Your AAA AAA Pioneer Valley is published monthly except June and ... Reebok Outlet Store purchase....

Learn and Save At AAA Travel Events On Jan. 18 at 6 p.m., enjoy a webinar from the comfort of your home as you learn about touring the Canadian Rockies with Member Choice Vacations. Head to the AAA West Spring-field office on Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. to learn about our Discover Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria plus the Oberammergau Pas-sion Play, presented by Member Choice Vacations.

To register, call 413-785-1381 or visit AAA.com/TravelEvents.

Check Out OurCampground GuideThe printed Woodall’s/AAA Official Campground Guide has been replaced with an online listing that includes several enhancements, including a feature where you can search over 20,000 private and public campground and RV parks across the U.S. and Canada.

For more information, visit AAA.com/Campgrounds.

AAA OfficesHave New HoursBeginning Jan. 2, AAA offices will be open as follows.Chicopee (Insurance services only) and Greenfield: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.Hadley, Springfield and West Springfield: Mon., Tue., Wed., Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thu., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Insur-ance services are not available on Saturday.

AAA Offices AreClosed for HolidaysAAA offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 1, in observance of New Year’s Day and on Monday, Jan. 15, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As always, 24-hour Roadside Assistance will be available.

By Sandra J. Marsian

Suzhou, China, offers a unique travel experience where culi-nary experiences abound, the U.S. dollar goes far, beautiful gardens and museums are plentiful, and the shopping is both exciting and educational.

The “Venice of China” is renowned for its elegant stone bridges, canals, flowing water and noteworthy architecture. From pagodas and temples to historical districts and world-class museums, Suzhou has much to offer the avid traveler.

Located in the center of the Yangtze River Delta, approxi-mately 60 miles west of Shanghai, Suzhou is one of the old-est cities in the Yangtze Basin. It dates back more than 2,500 years, resulting in a city steeped in history and tradition.

The Silk Trade At the end of the Qing dynasty (around 1912), most of China’s silk was produced in Suzhou, making it a top spot to shop for silk items. The Suzhou No. 1 Silk Factory Company depicts the complete process of silk production, from the creations of a silkworm’s cocoon to silk weav-

Culture and History Abound in Suzhou

Continued on page 10

Continued on page 18

A woman in Suzhou plays the guzheng, a Chinese instrument. With 2,500 years of history, Suzhou is one of the oldest cities in the Yangtze Basin.

ing. The factory showroom is enormous, and that is where the real fun begins for shopping lovers. A seemingly endless selection of silk scarves, ties, blouses and more create a beautiful visual – and everything is available for purchase.

Suzhou embroidery and brocade goes back 2,000 years, and much of it is still created by hand in keep-ing with tradition.

PIONEER VALLEYYour AAA

This MonthJANUARY 2018 VOL. 2, ISSUE 1

Auto Tech Advances

Will 2018 bring a robot uprising led by artificially intelligent driverless cars bent on world domination? Probably not.

But technology is changing cars faster than ever before. Look into a crystal ball with us as we explore technologies that could have the biggest impact on cars and trucks in 2018.

Smartphone Integration

Mobile apps like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay let drivers answer texts and play music using voice commands, buttons on the steering wheel and the dashboard touch screen. But that’s old news com-pared to the Genesis Augmented Reality Manual, a virtual owner’s manual developed by Hyundai’s luxury arm. It shows an owner how a car part works as they point a phone or tablet at it. While Wi-Fi hotspots that give passengers internet access are increasingly popular in new cars, the 2018 Lincoln Navigator takes it a step further by letting riders stream live TV to the dual-screen rear entertainment system.

By Roberto X. Cruz

To-Do ListActivities in Your AreaBecome One With the Force If the Force is with you, check out the “One-Man Star

Wars Trilogy,” where Charles Ross plays all the characters him-self. CityStage, Springfield. Jan. 11-12, 7:30 p.m. $34-$39.

Get the Buzz About Bees This program covers everything about beekeeping.

Kittredge Center, Holyoke Community College. Jan. 20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $90. Register at www.hampden-county-beekeepers.org.

Take a Peek Behind the Screens “Screenagers,” a documentary about how families

are navigating the digital world, will be shown in the Long-meadow High School auditorium. Jan. 23, 7-9 p.m. Free.

Cultivate a Day of Culture Enjoy guided tours of the Smith College Museum of

Art and the Lyman Plant Conservatory. Northampton. Jan. 26, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. $75. Visit www.springfieldmuseums.org to register.

Show Winter Who’s Boss Enjoy an indoor race in midwinter. Mullins Center, Am-

herst. Jan. 28, 8 a.m. $40-$80. Visit https://runsignup.com. Imag

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On the cover: Stowe, Vt., is a veritable playground of winter sports.

MEMBERSHIP JANUARY 2018 | AAA PIONEER VALLEY2

When members think about AAA they usually picture tow trucks. That’s understandable, because our 24-hour Roadside Assistance is such a visible reminder of the peace of mind that comes with being a AAA Member.

Your AAA Membership works hard for you beyond the side of the road. You’re a partner in an association that offers many benefits and services. The savings pay for the cost of your membership many times over.

AAA Discounts & Rewards provides members with deep discounts, limited offers and everyday savings on dining, electronics, home, apparel, entertainment and more. Visit AAA.com/Discounts to see thousands of offers.

The AAA Prescription Savings program will save everyone money on their medications – even family pets! While not an insurance plan, members can save up to 75 percent on prescription drugs at more than 65,000 pharmacies nationwide. Learn more at AAA.com/Prescriptions.

Save on your next car with the AAA Auto Buying Program. Tools help you access unlimited price and market reports. You can compare car reviews, check the trade-in value of your vehicle and learn what others paid for the car you want. Visit AAA.com/AutoBuying for more information.

Over 1 million AAA Members have enjoyed the convenience of having a AAA battery delivered and installed on the spot. Members receive exclusive pricing and a great warranty. For more details, visit AAA.com/Battery.

We hope you find it comforting that AAA has served members for over 115 years. We will continue to provide high-quality service while offering members more solutions to their automotive, travel and financial needs.

SFI-00993

From the President’s Desk | Chris E. Mensing

UPGRADE TO AAA PLUS®

OR AAA PREMIER®

You’ll get up to 200 miles of towing and more peace of mind.

You never know what’s around the next turn...so why not get even more peace of mind for you and your family by upgrading your membership. AAA Premier features valuable expanded benefits including one-day FREE car rental when your vehicle is towed.* And AAA Plus offers a great move up from Basic Membership. So hit the road with added peace of mind – upgrade today!

SERVICES AAA PREMIER® AAA PLUS® BASIC

Towing Benefit*

Emergency Fuel Delivery

Car Rental (with tow)*

Vehicle Locksmith Service

Home Lockout Services*

Towing up to 100 miles, one tow can be up to 200 miles^

FREE Emergency Gas

One-Day free Car Rental^

Up to $100

Up to $100^

Towing up to 100miles

FREE Emergency Gas

Up to 3 miles

You pay for gas

Discounted rate

Up to $50

CALL 413-785-1381 VISIT your local AAA branch CLICK AAA.com

Discounted rate

Up to $100

Roadside Assistance within Pioneer Valley: (800) 622-9211

For Service Outside Pioneer Valley: (800) 222-4357

429

*This chart shows just some of the benefits available to members. Certain conditions and restrictions apply. Visit AAA.com/Membership for details.

