Niagara by AAA East Central

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Vol. 28 No. 2

NIAGARA/ORLEANS REGION

MEMBERS SAVE! Premier ... $350 Plus............ $325 Basic ..........$275

Meet these Celtic ‘Cousins’

New bookings with deposit March 1-31, 2015. Savings are per room, double occupancy.

t one location, a mere 12 miles separates Ireland (home to Ireland and Northern Ireland) from Britain (home to Scotland, England and Wales); the geographic proximity of these 2 islands facilitated the spread of Celtic culture from the Scottish Highlands to Ireland’s Atlantic shores. That shared heritage — and the isles’ spectacularly rugged coastlines, dewy peatlands, emerald-green meadows and heather-carpeted hills — forged the unique temperament of today’s Scots and Irish. A native journalist wryly notes: “We have periods of happiness and contentment, but we count on our deep sense of cynicism and gloom to get us through them.” You’ll no doubt encounter such charmingly selfdeprecating humor, a genuinely inviting hospitality and an effusively friendly welcome on AAA’s Sept 19-30 “Taste of Scotland & Ireland” escorted tour. It’s a comprehensive combination of sights and experiences revealing and embracing the character of 2 destinations very popular with AAA members. Equally popular are the savings members enjoy if they book & deposit by 3/31/15 — as much as $350.00 per room (double occupancy), depending on the level of AAA membership!

Land of Thistle & Haggis Begin in Scotland’s largest metropolis, Glasgow, where 1 of its 3 pro soccer clubs is called Celtic (say Keltic, not Seltic). Enjoy a tour of the city center, which first flourished in Victorian times from shipbuilding and international trade. Drive around George Square and its ornate City Chambers, then visit historic

BLARNEY CASTLE, IRELAND Provand’s Lordship, Glasgow’s oldest house (1471); originally part of a hospital, it’s been extensively restored. Afterward, share a welcome drink before dinner with your tour director and travel companions. Travel along Loch Lomond, renowned for unsurpassed beauty, into the fabled Highlands and through the deep and narrow valley at Glen Coe, a National Scenic Area notorious for the massacre of the Clan Macdonald by the Clan Campbell in 1692. Continue through Fort William to Spean Bridge Woollen Mill, which offers quality Scottish-made goods. At Fort Augustus, embark on a Loch Ness cruise, keeping eyes open for “Nessie,” the BUNRATTY CASTLE world-famous cryptid (a IRELAND creature or plant whose suggested existence has not been verified by the scientific community). Following this fun & fabled “hunt,” journey to either Inverness or Nairn for the night. At Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry see how whisky (an anglicisation of the Gaelic uisce/uisge, meaning water) is distilled; and — the best part? — is that you get to sample some! Duly fortified, continue to St Andrews, known as the “home of golf” (1754) and for Scotland’s oldest university (~1410); spend some time exploring on your own before heading to Edinburgh and your gracious manor house hotel, set on 1,000 acres with 2 golf courses and spa facilities a few miles from the city. Savor a dinner of excellent Scottish cuisine (definitely not haggis, the national dish — a savory pudding of sheep offal simmered inside the animal’s stomach or, more likely these days, a sausage casing) followed by continued from page 16

MARCH/APRIL 2015 Monitor and Protect Your Identity with ProtectMyID®

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

PUTTING THE BRAKES ON TRAFFIC FATALITIES

One of the fastest growing crimes in the country, identity theft is an increasingly important concern. AAA now offers identity theft monitoring services to members provided by ProtectMyID®, a part of Experian®. Enrollment in the free ProtectMyID Essential program offers daily monitoring of your Experian credit report, among other valuable resources. Some simple steps members can take to help protect their identity include: passwordprotect everything, and never share your password; keep personal files private and out of easy access; shred preapproved credit card offers or other documents containing personal information; and stay on top of your credit report information. Go the extra step and get peace of mind today by enrolling in ProtectMyID, which helps protect you by detecting signs of fraud and helps you resolve them. To enroll now call 1-877-440-6943 or visit www.AAA.com/idtheft. *Identity Theft Insurance underwritten by insurance subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc. Refer to the actual policies for complete terms, conditions and exclusions of coverage.

Auto Pay Saves You Time & Money We understand you’re busy and the last thing you need worry about is being stranded without a valid AAA membership. With AAA East Central’s Auto Pay annual renewal option, you’ll never have to worry about your membership benefits lapsing. Sign up, and your membership renewal will automatically be charged to your credit card or debit card each year. We’ll even send you a reminder before billing your card. And for a limited time, save $10 on next year’s membership renewal when you enroll in Auto Pay at AAA.com/renew, or at any AAA East Central branch office. Auto Pay automatic renewal can be added to your membership at any time, regardless of your membership expiration/renewal date. You’ll rest easy knowing your AAA membership is always there providing uninterrupted service. And, you always have the option of canceling at any time. For more information, visit or call your local AAA East Central Branch office, or call the AAA Member Services Center at 1.800.441.5008 or 412.363.5100 in Pittsburgh.

AAA Mobile Battery Services Passes 1.5 million AAA Mobile Battery Service reached a significant milestone in 2014, making its 1.5 millionth battery replacement last October. AAA serves members’ battery needs with the right equipment, proper full system testing and friendly, informed battery technicians. AAA Battery Service vehicles carry batteries compatible with 90 percent of all cars, SUVs and light trucks on the road. The high-quality AAA branded battery comes with a 72-month warranty, including 36-months free replacement, and members receive a discount. If your vehicle won’t start and you suspect your battery may be the problem, count on AAA to turn battery problems into solutions. AAA Battery Service is available from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 7-days a week. To verify AAA Battery Service availability in your area, call our toll-free number: 1.800.222.4357, or visit AAA.com/battery for details.

Celebrity and AAA Travel Are Making Waves in the Caribbean There’s something about the Caribbean that draws us like shells to a beach. And no one knows this sunny stretch of islands better than Celebrity Cruises. Set sail on the ultimate Caribbean Cruise this fall aboard Celebrity Equinox. This November 20-30 sailing calls in at St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Barbados, Dominica and St. Maarten. Book and deposit this Featured Vacation and take advantage of add-on roundtrip airfare to Ft. Lauderdale for just $199! But hurry space is limited. SEE PAGE 7.

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AAA MOTORIST

Pack the card that pays when you travel It’s safe, convenient and very rewarding

assport? Check. Itinerary and flight information? Check. Hotel confirmation? Check. While you’re at it, don’t forget to bring along another important travel “tool” — the AAA Member Rewards Visa® credit card. It’s a valuepacked credit card that simply makes travel more rewarding — with outstanding earning power on everyday purchases, no annual limits on how many points you can earn, plus plenty of opportunities to earn double, even triple points.

More Ways to Redeem You’ll never run out of ways to redeem your points, either. Turn points into AAA Vouchers you can use at AAA branches for membership renewal, AAA travel agency services, car rentals, airfare, cruises, and attraction tickets, or that new set of luggage. Or, redeem your points for one percent cash back or Gift Cards redeemable at more than 100 national retailers and restaurants — from the Olive Garden and Panera Bread to Bath & Body Works and Best Buy.

Plus, Safety on the Road The new AAA Member Rewards Visa credit card is packed with safety features, too. On the road, enjoy $500,000 in common carrier travel accident

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: 412-365-7274

More Ways to Earn TRIPLE points for all of your qualifying AAA and travel purchases (airline tickets, car rentals, cruises, vacation packages and more), or any other purchase at AAA; DOUBLE points for gas, grocery, and drug store purchases; ONE point for each dollar on all other retail purchases. Best of all, there are no tiers, no limits on the number of points you can earn*. Plus, you can combine points from multiple AAA Member Rewards Visa accounts!

