment & Merry Ploughboy pub dinner/entertainment), in-Ireland tour director, hotel luggage handling (1 piece per person), hotel taxes & service charges. Ask about available addon airfare. Visit AAA.com/GoIreland for itinerary and more information.

Save on European Escapes!

DUBLIN’S HAPENNY BRIDGE

Convenient Motorcoach Cruises — from Pittsburgh to the Pier!

Arrive in Zurich for a dinner cruise on Lake Zurich. At Gstaad, board the Golden Pass panoramic train for breathtaking views on the way to Montreux. Continue to Zermatt village at Matterhorn’s base. Ascend Gornergrat Mountain via Europe's highest mountain railway. Ride the worldrenowned narrow-gauge Glacier Express, the world’s most charming express train. Marvel at the beauty of this route through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Explore the splendors of St Moritz during an overnight. Journey through Bernina Pass, traveling one of the world’s most scenic railway lines en route to Tirano, Italy. A ferry ride across Lake Como reveals the stunning beauty of this home to famous Hollywood stars. Drive through scenic hills & villages toward exciting Milan; a local introduces you to this capital of the Lombardy region. Visit the Duomo and the Vittorio Emmanuele II Gallery. Feast your eyes upon frescoes by Leonardo and a sculpture by Michelangelo at Castello Sforzesco. Enter the stunning Scala Opera House. In Lucerne, amble through romantic Old Town and explore the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Ascend Pilatus via the world’s steepest railway (48% gradient); at the top, soak in the magnificent view.

AUG 9-18

AAA MEMBER RATE: $5,329

Rate is per person based on double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh-Zurich), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 13 meals, sightseeing per itinerary, air & hotel taxes (subject to change) and trip cancellation waiver. Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

BRITISH LANDSCAPES England, Scotland, Wales

Avoid potential airport hassles and leave the driving to AAA! Ride our “Cruise Express” motorcoach right to the pier to board your cruise ship. Motorcoach to/from the port of BALTIMORE MD and sail on Enchantment of the Seas! SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN: 12 nights APRIL 1 • AAA Member Rate: from $1,279

Motorcoach to/from the port of BALTIMORE MD and sail on Grandeur of the Seas! BERMUDA: 7 nights MAY 17 • AAA Member Rate: from $1,244 NOV 1 • AAA Member Rate: from $945

CANADA & NEW ENGLAND: 8 nights

SEPT 19 • AAA Member Rate: from $1,115

Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation, cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and government fees. Ships’ registry: Bahamas. Visit AAA.com/motorcruise for complete itinerary details & pick-up points. VISIT AAA.COM/MOTORCRUISE.

Feel the vibrant energy of England, hear the unique sounds of Scotland and see the rolling countryside of Wales on a trip that combines the exploration of dramatic history and natural wonders. In London, the cosmopolitan and historic capital of Britain, see Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the Changing of the Guard. Enjoy a live theater performance. Visit Oxford, home of the famous university. Overnight in Ruthin Castle in north Wales; enjoy a typical Welsh-style dinner with traditional entertainment. Travel through the picturesque English Lake District to charming Grasmere, home of poet William Wordsworth. Continue to Scotland’s Gretna Green, where generations of runaway couples came to marry. Discover Edinburgh (“Athens of the North”), rich in scenic beauty and culture. Tour its castle, home of the Scottish crown jewels and glimpse what life is like for royals at Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh and once the home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Be entertained by Highland pipers & dancers at a banquet of local recipes; a highlight is the Ceremony of the Haggis. Cross Scotland’s rolling Border region back to England and see Hadrian’s Wall, once the northern border of the Roman Empire. Stroll through medieval York; visit its famous Minster. Journey to Stratford-upon-Avon, your home for 2 nights; visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s thatch-roofed cottage. Tour one of Britain’s most treasured castles with more than 1,000 years of history; conclude your castle visit with a private 3-course dinner. No visit to Britain is complete without seeing Stonehenge. Explore picturesque villages in the idyllic Cotswolds region.

SEPT 26–OCT 5

AAA MEMBER RATE: $4,319

Rate is per person based on double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Pittsburgh-London), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 15 meals, sightseeing per itinerary, Whisper headsets designed for better communication between you & your guide, air & hotel taxes (subject to change) and trip cancellation waiver. Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

JANUARY 2013

AAA MOTORIST

1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel

PAGE 11

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

LEAVE THE DRIVING TO US!

“Noah” in Lancaster: March 21-22

AAA Member Rate: $299

Travel to PA Dutch country for a live performance of the biblical story of “Noah” at Sight & Sound Theater; visit Kitchen Kettle Village, Central Market, an Amish farm and more. 2 meals. ALSO AUG 27-28: $315.

Maine Seacoast: June 22-28

AAA Member Rate: $1,309

See the rugged beauty of the Pine Tree State’s coastline, as well as the charming seaside towns that hug it from Portland to Boothbay Harbor to Bar Harbor to Freeport. Along the way, visit lighthouses, enjoy a whale watch cruise, tour Acadia National Park and shop at LL Bean and the Maine State Prison Store. 12 meals.

Finger Lakes Escape: July 8-11

AAA Member Rate: $805

Explore the spectacular scenery, quaint towns, wineries and elegant homes of this upstate New York region. Visit the Corning Glass Museum, Cornell University, Buttermilk Falls, Sonnenberg Mansion & Gardens, Mackenzie-Childs Estate and Seward House. Cruise on Lake Seneca and enjoy a steamboat dinner cruise on Canandaigua Lake and lunch at Belhurst Castle. 7 meals.

Vera Bradley Sale: April 10-12

AAA Member Rate: $359

Enjoy a fun getaway with your friends or family members; take advantage of incredible savings of 40% to 75% off Vera Bradley signature handbags, travel items, stationery and accessories. 2 meals.

Brandywine Homes & Gardens: April 25-27

AAA Member Rate: $555

Celebrate spring in this southeast PA valley and in nearby Delaware. Enjoy Chadds Ford Winery, world-renowned Longwood Gardens and Winterthur (former duPont family home and now a decorativearts museum with a 60-acre garden), Hagley Museum of American Enterprise and a dinner theater. 4 meals.