^Per household per membership year

N/A N/A

Your AAA Membership Always Works for You

AAA PIONEERVALLEY OFFICERS

Chairman of the BoardMichael Godek

Vice ChairJames Russell

President & CEOChris E. MensingCFO & TreasurerRobert M. Dwyer

AAA OFFICESADMINISTRATION150 Capital Drive

W. Springfield, MA 01089413-785-1381

CHICOPEE863 Montgomery StreetHOURS: Monday - Friday

9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Insurance Services Only

GREENFIELD91 Main Street

HOURS: Monday - Friday9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

HADLEY458 Russell Street*

HOURS: Mon, Tue, Wed,Fri - 9 am - 5:00 pm;

Thursday - 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.Saturday - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.Registry Services Available

SPRINGFIELD1891 Wilbraham Road*HOURS: Mon, Tue, Wed,Fri - 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.


WEST SPRINGFIELD150 Capital Drive*

HOURS: Mon, Tue, Wed,Fri - 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.


*Insurance Services unavailable Saturday

Your AAAOfficial Publication ofAAA Pioneer Valley EDITORIAL OFFICE150 Capital Drive

W. Springfield, MA 01089413-785-1381

[email protected]

PUBLISHER & EDITORMindy J. Ginley

TRAVEL EDITORSandra J. Marsian

Your AAA Pioneer Valley is published monthly except June and

August by AAA Pioneer Valley, 150 Capital Drive, W. Springfield, MA 01089 (USPS 002-740; ISSN 2475-689X). Subscription rate:

50 cents per annum with Periodicals Postage Paid at W. Springfield, MA.

POSTMASTER: Send addresscorrection changes to AAA Pioneer

Valley, 150 Capital Dr., West Springfield, MA 01089.

PIONEER VALLEY

MEMBERSHIPAAA PIONEER VALLEY | JANUARY 2018 3

© 2017 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador.

Experience the romanticcities of Europe, or morethan 300 destinationsworldwide, with globallyinspired dining, stylishlydesigned staterooms, andsuperbly delivered service.

WHEREVERYOU GO,GO YOUROWN WAY.

Call or visit your nearest AAA Travel agent today413-785-1381 AAA.com/Travel

SHOP AAA

Premier Members save an additional 5% on travel accessories, travel bags and luggage. Selection may vary by location.

Check out our assortment of anti-theft bags, stylish wallets with RFID functionality and accessories that

will enhance your travel experience.

Get low member-only prices on luggage, car and travel accessories and more at your localAAA Travel Store.

Travel easier and safer with travel bags and accessories from Travelon.

VISIT YOUR LOCAL AAA OFFICE FOR THESE PRODUCTS AND MORE!

While It’s Hot | Special Limited-Time Savings

Save $40 on the base rate of a weekly rental at Hertz. Valid

through Jan. 31 with promo code

203817.

Save 25 percent on regular-price orders placed

online or with the Papa John’s app with promo code

25AAA.

Start the new year with a fresh, new pair of kicks. Save 20 percent on your

entire in-store Reebok Outlet Store purchase.

AAA.com/Hertz

AAA.com/Discounts

AAA.com/Sprint

AAA.com/Discounts

For more, visit AAA.com/Discounts.

Sprint will pay for your annual AAA Membership

renewal (at the Basic level). Plus, enjoy member-only

pricing, a free Sprint family locator on up to five phones, and 25 percent off eligible

accessories.

INSURANCE & FINANCIAL JANUARY 2018 | AAA PIONEER VALLEY4

AAA Auto and Home Insurance has been named Property & Casualty Brand

of the Year in the 2017 Harris Poll EquiTrend® study.

DIFFERENT AGES, DIFFERENT STAGES—BOTH CAN SAVE BIG ON AUTO INSURANCE.

AAA Auto & Home Insurance received the highest numerical Equity Score and the highest numerical score relating to Trust among Property & Casualty brands included in the 2017 Harris Poll EquiTrend® Study, which is based on opinions of 102,617. U.S. consumers ages 15 and over surveyed online between December 30, 2016, and February 21, 2017. Your opinion may differ. Products and rates may vary. Insurance is offered through Automobile Club of Pioneer Valley Insurance Agency, Inc. Some restrictions may apply.

It’s never been easier to save.Get your free quote today! • AAA.com/QuoteNow • 413-785-1381

Business Insurance

Superior service. Outstanding value.

413-785-1381 x430 | AAA.com/Insurance

AAA will work with you to insure your business vehicles and business property and liability exposures. We offer competitive rates on

Business Auto, Business Owners, Package and Workers Compensation Policies.

Pioneer Valley Auto Club Insurance Agency, Inc.

Call AAA Insurance account managerLynn-Ann Dawson for a quote today.

By George Morse

Last Year’s Takeaways for 2018

One year’s experiences are another year’s lessons.

Here’s a look back at news and events from 2017 that illustrate the importance of insurance coverage.

Floods can be devastating. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria caused major damage in the South and Puerto Rico. Some reports estimate National Flood Insurance Program payouts for Harvey will top $11 billion.

That figure underscores how devastating hurricanes can be, and how crucial flood insurance can be in recover-ing from such events. Don’t forget that standard home-owners insurance does not protect against floods.

Practicing proper traffic safety is as important as ever. In October, the U.S. Department of Transporta-tion released its 2016 fatal Im

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traffic crash data. Although distraction- and drowsy driving-related fatalities decreased, more than 4,000 people were still killed in crashes related to these behaviors. Crash deaths related to unbelted motor-ists, pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, speeding and drunk driving all increased.

Engaging in reckless behav-ior behind the wheel endan-gers other roadway users. At-fault drivers often experi-ence premium increases and difficulty securing coverage.

Life expectancy is rising. Life expectancy jumped to 76.7 years for men and to 81.5 years for women, according to research pub-lished in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal in May.

About 70 percent of people turning age 65 can expect to need long-term care in their lives, according to the U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services. Medicare only covers such expenses under certain conditions. Long-term care insurance safeguards individuals from the remaining costs.

People are working lon-ger. The percentage of U.S. workers age 55 and over is expected to grow to 24.8 percent in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For those work-ing later because they’ve borrowed for children’s college educations or to pay off mortgages, existing life insurance or new policies can safeguard loved ones from unresolved debts.

INSURANCE & FINANCIALAAA PIONEER VALLEY | JANUARY 2018 5

Student Lending: All advertised rates are current as of the date this advertisement was printed and are subject to change without notice. All loans are subject to the lender’s receipt and approval of a completed loan application. The APR and loan fees applicable to your loan will depend on several factors, including the repayment option you select and your credit history. AAA Advantage Loans are made by SunTrust. Consolidation and education refinance loans are made by the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority, Darien Rowayton Bank and Citizens Bank. See rates and fees at AAA.com/FinancialAid for Annual Percentage Rate (APR) examples and other important information about private student loans through the AAA Student Lending Program. AAA encourages prospective borrowers to exhaust scholarships, grants, and federal loan options before applying for a private student loan. Federal loans are often less expensive and offer the widest variety of repayment options. FIN.215737.17_All

AAA STUDENT LENDING

1-888-222-9413 AAA.com/FinancialAid

Invest in the future you want.

Make sure your good grades pay off. We’ll simplify the financing process, from finding you the right loan and rate to helping you with your forms.