MARCH 2015

SAFETY: 412-365-7211 TDD for the hearing-impaired: 412-363-7144

AAA BRANCH OFFICE LOCATIONS

A REWARDING EXPERIENCE — A credit card is safer than carrying cash when traveling internationally. insurance. Lose your card? It’s no problem with overnight card replacement. You’ll also have around-the-clock fraud protection and zero liability for fraudulent credit card purchases. To learn more about rates, fees, and other costs and benefits associated with the use of this card, please call 866665-3581or apply online at AAA.com/ CreditCard. * Earn 1 point per dollar of new net retail purchase transactions (qualifying purchases less credits, returns, and adjustments) (“Net Purchases”) charged to the card each billing cycle. Earn 2 points per dollar (consisting of 1 base point and 1 bonus point) for Net Purchases made with the card at any eligible gas, grocery or pharmacy retail merchant categories as

designated by us. Eligible merchants and their associated Merchant Category Codes (“MCC”) are the following: (a) Gas Stations (MCC codes 5541 and 5542); (b) Grocery Stores (MCC codes 5411, 5422, 5441, 5451, 5462, and 5499); and (c) Pharmacy Stores (MCC codes 5122 and 5912). Purchases made at merchants that do not process transactions under these codes will not qualify to receive double points. Earn 3 points per dollar (consisting of 1 base point and 2 bonus points) for Net Purchases made with the card through any participating AAA Club, when AAA is the merchant of record, or at eligible retail travel merchant categories as designated by us. Eligible travel Merchant Category Codes (“MCC”) are the following: (a) Airlines (MCC codes 3000-3299, and 4511); (b) Car Rental Agencies (MCC codes 3351-3441, and 7512); (c) Hotels, Motels, Inns and Resorts (MCC codes 3501-3999, and 7011); (d) Cruise Lines (MCC code 4411); and (e) Travel Agencies and Tour Operators (MCC Code 4722). Purchases made at merchants that do not process transactions under these codes will not qualify to receive triple points. Rewards begin at 2,500 points for merchandise, 5,000 points for cash and AAA reward vouchers and 15,000 points for air. Other restrictions apply. Complete details accompany new account materials. This credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and are used by the Issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. AAA is a trademark of American Automobile Association, Inc. ©2014 Bank of America Corporation

BUY $50 VISA GIFT CARD FOR JUST $4.95

Now through April 30, when you apply for AAA Member Rewards visa card at any AAA East Central branch office location, you have the opportunity to purchase a $50 Visa gift card for only $4.95! See a store associate for details.

Altoona 1634 Valley View Blvd. ............................. 814-946-1277 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 491 Allegheny Blvd, Suite 200 .................. 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 Wexford 10548 Perry Highway ................................ 724-933-3000 White Oak/McKeesport Area Oak Park Mall, 2001 Lincoln Way ............ 412-675-3400

MARCH 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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Putting the brakes on traffic fatalities Niagara-Orleans Official publication of Niagara-Orleans Region of AAA East Central Published bi-monthly by AAA East Central 7135 Rochester Road Lockport, NY 14094 USPS: 002-092

ISSN: 1556-2824

Periodicals Postage Paid at Lockport, NY Postmaster: Send address changes to AAA Motorist Niagara-Orleans 7135 Rochester Road Lockport, NY 14094 Subscription Rate: $1 included in Primary Membership dues. All others: $2/year.

Publisher.....................................James E. Lehman Managing Editor ............................Douglas O’Neil Editorial Offices 7135 Rochester Road Lockport, NY 14094 5900 Baum Blvd. Pittsburgh PA 15206-3854

e-mail: motorist@aaaec.com

AAA EAST CENTRAL Chairman ................................................ Richard S. Hamilton Vice Chairman.........................................James E. Broome, Jr. Vice Chairman............................................... Gregory E. Grim Vice Chairman..........................................Mary Lynn Laughlin Vice Chairman..................................... Martha Hartle Munsch OFFICERS: President ....................................................James E. Lehman Executive Vice President ............................... Thomas J. Ashley Secretary .................................................. Robert H. Compton Treasurer .......................................................Robert S. Collins GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Charles O. Casto**, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Pamela C. Fritz, Gregory E. Grim, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Charles J. Kelly** , Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie** EAST CENTRAL REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neil D. Bassi, Chairman, Robert S. Collins, Vice Chairman, Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser**, Peter Burton, Marianne B. Campbell, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, James J. Dodaro, Jack G. Ellis, Mona N. Generett, Charles W. Groce , Richard S. Hamilton, Mark Henschen, Luke Howe, 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, Jacob N. Skezas, James C. Stump, Jr., James F. Ward *ex officio **emeritus directors

AAA Niagara-Orleans Regional Board of Directors Marion E. Bicker, William R. Eaton, Herbert G. Koenig, Paul N. O’Neill, Robert S. Roberson

Lockport, NY 716-434-2865 7135 Rochester Road

Copyright ©2015 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.

Traffic deaths continued to decline in 2013 By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central t may not feel like it on your morning commute, but our roadways have never been safer. Newly released statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation reveal the number of passenger vehicle occupants dying in car crashes in 2013, fell to their lowest number on record. The downside is that 32,719 people still lost their lives on America’s roads, many of them needlessly. Over the past decade, traffic fatalities have plummeted 25 percent and much of the credit goes to better vehicle design, active safety technologies like electronic stability control (ESC), and advances in medical care that have made crash injuries more survivable. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, (IIHS) your chances of dying in a crash in a late-model vehicle have fallen by more than a third in just the last three years. High-tech collision avoidance and mitigation systems may be changing the way we drive, but seatbelts remain the single most effective occupant safety device. Among fatally injured passenger vehicle occupants in 2013, almost half (49 percent) were unrestrained. Thirty-four states experienced reductions in overall traffic fatalities, led by Ohio with 132 fewer fatalities, Kentucky with 108 fewer, and Pennsylvania with 102 fewer. These numbers reflect the longstanding efforts by AAA and a broad coalition of safety-driven individuals and organizations to inform the

Richard Hamilton public, and pass meaningful legislation such as impaired driving countermeasures, full implementation of graduated driver licensing systems and primary seatbelt requirements. Much progress has been made, but it only serves as a reminder of the magnitude of the problem that remains. On average, almost 90 people lose their lives each day — and more than 250 are injured every hour — due to factors like speeding, impaired driving, or not using child restraints. Too many drivers flout traffic and safety laws; the impact of legislation is often limited by specifics; and there remains an urgent need to improve our highway infrastructure and reduce congestion.

Impaired driving — especially by habitual offenders — remains a serious public health issue. While the number alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities decreased by 2.5 percent between 2012 and 2013, they still accounted for a staggering 31 percent of all traffic fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that in 2013, 3,154 people lost their lives and another 421,000 were injured in distraction-related crashes. Driver distraction diverts your eyes from the road, takes your hands off the wheel, and reduces your concentration on the task of driving. Text messaging can do all three simultaneously, which is why it’s so deadly. Beyond the terrible human tragedy are the enormous economic losses and emotional costs. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s most recent estimate pegs the annual economic cost of crashes at $277 billion dollars. These include medical, emergency and police services, property damage, lost productivity, and quality of life, among other things. A number of factors, such as state traffic laws, emergency trauma care, weather and topography influence traffic deaths and injuries, but perhaps none is more important than changing driver behavior and altering the current culture of complacency. No one should accept as inevitable, the fact that nearly 33,000 Americans will perish on our highways each year. Even one life lost is one too many.

membersonly

Moving home from college made easy

Penske offers a course in moving 101

illions of students shift their belongings back and forth from colleges and universities each year and many will soon begin their annual trek back home. Moving is never easy but there are things you can do to make it better for everyone involved. Whether you’re a senior or a sophomore, the experts at Penske Truck Rental have a curriculum to help make you or you college-age student make the move home: Don’t wait — Springtime and graduation weeks are peak moving times for both students and families living near or around campus. Reserve a truck before they’re all rented out — at least two weeks prior to your move. For most students, a 12- or 16-foot truck is a perfect fit for contents of a college residence or small off-campus apartment. If you can, try to move on a weekday — weekends are always the busiest moving days. Pack in increments — Start early to avoid the stress of last-minute rush-

ing. It’s OK to leave a box open in case you need something you’ve packed inside it. Pack smart — Bring home only what you need. Before you toss something consider donating any useable items to fellow students or various charities. Load your heaviest items on the truck first to create a sturdy base, then start stacking on top. Boxes, packing tape, bubble pack, moving blankets, and hand trucks are also essential to keeping your belongings safer and making your move easier. Think safety — A moving truck is taller, wider and heavier than cars or SUVs. So, drive a bit slower and take extra care when making turns, driving under overhangs or near low tree branches. Penske offers 24/7/365 emergency roadside assistance in case you have a problem. Make it fun — Keep a positive attitude during the move — play music, spring for pizza after all the work is done and don’t let frustration get to you. Penske moving trucks have CD

players, radios, air conditioning and cell-phone outlet chargers — all the things necessary for a comfortable, enjoyable ride. Go green and save green — Save on expenses and be kinder to the environment by moving together with someone from your area. Check with your residence life office on campus to help find someone to share the load. Pack a go bag — With most belongings packed tightly away, create a travel bag for moving day to keep important paperwork, credit cards, identification, change of clothes, drinks and snacks close at hand. Whether you need a truck for moving across the country or down the street, Penske Truck Rental offers significant savings for AAA members. Save 12 percent on one-way & local truck rentals and 12 percent off moving supplies and accessories. Offer only applicable to daily fixed rate and any mileage charges. Book online and save up to 20 percent on one-way rentals at PenskeTruckRental.com.