Kentucky Derby: May 2-5

AAA Member Rate: $855

Here’s a rare opportunity to step inside the international embassies and impressive house museums of our nation’s capital...and to enjoy dinner & a show at the Kennedy Center, a brunch cruise on the Potomac River and more. 4 meals.

Preakness Stakes: May 17-19

AAA Member Rate: $605

Trot off to Baltimore to experience the thrills of the “second jewel” of Triple Crown racing from reserved grandstand seating and see some of the other landmarks of Charm City. 4 meals.

Put-in-Bay OH: June 4-6

AAA Member Rate: $599

Relax on Lake Erie, America’s “North Coast”! Enjoy a lake cruise, a stay at a lakefront mainland resort and an overnight on South Bass Island at Put-in-Bay. Tour Sandusky’s Maritime Museum, see the Perry Peace Memorial and browse Put-in-Bay’s quaint shops. 5 meals.

Mackinac Lilac Festival: June 9-13

AAA Member Rate: $119

Enjoy a summer day exploring 4 Frank Lloyd Wright architectural gems (including Fallingwater) in PA’s scenic Laurel Highlands. 1 meal.

Tall Ships Great Lakes: July 24-30

AAA Member Rate: $1,539

Thrill to the spectacle of international Tall Ships on Lake Superior in Duluth MN. Enjoy ship tours and festivities. Visit the Lake Superior Maritime Center. Ride along Superior’s shores on the North Shore Railroad. See Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse. Includes visits to Chicago and the Wisconsin Dells. 11meals.

AAA Member Rate: $3,895

Fancy hats, mint juleps, “My Old Kentucky Home” — tradition plays a central role in the 139th Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Visit a horse farm and a distillery (with a tasting!). Enjoy lunch at historic Glen-Willis House on the Kentucky River and a reception at your hotel. On Derby Day, enjoy in-&-out privileges at a Churchill Downs Private Hospitality Event featuring a full buffet with bar/beverage service (including 2 complimentary drinks) and private betting windows. Then watch the Derby in person from grandstand seating! 4 meals.

Cultural Washington DC: May 10-12

The Wright Kind of Summer: July 16

AAA Member Rate: $1,049

Step back in time on northern Michigan’s enchanting no-cars-allowed Mackinac Island during its annual Lilac Festival. Enjoy the laid-back vibe, the Victorian-style lodging, a horse-drawn carriage ride, lunch & a garden tour at the famous Grand Hotel and more. 8 meals.

QUÉBEC CITY

Best of Montréal & Québec: Aug 4-10

AAA Member Rate: $1,885

Savor the fascinating flavors of French Canada in its 2 largest and most popular cities. The walled Old City section of Québec City enchants visitors with its history and charm. Venture into the countryside for a traditional “sugar shack” (where maple syrup is produced) dinner. Montréal hums with urban vitality & diversity; feel its energy as you see its sights. Also visit Ottawa, Toronto and Niagara Falls. 12 meals.

DC & Marine Corps Parade: Aug 9-10

AAA Member Rate: $345

The US Marine Corps Evening Parade is a popular and moving summer tradition in the nation’s capital. You’ll get goosebumps watching precision drills and listening to patriotic tunes. Take a tour or DC’s landmarks and visit the Smithsonian museums. 3 meals.

Girls’ Spa Getaway: Aug 16-18

AAA Member Rate: $475

Head to Wilkes-Barre’s Woodlands Inn & Resort with friends or family on this fun-filled girls’ weekend for convenient on-site spa treatments (manicure, pedicure, 45-minute massage included), dining venues, hip cocktail lounges, exciting entertainment venues and more! 3 meals.

Chautauqua Wine & Dine: Aug 29-30

AAA Member Rate: $335

Discover the elegance & culture of NY’s Vintage Trail and Chautauqua Institution. Winery visits, mansion tour, lake cruise and more. 5 meals.

Rates are per person double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation from Pittsburgh, accommodations, admissions, taxes/gratuities for included features, baggage handling, meals as indicated and the services of a AAA Tour Manager. Visit AAA.com/usa for complete itinerary details and pick-up points.

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AAA MOTORIST

1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel

JANUARY 2013

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

SAVE $50! PER ROOM WHEN YOU BOOK & DEPOSIT BY 1/31/13

Southwestern Canyonlands Eroded for eons by wind and water, the colorful canyons of Arizona, Utah and Nevada captivate all who visit. See the stunning Red Rocks of Sedona, the magnificence of the Grand Canyon, the backcountry of Monument Valley, the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park and the sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park. Enjoy Grand Canyon National Park lodging, guided tour and IMAX Theater. Take an “adventure cruise” through Antelope/Navajo Canyon. Visit Lake Powell and spend 2 fun nights in Las Vegas.11 meals.

June 12-20 • AAA Member Rate: $2,725

Pacific Coast Enjoy a stunningly scenic journey exploring America’s majestic northern Pacific coastline and its vibrant cities, including Seattle, Portland, San Francicsco and more! Along the way, take a sunset dinner cruise on Seattle’s lakes, a dune buggy ride at Oregon Dunes National Park and a jet boat ride on the Rogue River! Visit Mt St Helens, Portland’s Rose Gardens, Multnomah Falls, the Columbia River Gorge, Mt Hood & Timberline Lodge, Redwood National Park, Sonoma’s wine country and much more. 17 meals.

June 16-25 • AAA Member Rate: $3,325

THE AMERICAN WEST

Where the sun sets ...and the fun rises! Rates are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking and include roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, motorcoach sightseeing & admissions as indicated, services of a AAA Tour Manager and more. Ask about available add-on airfare. Visit AAA.com/USA for complete itinerary details.

Yellowstone Experience America’s first national park’s first explorers were called liars when they described its otherworldly features and wildlife. From Salt Lake City, visit Antelope Island State Park. At Yellowstone, head straight for Old Faithful! Visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Taking a wildlife safari (with sunset picnic) with opportunities for wildlife sightings. Enjoy the “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone,” the Grand Tetons, the cowboy town of Jackson, a Snake River float trip and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting). 12 meals.

Aug 5-11 • AAA Member Rate: $1,835

American Majesty From Salt Lake City to Denver, take in some of America’s favorite landmarks in between. Visit Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone NP (Old Faithful & Mammoth Hot Springs), Devil’s Tower National Monument, Mt Rushmore National Memorial (evening light ceremony), Ft Laramie National Historic Site and the Buffalo Bill Historic Center. Float down the Snake River and ride a Jeep safari through the Black Hills. Hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting). See Crazy Horse Monument. 15 meals, including a chuck wagon dinner.