You’re on Your Way to Saving Up to 75% on

Prescriptions for FREE! Insurance not covering your prescriptions

or charging high co-pays? No insurance at all?

AAA Prescription Savings covers nearly every

medication for your whole family — even pets!

AAA Prescription Savings is NOT insurance. Discounts are only available from participating pharmacies andcannot be combined with insurance. Visit AAA.com/prescriptions for full program information and restrictions.

Available by mail order and at over 67,000 pharmacies nationwide, including:

(including Target locations)

Learn More/Print Card atAAA.com/prescriptions

Access Digital Card viaAAA Mobile® App

AAA_PS_Gen_9.75x5.75.indd 1 11/15/17 1:17 PM

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Cash in on Tax Savings

AAA Members can save on TurboTax federal products. Learn more at AAA.com/TurboTax.

What’s your New Year’s resolution? Is it to learn how to get the most out of your tax returns?

Okay, perhaps that’s not your New Year’s resolution. But the 2018 tax season is upon us, and while the deadline to file isn’t until April, it’s never too early to start thinking about how you can save money.

Still not convinced?

According to TurboTax, there are a num-ber of tax deductions that many people don’t know exist or overlook in their haste to file on time. Here are three to keep in mind and help motivate you this tax season.

TuitionMost people know that tuition is

deductible for full-time students, but did you know that you could be eligible even if you aren’t working toward a degree? A lifetime learning credit of 20 percent of up to $10,000 of tuition and fees might be available to you.

MileageWhether you’re self-employed or

an employee, you can deduct your mileage if you use your vehicle for business purposes. Mileage used when driving be-tween more than one job is also deductible.

Bad DebtsIt’s a rough day when you loan

your friend $10,000 and he or she disappears without a trace. Not all is lost; up to $3,000 of that is deductible as a short-term capital loss in the year the debt becomes uncollectible.

By Cassandra Raposo

LIFESTYLE JANUARY 2018 | AAA PIONEER VALLEY6

Now we’re always by your side.

Downlod the AAA Mobile app and start saving all over the map.

The AAA Mobile app won’t just help you explore the country. It’ll help you save on gas, find AAA Diamond-rated restaurants and hotels and get interactive roadside assistance if you need it. What’s more, it will help you locate everything from electric vehicle charging stations to drugstores. The journey starts the minute you download.

A River Cruising ExperienceLike No Other

save up to $1,500 per stateroomon select sailings

Let AmaWaterways introduce you to a world where dramatic sights are met with innovative and luxurious ships — your beautiful home away from home. Savor our award-winning, chef-prepared cuisine with the freshest local ingredients. Enjoy included shore excursions, guided hiking and biking tours — bold adventures as active as you choose to be. Join us aboard the highest rated ships in Europe.

THE HIGHEST RATED RIVER CRUISE SHIPS

Receive additional AAA Vacations® Amenitiesfrom $500-$800 savings per stateroom

plus $150-$300 onboard credit per stateroom on select departures

Terms & Conditions: Rates are USD valid on new bookings made January 1 – February 28, 2018 for select sailings and based on double occupancy. Other restrictions apply. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. AAA Vacations® amenities are applicable to select 2018 sailings. Please contact your AAA Travel Agent for full terms and conditions. Cruise must be booked through AAA Travel in order to receive AAA Vacations® Amenities. CST#2065452-40.

Voted Best River Cruise Line by AAA2016 | 2017

Contact your AAA Pioneer Valley Travel Agent todayto book your AmaWaterways river cruise

AAA Pioneer Valley_Dec2017.indd 1 11/9/17 10:02 AM

There are some dishes you just taste once and remember forever. These are eight of the Phantom’s greatest food obsessions.

7ate9 Bakery199C Highland Ave., Somerville, Mass.

It’s all cheesecake all the time at 7ate9 Bakery. For a pint-size treat,

try the cheesecake pops, which come in classic, chocolate, vanilla and mocha.

Bagelsaurus1796 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Mass.

The bagels here are made by hand and cooked in small batches in

flavors like cinnamon raisin, sesame, every-thing and pretzel.

Beard Papa’sAllston and Boston, Mass.

These cream puffs started out in Osaka, Japan, and are now available

in the Bay State. They’re made on-site and filled with flavors like Madagascar vanilla bean, Japanese green tea and dulce de leche.

Egg Roll Lady & Fish Shack609 West Boylston St., Worcester, Mass.

All the egg rolls here are hand-made by the “egg roll lady” herself

and stuffed with a blend of pork and veg-gies. They’re delicious dipped in duck sauce.

Great 8 | Obsession-Worthy Food By Phantom Gourmet

Maguire’s Bar and Grill503 Foundry St., North Easton, Mass.

Maguire’s honey hot chicken tenders are impossible to stop eating. They’re

crispy on the outside, juicy in the middle, and coated with a flavorful blend of house-made Buffalo sauce and local honey.

Q’s Nuts349 Highland Ave., Somerville, Mass.

Q’s Nuts customers are just nuts for this quirky, family-run snack store.

Almonds, cashews, peanuts and pecans are roasted in flavors like bananas Foster, cayenne mango, Key lime ginger and sea salt with herbs.

Stone & SkilletMedford, Mass.

This small bakery makes hand- crafted English muffins that can

be found in grocery stores throughout the region. They have a perfect golden crust outside, and a soft, chewy center.

Totto RamenAllston and Somerville, Mass.

People come here for the obsession- worthy mega ramen: It’s overloaded

with extra pork, lots of veggies and oodles of slurpable noodles.

AAA PIONEER VALLEY | JANUARY 2018 7

Attractions Entertainment Shopping Dining Hotels

WHAT WILL you SAVE WITH AAA?

AAA provides member-only discounts on activities, shopping, dining and more — whether you’re close to home or traveling across the country. Just use your membership card and watch the savings add up.

Members save an average of $86 per year. That’s more than the price of a membership!

Up to $20 OFF*FREE Savings

PassportNEW: Up to $115 OFF

a complete pair ofprescription glasses

Search hundreds of discounts at AAA.com/Discounts

AAA Discounts & Rewards: Check AAA.com/Discounts for discount listings, codes and restrictions. Offers and discounts subject to change without notice. LensCrafters: New offer effective as of 1/1/18. *Online discounts only available through AAA.com/Discounts. Valid AAA membership card may be required at time of purchase. DR.213872.17_MA/RI

Save 20%at Reebok Outlets

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Save 10%on membership

Save 10%on membership

Save 15%plus a 30 day free trail

Save up to 75% on prescriptions not

covered by insurance

SpringfieldYMCA

LIFESTYLE

Nickelodeon™ Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana is a five-star experiential resort designed to provide

guests of all ages an incomparable luxury vacation filled with playful surprises. Located on the

golden sands of Uvero Alto Beach, this resort provides both non-stop family entertainment and

the renowned Gourmet Inclusive® experience by Karisma. The result is an unforgettable

getaway for Nickelodeon fans of all ages.