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MARCH 2015

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MARCH 2015

Your dreams come true in blue Hawaii Say Aloha to Hawaii with Pleasant Holidays

cattered like pearls around the North Pacific the Hawaiian Islands are gardens of earthly delights. Dense lowlands give way to rolling savanna and mist covered mountains studded with waterfalls. The hypnotic beat of the pahu drum still lingers in the evening air as ancient legends are retold in the seductive sway of the hula. The Hawaiian term is “Pali Uli” meaning a place of perfection — a state of mind that can’t be found on any map. And Pleasant Holidays makes Hawaii accessible to almost anyone. They’ve been customizing Hawaiian vacations with a broad range of value-added options since 1959. Whether you want to luxuriate in a spa, hike up a volcano, or sip a Mai Tai in a Tiki bar, your Hawaiian vacation will be everything you imagined. Pleasant Holidays offers a broad range of hotels and rental condominiums to fit every budget and taste, along with airline and car rental options that offer maximum comfort and convenience at the best possible price. They know which resorts cater to families, with the kinds of activities kids love, and those that offer a romantic Hawaiian getaway. You can also arrange some of Hawaii’s most popular activities and attractions before you leave. “Pleasant

THE GATHERING PLACE —Oahu is famous for the beaches of Waikiki and the extinct volcano at Diamond Head. Activities” range from luaus to helicopter and submarine tours. Take a circle island tour, visit a pineapple plantation, or eat poi — a traditional Hawaiian dish served luau-style. If your interest is surfing, point your board toward the North Shore. Each of the principal islands is unique. Oahu, the “Gathering Place” is home to Honolulu, Diamond Head and the legendary beaches of Waikiki. The rest of the island offers diversions like

the North Shore, Polynesian Cultural Center, the Pearl Harbor Memorial and scenic Hanauma Bay. Maui is known for its indescribable sunsets. The “Valley Isle” takes its name from the demigod Maui, who is said to have pulled the Hawaiian chain from the Pacific. Explore the rustic whaling village of Lahaina, or the twisting Hana Highway perched above a steep cliff overlooking the ocean. Dominated by the twin peaks of

Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, the Big Island of Hawaii is almost twice the size of all the other islands combined. Once the favored vacation spot of Hawaiian royalty, the windswept Kohala Coast is studded with spectacular white-andblack sand beaches wedged between a crunchy, black blanket of lava. Visitors can witness nature’s raw power first hand aboard a Circle of Fire Helicopter Tour. Molten red magma oozes out of Kilauea’s sizzling caldera amid a surreal moonscape of craters, cinder cones, and congealed lava flows. Kauai is the island Hollywood calls paradise. The Garden Isle’s lush tropical foliage has provided a scenic backdrop for films like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jurassic Park. Visitors can explore the mystical Fern Grotto, or verdant Waimea Canyon, dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

IF YOU GO

AAA members also receive a $50 per booking activity voucher, valid for a variety of activities in Hawaii. (Some restrictions apply) FOR MORE INFORMATION

For sample vacation packages from Pleasant Holidays see your AAA Travel Agent or visit AAA.com/Hawaii.

From the inner city to the great outdoors Carmakers set their sights on subcompact SUVs

hen it comes to SUVs, car buyers are learning that good things really do come in small packages. Compact SUVs combine the cargo space, and all weather capability of a full size SUV, with the ease of handling, fuel efficiency and affordable price of a small sedan. Perhaps that’s why sales of compact SUVs have doubled over the past decade. Two years ago the subcompact SUV segment basically consisted of the Nissan Juke. Now carmakers are introducing a whole new class of subcompact SUVs that blend SUV versatility with small car agility and premium amenities. They offer a clear view of the road, easy of entry, and a driving position that inspires confidence. With curvaceous coupe-like styling and distinctive side contours, the segment busting Honda HR-V crossover made its North American debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show last November. The HR-V, which stands for Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle, features Honda’s exclusive Magic Seat, which allows for multiple seating configurations and a second row seat that folds completely flat for added cargo space. All-wheel-drive models incorporate Honda’s Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System for allweather traction and control.

SPORTS CUTE — The 2015 Honda HR-V crossover features a sleek exterior and surprising interior room. The Mazda CX-3, is the fifth model in Mazda’s line-up of next-generation vehicles incorporating their KodoSoul of Motion design language. Seven inches shorter than a Mazda3, CX-3’s stylish proportions make it one of the more attractive vehicles in its class. The Euro-influenced design has drawn comparisons with the Audi A3. Mazdas have a reputation for being fun to drive and the CX-3 is powered by a

155 hp, four-cylinder, 2.0-liter Skyactiv engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. An all-wheel-drive system borrowed from the larger CX-5 will be available as an option. The 2015 Chevy Trax lives up to its SUV heritage with a bold exterior and available all-wheel drive that shifts power to the rear wheels when additional grip is needed. The Trax, which has been available in Canada since

2013, is nearly two feet shorter than the compact Chevy Equinox, yet delivers three quarters of the cargo space — up to 48.4 cubic feet. The front passenger seat folds flat, allowing it to handle objects up to eight feet long. The 2015 Jeep Renegade offers authentic Jeep styling and off road capability in an all-new urban-friendly package. Iconic Jeep design elements include a seven-slot grille and vintage military gas can detailing on the taillights. An available MySky roof-panel system features removable fiberglass panels that stow neatly away in the rear cargo area for expansive open-air views. Buyers will have a choice of two 4x4 driveline systems, two 4-cylinder engines, and an available, nine-speed automatic transmission that helps the smallest Jeep achieve more than 30 miles per gallon on the highway. AAA AUTO BUYING PROGRAM

In the market for a 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 AAA.com/AutoBuying. Mobile users can download the AAA Auto Buying Tools App at AAA.com/Mobile.

MARCH 2015

AAA MOTORIST

Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

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1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

This “Ultimate Caribbean” cruise on Celebrity Equinox just got better — with add-on roundtrip airfare for just $199!

• $50 per stateroom shipboard credit

• In-stateroom bottle of wine

ATURE

• Onboard martini tasting

Add-on roundtrip airfare from Pittsburgh while seats last: $199 per person (limited to 2 passengers per stateroom; other restrictions may apply) D

Modern Luxury

10-night cruise accommodations on Celebrity Equinox roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale to St Thomas, St Kitts, Barbados, Dominica and St Maarten

This year, Thanksgiving may have you feeling extra grateful —for spending this typically cold-weather holiday on a guaranteed-warm-weather Caribbean cruise vacation and for taking advantage of roundtrip airfare to Ft Lauderdale for just $199! While the space lasts, you can book this Nov 20-30 sailing at AAA Travel and save big by adding this extra-special air rate to your getaway. Sail to popular St Thomas and St Maarten, as well as to the lesser visited gems of St Kitts, Barbados and Dominica. And, onboard, you’ll enjoy $50 shipboard credit, martini tasting, an in-stateroom bottle of wine and all the comforts of Modern SM Luxury. Airy spaces with all the right tasteful details. Restaurants where design is just as important as cuisine. Intuitive service with a keen eye for detail. Doing as much (or as little) as you choose. More than you expected? Celebrity Cruises believes every moment of your vacation should be measured by just how far it takes you from ordinary. That’s Modern LuxuSM ry — and you’ll experience it SM on Equinox, which captures the very essence of premium cruising. Even more so after her recent dry dock where she was enhanced with new amenities, some not available on any other

T IO

Nov 20-30 •

ship in the fleet. Enjoy craft beers and comfort food in the new Gastrobar. Or fresh, frozen cocktails on the pool deck at Slush. Shimmering in sophistication from bow to stern, she’ll exceed your expectations as soon as you step aboard. Delight in your choice of 10 exceptional dining venues. Relax in chic and spacious accommodations. Be surprised to feel grass beneath your feet at the Lawn Club as you sail out to sea. With every imaginable comfort, along with Celebrity’s unrivaled guest services, you are bound for an unsurpassed experience no matter your destination. With 1 staff member for nearly every 2 guests, Celebrity’s personal service anticipates your every need. Unobtrusively. Intuitively. Feel restored and relaxed — effortlessly. In your stateroom, out by the pool, in the Canyon Ranch SpaClub,® anywhere at all, at anytime, Celebrity’s onboard family goes the extra mile to ensure every aspect of your cruise turns out just the way you want it.