Grand Canyon Adventure Luxuriate in Red Rock Country at the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa. Take a Pink Jeep backcountry tour. Ride first class on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to your national park lodging just a quarter-mile from the South Rim. Visit Glen Canyon Recreational Area and a night at Lake Powell Resort. A tour highlight is your guided half-day float trip on the Colorado River! Motorcoach to the Luxor Hotel on the Strip in Las Vegas. Flirt with Lady Luck, relax by the pool or take in a top-notch show on your free full day in Vegas. 9 meals.

Oct 4-10 • AAA Member Rate: $2,195

Napa Valley & San Francisco So many delights in one tour — from San Francisco’s endless charms to the natural splendor of the Muir Woods redwoods. Cross Golden Gate Bridge to enjoy 5 vineyards (participate in a “Blend Your Own Merlot” event) and 3 nights at Tuscan-style Vino Bella Resort in Napa. Savor an exquisite 4-course dinner on the Napa Valley Wine Train. With your hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf as your base, tour San Francisco’s famous landmarks, cruise by ferry across the bay and enjoy free time for shopping and exploring. 2 meals.

Oct 7-12 • AAA Member Rate: $1,949

Aug 31–Sept 8 • AAA Member Rate: 2,735

Best of Northern California

New Mexico Balloon Fiesta

Explore San Francisco, the redwoods at Muir Woods, Mediterranean-style Sausalito and the wine country of the Sonoma and Napa valleys (and dine on the Napa Valley Wine Train). Ride Amtrak’s California Zephyr to the scenic shores of Lake Tahoe and cruise its crystal-blue waters aboard a paddlewheeler. Venture to Yosemite National Park, then take the Pacific Coast Highway to Monterery, Carmelby-the-Sea, 17-Mile Drive, Big Sur, San Simeon (Hearst Castle), Salinas Valley and Silicon Valley. 14 meals.

Calling all train lovers! Join this multi-train Great American Rail Adventure in the Centennial State. Enjoy unforgettable rides on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Marvel at the awesome natural rock formations in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, the spectacular landscapes at the Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction and the dizzying height of the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Cañon City. 15 meals.

Explore Albuquerque, the Land of Enchantment’s largest city. At the International Balloon Fiesta, witness the mass ascension of hundreds of balloons. Explore landmarks along Route 66, visit Old Town & its Plaza and tour the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Ride Sandia Peak’s Aerial Tramway and visit an artisanal winery. See the Balloon Fiesta’s evening “Glowdeo” & fireworks. Explore historic Chimayo village, artistic Taos and charming Santa Fe. Take a guided desert wilderness hike with llamas! 14 meals.

July 25–Aug 2 • AAA Member Rate: $2,859

Sept 14-21 • AAA Member Rate: $2,095

Oct 9-15 • AAA Member Rate: $2,309

Colorado Train Adventure

JANUARY 2013

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 13

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Catch the

ALOHA SPIRIT AAA’s 9-night Hawaiian vacation features a 2-night pre-cruise stay in Honolulu, a tour of the USS Arizona Memorial & a 7-night cruise of 4 islands (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii & Kauai). Member Rates SEE MORE HAWAII BY CRUISING! April 11-20 from $1,825 Oct 10-19 from $1,721 Nov 7-16 from $1,774

Steamboating with KDKA Personality Jon Burnett Glide along the Ohio River from Pitsburgh to Cincinnati, with stops in Point Pleasant WV and Maysville KY. The largest steamboat ever built, the grand American Queen is a gracious and elegant triumph of American ingenuity. Although filled with today’s modern amenities, her rooms and accommodations display all the opulence of America’s Victorian era. Glistening woodwork, fresh flowers and antiques adorn her interior spaces. Outside, lacy filigree evokes memories of the many stately river steamers that preceded her and so inspired her designers. The paddlewheel has its own rhythm but so does the music of the river as you float through the myriad melodies of blues, gospel, folk, rockabilly, ragtime, Dixieland jazz and zydeco. Sway to the music of Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton and try your hand at that quintessential river instrument, the calliope. You’ll quickly discover that the river has a rhythm all its own.

Aug 1-5 AAA Member Rate: from $1,798

Pride of America

Rates are per person (double occupancy), are subject to change/availability at time of booking and include hotel/pier transfers, 2 nights at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, USS Arizona Memorial/Pearl Harbor tour, 7-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and government taxes/fees. Ship’s registry: USA. Ask about available add-on airfare.

Rate is per person double occupancy, is subject to availability and includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation (Pittsburgh pick-up points to wharf & Cincinnati to Pittsburgh), cruise accommodations, most onboard meals/entertainment, port charges, services of a AAA Tour Manager, onboard cocktail party, in-stateroom welcome bottle of wine and $50 per stateroom shipboard credit.

Celebrity Cruises and AAA Vacations ® offer some of the best values at sea & great benefits unavailable elsewhere! VIP Priority Check-in does not grant priority boarding

$100 Onboard Credit per stateroom

DATE NTS SHIP

ITINERARY

5/27 11 Reflection

Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Rome

5/29 12 Equinox

Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona

6/1 12 Constellation Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Amsterdam 6/3 11 Infinity

British Isles: Roundtrip from Harwich

6/3 12 Silhouette

Eastern Mediterranean: Rome to Venice

6/7 10 Reflection

Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Rome

6/8 14 Infinity

Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Southampton

6/10 12 Equinox

Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona

7/4 12 Equinox

Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Barcelona

7/5 10 Infinity

Norwegian Fjords: Roundtrip from Southampton

7/6 14 Eclipse

Iceland & Fjords: Roundtrip from Southampton

7/7 12 Constellation Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Amsterdam 7/8 11 Reflection

Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Rome

7/9 10 Silhouette

Eastern Mediterranean: Rome to Venice

7/19 10 Reflection

Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Rome

New bookings only. Offers listed available only on AAA Vacations departures. Combinable with exclusive AAA Member Benefits; ask your AAA Travel Agent or visit AAA.com/travel for details & restrictions. ®

Includes Wildlife Safaris Oct 5-18 Visit AAA.com/Africa for itinerary & information. AAA Member Rate $8,399

Enjoy 2 valuable benefits EXCLUSIVELY for members BEST-PRICE GUARANTEE

If you find a better rate for the exact same cruise itinerary & experience within 24 hours of booking, AAA Vacations ® will match the lower rate...and you’ll receive a $50.00 future-travel credit certificate.