3 Gourmet Inclusive® Nights from $796Reduced Rate Promotion

Booking Window: Now – 3/31/18 | Travel Window: 5/1/18 - 7/31/18

Tours operated by Travel Impressions, Ltd. Rate is land only, per person and based on double occupancy in a Nest Suite. Rate is valid for travel 5/1/18 - 5/31/18 and varies by departure date. Excludes Super Villa and Pineapple Villa. A $10 per person Tourist Card is payable at the airport upon arrival in Dominican Republic. Blackout, weekend, holiday and peak season surcharges apply. Rate is accurate at time of printing and is subject to changes, exceptions, cancellation charges and restrictions. All advertised savings are reflected in rate. Rate is subject to change based on currency fluctuations. Not responsible for errors or omissions in the printing of this ad. Additional higher priced packages available. Valid for new bookings only. Travel Impressions materials (including, but not limited to, names, trademark, service marks, logos, marketing materials, etc.) shall not be used, reproduced, transmitted or distributed in any way, except with the express written consent of Travel Impressions. CST #2029006-20, IOWA #758, Washington UBI #602 425 801. AG12743_DF_11.14.17

SAVE UP TO 44% AT NICKELODEON HOTELS & RESORTS, PUNTA CANA!

Ask about your Travel Impressions AAA Member Benefits. Travel With Someone You Trust®.

Call or visit your nearest AAA Travel agent today413-785-1381 | AAA.com/Travel

SUN, SLIME & SAVINGS

CALL OR VISIT YOUR NEAREST AAA TRAVEL AGENT TODAY413-785-1381 • AAA.com/Travel

AAA Member Benefit: Members receive a $50 per booking activity voucher valid toward a variety of select activities in the Dominican Republic3.

All-Inclusive resorts include all meals, drinks2, activities and more!

Memories Splash Punta Cana All-Inclusive from $11671

VACATION INCLUDES: Roundtrip airfare, 5 nights’ accommodation, $150 resort credit, FREE Wi-Fi and taxes.

1Rate is per person, based on double occupancy, for check-in on 5/21/18, Deluxe Room, & includes roundtrip coach air transportation from BDL. See General Disclaimer for terms and conditions of air-inclusive offer. Rate does not include a $10 per person Tourist Card fee payable upon arrival in the Dominican Republic.2Age restrictions may apply.3Activity voucher not valid on air/car only bookings.General Disclaimer for All Offers. Unless otherwise indicated: rates quoted are accurate as of November 8, 2018, are per person, based on double occupancy and are for the lowest accommodation category. Gratuities, transfers & excursions are additional. Advertised rates are subject to additional taxes and surcharges, however, such amounts, if collected by Pleasant Holidays, are included in land-only and air-inclusive advertised rates. Daily resort or facility fees payable directly to the hotel at check-out may apply; such fee amounts are excluded from advertised rates and will be advised at the time of booking. Rates may not be available on all travel dates. Airline tickets may be non-refundable. Additional restrictions may apply, including, but not limited to, baggage charges for first and/or second checked bag, advance purchase requirements, & blackout dates. Itinerary changes/cancellations are subject to Pleasant Holidays-imposed fees from $25 (for Canada or contiguous U.S. travel) or from $50 (for all other travel) per person, in addition to any applicable airline or other supplier-imposed change/cancellation penalties, plus applicable fare differentials (certain changes involve pre-notification deadlines). Airline fees & policies may vary; contact Pleasant Holidays for information. For baggage fees & other details, see www.iflybags.com. Rates involving roundtrip air transportation from other gateways may differ. Rates, terms, conditions, availability, itinerary, government taxes, surcharges, deposit, payment & cancellation terms & policies are subject to change without notice. Cruise rates capacity controlled. Advance reservations through AAA Travel required to obtain Member Benefits & savings which may vary based on departure date. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Pleasant Holidays acts only as an agent for cruise & tour providers listed. CST# 1007939-10. Copyright©2017 Pleasant Holidays, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Caribbean Escape

JANUARY 2018 | AAA PIONEER VALLEY8

By Christina Elston

Live Well: Boost Your Healthy Habits

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New Year’s resolutions are fun, but your health is a year-round thing. So this year, pick up three simple habits that will stick with you.

Sleep Right“We’ve become a very sleep-deprived society,” said Dr. Lawrence Epstein, medical director of clinical sleep medi-cine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. That’s be-cause we don’t pay attention to our bodies’ cues.

If your schedule permits, spend a week going to bed when you’re tired and sleep-ing until you naturally wake up, to see how much sleep your body needs. “Most people will find that it’s more than they’re actually getting,” Epstein said. You could also add 30 minutes of nightly sleep each week until you hit your sweet spot.

Eat Your VeggiesEating 2½ cups of vegetables

a day gives you essential nu-trients, plus lots of fiber.

Add veggies to your break-fast smoothie or bake up an egg-and-vegetable casserole you can slice and heat all week, suggests Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson and registered dietitian Libby Mills.

Half of your dinner plate should be filled with vege-tables, but it doesn’t have to be all one vegetable, Mill said. Add a second of a dif-ferent color just for fun. “You can just know that you’re do-ing something super-healthy

for your body,” Mills said. That makes each meal an instant success.

Make Your Steps CountAbout 84 percent of us get no regular exercise, says Walter R. Thompson, Ph.D., president of the American College of Sports Medicine. Moving from zero to 10,000 steps a day is too big a leap, so he suggests taking it slow. Park your car farther from your destination. Take the stairs.

“As you start making those small adjustments, you become more used to them and you become more comfortable making long-term adjustments,” Thomp-son said. Next, track your daily steps for a week, then increase your steps monthly until you reach 10,000.

Eventually, you’ll be ready to join a gym, take a class, play a sport or go cycling with friends. But by then, you’ll be able to stick with it.

LIFESTYLEAAA PIONEER VALLEY | JANUARY 2018 9

Driving School

AAA.com/DrivingSchool413-785-1381

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

MembersSAVE$75

Learn from the experts in traffic safety

Classes held in Hadley,Springfield and West Springfield

Register Today!

S A IL W I T H T HE

#1 R I V ER C R U ISE L I N E

* AAA Member Benefit: $200 per person shipboard credit offer is available to AAA members on river cruise itineraries 14 days or more. $125 per person AAA Member Benefit shipboard credit offer is available to AAA members on Viking river cruise itineraries ranging from 8-13 days. Shipboard credits can only be applied when booked directly by AAA Travel Agent. This offer is only valid on 2018 river cruise itineraries and combinable with group rates, early booking discounts, past passenger discounts, refer a friend credits and future cruise vouchers. Offer is not combinable with interline and wholesale bookings. Onboard credit has no cash value. Valid only for river cruise sailings. Viking reserves the right to correct errors and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. CST#2052644-40

Ask your AAA Travel Agent about Viking’s 2018 Special Savings.