AAA Member Rate: from $1,745

Balcony rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/pier transfers, 10-night cruise accommodations/entertainment, most onboard meals, government taxes/fees ($356.62) and $50 shipboard credit per stateroom. Ship’s registry: Malta. Ask about discounted add-on airfare (roundtrip from Buffalo, Cleveland, Columbus, Louisville, Philadelphia or Pittsburgh) available for a limited time. Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary and important pre-travel information.

Modern Luxury

Upgrade from a balcony to a Concierge Class stateroom for $100 per person! Personalized concierge service • in-room sparkling wine on arrival • in-room flowers & fruit & evening hors d’oeuvres delivered daily • luxury bedding • pillow menu • personalized stationery • tote bag • umbrella for onboard use • private bar (custom-stocked for a fee) • massage showerhead • plush robes • oversize towels • salon-quality hairdryer • a selection of shampoos/lotions/soaps • express luggage delivery • early embarkation/disembarkation • priority seating in main dining room & specialty restaurants • make-up/turndown service • expanded room service menu (24 hours) • shoeshine valet Balcony enhancements include a table for 2, cushioned chairs and high-power binoculars for onboard use.

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AAA MOTORIST

MARCH 2015

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

Glacier Discovery CHICAGO to SEATTLE

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers BOOK BY 3/31/15:

SAVE $300 PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY, WITH DEPOSIT

Retrace portions of the Lewis & Clark Trail on Amtrak’s Empire Builder from the “Windy City” to the “Emerald City” and explore the “Crown of the Continent” in between! Begin in Chicago; take a city tour before boarding Empire Builder at magnificent Union Station. Start your rail journey with Mississippi River views and glimpses of the Twin Cities skyline. Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard as you cross into Montana to Glacier National Park. Tour in a 1930s “jammer” with a canvas roll-top; rebuilt in 2001, these vehicles climb Going-to-the-Sun Road. Cross into Canada to visit Waterton Lakes National Park, part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a World Heritage Site. Enjoy 2 nights at Glacier Park Lodge. Your other in-park home for 2 nights is the Swiss-themed Many Glacier Hotel on Swiftcurrent Lake. Reboard the Empire Builder for Seattle. See the city’s many gems, including lively Pike Place Market. Cap it all off with an ascent of the iconic Space Needle for breathtaking views!

GLACIER NP

GLACIER NP SEATTLE

Glacier National Park Discovery Aug 1-10 •

AAA Member Rate: $3,935

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip hotel/train transfers, 2-night train roomette accommodations (Chicago-Seattle), 7-night ATURE hotel accommodations, 17 meals, meal gratuities (except on train), welcome reception, 4 tours & 1 cruise in Glacier National Park, sightseeing per itinerary, hotel baggage handling (1 per person), hotel taxes and services of an Amtrak Vacations® tour escort (Chicago-Seattle). Visit AAA.com/ CA O TI travel for complete itinerary. Ask about available add-on airfare.

Up to $100 onboard credit on these AAA Vacations sailings! ®

AAA Vacations® Celebrity Cruises sailings entitle you to priority check-in and up to $100 shipboard credit per stateroom. All AAA Vacations cruises feature AAA’s 24 / 7 Member Care Assistance Service and 24-hour Best-Price Guarantee. ®

Be sure to ask a AAA Travel Agent about all available offers and promotions when you choose a AAA Vacations® Celebrity Cruises departure.

AAA VACATIONS® AMENITIES

DATE

6-2-15 6-5-15 6-9-15 6-14-15 6-21-15 7-3-15 7-3-15 7-4-15 7-5-15 7-10-15 7-15-15 7-24-15 7-25-15 7-25-15 7-26-15 7-31-15 8-1-15 8-7-15 8-8-15 8-8-15 8-9-15 8-21-15 8-22-15 9-10-15 9-11-15 9-11-15 9-13-15 9-14-15

NIGHTS

11 7 12 13 7 12 7 7 7 10 12 7 14 7 7 7 13 7 14 14 7 10 12 8 10 11 14 10

SHIP

ITINERARY

Equinox Solstice Silhouette Eclipse Infinity Silhouette Solstice Equinox Infinity Reflection Silhouette Solstice Eclipse Equinox Infinity Solstice Equinox Solstice Eclipse Silhouette Infinity Reflection Silhouette Constellation Reflection Solstice Eclipse Silhouette

Italy & Greek Isles: Barcelona to Piraeus Alaska: Roundtrip from Seattle British Isles: Roundtrip from Amsterdam Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Southampton Alaska: Roundtrip from Vancouver Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Amsterdam Alaska: Roundtrip from Seattle Western Mediterranean: Barcelona to Piraeus Alaska: Roundtrip from Vancouver Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Civitavecchia British Isles: Roundtrip from Amsterdam Alaska: Roundtrip from Seattle Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Southampton Italy & Mediterranean: Civitavecchia to Barcelona Alaska: Roundtrip from Vancouver Alaska: Roundtrip from Seattle Italy & Greek Isles: Roundtrip from Barcelona Alaska: Roundtrip from Seattle Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Southampton British Isles: Roundtrip from Amsterdam Alaska: Roundtrip from Vancouver Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Civitavecchia Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Amsterdam Eastern Roman Empire: Civitavecchia to Istanbul Eastern Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Civitavecchia Alaska: Seattle to Vancouver Canaries & Azores: Roundtrip from Southampton Western Mediterranean: Roundtrip from Civitavecchia

Offers available only on AAA Vacations® departures. Combinable with AAA Member Benefits; ask a AAA Travel Agent or visit AAA.com/travel for details/restrictions.

PRIORITY CHECK-IN*

ONBOARD CREDIT**

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

$100.00 $50.00 $100.00 $100.00 $50.00 $100.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $100.00 $100.00 $50.00 $100.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $100.00 $50.00 $100.00 $100.00 $50.00 $100.00 $100.00 $50.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00

*does not grant priority boarding **per stateroom

MARCH 2015

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

Beijing

INTRO to CHINA AN ESCORTED EXPERIENCE

Walk on the GREAT WALL! Enter the FORBIDDEN CITY! Explore one of the world’s most important capitals and meet BEIJINGERS at home & in school!

Enjoy the comfort & security of an escorted experience — a comprehensive, informative & personal look at this rapidly growing city and an in-depth introduction to its fascinating culture. See landmarks & learn customs for nearly a week; then enjoy an entire day independently exploring & indulging your interests — art, history, cuisine, shopping, photography, parks & zoos — it’s all up to you, with suggestions, advice, directions, etc, from your expert in-China local guide! Marvel at ancient & modern, urban & rural, rich & poor, simple & sophisticated, serene & chaotic. Beijing’s unique combination of seemingly contradictory elements may well change your understanding of this city & nation...and provide moving memories that last a lifetime.

SAVE $200! New bo

okings w deposit: March 1-ith 31 PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPAN CY

EXTRA-SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS include... • A traditional PEKING DUCK DINNER in one of Beijing‘s best restaurants renowned for the preparation & presentation of this world-famous delicacy • An up-close & personal FAMILY-HOME VISIT & HOME-COOKED MEAL in one of Beijing’s ancient and fast-disappearing hutong neighborhoods, with an opportunity to question and interact with your hosts

Sept 17-24 •

• An entertaining KUNG FU ACADEMY VISIT & DEMONSTRATION by its students — whom you may meet afterward and try your hand at learning a move or two! ATURE

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AAA Member Rate: $3,425

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Buffalo-Beijing), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, 12 meals, in-China guide, sightseeing/admissions, baggage handling (1 per person), driver & escort gratuities, AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met) & government taxes/fees. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Visit AAA.com/GoAsia for itinerary.