24 / 7 MEMBER CARE

Get peace of mind whenever you need emergency assistance while traveling — a toll-free domestic number and collect-call instructions for international travelers.

A special kind of cruise stands apart from all others — a AAA Vacations cruise available only from AAA Travel. It delivers unique features designed to ensure you have the best vacation experience. Compare a AAA Vacations cruise against the same cruise offered elsewhere; see how much more your vacation dollar gets you at AAA. Even if you find the same cruise (without AAA Vacations benefits, of course!) at a lower price somewhere else within 24 hours of booking your AAA Vacations cruise, AAA will match that rate and give you a $50.00 future-travel voucher... guaranteed! ®

AAA MEMBER BENEFIT SAVE $50.00 PER PERSON

Rate is per person double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (PittsburghNairobi), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, guided sightseeing, entrance fees, 34 meals, in-Africa tour director, hotel luggage handling (1 piece per person), hotel taxes & service charges, services of a AAA Tour Manager (if participation goal is met), air taxes & fees/surcharges and vendor cancellation waiver & insurance. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

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1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel

AAA MOTORIST

JANUARY 2013

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

JANUARY 2013

AAA MOTORIST

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1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Castles along the Rhine A Uniworld Boutique River Cruise

Photo courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, celebrating the fairytale beauty and romantic spirit of the Rhine River aboard the SS Antoinette. Travel in ultimate style & comfort to UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Amsterdam to Basel Cologne • Koblenz • Boppard • Rüdesheim Castle Vollrads Wine Tasting • Speyer Germersheim • Strasbourg • Breisach Alsatian Wine Road • Colmar • Riquewhir Oct 20-27 • AAA Member Rate: from $3,129 Rate is per person double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/ship transfers, 7-night cruise accommodations/entertainment/meals (7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners, including Captain’s Welcome Gala & a Farewell Dinner), 9 excursions (including 2 “Choice Is Yours” options with English-speaking local experts), wine/ beer/soft drinks at onboard lunches & dinners, bottled water in stateroom, 24-hour coffee/tea bar, Cruise Manager, English-speaking staff, $50 per person onboard credit, headset system on shore excursions, use of bicycles throughout cruise, onboard local entertainment, “The European City: Middle Ages to the Present” lecture, exclusive Epicurean Adventurer Program,™ exclusive Go Active program, all transfers on arrival & departure days. Ask about available add-on airfare.

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1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Altoona PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bridgeport WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brookville PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Butler PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Columbiana OH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cranberry Township PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . East Liverpool OH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erie PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greensburg PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harborcreek PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Indiana PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kittanning PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lower Burrell/New Kensington Area PA . . Martinsburg WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meadville PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Morgantown WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Castle PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

814-946-1277 304-842-7676 814-849-4000 724-282-8810 330-482-3836 724-772-1122 330-385-2020 814-866-0246 724-834-8300 814-897-9508 724-349-4193 724-543-4244 724-339-4440 304-263-4619 814-724-3157 304-983-6480 724-658-8551

Pittsburgh PA area Century III (Pleasant Hills) . . . . . . . . . Downtown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . East Liberty/Shadyside . . . . . . . . . . . . Monroeville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . North Hills Area (Ross Twp) . . . . . . . . Robinson Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . South Hills (Bethel Park) . . . . . . . . . . White Oak/McKeesport . . . . . . . . . . . Rochester PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . St Marys PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Uniontown PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warren PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Washington PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Waynesburg PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wheeling WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weirton WV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

412-655-6105 412-338-4305 412-365-7272 412-858-4640 412-367-7625 412-809-2803 412-833-5060 412-675-3404 724-728-6230 814-781-3003 724-438-8575 814-723-6660 724-225-3600 724-627-3434 304-233-1810 304-748-1616

GENERAL TRAVEL DISCLAIMER: AAA Travel Agency makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date prices as of press time and cannot assume responsibility for typographic errors. Rates/offers are per person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated, and are subject to availability and airline/operator changes. International rates/ offers are subject to currency fluctuations and additional tax & security charges. Rates that include airfare include all taxes, government fees and surcharges. Additional restrictions may apply. Rates/offers are available at all AAA East Central travel agency locations. For tour details, contact AAA or visit AAA.com/travel. AAA FEATURED VACATIONS are specially priced, unique departures; therefore, tour operators, cruise lines and other travel providers often exclude them from additional discounts or specials they offer. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for more details or visit the air carrier’s website for baggage allowance and fee information.

AAA MEMBERS GET MORE! FREE MOTORCOACH!

Want to cruise but don’t want to fly? This motorcoach cruise to Canada & New England is for members like you. Avoid airport hassles and waiting for your luggage to be unloaded. Park free at your pickup point. Relax and leave the driving to professionals. Ride in comfort from Pittsburgh to the pier at Cape Liberty NJ and be rested & ready to sail on Celebrity Summit to Portland & Bar Harbor ME, Halifax & Sydney NS, Charlottetown PE, Québec City & Gaspé QC. 5 full days at sea. Includes Martini Tasting (2 per stateroom) and Wine Appreciation (1 bottle per stateroom).

1/6–1/31/13: The roundtrip motorcoach transfer is FREE for members, and members who book & deposit on a balcony stateroom (or higher) may choose 1 OF THE 3 BONUSES below! OCT 5-19 AAA MEMBER RATE: balcony staterooms from $2,638 Rate is per person based on double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip motorcoach, cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, government fees/ taxes and a AAA Tour Manager to/from Cape Liberty. Ship’s registry: Malta. Visit AAA.com/travel for itinerary details & pick-up points. Limited motorcoach space.