AAA Members receive up to a $200 shipboard credit per person.*

Call or visit your nearest AAA Travel agent today at

413-785-1381 or visit AAA.com/Travel

Be a part of the once-a-decade Passion Play. Demand for tickets is high and space on tours will be limited. Learn about our exclusive 10-day tour departing August 2020 with AAA Member Choice Vacations. Looking for a once in a lifetime experience? This just might be it! Wed., January 24 - 6:00 pmin office seminar

Learn about our 7-night group tour departing September 2, 2018. Get ready for an adventure that brings together the beautiful expanse of the prairies, the soaring majesty of the Canadian Rockies and the brilliance of Montana’s Glacier National Park. Highlights include Calgary, Glacier National Park, “Going to the Sun Road”, Banff and Columbia Icefield.Thu., January 18 - 6:00 pmonline webinar

You’re Invited!Discover amazing travel opportunities and receive special booking incentives exclusive to event attendees, hosted by

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Call or visit your nearest AAA Travel Agent today! 413-785-1381 • AAA.com/Travel

* Rate is land only, per person, based on double occupancy, subject to availability, and includes AAA Member Benefit savings of $50 per person. †Not valid on group travel. Included in many U.S. cities within a 50 mile radius of more than 90 airport gateways. Service is available between 51 and 75 miles for a small fee. One transfer per room booking. Additional stops are not permitted on route. Other restrictions may apply; call for details. AAA Vacations® Complimentary Inclusion: Receive a $50 credit to use toward a pre-booked optional tour of your choice. CST# 2006766-20 UBN# 601220855 Nevada Seller of Travel Registration No. 2003-0279

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

Experience the Shimmerof the Alpine

Exploring the Alpine Countries 13 Days, 17 Meals • Starting at $2,949*Highlights: Vienna, Danube Cruise, Salzburg, Dinner at St. Peter's Stiftskeller, Munich, Oberammergau, Innsbruck, Bavarian Castles, Black Forest, Chateau de Chillon, Zermatt, Lucerne

Whether you’re looking to expand your palate or re-visit a family favorite, these recipes from Africa are sure to make your mouth water. (Just a note: Some ingredi-ents may seem unfamiliar to Western cooks, but you can find what you need at a well-stocked African store or online.)

By Cassandra Raposo

Food for All Indulge in a Taste of Africa

Tamiya, or Sudanese falafel, is made out of ground chickpeas and flavored with savory herbs like dill and chili powder. This recipe from www.tasteofsouthsudan.com calls for ground chickpeas, onions, garlic, dill and chili powder, which you form into 2-inch patties and deep fry.

Doro wat, the national dish of Ethiopia, is a chicken dish made with berbere, a hot spice blend. Cooking website www.daringgourmet.com combines berbere with minced onion, garlic, ginger, diced chicken, broth, white wine, honey and boiled eggs to make the stew.

Jollof rice is a staple of West African cuisine. This www.africanfoodmap.com recipe calls for long-grain rice, your choice of beef, chicken or lamb, and onions, garlic, chili peppers and tomatoes. Fry the meat until it’s browned, then add the meat and vege-tables to the rice to finish.

A Snack Fala-ful of Fresh Flavor

Spice It Up With Doro Wat

Step Aside, Rice-A-Roni

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TRAVEL JANUARY 2018 | AAA PIONEER VALLEY10

MS MIDNATSOL: YOUR ANTARCTICA BASE CAMP AT SEA

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AAA.com/Travel 413-785-1381

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Book Jan 10 - Mar 10, 2018Travel Nov - Dec, 2018 Select MS Midnatsol dates

*Restrictions may apply.

Exotic Suzhou Continued from page 1

From afar, the exquisite work can easily be mis-taken for a painting; so intricate is the needlework that it often takes several years to complete a piece. The Silk Embroidery Institute offers visitors the chance to see embroidery work in the making and, of course, allows the opportunity to view and purchase completed creations.

Sightseeing and ShoppingTiger Hill is one of the most renowned tourist destinations in Suzhou, in part because the site comprises nearly a dozen historic and cultural relics, including the Tomb of King He Lu, the Sword-Testing Stone, the Thousand People Rock and the Sword Pond. The millennium-old Yunyan Pagoda, considered to be the symbol of Suzhou, stands on the top of the hill.

The city also boasts the beautifully manicured Classical Gardens of Suzhou, many of which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

A cruise down the canals of Tongli, a nearby ancient water town, is a wonderfully peaceful way to take in the sights and sounds. On the edge of the canal are multiple eateries, street vendors, musicians and shops selling local handicrafts. It’s an excellent spot to pick up teas, wines, silk prod-ucts, loquat fruit and other edible creations. Don’t speak Chinese? Don’t worry. Non-English-speak- Im

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ing shop keeps are skilled at communicating prices using a calculator, which also allows you to figure out the conversion.

Culinary DelightsBut one cannot live on shopping and sightsee-ing alone! So I dove into a Suzhou delicacy of noodle soup at the famous Tongdexing noodle shop, opting for a garnish of miso and duck. The food portions there were plentiful, the price was shockingly low and, most importantly, everything was delicious.

Do visit Shantang Street, especially festive and bright at night, and hit the shops and the restaurants. Try Song He Lou for dinner and sample Suzhou cuisine and dim sum. Another great spot to explore is Pingjiang Road, per-

haps with dinner followed by a Kun Opera while sipping local tea.

Get LocalLooking for a more immersive and interactive experience? Visit Dongshan Island and a tea plantation to pick tea leaves and enjoy a spot of tea. Take a fun and fast-paced rickshaw tour. Ar-range to visit a local family for a dumpling making lesson. Meet a bonsai master who will guide your hand as you trim a bonsai tree at Tiger Hill, or learn to craft a Chinese flower arrangement at the Lingering Garden.

My stay there was short, but my list of experiences long. I wish I could share them all. Perhaps you’ll just have to go yourself to truly enjoy all Suzhou has to offer.

land in the Bahamas. Guests enjoy character greetings, water sports, slides, beach volleyball and more.

• Guests can train with “Star Wars” heroes on the Fantasy and take in live performances of “Frozen, a Musical Spectacular” on the Wonder.

• Tinkerbell, the famed ani-mated fairy, is godmother of the Wonder.

• Disney movies are often shown on ships the same day they premiere in theaters.

Disney magic isn’t limited to movies or theme parks.

Disney Cruise Line has been delivering unforgettable family experiences on the high seas since 1998. Here are some interesting facts about the line.

• Disney has four ships: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

• It was the first cruise line to launch fireworks at sea.

• Port Canaveral, in Flori-da, is Disney’s homeport. The line also sails from New York.

• While many cruise ship lifeboats are orange, Dis-ney’s are yellow, in keeping with Mickey Mouse’s color palette. The U.S. Coast

Cruising Corner Test Your Pixie-Dust Prowess

Guard gave special permis-sion to use the color.

• Disney ships visit the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Europe, Alaska and other destinations.

• Many Disney cruises visit Castaway Cay, a private is-

Disney Magic is one of four ships operated by Disney Cruise Line.

Lush and beautifully manicured gardens, left, are just one of the many tourist attractions in Suzhou. Many are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is also renowned for its culinary delights, such as long-simmered noodle soup, right, dim sum and tea sourced from local plantations.

Learn more about Disney cruises at AAA.com/Cruises.


Hertz - 173079Project: Enjoying Our Time Together

Campaign: Jan-Feb 2018

Creative: 173079_Hertz_AAA_JanFeb18_Size_9.75_11.75_Pioneer-

Valley

Publication: Various A-size

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Issue: January-February 2018

Ad Type: Singles

bleed = 9.75” X 11.75”

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Various A-size

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Ship Info:

Contact Ad Production with any questions regarding these materialsph: (973) 952-8273 email: [email protected]

Click: AAA.com/hertzCall: 1-800-654-3080Visit: Your local AAA branch

AAA Members save up to 20% plus an additional $40 off the base rate* of a weekly rental. Use your CDP# and Promo Code 203954.