• A traditional, interactive & fun “HOTPOT“ DINNER, where spearing & dipping your meats & veggies in a tabletop “vat“ of broth makes for a very social experience!

4 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES — THE GREAT WALL AT BADALING, THE IMPERIAL PALACE (FORBIDDEN CITY), THE SUMMER PALACE AND THE TEMPLE OF HEAVEN TIANANMEN SQUARE • 2008 SUMMER OLYMPICS SITE • LAMA BUDDHIST TEMPLE • HUTONG MARKET VISIT, HOME VISIT & HOME-COOKED MEAL • BELL & DRUM TOWERS TEA CEREMONY JADE FACTORY • PEDICAB RIDE • KUNG FU DEMONSTRATION & STUDENT INTERACTION • TRADITIONAL PEKING DUCK & HOTPOT DINNERS • & MORE!

Get swept away... by Ireland’s SOUTH

DINGLE

BLARNEY

KILLARNEY DUBLIN

CLIFFS OF MOHER

AAA Member Rate: $1,475

ATURE

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 12 meals and in–country tour director. Visit AAA.com/GoIreland for complete itinerary and more information. Ask about available add-on airfare. Passport required. Escorted tour operated by CIE Tours International.

Oct 21-29 •

cupancy, on new b oo with dep kings o March 1 sit -31

Best of Ireland South •

AAA MEMBER SAVE $2 S 00 per room , double oc

Spellbinding scenery Rollicking entertainment Fascinating history Comprehensive sightseeing

Dublin tour with a local guide Farmhouse tea & scones Sheepdog skills demonstration Horse-drawn “jaunting car” ride in Killarney Storytelling session in Newmarket-on-Fergus Walking tour of Trinity College • Book of Kells Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens Open-top bus tour of Dublin, with a visit & drink at Guiness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery Blarney Castle’s “Stone of Eloquence” Blarney Woolen Mills Dingle Brewing Company Walking tour of Galway King John’s Castle Cliffs of Moher

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AAA MOTORIST

MARCH 2015

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

NOW’S THE TIME!

Book & make a deposit by MARCH 31 on a 2015 7-night-or-longer air-inclusive Pleasant Holidays vacation to HAWAII or the CARIBBEAN and enjoy:

$50 SAVINGS FROM AAA TRAVEL per room, based on double occupancy • new bookings March 1-31, 2015

PLUS

SIVE THIS EXCLU NEFIT! E MEMBER B

$50.00 CERTIFICATE* toward purchase of optional sightseeing or activity, per booking

*At select Caribbean destinations, a $50 discount may apply (instead of a $50 activity voucher).

Get up to $100.00 in perks!

ATURE D

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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ALASKA BY LAND! See the incredible, inspirational interior of the Last Frontier on this 9-night escorted tour — unforgettable experiences not on cruises! Traditional salmon bake & a sternwheeler river cruise in Fairbanks 4-hour adventure flying over the Arctic Circle, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and the Yukon River 7-hour Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park, looking for grizzlies, moose & more...with an overnight in the park Meet a 4-time winner of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and his canine crew Visits to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation & Begich Boggs Visitor centers 2-hour river float trip in Kenai Fjords National Park A ride on Girdwood’s Alyeska Tram — from sea level to 2,300 feet! Special welcome & farewell dinners with your fellow travelers

July 8-17 •

AAA Member Rate: $5,675

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (BuffaloFairbanks, Anchorage-Buffalo), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, motorcoach sightseeing, accommodations (Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Seward: 2 each, Girdwood: 1), 17 meals, luggage handling (1 bag/person), gratuities for included features (includes driver, escort), in-Alaska escort and AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met). Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

MARCH 2015

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

AAA MOTORIST

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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AAA MOTORIST

MARCH 2015

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

ATURE

AAA Member Rate: $5,679

ATURE

Oct 19-31 •

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (BuffaloRome, Milan-Buffalo), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 20 meals, in-Italy tour director and air & hotel taxes (subject to change). Visit AAA.com/Italy for itinerary and more information. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.

Special inclusions: “Rome by Night” tour...Vatican museums & St Peter’s... a family-style Tuscan feast...and a serenaded gondola cruise in Venice! Experience Whisper headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour. Enjoy regional wines with every dinner.

FEATURED VACATIONS

This 11-night vacation has everything you’ve always wanted in a trip to Italy. Enjoy multiple-night 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 ancient Romans in Pompeii. See gems of the Renaissance in Florence’s Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo’s “David.” Visit Locarno, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the 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.

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. 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. AAA Featured Vacations include services provided by third-party tour destination service companies; see your AAA Travel Agent for details. 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.

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JAMESTOWN . . . . . . . . . . .716-488-1981 LOCKPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . .716-434-2865

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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are specific cruise, motorcoach or air tour vacations created or selected by AAA Travel for their value, amenities and/or inclusions.

Look for the FEATURED VACATIONS logo to identify out-of-the-ordinary offerings.

MARCH 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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

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ATURE

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

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Sizzlin’ Westerns CORRAL A WILD DEAL IN MARCH! AAA MEMBERS SAVE $50.00! SAVINGS PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY. NEW BOOKINGS WITH DEPOSIT MARCH 1-31, 2015.

AAA Member Rates for all tours below are per person (double occupancy), are subject to availability at time of booking and include accommodations, sightseeing admissions, taxes/gratuities for included features, baggage handling (1 bag per person) and meals as indicated. (Select tours below also include roundtrip flights from Buffalo and roundtrip airport/hotel transfers. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details.) Visit AAA.com/travel for itinerary details.

BEST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

So many delights in 1 tour — from the endless charms of San Francisco to the natural JULY 23-31 • $3,699 splendor of the redwoods at Muir Woods to the opulence of Hearst Castle. Cross Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy the Mediterranean ambiance of Sausalito, sample wines at Napa Valley vineyards, savor lunch aboard the Napa Wine Train. Ride Amtrak’s scenic California Zephyr to Lake Tahoe. Visit the ghost town of Virginia City NV. Dine & dance on a riverboat paddlewheeler. Marvel at Yosemite’s wonders. Explore coastal Carmel, Big Sur and Monterey. 14 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

Ascend the Space Needle at Seattle Center, site of the 1962 World’s Fair. Wander through Chihuly Garden & Glass. Enjoy a land-&-water excursion, the Future of Flight Aviation Center JULY 19-25 • $1,815 and a Boeing tour. Explore Pike Place Market. Visit Mt St Helens Visitor Center, the Astoria Column and Ft Clatsop. Enjoy a Tillamook cheese plant, a culinary demonstration, Oregon Coast Aquarium, Sea Lion Caves and an oceanfront dune buggy ride at the National Dunes Recreation Area. Tour Portland and its renowned rose gardens. Marvel at the Columbia Gorge’s Bonneville Dam and Multnomah Falls as well as historic Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood. 9 meals.

AMERICAN MAJESTY

YELLOWSTONE EXPERIENCE

From Salt Lake City to Denver, take in some of America’s favorite national landmarks. Hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (choir schedule AUG 29–SEPT 6 • $3,485 permitting). Visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone parks (including Old Faithful & Mammoth Hot Springs), Devil’s Tower, Deadwood, Mt Rushmore (during the day and again in the evening for its inspiring lighting ceremony), Crazy Horse Monument, Custer State Park, Ft Laramie National Historic Site, Cody’s Buffalo Bill Historic Center and Cheyenne. Take a wildlife Jeep® safari through SD’s Black Hills. 15 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

Our first national park’s first explorers were called liars when they described its otherAUG 10-16 • $1,765 worldly geysers & bubbling mudpots and its free-ranging bison, elk, moose, bears & wolves. Begin at Salt Lake City and travel through scenic Idaho to Yellowstone. Enjoy Old Faithful & many other natural landmarks, as well as the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. A Wildlife Safari includes a picnic dinner. Also enjoy Grand Teton National Park, the cowboy town of Jackson, a Jenny Lake cruise, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (schedule permitting) and more! 12 meals.

