Saving money is smart, but it isn’t always easy – especially during financial setbacks. The COVID-19 crisis has affected the workforce in unprecedented ways, leaving many Americans with less work hours and lower pay, if not unemployed.

Whether you’re trying to build an emergency fund or replenish a savings account, holding onto income can be difficult, especially for those currently living paycheck-to-paycheck or trying to pay off debts.

From different saving methods to budgeting, here are some tips to help you save your dollars, even when you don’t have a lot coming in.

Start Small

Every penny counts when it comes to saving. If money is tight, saving small increments at a time can be a great way to start. It might not feel like much in the short-term, but saving just $5 or $10 a week can add up to $250 or $520, respectively, in a year. And that’s not counting interest. Another method is to set a specific, achievable goal for yourself, like working toward saving one month’s worth of expenses.

Consider CDs

Certificates of deposit or CDS are a great option if you already have some money to set aside. While your money will have to stay in the bank for a set period of time – anywhere from one to 60 months – you will be rewarded with higher interest rates compared to traditional savings accounts. The longer the term of your CD, the higher the interest rate will be.

A CD isn’t the best option for your emergency fund, as you won’t be able to access the money before its maturity date without facing a penalty.

Make it Automatic

Life is becoming more digital every day. If you haven’t already set up automatic deposits and transfers, now’s the perfect time to start.

Autopay eliminates the chance of accidentally forgetting to save, giving you one less thing to think about. Automatically send money from checking to your savings weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, depending on what you can afford.

Some institutions also offer certain rewards for setting up automatic payments. When it comes to loans, setting up autopay can save you some money with a 0.25% reduction to your interest rate.

Track Your Spending

Tracking your spending can help you stick to your budget and get a better idea for whether there are things you can cut back on.

Check your account statements every month. Not only will you see exactly where your money is going, you could also catch potential fraudulent charges.

Consider using a budgeting app, or track your spending with a spreadsheet.

Cut Back on Streaming

Many people watch TV shows and movies or listen to music to settle down at the end of the day or on weekends. Entertainment is good, but limiting the number of paid services you subscribe to can save you money.

From Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime to newer additions like Disney+, HBO Max and Peacock, there are too many streaming services to count.

“The average American subscriber watches 3.4 services,” according to Forbes. Try to limit yourself to three or less paid streaming services at a time and/or consider going for cheaper packages. Opting to see more ads could save you money.

If you haven’t already, consider cutting cable to save money.

Cook Your Own Food

Ordering out gets expensive. If you rely on takeout and/or delivery regularly, try mixing in more home-cooked meals.

Breakfast and lunch are typically cheaper to order out, so for the biggest financial impact, try making your own dinners. Consider making big batches of easily-reheatable meals, like casseroles and soups. Enjoy for a few days or freeze leftovers for later.

Slow cookers and Instant Pots are easy options for those who don’t enjoy cooking or don’t have time to stand in front of the stove.

Go for Free Services

There are plenty of options when it comes to free entrainment. All you need is a device and Wi-Fi.

Head to YouTube for how-to videos about everything from cooking and crafting to meditation and yoga. If you would rather read, check out e-books from your local library.

For other ways to expand your mind, go globetrotting virtually or take advantage of free virtual tours through museums, theme parks and zoos.

Resist Risks

When money is tight, it can be tempting to look for different ways to pay the bills. Avoid risky behaviors like using payday loans and high-interest credit cards.

A payday loan is “a short-term, high cost loan, generally for $500 or less, that is typically due on your next payday” according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The fees you’ll have to pay along with the high annual percentage rate of payday loans typically make them more trouble than they’re worth.

Credit cards can be helpful for building credit, and some offer decent cashback perks, but high interest rates can make them risky. “More than 189 million Americans have credit cards,” according to Debt.org. “On average, each household with a credit card carries $8,398 in credit card debt.” To avoid risk, try making purchases with your credit card only when you have the cash to cover the cost. This way you’ll be strengthening your credit without adding to your debt.

How do you save money during lean times? Tell us in the comments below. 

What better way to get in the Thanksgiving mood than going back in time to enjoy a recreation of the first Thanksgiving. The Plimoth Plantation, located in Plymouth, Mass., is a living history museum with outdoor and indoor learning environments dedicated to telling the stories of two distinct cultures – English and Native. Each year, Plimoth Plantation hosts a New England Harvest Feast on certain days in November. Here’s what guests can expect.

Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, please see official website before visiting to check for rules and restrictions.

Plimoth Plantation

The Plimoth Plantation is the realized dream of Henry Hornblower II. The Boston native was fascinated by American history and archaeology. Hornblower spent his boyhood summers at his family’s summer house in Plymouth. He quickly grew an interest in the area, and the new relationship between the Pilgrims and the native Wampanoag people.

Under Hornblower’s visionary leadership, the Plimoth Plantation opened in 1947, telling the iconic story of Plymouth Colony. At first, it consisted of two English cottages and a fort on Plymouth’s historic waterfront. The museum has grown to include Mayflower II (1957), the English Village (1959), the Wampanoag Homesite (1973), the Hornblower Visitor Center (1987), the Craft Center (1992), the Maxwell and Nye Barns (1994) and the Plimoth Grist Mill (2013).