*Include your AAA CDP# and the Promotional Code# 203954 in your reservation. Base rate includes time and mileage charges only. Taxes, tax reimbursement, age differential charges, fees, surcharges and optional service charges, such as refueling, are not included. Minimum five (5) day rental required for weekly rentals. This offer is available at participating Hertz locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Age, driver, credit and qualifying rate restrictions for the renting location apply. Twenty-four (24) hour advance reservation required. Offer not valid and rate change or additional fees may apply in the event of reservation modification, early / late vehicle return or if not returning vehicle to renting location. Valid on all car classes except Dream cars and Shelby GTH. Offer has no cash value, and may not be used with other discounts, promotions or special rates. At the time of rental, present your AAA membership card or Hertz/AAA Discount Card for identification. Offer valid for vehicle pick-up through 3/31/2018. Subject to availability, blackout periods and additional restrictions. © 2017 Hertz System, Inc. All rights reserved.

AAA AND HERTZ: CELEBRATING 40 YEARS ONE DAY AT A TIME.

ENJOYING OUR TIME TOGETHER.

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2018

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Preferred rates on other CD/IRA CD terms, Online Savings and Money Market accounts also available to AAA members.

1Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 11/29/17 and subject to change daily without notice. This offer applies to personal accounts only. A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. No minimum balance to open.

2National CD Average APYs based on rates of top 50 U.S. banks (ranked by total deposits) provided by Informa Research Services, Inc., as of 11/29/17.

© 2017 Discover Bank, Member FDIC

Call 1.800.347.7056 | Visit AAA.com/Deposits | Invitation Code: CLUBPUB

Open a high-yield CD through AAA and earn more in 2018.

2.31% AS OF 11/29/17

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Termsranging from 3 months to 10 years

FDIC insurance to the maximum allowed by law

Activ. Fee: Up to $30/line. Credit approval req. O� ers for AAA Members: For a limited time. AAA Renewal O� er: Ends 12/31/17. Avail. for active AAA members. Limit 1 free Classic/Basic renewal fee per yr. per AAA member number. Classic/Basic renewal fee may be applied to AAA Plus or Premier fee. Fees paid by Sprint are non-refundable & non-transferable. Sprint Acct. must remain active & in good standing to receive o� ers. Excl. CL, MBB devices, tablets, Sprint Phone Connect. O� er, terms, restrictions & options subj. to change according to AAA’s agreement with Sprint & may be modified, discontinued or terminated at any time w/out notice. Sprint Family Locator: Max. 5 phone numbers. Free svc. will discontinue if Sprint svc. or AAA membership is cancelled. Sprint does not guarantee svc. or location accuracy. Location information could be delayed, inaccurate, interrupted based on a variety of conditions. See http://bit.ly/2d6T03b. If you are no longer AAA member or have qualifying Sprint svc., Sprint Family Locator will be removed from your acct. Accessory Discount: Discount only applies on eligible accessories. Other Terms: O� ers/coverage not avail. everywhere or for all phones/networks. May not be combinable with other o� ers. Restrictions apply. See store or sprint.com for details. © 2017 Sprint. All rights reserved. Sprint & logo are trademarks of Sprint. Other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Sprint Works℠ for AAA Members.

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Visit a local Sprint Store: sprint.com/storelocatorHave your AAA card ready and mention this code: NATRI_TOW_ZZM

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Free AAA Membership RenewalSprint will pay your next annual AAA membership renewal fee for as long as you remain a Sprint customer.Sprint will pay Classic or Basic renewal. Req. 1 active phone line of service & registration at sprint.com/AAA for each AAA member number.

Paul switched to Sprint for its reliable network and great value. And, with AAA’s many benefits, such as 24/7 roadside assistance, he gets peace of mind all year long.

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See Scotland Your Way

Explore the wonders of Scotland this summer with a customized itinerary. From the beautiful city of Edinburgh,

to Loch Ness & everything in between, the options are endless.

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WHAT WILL YOU DISCOVER?

Budapest, Hungary

INSIGHTEXPERIENCES

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EASY PACE BUDAPEST VIENNA & PRAGUE

11 DAYSThese three capitals, lush with magnificent cathedrals, imperial palaces and majestic castles, stand at the geographical heart of mainland Europe. Their history and culture are majestically intertwined by the powerful Habsburg dynasty.

EARLY BOOKING INCENTIVES AVAILABLE.

CST No. 20687545-20.

TRAVELAAA PIONEER VALLEY | JANUARY 2018 13

S

Top 10 Things We Love in… Stowe, Vt.

By George Morse

towe, Vt., is a quintessential New England getaway graced by natural beauty and an abundance of small-town charm.

It’s one of the Northeast’s most popular cold-weather getaways, with trails for every level of skier and snowboarder. An awesome lineup of hotels and restaurants gives it a fantastic apres-ski pedigree, too.

Here are 10 things we love in Stowe.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Riders take a horse-drawn sleigh ride; skiers enjoy fresh powder at Topnotch Resort; a covered bridge blanketed in a layer of snow.Im

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Stowe Mountain Resort offers 116 trails among 485 skiable acres, a handful of terrain parks and miles of groomed and backcountry cross-country routes. Children’s ski lessons are offered through the Stowe Mountain Resort Adventure Center.

Skiing and snowboarding are integral parts of Vermont’s his-tory. The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum illustrates this through collections of ski equipment, clothing, art and more.

Stowe is home to three AAA Four Diamond hotels. Stowe Mountain Lodge has a spa and outdoor recreation guides. Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa offers golf and a spa, while Topnotch Resort combines a spa with a tennis center and an equestrian center.

The Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center offers a variety of entertainment throughout the year, including film festivals, concerts and theatrical performances.

You don’t have to leave your furry friends behind when visiting. All three of the aforementioned properties are pet-friendly. To-pnotch Resort offers dog treats at check-in and dog-bed turn-down service, along with pet sitting and “Rover Reiki” massages.

If you prefer a pair of skates to skis or a snowboard, Stowe has you covered. Check out the rink at Spruce Peak Village, where you can lace up your skates (rentals are available) and hit the ice.

Horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy country landscapes are pretty much the closest thing to real-life magic. Guests of Topnotch Resort and the Trapp Family Lodge can add unforget-table sleigh rides to their stays.

Check out some of the town’s inviting restaurants. Flannel, at Topnotch Resort, offers steaks, seafood and burgers amid stun-ning mountain views, while Stowe Mountain Lodge’s Solstice serves up fare made from local ingredients.

The von Trapp family of “The Sound of Music” fame runs the Trapp Family Lodge. You can learn more about the family on a tour of the property.

Check out the circa 1844 Gold Brook Bridge on the appropriately named Covered Bridge Road. Locals sometimes refer to the span as Emily’s Bridge because of the ghost of a jilted teenager who supposedly haunts the structure.

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Ready for a snow-cation? Discover all Stowe has to offer and find cozy lodging at AAA.com/Hotels.