NEW MEXICO BALLOON FIESTA

COLORADO TRAIN ADVENTURE

Explore Albuquerque, the Land of Enchantment’s largest city, then a 3-night stay in OCT 4-9 • $3,265 charming Santa Fe. Visit historic Chimayo village. Enjoy artsy Taos and the impressive Rio Grande Gorge. Take a fun salsa-making class. Ride Sandia Peak’s Aerial Tramway. At the International Balloon Fiesta,® witness the mass ascension of hundreds of balloons. Explore Rte 66, Old Town Albuquerque, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Acoma Pueblo. See the Balloon Fiesta’s evening “Glowdeo” of illuminated balloons & fireworks afterward! 11 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

This Centennial State tour features rides on the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, the Royal Gorge SEPT 12-19 • $2,145 Route RR, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RR and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge RR. Tour the US Air Force Academy and marvel at the rock formations of the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Ride the country’s steepest incline and walk on the world’s highest suspension bridge at Royal Gorge. Visit Great Sand Dunes and Mesa Verde national parks. See the monoliths of Colorado National Monument. Visit the CO Railroad Museum in Golden. 15 meals.

SAN FRANCISCO & NAPA WINE COUNTRY

GRAND CANYON & ARIZONA ADVENTURE

Here’s a tasty tour from scenic Carmel-bythe-Sea and the Monterey Peninsula to San JUNE 18-24 • $3,495 Francisco and Napa Valley. See landmarks of the City by the Bay — Twin Peaks, Golden Gate Park, Cliff House, the Presidio and Fisherman’s Wharf. Cross Golden Gate Bridge to visit Mediterranean-flavored Sausalito and the redwoods at Muir Woods; ferry back across San Francisco Bay. Tour & sip samples at 4 wineries (enjoy a chef-prepared picnic lunch at one!), blend your own Merlot and savor an elegant dinner aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. 8 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

Fly to Phoenix and ride to Sedona’s beautiful Poco Diablo Resort. Explore scenic backcounSEPT 20-27 • $2,695 try on an exciting off-road Pink Jeep® tour. Visit the IMAX Theater at Williams, then ride the Grand Canyon Railway (first class) to the canyon’s South Rim. Spend 2 nights there in a national park lodge, then ride the vintage Verde Canyon Railroad. Explore Old Town Scottsdale, marvel at intriguing plants at the Desert Botanical Garden and Western art at the Heard Museum. Enjoy a memorable farewell steakhouse dinner — cowboy-style! 11 meals. AIR INCLUDED.

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AAA MOTORIST

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

SAVE $400!

Member Benefits Exclusive Offers

New bookings with deposit March 1-12

per room, double occupancy

A TRAVEL CLASSIC

A Tour of 2 Cities Sept 14-21

AAA Member Rate: $4,299

LONDON!

PARIS!

Experience the history and charm of both of these capitals of culture in 1 fabulous tour. Enjoy 3 days discovering the pageantry of London, then ride the EUROSTAR HIGH-SPEED TRAIN beneath the English Channel to the City of Lights for 3 days of Parisian joie de vivre! London Highlights Paris Highlights TM

• Special welcome dinner with your fellow travelers • Panoramic city tour: See Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, “Big Ben,” the London Eye and more!

Special Inclusion

MARCH 2015

• Visit the British Monarchy’s stately, expansive Windsor Castle. Queen Elizabeth II uses the 1,000room castle as both a private home and as a Royal residence where formal duties of state are performed. Enjoy time for lunch in the village.

• Dinner at 58 Eiffel inside the Eiffel Tower • Seine River “City of Lights” nighttime cruise • City tour: See the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame, Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, Place Vendôme and more! • Dinner with wine & show at Paris’ oldest cabaret theater

Special Inclusion

• “An Evening in Paris”: Visit Montparnasse Tower for open-roof terrace views, then dine with wine & music at a traditional Latin Quarter restaurant.

Rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (BuffaloLondon, Paris-Buffalo), roundtrip airport/hotel and hotel/train transfers, Eurostar train seating, 6-night hoATURE tel accommodations (London: 3, Paris: 3), 10 meals, sightseeing & admissions per itinerary, hotel baggage handling (1 per person), air taxes & fees/surcharges and services of an in-Europe tour escort. Visit AAA.com/travel for complete itinerary. Additional airline fees CA O for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. Passport required. TI

MARCH 2015

AAA MOTORIST

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Member Benefits Exclusive Offers BOOK BY 3/31/15:

SAVE $300

Memphis — Birthplace of Rock n Roll

Tour Sun Studios and visit the Staxx Museum, the Rock n Soul Museum and Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate.

New Orleans — Birthplace of American Jazz

Walk through the French Quarter and the Garden District and visit Bourbon Street and Jackson Square.

Amtrak Music Cities of America AAA Member Rate: $2,299

SAVE $200 PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY, WITH DEPOSIT

AAA Rate: $2,854

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip flights (Buffalo–San Jose), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accomATURE modations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 14 meals, in– Costa Rica tour director and air taxes & fees/surcharges. Visit AAA.com/ GoCostaRica for complete itinerary and more information. Additional CA O airline fee may apply; contact your travel agent for details. TI VA

AAA.com

Oct 12-20 •

BOOK BY 3/31/15:

An optional 3-night add-on to Tortuguero National Park is available. Visit AAA.com/GoCostaRica for itinerary details and rate.

Explore Down Under

BOOK BY 3/31/15 &

from the Outback to the Glaciers!

TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST.®

NEW ZEALAND

Cairns, catamaran ride

Melbourne, Opal Centre

Great Barrier Reef

Phillip Island Little Penguin colony

Winery tour & tasting

Glass-bottom boat ride

Christchurch

Overnight in Mt Cook National Park

Daintree Rainforest/

Tranz-Alpine Express train ride Franz Joseph Glacier Queenstown, gondola to dinner Milford Sound cruise “Middle Earth” touring

Herding/shearing demo

Mossman Gorge, meet Aboriginals Uluru/Ayers Rock, Champagne toast Alice Springs, Aboriginal drummers Dreamtime tour, bush dinner

Steamship cruise, farm life tour

Dine with a NZ Family Sydney & Opera House Koala Park & Opal Collection Sydney Harbour dinner cruise

Unique add-on options — including a camel ride, a jet boat ride and a night out in Sydney — are also available. Talk to your AAA Travel Agent for rates and availability.

Oct 15–Nov 4 •

AAA Member Rate: from $10,524

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes flights (Buffalo-Cairns, Sydney-Buffalo plus flights in Australia & New Zealand), roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (1 bag per person), taxes/gratuities/government fees for included features, 31 meals, professional guide in Australia & New Zealand and the services of a AAA Tour Manager (if minimum-participation goal is met). AAA Member Choice Vacations® door-to-door transfer serATURE vice is unavailable on this departure. Visit AAA.com/GoAustralia for complete itinerary and important pre-travel information. Additional airline CA O fees for baggage may apply; contact your travel agent for details. TI VA

Research & book travel arrangements from the comfort of your home – 24/7.

PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY, WITH DEPOSIT

PHOTOS: CINDY STAYCHEFF

FLIGHTS RENTAL CARS HOTELS

AUSTRALIA

SAVE $675

Linking you & your next vacation!

Sept 17-24 •

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, Amtrak coach service (Memphis–New Orleans), 10 meals, local guide, motorcoach sightseeing, baggage handling (1 per person) and gratuities for restaurant servers & hotel bellmen. Ask about available add-on airfare.

INCLUDED AT NO EXTRA COST: Spa Treatment • Catamaran Sail Cooking Demo • School Visit River Canoe Excursion

Nashville — Music City USA

Stay at Gaylord Opryland Resort, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and see a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry.

Arenal Volcano • Monteverde Cloud Forest San Jose • Tamarindo Beach • Selvatura Park Cano Negro • Zarcero • Grecia • Doka Coffee Estate

An entertaining music-themed journey to 3 of America’s most fascinating tune towns that features an Amtrak train ride from Memphis to New Orleans!

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AAA’s escorted “Tropical Costa Rica” tour features ample opportunities to appreciate Mother Nature’s many marvels.