AAA MEMBER BONUSES $200 SHIPBOARD CREDIT per stateroom PREPAID GRATUITIES

approx $11.50 per guest per cruise day for stateroom & dining room service (Concierge Class, Aquaclass: $12. Suites: $15)

CLASSIC BEVERAGE PACKAGE FOR 2 including alcohol (value: $88/day)

Eastern Mediterranean & Greek Isles

Explore the fascinating history, unique culture and stunning natural beauty of Italy, Malta, Greece and Turkey. Sail on Celebrity Silhouette roundtrip from Rome to Venice, Italy, with visits to Naples, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Mykonos, Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; and Rhodes, Santorini, Athens (Piraeus) & Chania (Souda), Greece. 2 full days at sea. Includes Martini Tasting Voucher (2 per stateroom) and Specialty Dining Restaurant (1 evening, 2 per stateroom).

1/6–1/31/13: Members who book & deposit on a balcony (or higher) stateroom may choose 2 OF THE 3 BONUSES below! OCT 19-31 AAA MEMBER RATE: balcony staterooms from $2,169 Rate is per person based on double occupancy, is subject to availability at time of booking and includes cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals and government fees/taxes. Ship’s registry: Malta. Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary details. Ask about available add-on airfare. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

JANUARY 2013

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1-800-354-8761 AAA.com/travel

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

An already perfect cruise is even better... when it’s from AAA Vacations® BEST-PRICE GUARANTEE Find a better rate for the exact same cruise itinerary & experience within 24 hours of booking and AAA Vacations ® will match the lower rate; you’ll get a $50.00 future-travel credit certificate!

24/7 MEMBER CARE HELP DESK Get peace of mind when you need emergency assistance while traveling: toll-free domestic number and collect-call instructions for international travelers. AHOY! — AAA’s travel partners offer AAA members enhanced benefits & values on hundreds of AAA Vacations cruises in 2013. ®

Who doesn’t want a cruise with better benefits? AAA Vacations sailings offer best value for the money ®

cruise is the perfect vacation in so many A ways — convenience (unpack just once!) and value for your dollar, for example. And, if your cruise is a AAA Vacations® departure, perfection gets even better! You may already be familiar with our AAA Vacations®–branded Disney packages — the ones where AAA members get special benefits and big savings when you book a Disney vacation with AAA. We took that idea and applied it to cruises. Now you can search a huge inventory of cruises — hundreds & hundreds of them — for the trip that fits your idea of the perfect escape. They’re the same cruise offerings available to everyone, but as a AAA member you get more than the guy in the stateroom next to you (who’s not a member!). AAA Vacations® cruises are available with Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. If you enjoyed cruising with any of these lines in the past, you’re guaranteed a more enjoyable experience in the future. Why? Simply because you’re a AAA member and because we offer the best benefits out there. Every AAA Vacations® cruise comes with

3 things — one or more exclusive member values or experiences, a Best-Price Guarantee and a 24/7 Member Care Help Desk. The exclusive member value or experience may be any or all of the these: priority check-in on the day of boarding, credit to use on the ship, upscale dining, a bottle of Champagne. The Best-Price Guarantee assures you are getting just that — the lowest fare. If you book a AAA Vacations® cruise with us and you find a valid better rate for the exact same itinerary within 24 hours of your booking, AAA Vacations® will match the lower rate. We’ll also send you a $50 Future-Travel Credit Certificate toward a future AAA Vacations® cruise vacation. So, how do you find a AAA Vacations® cruise? It’s a breeze! All of our travel agents have the list and can share the different itineraries with you if you want personalized assistance. Visit your local AAA or call 1-800-354-8761 to speak with someone knowledgeable. If you like to do your own research and/or have access to a computer, start your search at AAA.com/cruises and look for the AAA Travel logo indicating qualified sailings. Simply mouse-over the logo to reveal the special offers!

CELEBRITY CRUISES

VIP Priority Check-in (does not grant priority boarding) $25 Onboard Credit (per stateroom; 4- & 5-night cruises) $50 Onboard Credit (per stateroom; 6- to 9-night cruises) $100 Onboard Credit (per stateroom; 10-night & longer cruises)

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE

Pinnacle Grill Dinner (1st & 2nd passengers only) Exclusive Savor & Swirl Culinary Event (private session with a chef) Holland America Line Cookbook (1 per stateroom) $25 or $50 Beverage Card (1st & 2nd passengers only; select sailings) Chocolate-covered Strawberries (placed in stateroom; select sailings)

PRINCESS CRUISES

$50 Onboard Credit (per stateroom; cruises up to 11 nights) $75 Onboard Credit (per stateroom; 12-night & longer cruises) Exclusive Wine Tasting (1st & 2nd passengers only) Embarkation Day Preferred Check-in (does not grant priority boarding)

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

Complimentary Regent Choice Tour Excursion (1st & 2nd passengers only) AAA Vacations® Exclusive Reception

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL VIP Priority Check-in (does not grant priority boarding) $25 Onboard Credit (per stateroom; 3- to 5-night cruises) $50 Onboard Credit (per stateroom; 6- to 9-night cruises) $100 Onboard Credit (per stateroom; 10-night & longer cruises) Champagne upon arrival (placed in stateroom) Complimentary Dining for 2 at a Specialty Restaurant

(only on Allure of the Seas & Oasis of the Seas sailings booked after 4/15/12)

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISE COLLECTION $50 Shipboard Credit (per person) $100 to $200 AAA Vacations® Discount (per person) $125 to $250 AAA Member Rewards Discount (per person) ®

AAA Vacations amenities are combinable with exclusive AAA Member Benefits; ask a AAA Travel Agent for details. & restrictions. ®

Offers listed here available only on AAA Vacations departures. New bookings only. Visit AAA.com/travel for details & restrictions.