ONE-DAY TOURS*May 5 - Bronx Zoo........................................................................$91Admission to the Bronx Zoo including zoo shuttle, monorail, children’s zoo, world of reptiles and congo gorilla forest.Jun. 23 - Perkins Cove, Maine..................................................$128Enjoy lunch at the Bull N’ Claw Restaurant, then head off to Ogunquit for a scenic cruise along the shore. Visit When Pigs Fly bakery in Kittery on the way home for some delicious artisan breads.Jul. 15 - Exploring the Hudson.................................................$132Start your day with a guided tour over the new Walkway Over the Hudson. Enjoy lunch at Mariner’s Harbor, then board the Rip Van Winkle for a pictur-esque narrated cruise along the shoreline.Aug. 25 - Culinary Institute of America..................................$128Enjoy a student-guided tour followed by a three-course lunch and a visit to Wilklow Orchards bakery.Sep. 9 - Munch Your Way Through Manhattan....................$137Join your tour guide to taste your way through NYC’s neighborhoods by bus and on foot as you learn the history of this great city and indulge.Oct. 28 - Salem.............................................................................$105Tour the Salem Witch Museum; lunch at Victoria Station Restaurant; free time to enjoy ‘Haunted Happenings’ around town (admission not included)Nov. 18 - Radio City Christmas Show....................................$TBAReserved orchestra seats; free time in NYC for shopping

Dec. 9 - NYC on Your Own..........................................................$67Create your own adventure in NYC - catch a show, shop, eat, explore.

MULTI-DAY ESCORTED TOURS*Apr. 29 - May 5 - 7-Day Myrtle Beach & Charleston.......$1,0782 nights hotel, Frederickburg, VA; 4 nights at the Ocean Reef Resort in Myrtle Beach; 3 shows; tours of Calabash and Charleston; dinner & sightseeing cruise; 6 breakfasts, 4 dinnersJun. 3-6 - 4-day Ocean, Dunes & Horses..............................$7393 nights oceanfront room at the Dunes Manor Resort on Maryland’s Ocean City Boardwalk; Tangier Island excursion; Assateague Island Ponies & Tour; Ocean City Lifesaving Museum and more; 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinnersJul. 20-22 - 3-Day Washington, D.C........................................$5992 nights at the Rosslyn Holiday Inn; guided tours of Washington, D.C.; twilight tour of the Monuments; tram tour at Arlington National Cemetery; guided tour of D.C., admission to Mount Vermon; narrated cruise from Mount Vernon to Alexandria; visit the Smithsonian; 2 breakfasts; 2 dinners Aug. 10-12 - 3-Day Boston Red Sox in Baltimore...............$TBA2 nights at the Days Inn Inner Harbor; tickets to 2 Boston Red Sox/Baltimore Orioles baseball games; Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor; optional trip to Annapolis; 2 breakfastsDec. 14-16 - 3-Day Niagara Falls Festival of Lights............$5192 nights at the Courtyard Marriott Niagara Falls; dinner atop Skylon Tower; Niagara on the Lake; lunch and wine tasting at a Finger Lakes Winery; sightsee-ing with guide; IMAX Show & Daredevil Gallery; 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

2018 Motorcoach ToursBook Early - Space is Limited! For tour details, visit

AAA.com/Motorcoach or call 413-785-1381

*one-day tour prices are per person; multi-day tour prices based on double occupancy; prices and dates subject to change

SHOT ON IRISH EXPERIENCE • DAY 7Taste Oonagh’s Nettle Soup Recipe

Walk Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way to forage for your lunch with the O’Briens

Call or visit your nearest AAA Travel agent today413-785-1381 | AAA.com/Travel

SAVE UP TO 10%*

*Save with Early Payment Discount (EPD) on the land portion of 95 2018 Europe summer trips when paid in full: 10% EPD by 01/11/18; 7.5% EPD by 02/28/18. Savings not valid on all itineraries and/or departure dates, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Not combinable with other promotional offers, but may be combines with other brochure discounts. Conditions apply. CST#2077132-30

14610 TT 18 Europe Ad - AAA Pioneer Valley Jan Your AAA Sixth Page.indd 1 11/15/17 11:32 AM

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ALL: Rate valid on new bookings only. Rates are per person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Rates, offer and itinerary shown are current at time of print, capacity controlled and subject to change and availability. AAA does not assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content of the offers displayed. Ask your AAA Pioneer Valley travel agent for best rate and full terms and conditions at time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises: *Rates are based on cruise only, including port charges, taxes and government fees - unless otherwise noted - fuel surcharges and any other applicable vendor surcharges. Age restrictions may apply to certain AAA Vacations benefits. Offer is not combinable with any other offer or promotion, including but not limited to, Shareholder benefits, Future or Next Cruise offers, promotions, or benefits. AAA Vacations Best Price Guarantee and 24 X 7 Member Care are applicable to AAA Members only.

Travel Impressions: ^Rate is per person, land only, tax inclusive and based on double adult occupancy. Airfare, taxes, surcharges, gratuities, transfers, port charges and excursions are additional unless otherwise indicated.Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort - rate is valid for travel 2/15/18 - 2/18/18 and varies by departure date. Book by 1/10/18 for travel through 4/2/18.Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana - advertised rate is valid in a Caribbean Suite Double room category for travel 5/1/18 - 5/18/18 and vary by departure date. Book by 4/30/18 for travel through 12/20/19.Holland America Alaska cruise based on 5/12/18 sailing in an inside cabin.

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with OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAYLooking for a lifetime experience? This just might be it!

Since 1634, the most famous Passion Play in the world has taken place in Oberammergau. The tradition, maintained and experienced almost without

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Top 8 Reasonsto visit your local AAA branch office

1 Save on movie passes and attraction tickets.

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Disney asked for filmmaker James Cameron’s fictional exoplanetary moon, its float-ing mountains, alien wildlife and bioluminescent plants – and got it.

No longer 4.37 light-years away in Alpha Centauri, Pan-dora – the World of Avatar descended from deep space to open last May at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, in Orlando, Fla.

This whole new out-of-this-world creation and the gravitational pull of its two stellar attractions – Na’vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage – have harnessed the hearts of many AAA Members, including Lydia Link, 12, of Rhode Island.

She raved about Flight of Passage after visiting in Au-gust. She isn’t alone.

“Jeff and I are already talking about how we hope the kids are big enough when we go back because we want to take them on that,” said Karen Francoeur, of Massa-chusetts, after visiting with her husband and kindergar-ten-age twins in October.

The new attraction – arriv-ing just ahead of Animal Kingdom’s 20th anniversary, this year – has been a giant boon for the park. And now Disney is setting off at warp speed for a space odyssey to span the years. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will join the Disney Empire next year with the Millennium Falcon, battle attractions and a space-age hotel.

The New Buzz at DisneyThere’s no need to jump to hyperspace for cosmic thrills.

The buzz around Disney for 2018 is Mr. Lightyear himself, as Hollywood Studios looks to welcome the space ranger, Woody and the rest of the “Toy Story” gang to new 11-acre digs in Andy’s backyard this summer.

Toy Story Land features two new rides: the family-oriented

Disney Adds Stellar New Attractions

Slinky Dog Dash roller coast-er and Alien Swirling Saucers, starring Pizza Planet’s three-eyed green guys. Meanwhile, the ever-popular Toy Story Mania! has added a third track to ease congestion.

Everything in Toy Story Land, including a restaurant that looks like Woody’s lunchbox tipped on its side, will be built to larger-than-life scale.

“You are shrunk down to the size of a toy,” said Michelle Baumann, a Disney spokes-woman. “It’s a pretty signifi-cant expansion.”

Pixar PartyOrlando isn’t the only place where Buzz and his crew will make an appearance. Watch the night sky over Disney-land in Anaheim, Calif., for a flyover as part of Pixar Fest.

Beginning in April, the limited-time celebration will feature “Together Forever – a Pixar Nighttime Spectacular.”