ATURE D

Musical Heartland of America’s South

PER ROOM, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY, WITH DEPOSIT

AAA MOTORIST

The Isle of Shamrocks & Leprechauns Drive through Ayrshire and along the coast. From Cairnryan, ferry over to Northern Ireland to visit the Titanic Belfast attraction; learn about the famous liner that was born in the adjacent docks. State-of-the-art displays describe Belfast, its working conditions as well as other aspects of the ship. Drive on to Dublin and your ho-

Taste of Scotland & Ireland •

Sept 19-30 •

Castle dig into a memorable medieval-style feast where lords & ladies serenade you with song and harp. Venture on to Galway for a walking tour around its central core. Visit the monastic Clonmacnoise site, founded in 546AD by St Ciaran to see elaborate Celtic crosses, round towers and ruins of medieval churches. Return to Dublin for a final night of exploration and enjoyment of the city’s delights and a last taste of the Celtic temperament. Log on to AAA.com/Ireland, visit a AAA Travel location or call 1-800-354-8761.

MEMBERS SAVE! Premier.................$350 Plus ......................... $325 Basic .......................$275 New bookings with deposit March 1-31, 2015. Savings are per room, double occupancy.

AAA Member Rate: $2,468 VA

Before-discount rate is per person (double occupancy), is subject to availability at time of booking and includes hotel accommodations, guided motorcoach sightseeing, entrance fees, 17 meals and in–country tour director. Visit AAA.com/GoIreland for complete itinerary and more information. Ask about available add-on airfare. Passport required. Escorted tour operated by CIE Tours International.

ATURE

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

tel overlooking the bay. The evening is at leisure for independent dining. On your central Dublin tour, see fashionable shopping areas, view elegant Georgian squares and pause at the Famine Memorial’s evocative figures. Walk Trinity College’s grounds with a student guide and view the illuminated 8th-century Book of Kells; learn how monks created this and other masterpieces. Enjoy a canal dinner cruise with traditional music aboard a former Guinness barge. Traverse Ireland’s midlands, stopping for photos at the hilltop Rock of Cashel. Enjoy tea & scones at a farmhouse and watch skilled dogs herd sheep. At Blarney Castle, kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence,” then stop at Blarney Woollen Mills for quality Irish-made goods. In Killarney, picturesquely set beside lakes and mountains, relax before din-

ner, then perhaps spend your evening exploring its many “singing pubs.” A relaxing horse-drawn “jaunting car” ride rewards you with views of Ross Castle on Lough Leane. Embark on the Ring of Kerry — a winding route featuring breathtaking vistas of mountains and coastlines. Cross a bridge to Valentia Island for the Skellig Experience, which describes the austere island-bound lives of early Christian monks. Stop in Sneem to admire its brightly painted houses, pause at Moll’s Gap for stunning views and return to vibrant central Killarney for a free evening. Ferry across River Shannon to reach the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular wall of sandstone reaching 700 feet above the Atlantic. Check in to Bunratty Castle Hotel; if you wish, visit the nearby Folk Park, sip a drink in 200-year-old Durty Nelly’s Pub or shop at Bunratty Mills. At Bunratty

a lively and entrancing show of songs, stories and traditional dancing. Tour Edinburgh’s sights, driving along bustling Princes Street and through the wide and gracious streets of the 200-year-old Georgian New Town with a local guide. Stroll part of the Royal Mile, where compact medieval houses can reach 11 floors tall. Visit massive Edinburgh Castle, dominating the city and housing the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Scone; the balance of the day is free.

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Taste of Scotland & Ireland

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Fall foliage highlight Canada and New England cruises Close to home sailings from Celebrity Cruises

he eastern seaboard’s endless coastline is dotted with quiet inlets and bays. Unspoiled natural beauty, and vibrant port cities provide a memorable introduction to a region unlike any other. And there’s no better time to visit than in autumn, when summer’s soothing mantle of green transforms into a fiery palette of crimson, orange and gold. Celebrity Summit’s 14-night Canada/ New England sailings from Cape Liberty (Bayonne) New Jersey, offer land-locked travelers the opportunity to set sail without air transportation. Just seven miles south of Manhattan, Cape Liberty offers unparalleled views of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline. Summit also sails with a new sense of style. The 2,158 passenger ship has been “Solsticized” with some of the hottest features from Celebrity’s newest Solstice-class ships. Ports of call include a new visit to Boston; Portland, and Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, P.E.I.; and a new overnight call in Québec City, Québec. From the weathered saltboxes, to the beached fishing boats at low tide, there’s nothing like the salty tang of New England. Boston is America’s walking city with street patterns reminiscent of 17th-century London. Landmarks include Copley Square, the Boston

OLD IRONSIDES — The USS Constitution with the Bunker Hill Monument in the background. Common and Beacon Hill. Passengers can follow the Freedom Trail to see the Old North Church, Paul Revere’s house, Bunker Hill and Old Ironsides. The cruise terminal is located less than two miles from the golden dome of historic Faneuil Hall. Portland’s 360-year-history is evident in the picturesque cobblestone streets lined with Victorian-era buildings. The Portland Head Light was constructed in

1787, and today is the most photographed lighthouse in North America. Bar Harbor is the gateway to the remarkable beauty of Acadia National Park. The rock-bound coast, soaring granite cliffs, majestic mountains have drawn visitors for over 200 years. Known as the “Gateway to the Canadian Atlantic,” Halifax is easy to explore on foot, with a beautiful deepwater harbor and formal Victorian gar-

dens. Visitors will inevitably be drawn to its historic waterfront lined with 19th century buildings known as the Historic Properties. The colonial seaport Sydney is an excellent starting point to explore the magnificent scenery of Cape Breton Island. The Cabot Trail runs along the Gulf of the St Lawrence and Atlantic coastlines and is among the most scenic drives in North America. Charlottetown is where the land and sea meld with a vibrant Acadian culture. Green Gables, Prince Edward Island’s best known attraction, is located in nearby Cavendish, where Lucy Maude Montgomery was inspired to create her beloved tale of a red-haired orphan. Québec City is perched astride a 350-foot cliff overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River. The 400-year-old cradle of French civilization in North America, the style is quintessential New France — thick stonewalls, heavy wooden doors and shutters, and bright tin roofs. A granite and sandstone wall runs in medieval fashion, around the perimeter of the Old City.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or visit AAA.com/cruises for special values on Celebrity cruise vacations.

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Police Departments receive Community Traffic Safety Awards AAA recognizes safety efforts of area law enforcement agencies

our Niagara regional police departments were honored with Platinum Awards for their outstanding efforts to make the region’s roadways safer for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. The awards were presented at a December, 2014 luncheon ceremony. The departments were among hundreds nationwide that participated in the Community Traffic Safety Program and among 94 regional award winners recognized by AAA East Central. The goal of this program is to encourage communities to address local traffic safety issues in a coordinated and cost effective way, with an emphasis on the “3E’s”: enforcement, education and engineering. Platinum Awards — AAA’s highest

honor — were given to “Commendable Leaders” for their safety efforts and enforcement activities geared towards making communities safer. The recipients of this prestigious award were: Niagara County Sheriff’s Department; Albion Police Department; New York State Police Lockport; and the Middleport Police Department. A Gold Award, AAA’s second highest honor, was presented to the Lockport Police Department; the Medina Police Department earned a Silver Award; while the Barker Police Department took home a Bronze Award. “Identifying and successfully addressing hazardous local traffic problems is a serious challenge and these communities have shown incredible leadership in developing workable solutions that save

lives,” noted AAA East Central President Jim Lehman. “Platinum Awards are given to communities that demonstrate outstanding success in addressing local traffic safety issues. This year’s award winners are excellent examples of the many ways that police departments across New York State are active stakeholders in promoting occupant and pedestrian safety.” “We are proud of all these departments for their achievement and participation in the Community Traffic Safety Program,” said Lynette Dickinson, AAA East Central’s Lockport branch manager. “They went above and beyond the call of duty by organizing projects to make their communities safer places to live.” To be eligible for the annual awards,

a community must conduct traffic safety promotions and educate the public on safety topics. AAA East Central conducts a variety of free highway safety programs across the region focusing on all age groups. The club also partners with law enforcement and safety agencies on initiatives to improve the safety of the community and local highways. “These awards recognize some truly extraordinary efforts to educate the public and advance the cause of traffic safety,” said Dickinson, “so they can be shared and emulated by others.” “We are pleased to honor these award winning communities that are doing such vital work to ensure that drivers, pedestrians and cyclists can all reach their destinations safely.”