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JANUARY 2013

They’re playing your song in Nashville Music City USA will be music to your ears

ickers and grinners will have plenty to smile about in Nashville. In New York and LA, all of the waiters are actors. But in Music City USA everyone carries a guitar, or has hand written lyrics stuffed in their back pocket. This is where country met western, added a Tennessee twang and morphed into the Nashville Sound. With its roots in the issues of the common man country music has always been close to America’s heart. Songwriter Harlan Howard described it as “three chords and the truth.” Hundreds of aspiring songwriters and performers still make their way to Nashville every year playing for tips in joints like Robert’s Western World and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, a heliotrope colored Honky Tonk on Lower Broadway. Willie Nelson famously described Tootsie’s as “17 steps from the Ryman and 34 steps back.” Country music cognoscenti will want to make a trek out to the Bluebird Café, housed in a nondescript storefront in a suburban strip mall. This is where Nashville’s best songwriters gather to perform their own songs, which are usually made famous by others. A typical night consists of three or four tunesmiths performing in the round with just their acoustic guitars. There’s 1,354 guitar pickers in Nashville and it’s a good bet you’ll find

NASHVILLE CATS — Little Jimmy Dickens and Brad Paisley performing at the Grand Ole Opry. most of them hanging out at Gruhn Guitars. Located at Fourth Ave. and Broadway, proprietor George Gruhn is considered the nation’s foremost authority on vintage fretted instruments. And upstairs on the second floor is where they keep the really good stuff. Serious players and collectors will salivate over such rarities as Chet Atkins’ personal Gretsch Country Gentleman, and a 1923 Gibson F-5 mandolin priced at $180,000. Satisfied customers include Vince Gill and Eric Clapton.

Get More... Out of Your Membership with

AAA Plus!!

s a AAA basic member, you enjoy countless valuable benefits — from roadside assistance to travel services, member discounts, and access to financial and insurance services. And there’s more! When you sign up for AAA Plus membership, you’re eligible for all of the benefits of basic membership, plus enhanced and extended services, including:

n Up to 100 miles of free towing n Free emergency fuel n Up to $100 emergency locksmith services n Extended extrication service n Extra Trip Interruption Protection coverage

Get more out of your membership

Call or visit your local AAA office or AAA.com, or call our Member Service Center at 1-800-441-5008

Hatch Show Print just down the street, not only created the handbills and posters for the Grand Ole Opry, but for tent shows, carnivals and products like Peco Gas and Graves Whole Hog Sausage. Today, they are one of the nation’s few remaining letterpress print shops and still cranking out posters for everyone from AC/DC to ZZ Top. A small retail area offers re-strikes of many of their best known vintage prints. The Ryman Auditorium at Museum and Fifth, is known as the “Mother Church of Country Music.” This is where Hank Williams sang Honky Tonk Blues six times in a row and where Jim Denny fired Elvis Presley after his first performance, telling him he “ought to go back to drivin’ a truck.” Now a National Historic Landmark, the one time church and former home of the Grand Ole Opry is open for tours and live performances of rock, gospel, and country. After the show, stop in at Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant, one of Nashville’s authentic meat-and-three restaurants (a meat dish served with three sides). A short walk from the Ryman is The Country Music Hall of Fame. This massive, grand piano-shaped facility spans an entire city block and honors music legends like Johnny Cash and Patsy

Cline. Among the thousands of artifacts on display are Hank Williams’ favorite Martin guitar, and Webb Pierce’s 1962 Pontiac Bonneville convertible, customized with a pair of Texas longhorns mounted over the grille, and six shooters for door handles. More than 150 silver dollars are sewn into the hand-tooled leather upholstery. Music Row stretches from 16th Avenue to Belmont, and is lined with music publishers and recording studios. Visitors can tour RCA Studio B, the iconic studio known as Nashville’s “Home of a 1,000 Hits.” The modest block building is where artists like Elvis, Roy Orbison, and the Everly Brothers recorded hits like “Only the Lonely,” and “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” When the Grand Ole Opry moved from the Ryman Auditorium in 1974, it took part of the Ryman with it. A round circle of oak cut from the Ryman stage now sits center stage at the Grand Ole Opry House. The show that made country music famous is performed about nine miles northeast of town in a state of the art 4,400 seat theater. The Opry showcases a mix of legends like 91-year-old Little Jimmy Dickens with contemporary chart-toppers like Jason Aldean, performing country, bluegrass and gospel, all leavened with some corn pone comedy. Visitors can take a backstage tour and walk in the footsteps of the stars while getting a rare look at what happens on the other side of the curtain. From November through January, the Opry moves back to its former home, the Ryman Auditorium.

TEMPLE OF ATHENA

Nashville’s Parthenon is home to sculptor Alan LeQuire’s 1990 startling re-creation of the Athena Parthenos. The massive, 42-foot-tall statue took eight years to complete and is covered with more than eight pounds of gold leaf. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see this issue’s Departures Guide for or log on to AAA.com/TravelPlanner for special values on AAA motorcoach vacations.

JANUARY 2013

Disney Month at AAA in booking Disney vacations is no hollow claim: AAA East Central has been officially recognized by Disney as Club of the Year for 2011 (the 2012 winner won’t be announced until later this year). That means you can be confident that the assistance and service you’ll get can be trusted to be among the best available. AAA Travel Agents know Disney inside & out and can help you create the vacation you and your family have always dreamed of — and they can enhance it with special member benefits and extras you may not have even expected! The peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re getting the best — and the most — value for your hard-earned vacation dollar makes all the difference in the world in how you experience and enjoy your Disney time. Whether at a Walt Disney World® Resort theme park, aboard a ship of the Disney Cruise Line® or on a family-friendly Adventures by Disney® guided domestic or international tour, your vacation is sure to be

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one you’ll never, ever forget. Remember: January has only 31 days. Contact AAA now; “there snow way” you want to miss Disney Month!

ONLY IN JANUARY AT AAA!

Walt Disney World ® Resort in Florida Come where elephants fly, teacups spin and fairytales come true – the Walt Disney World® Resort, including New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom® Park and experience Disney storytelling in a magical new way! Your family will create memories that will last happily ever after. During January’s Disney Month, ask your AAA Travel professional about a special Disney Gift Card* offer when you buy a select AAA AS TO ARTWORK: © DISNEY Vacations ® package 1/3/13 through 1/31/13. *The Disney Gift Card can be used at select participating locations at Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort, Disney Cruise Line®, Disney Store locations in the US, DisneyStore.com, DisneyPhotoPass.com, Disney Vacation Club®, Adventures by Disney® and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. It is not redeemable for cash, will not be replaced if lost or stolen without required proof of purchase, and it is subject to the terms & conditions of the Disney Gift Card Program. The Disney Gift Card cannot be used toward the purchase of a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club® Resort. The Disney Gift Card is issued by Disney Gift Card Services, Inc. Gift cards may not be used toward the purchase of Disney Dollars or Disney Gift Cards. Other restrictions apply. Use of gift card is acceptance of its terms & conditions. Visit DisneyGiftCard.com for complete terms & conditions and for more information about the Disney Gift Card program.