Looking AheadBack in Orlando, cheers are sure to sound when the ESPN Wide World of Sports Com-plex opens its new 8,000-seat, 300,000-square-foot indoor stadium early this year.

And as it celebrates its 35th anniversary, Epcot Center is undergoing a metamorpho-sis. In July, officials revealed that new “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Ratatouille” rides are in the works, and Epcot will also be a stop on a proposed gondola system.

“It’s been an amazing 35 years,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “And as we look toward the fu-ture, there is so much more on the horizon.”

See Disney’s new addi-tions for yourself! Visit

AAA.com/Disney to con-nect with a AAA travel

agent who can make all your theme park wishes

comes true.

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The concept art for Toy Story Land, above, which will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer. Inset: A rendering of the Millennium Falcon at the upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attraction.

A trip to anywhere Disney is most chil-dren’s dream.

But for kids like Steven De Angelis, 9, of Somerville, Mass., who face life-threat-ening medical conditions like Steven’s unique genetic disease, it might remain only a pipe dream.

Enter the Disney Wish program, which works with nonprofit wish-granting orga-

Disney Delivers Dreams

By Kimberley Edgar

By Kimberley Edgar

nizations like Make-A-Wish to make these children’s Disney dreams come true.

Last June, Steven’s wish to meet Mickey Mouse and Goofy was granted, making him one of more than 8,000 children who visit Disney World through its wish pro-gram each year.

“It was the most unbelievable trip,” said Kelly De Angelis, Steven’s mother. “At one point, my husband and I looked at each other because we didn’t remember the last time where everyone was smiling and laughing, and at that moment we all were.”

AAA DRIVERSNATIONSMAAA PIONEER VALLEY | JANUARY 2018 17

Jeremiah Ocasio, left, and Bob “The Bike Man” Charland.

Pedal Thru Youth donated more than 30 bikes recently at an event held at Stefanik Elementary School in Chicopee.

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AAA Supports Pedal Thru Youth

Leonard’s Auto Reaches Milestone

AAA Pioneer Valley is proud to sponsor Pedal Thru Youth, a local organization that promotes an active and healthy life-style among youths by donating bikes and helmets to economically disadvantaged families. PTY partners with local charities, law enforcement and public schools to serve local communities.

Springfield resident Bob “The Bike Man” Charland founded Pedal Thru Youth. In 2012, he started fixing up a few bikes here and there to donate to less fortunate kids in his neighborhood. In 2017, after being diag-nosed with a neurodegenerative disease, he decided to start an organization that would allow him to donate bikes to large groups of children. He did so with the help of his sister, Michelle Williams, the current president and CEO of Pedal Thru Youth.

The organization’s volunteers have donated over 300 bikes to children this year, and ex-pect to donate approximately 400 more to kids in western Massachusetts in 2018.

AAA Pioneer Valley’s Approved Auto Repair field representative, Jeremiah Ocasio, has been involved with the group since April.

“After meeting Bob, I felt compelled to step up and help,” Ocasio said. “To meet some-

AAA Pioneer Valley would like to wish a very happy 80th anniversary to Leonard’s Auto Repair Inc. of Springfield. Leonard’s is a second-generation, family-owned and op-erated business started by Lewis “Leonard” Desmarais in 1936. Current owner Leonard “Len” Desmarais is proud to have served many local families, some for as many as three generations.

one going through so much who is still willing to give back to others was so impressive. Af-ter the first school donation event I did with Bob, I knew I wanted in for the long term.”

Ocasio and his family now regularly volun-teer to help fix and distribute bikes to kids.

To learn more about Pedal Thru Youth, and find out how you can help, visit www.pedalthruyouth.org.

AAA DRIVERSNATIONSM JANUARY 2018 | AAA PIONEER VALLEY18

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*All loans offered through AAA Pioneer Valley. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. Some fees and restrictions may apply. All loans subject to credit approval, appraisal and satisfactory title examination where applicable. Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest. Rates are for AAA members only. Other rates and terms available. Actual rate determined by individual credit worthiness. Rates may not be available in all areas. No down payment required for qualifi ed applicants. Certain fees and restrictions may apply. Example: Borrowing at 2.89% APR for new and used 2015–2018 cars for 48 months results in payments of $22.08 per $1,000 borrowed. Refi nancing subject to applicable registry title fees. FIN.221900.17_PV

Tech Matters Continued from page 1

Safety Features

“Safety features aren’t just for rich folks anymore,” said AAA’s Car Doctor John Paul. In fact, new regulations that take effect in May require all new cars to have backup cameras, a feature considered a luxury not long ago. Of course, some features in 2018 make backup cameras look prehis-toric. Computers in the Lexus LS and Volvo XC60 can take over steering to help avoid collisions. With Super Cruise in the Cadillac CT6, a driver can take his or her hands off the wheel and feet off the pedals and the car will automatically keep a safe distance and stay centered between lane markings.

Self-Driving Cars Driverless cars are being built across the country by established automakers like Ford and newcomers like Waymo, formerly known as Google’s self-driving car proj-ect. Waymo has tested its driverless cars on 10,000 miles of public roads out West and logs 10 million virtual miles daily. The company recently announced it would ex-pand its tests into Michigan, where its cars can experience wintry conditions. General Motors also has plans to test automated Chevrolet Bolts in Manhattan in early 2018.

Performance MattersOf course, designers have not ignored the technology under the hood. In 2018, auto-makers are practically giving horsepower away, Paul said. And many are upping the ponies with smaller turbocharged engines, as opposed to the hefty V-8s of yester-year. Some will pair these engines with 10-speed automatic transmissions designed for smooth shifts and better fuel econo-my. Keep an eye on electric cars, too, said Heather Storm, host of “Garage Squad” on the Velocity network. “Personally, I like a re-ally sporty-looking car, so I’m really excited about the Fisker EMotion,” Storm said. “It will have a 400-mile range and the ability to charge to 125 miles in nine minutes. That is better than any electric vehicle on the market today.” Im

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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan The all-new Tiguan has grown over the years to become one of the largest sport-utility vehicles in the segment. It comes in several trim levels and with front- or all-wheel drive. To

put it in perspective, it’s 10 inches longer than the previous model and about 4 inches longer than the Honda CR-V.

Front-wheel-drive models are available with optional third-row seating. The cargo area is quite good, rivaling some

midsize SUVs, and it has several bins for storage and decent cup holders. There are fuel economy and sport drive set-

tings. The overall ride seems biased toward comfort rather than handling, which I prefer in an SUV.

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Test DriveThe Tesla Model X and Cadil-lac Escalade have tied as the most unreliable cars on the market, according to a study by Consumer Reports. The 2017 reliability report found that Model X owners experi-enced issues with body paint, hardware and climate control systems. Escalade owners noted issues with power equipment, the transmission and climate controls.

Toyota unveiled a concept car at the Tokyo Auto Show that uses cameras and arti-ficial intelligence to detect tired or stressed drivers. Toyota executives said the technology could adjust seats to calm an anxious driver or spray a scent to revitalize tired drivers. The technology could eventually learn what the driver likes and start con-versations during drives.

Around the Horn

By Roberto X. Cruz

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By John Paul, AAA’s Car Doctor

Exotic China | New Car Tech

Go StowePicture-perfect landscapes and snowy fun beckon in quaint Stowe, Vt.

Image credit: Topnotch Resort

JANUARY 2018

Your AAA

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