A PLATINUM RECORD — AAA East Central Regional Branch Manager Lynette Dickinson presents Zone Sgt. Corey Harmon, New York State Police Lockport, with their Platinum Award.

A JOB WELL DONE — Chief Deputy Steven Preisch (left) and Deputy Robert Richards of the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department accept their Platinum Award from Lynette Dickinson.

THE HIGHEST HONOR — Officer Jeff Waters (left) and Chief John Swick of the Middleport Police Department accept their Platinum Award from Lynette Dickinson.

COMMENDABLE LEADERS — Chief Roland Nenni (left) and Sgt. William Scribner of the Albion Police Department receive their Platinum Award from Lynette Dickinson.

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aroundtown BUFFALO HOME SHOW — (Mar. 6-8, 13-15) See what’s new in remodeling, gardening and home décor. Relax and enjoy the fragrant scents of spring blossoms and greenery. Get space saving and de-cluttering ideas. Learn how to install hardwood flooring. Meet John And Whitney Spinks of HGTV’S Flipping the Block. Location: Buffalo Convention Center, Buffalo. Friday- through Sunday only. Contact: 716.855.3158, or www.buffaloconvention.com. THE ADDAMS FAMILY- A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY — (Mar. 13-15. 20 -22) Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a nice young man from a respectable family, a man her parents have never met. And if that weren’t upsetting enough, she begs her father not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents in this macabre musical comedy. Show times are: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 3:00 pm. Location: Historic Palace Theatre, 2 East Avenue, Lockport. Contact: 716.438.1130. OLD NEIGHBORHOOD ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE — (Mar. 14) This traditional parade winds through the streets of the Valley and Old First Ward neighborhoods. Free admission! Location: Starts at the Valley Community Center. Contact: 716.823.4707 ext. 4. ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE — (Mar. 15) Beginning at Buffalo’s City Hall, this parade will go down Delaware Avenue and ends at North Street. Free admission! Location: Delaware Avenue, Buffalo. Contact: 716.875.0282. PENGUIN DAYS — (Mar. 21 – 22) Get up close and personal with the Peruvian Penguins! Watch the caretakers feed the penguins, see the mascots and more. There will also be prizes! Times will be from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Location: Aquarium of Niagara, 701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls. For more information contact: 716.285,3575 ext. 201. SPRINGTIME IN THE COUNTRY — (Mar. 27, 29) Contemporary and classic crafts will be offered at this juried show. Location: Hamburg Fairgrounds, Hamburg. Contact: 910.799.9424. NCAA MEN’S EAST REGIONAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT — (Mar. 27, Mar. 29) Watch some big time college hoops at the Carrier Dome. Winners of the four regional tournaments will advance to the Final Four! Location: Carrier Dome, Syracuse Contact: 212.465.6741.

EGGSTRAVAGANZA — (Mar.28) Celebrate the season at the annual Spring Eggstravaganza! Activities include free photos with the Easter Bunny until 2:00 p.m. Other kid friendly features include face painting, crafts, a scavenger hunt and videos throughout the day. The time is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: Niagara Power Project, 5777 Lewiston Road, Lewiston. Contact: 716.286.6661, or www.nypa.gov/vc/Niagara.htm. SEASTER EGG HUNT — (Apr. 4) The only “underwater” Easter egg hunt in Western New York! (Rain or shine!) Children will have to search the exhibits to find the “Seaster” eggs and win prizes. Meet the Seaster Bunny and the penguin mascot “Beaker” Location: Aquarium of Niagara, 701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls. Contact: 716.285.3575 or info@aquariumofniagara.org. TASTE OF THE TRAIL — (Apr. 10-12, 17-19) Experience wine and food pairing on the Niagara Wine Trail over two weekends! Taste a different sample from our progressive dinner paired perfectly with a wine at each participating winery. Explore half of the trail each weekend. Tickets include 3 wine tastings and a sample of cuisine at each winery. Receive a commemorative wine glass at your starting winery. Tickets do not include transportation so please bring a designated driver! Proper ID is required upon arrival. Designated drivers and nondrinkers are welcome at no charge. Ticket prices are $20.00 in advance for one weekend, $25.00 at the door. Prices for both weekends are $35.00 in advance and $40.00 at the door. Location: Niagara Wine Trail. Contact: 585.318.4418 or www.Niagarawinetrail.org. PATRIOT’S DAY — (Apr. 18 – 19) Commemorate the start of the American Revolution with musket firings, living history programs and storytelling at this two day event. Veterans are admitted at no charge! Times for this event are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Location: Old Fort Niagara, 4 Scott Avenue, Youngstown. Contact: 716.745.7611. EVERYDAY IS EARTH DAY — (Apr. 25) “Solar Punch”, a NYC area rock band, will be playing solar powered instruments! There will also be crafts and food sold by the Lewiston Boy Scout Troop #855. Also offered will be Ids by the Free Masons and free rides on the Niagara Scenic Trolley between the Power Vista and Gorge Discovery Center. Time for this event will be from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission! Location: Niagara Power Vista, 5777 Lewiston Road, Lewiston Contact: 716.286.6661.

MARCH 2015

What are the differences between summer and winter-blend gasoline?

t happens every spring and it may be a signal that the recent slide in gasoline prices may be coming to an abrupt end. Gas prices always seem to spike to their highest levels this time of year. We often hear experts say that refineries are “down for maintenance while transitioning from winter-blend to summer blend gasoline,” but what exactly does this mean? The difference between summerand winter-blend gasoline involves something called the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) of the fuel. RVP is a measure of how easily the fuel evaporates at a given temperature. The more volatile a gasoline (higher RVP), the faster it evaporates. Winter-blend fuel has a higher RVP because the fuel must be able to evaporate at low temperatures for the engine to operate properly, especially when the engine is cold. If the RVP is too low on a frigid day, the vehicle will be hard to start and run rough. Refineries raise the RVP by adding butane, which is relatively inexpensive and produces less energy — one reason why winter blend gasoline is cheaper and why you get fewer miles per gallon. Studies typically report a reduction of 2 to 8 percent. Summer-blend gasoline has a lower RVP to prevent excessive evaporation when outside temperatures rise. Depending on where you live, the

EPA mandates an RVP below 9.0 psi (pounds per square inch), or 7.8 psi for summer grade fuel. Reducing the volatility of summer gas decreases emissions that can contribute to unhealthy ozone and smog levels. A lower RVP also helps prevent such as vapor lock on hot days, especially in older vehicles. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says conventional summer-blend gasoline contains 1.7 percent more energy than winter-blend gas, which is one reason why your gas mileage improves in the summer. However, summer-blend is more expensive to produce, and that cost is passed on to you. Prices tend to run higher from early February to early April, although external factors such as world oil prices also have an influence. The switch between the two fuels happens twice a year, once in the fall (to winter-blend) and again in the spring (to summer-blend). The changeover requires significant work so oil companies schedule their maintenance for those times when they will already be “down” for the blend switches. The main thing to keep in mind is that there are valid reasons for the switch from winter- to summer-blend fuel. Even though it might cost more, the pain at the pump is usually offset because you’re burning less of it.

SPRING DRIVING CLASSES HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED Driver Improvement Course

Sharpen your skills – reduce up to 4 points on your license (for violations occurring in the last 18 months) – Save 10% on the collision and liability portions of your insurance. You can take this class at our office, or online – AAA.com/idrivesafely.

Price — $35 AAA members; $41 non-members

5 Hour Pre-Licensing Course

Provides students with MV-278 certificate, the minimal requirement to schedule a road test in New York State.

Price — $35 AAA members; $40 non-members

Licensed-to-Learn

Private driver education with 30 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of in-car training. One year AAA Basic Membership upon completion.

Price — $525 AAA members; $570 non-members Classes are held at AAA, 7135 Rochester Road, Lockport Call 716-434-2865 for dates. Reservations and pre-payment are required (subject to cancellation and price change)

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