Disney Cruise Line® Master storytelling, world-class entertainment and legendary Disney hospitality all come together on the Disney Dream, creating experiences designed to delight everyone in the family. From an exhilarating ride on the first water coaster at sea, to dazzling stage shows, themed deck parties and fireworks at sea, this incredible ship will delight all who step aboard. Combine this with a visit to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise, and it’s a vacation dream come true. AS TO ARTWORK: © DISNEY Sail on Disney Dream and receive a $50 Onboard Credit* when you book a Verandah Stateroom on a 3- or 4-night Bahamian cruise between 1/1/13–1/31/13 for sailings departing 5/2/13–9/26/13. AS TO ARTWORK: © DISNEY

NOTE: For AAA Member Benefits — Advance reservations are required for the preferred fireworks, reservation voucher and valid Theme Park admission required. One viewing per person. Entire party must be present for admission. Space is limited and subject to availability. Fireworks schedules vary by season and certain block-out dates apply to this benefit during holiday periods. Inclementweather conditions may affect outdoor entertainment. Disney Story Time — advance reservations required; reservation voucher and valid Theme Park admission are also required. Seating is limited and subject to availability. Operates on select days of the week and certain block-out dates apply. One voucher per room. One Diamond Savings Card per package, nontransferable and void if sold. Diamond parking is subject to availability and a voucher is required. Block-out dates apply; nontransferable and void if sold. Photo package: inside stateroom receives two 8"x10" photos and one 6"x8" photo. Outside staterooms receive four 8"x10" photos and three 6"x8" photos. Valid for sailings 1/1/13–12/31/13. Benefits are per stateroom. All benefits are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions and exclusions may apply. Magic Moments Savings based on the nondiscounted price for the same room at a participating hotel paid by non-AAA members and is applicable to the room-only portion of the package. Limited number of packages available with these savings. Guests must be AAA members with a valid AAA membership card when booking. Valid AAA membership card must be presented at check-in. Gifts (totes, miniature-golf tickets, Cirque du Soleil tickets and water park tickets) are limited to 100 per room based on deposit dates, new bookings only beginning 1/1/2013.

*Applicable to AAA/CAA travel agencies. Must book between 1/1/13 & 1/31/13 and mention booking code ADM at time of booking. Valid for verandah stateroom categories 4A-7A. New bookings only. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers/discounts. One shipboard credit per stateroom. Excludes category with restrictions VGT and concierge/suite stateroom categories. Changes to the vacation date or category may result in loss of offer. Offer for Guests who previously booked, cancelled and then rebooked are not eligible. Shipboard credit is nonrefundable and nontransferable. See Disney Cruise Line® website for cruise details and applicable terms & conditions. This offer can be combined with existing AAA benefits. **Benefits valid only for AAA/CAA members who pre-purchase their vacation package through a AAA/CAAA Travel Agency. Benefits valid for Disney Cruise Line® sailings through 12/31/13. Benefits are per each valid stateroom booked and are nontransferable. All benefits & services are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions & exclusions may apply.

Adventures by Disney® There are literally thousands of adventures out there just waiting to be experienced. Let Adventures by Disney® be your guides, your storytellers, your local experts and your masters of hassle-free guided group travel. They’ll take you where you want to go. Bring you closer to the places you visit. See every last detail. And make sure every moment, for everyone in your family, is a moment you’ll want to remember again and again. AAA members can get $100 off* the land package price of an Adventures by Disney® AS TO ARTWORK: © DISNEY vacation when they book before 1/31/13. *AAA/CAA members who book any available Adventures by Disney® departure between 1/1/13 & 1/31/13 for travel before 3/30/14 will receive $100 off the total land package price per reservation. Land packages are subject to availability. Excludes specialty departures. Valid on new bookings only. Offer valid for AAA/CAA members only, subject to verification. Not transferable or redeemable for cash in whole or in part. Void where prohibited. Offer subject to change without notice. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply. This offer is combinable with the AAA member benefit.

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AAA MOTORIST

AAA Club Rewards on AAA.com

offers, or use the AAA Club Rewards Shopping Engine to select your favorite brands. In addition to the discounts, AAA members can also earn rewards or WOWPoints on most purchases. We’ve even added a “tell us what you think” FeedBack button on the left margin, so members can help us make their shopping experience even better. Where to find it All AAA East Central members can access the AAA Club Rewards page from www.AAA.com/ discounts. Members will be able to browse through offers, however, they must first register at the time of transaction. Registration is completely free — a valid AAA membership and email address are all you need. Personalized shopping AAA members will be invited to customize their shopping experience to receive personalized recommendations based on their interests. Offers are available online, by phone, and/or

continued from page 1

in-store (via a printed coupon) and include limited-time offers, deep discount offers (5090% off), and everyday offers (5-10% off). Earn WOWPoints In addition to discount offers, members will also earn rewards points on most purchases that you can accumulate and use to purchase products from your favorite participating merchants. Starting with just 200 points, members can begin to redeem their WOWPoints for free merchandise on AAA Club Rewards. • WOWPoints is a virtual currency, as valuable and flexible as cash; • 100 WOWPoints earned = $1.00; • There is no limit to the amount of points you can earn; • There are no blackout dates and no restrictions. Why wait any longer? Register online at AAA. com/discounts. Start shopping at your favorite merchants and enjoy the savings today.

JANUARY 2013

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Consider the cost of depreciation before you buy Some vehicles retain value much better than others

hile most car buyers today consider sticker price one of the most significant numbers when choosing a new vehicle, shoppers should also consider a number they won’t find on any window sticker: the resale value. Depreciation often is the greatest expense incurred by drivers during the first five years of vehicle ownership. According to Kelley Blue Book, an average 2013 model-year vehicle will only retain about 38.2 percent of its original value after a five-year ownership period, meaning that a $50,000 new car today will be worth somewhere close to $19,100 after five years. Vehicles with average or below-average resale values are generally plentiful in the marketplace and easy to find. But certain vehicles are projected to hold their value much better than others. A vehicle’s resale value is usually based on supply and demand, as well as current and projected future market conditions. Vehicles that retain their value best are rarely discounted and tend to generate high levels of consumer interest. Vehicle shoppers should take several factors into consideration when buying a new car to ensure as much future value as possible. Just because a car is expensive or from a luxury brand does not necessarily mean it will hold its value better than an inexpensive car

there are exceptions to the rule, such as a high-performance engine or a performance package in a sports car. Finally, regional preferences can significantly impact the value of a vehicle. In the colder sections of the country, a two-wheel drive vehicle’s resale value will not be as high as a four-wheel or all-wheel drive option of that same model. At the other end of the thermometer, in warmer climates black (or dark-colored) cars will not have as high resale value as they could command in other regions. Getting the most for your money means knowing what your car will be worth when you sell it, not just what it’s worth when you buy it. Taking the time to research and wisely choose vehicle makes, models and options now can help new-car shoppers get as much money as possible when they sell or trade-in the vehicle in the future.

FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH — A Jeep Wrangler retains about 55% of its value after five years, much better than most vehicles. down the road. In fact, because resale values are calculated as a percent of original MSRP, an expensive vehicle has to command a relatively high price later as a used car to maintain its residual value. For example, a $60,000 vehicle has to be worth $21,000 five years later to have a residual value of 35 percent. At this price point, not only will it compete with other used luxury

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vehicles, but it also will compete with some new vehicles in the marketplace. Meanwhile, an $18,000 new vehicle only needs to be worth $6,300 five years later to have the same 35 percent residual value, and at that price point it will not compete with new vehicles. In addition, most options and packages added to a vehicle do not necessarily increase its resale value. However,

AAA AUTO BUYING PROGRAM

In the market for a new or used vehicle? The AAA Auto Buying program provides unbiased new and used car pricing information free of charge to AAA members through AAA’s preferred supplier TrueCar. To save money and get the upfront price on your next new car, visit the AAA Auto Buying Program at www.AAA.com/autobuying.

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Good night Carnival Destiny, good day Sunshine Revamped cruise ship changes everything — including its name

pundit once credited Noah with building the first cruise ship. Today, the Ark’s skipper could only marvel at the Carnival Destiny. The world’s first 100,000-plus-ton cruise ship was the forerunner of a whole new class of grand-scale vessels. Now Destiny has a whole new destiny. The 2,642-passenger ship will undergo a $155 million makeover that will transform Carnival Destiny into Carnival Sunshine during a 49-day dry dock in Italy. The refit will include a reconfigured layout, the addition of a partial deck and the expansion of two other decks and one-hundred and eighty-two new cabins. The ship will emerge in April with all of the elements of the line’s ground breaking Fun Ship 2.0 program, along with several exciting new features all her own. Top-deck amenities will include Serenity, a spectacular three-level adults-only retreat — the largest in the Carnival fleet — featuring a pool, waterfall, and magnificent sea views. An exciting new zip line, and a ropes course are just some of the active pursuits in SportSquare. Sunshine will offer variety of captivating entertainment choices — from the family-friendly Hasbro, The Game Show — to Playlist Productions, which combine live performances with spectacular staging and special effects. Among the many new highlights is a new racing-themed water park featuring Carnival’s longest water slide, the tropical-themed Havana Bar and Shake Spot. WaterWorks, is an all-new water park where you can zip down five different slides and have a splash-tastic time with 40 different interactive water features, including a 300-gallon drench-

LET THE SUNSHINE IN — One of the many new highlights on Carnival Sunshine is a new water park. ing bucket in the SplashZone kids’ water play area. Speedway Splash lets you slip slide away with dual side-by-side 235-footlong slides with racers’ times displayed on a scoreboard and special lighting effects that add to the adventure. The enclosed 334-foot-long Twister slide — Carnival’s longest — features a crystal clear turn that extends out over the edge of the ship, offering dramatic views with each twist and turn. Located in the Lido Marketplace, Havana Bar’s interiors pay homage to Cuba’s gloried past with palm trees, elegant archways, and vibrant tile work, along with floor to ceiling windows offering panoramic ocean vistas. By day, it’s a casual gathering spot for relaxing

PLATINUM AWARD WINNER — The New Sewickley Township Police Department received a Platinum Award — AAA’s highest honor — for their safety efforts at AAA’s annual Community Traffic Safety Awards. Pictured left to right are: AAA East Central President Jim McGrath; Chief Ronald Leindecker; Patrolman Dan Swab; and Patrolman Timothy Gatehouse.

with friends and enjoying Cuban coffee and Cuban finger foods such as pastelitos and croquetas. At night, Havana Bar transforms into a Cuban-inspired courtyard with a cool Latin vibe where guests can listen to live music, enjoy classic Cuban cocktails, and dance the night away. Fahrenheit 555, is a classic American steakhouse offering mouth-watering steaks, entrees and desserts, all enhanced by impeccable service. Shake Spot is the place to “chill out” and enjoy delicious hand-crafted milkshakes. In addition to classic milkshakes and floats, there are also “adult shakes and floats” made with Grand Marnier, Cointreau and an assortment of fun toppings.

Alchemy Bar, is a vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy.” Professional mixologists will “prescribe” concoctions from different elixirs and ingredients or guests’ can create their own custom cocktails. The Punchliner Comedy Club Presented by George Lopez, features an hilarious line-up of both established and up-andcoming talent evaluated and vetted by the popular TV personality who serves as Carnival’s “curator of comedy” Carnival Sunshine will debut with a series of Mediterranean cruises beginning with a 14-day voyage from Venice to Barcelona April 12-16, 2013, followed by nine- and 12-day Mediterranean cruises either round-trip from Barcelona or sailing between Barcelona and Venice through October 20, 2013. In November, Carnival Sunshine will reposition to New Orleans, for year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises from the Big Easy.

GOING TO THE DIVE IN

Carnival’s Seaside Theatre features a poolside 270-square-foot high-tech LED screen offering nightly “Dive In Movies,” along with a variety of concerts, and sporting events in the fresh sea air. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see your AAA Departures Guide or AAA.com/cruises for special values on Carnival Cruise vacations.

AS GOOD AS GOLD — Officer James Degori of the Beaver Police Department accepts a Gold Award from Jim McGrath at AAA’s annual Community Traffic Safety Award ceremony in November. The Rochester, New Castle, Neshannock and Shenango Township Police Departments also received Gold Awards but were unable to attend the ceremony.

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