All of these exhibits and learning experiences built on thorough research about the Wampanoag People and the Colonial English community in the 1600s.  The museum’s offerings are rounded out by a host of special events, public programs and workshops that offer a rich and diverse exploration of the 17th-century.

The New England Harvest Feast

So, what exactly can you expect from a 17^th-century meal?

Plimoth Plantation’s menu begins with cheate bread and butter with wood-pressed cider. The first course consists of a sallet of herbs; mussels seeth’d with parsley and beer; a dish of sauc’d turkey; a pottage of cabbage, leeks, and onions; and a sweet pudding of native corn.

The second course features stew’d pompion (pumpkin); a chine of roast’d pork, fricassee of fish, cheesecake made with spice and dried fruit, and a charger of Holland cheese and fruit.

Due to the COVID pandemic, tables will seat only six people and plated entrees will be served.

The Experience

As guests dine on their meals, a host will guide them through each item on the menu. Historical experts will also be on hand to answer questions about England and Plymouth, then and now.

During dinner, visitors will also get a taste of 17^th-century entertainment. This includes performances of centuries-old psalms and songs.

 

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The Museum

A ticket to the event includes admission to several buildings and attractions. (Click here to see the museum’s COVID guidelines.) The Wampanoag Homesite is a representation of how the Wampanoag would have lived in the 17th-century – planting crops, fishing and hunting, gathering wild herbs and berries for food, and reeds for making mats and baskets. Unlike the people in the 17th-Century English Village, the staff in the Wampanoag Homesite are not role players. They are all Native People – either Wampanoag or from other Native Nations.

The 17th-Century English Village is a re-creation of the small farming and maritime community built by the Pilgrims along the shore of Plymouth Harbor.

Guests will also have access to the Plimoth Grist Mill, which tells the story of the corn grinding mill built by the Pilgrims; the Nye Barn, home to livestock that represent the types of animals found in Plymouth Colony in the 17th century; and the craft center, where visitors can get a glimpse into the historic crafts and technologies that allow the museum’s artisans to vividly recreate the look and feel of the 17th century.

And, of course, visitors can also check out the newly restored Mayflower II, an authentic reproduction of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to Massachusetts in 1620.

Have you been to Plimouth Plantation or the New England Harvest Feast? What were your favorite experiences? Let us know in the comments below!

Get exclusive savings on more fall entertainment and attractions with AAA. 

For more fall fun, go to AAA.com/FallFest! 

If you are looking to purchase a house, the buyer’s vs. seller’s market talk may sound familiar. But what does it mean for getting the right home at the right price?

Though change is in the air, the market is still somewhat tight for home buyers. “Nationwide, it’s definitely a seller’s market in most areas of the country right now,” said Steven Vieira, AAA Northeast’s director of mortgage sales and operations. “The inventory is very low.”

There are rural pockets of the country where this is not the case, Vieira said. But in urban areas of the Northeast such as Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut, it’s still “heavily a seller’s market,” he said.

Buyer’s vs. Seller’s Market

“A seller’s market is defined as anything with less than six months of inventory available to buyers,” said Vieira. “If I list my home and there’s a high probability of selling my home within two months, that’s a seller’s market.”

The main difference between a buyer’s or seller’s market is that in a seller’s market the sellers are basically calling the shots, he said. “Buyers have to go in with the most competitive offer because there will be multiple offers on the table. They may need to act quickly,” Vieira explained. “We recommend they are pre-approved for the mortgage before putting in an offer.”

Vieira suggests getting questions and paperwork in order before going in to look at a home. “Often, when it’s a hot seller’s market, the seller will say, ‘You can have an inspection, but you’ll be responsible for fixing anything that’s wrong with the house,’” he said. “In a normal market, that can be negotiated in the sale price.”

Compare this to a buyer’s market when shoppers have more bargaining power. “If there’s enough supply in the market and it takes six months or more to sell your home, it’s a buyer’s market,” said Vieira. “It typically means there are more incentives. A seller may offer to pay the closing costs. They may offer to lower the sale price. Many different incentives can come in.”

Home prices are typically headed down in a buyer’s market, he said, and there is competition among sellers. “They have to make sure homes are competitively priced. The buyers are in control,” Vieira said.

Home Sweet Home

From renting to buying, AAA members save more at home.

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The Housing Market Crash

The current seller’s market was driven, in part, by the housing crisis. “There’s still some residual anxiety from the financial collapse of 2008,” Vieira said, after which banks became more restrictive in their lending practices.

Vieira pointed to the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, commonly referred to as simply “Dodd-Frank.” The law ushered in massive reforms to the financial industry, along with rules designed to protect consumers from predatory-lending practices. Passed in 2010, the law made it more difficult for many would-be homebuyers to obtain financing.

Home values, on average, fell more than 23% from their peak following the economic crisis, Vieira said, but have since rebounded in most major markets. “The median home-sale price has risen constantly since,” he said. “This tends to knock out first-time homebuyers.”

Homebuying and COVID-19

And now, to top it all off we are living in the world of COVID-19. When thinking about a new home, you’ll need to consider some updated procedures including virtual tours, private showings instead of open houses and even new steps within the lending process.

One change includes explaining any variations in income and re-verifying employment within five days of closing. While this might sound daunting, Vieira explained, “If the borrower had any period of time when they were out of work that needs to be documented and explained by the employer. If they had a reduction in income, it would need to be documented and explained by the employer. Keeping all your pay-stubs up until closing is recommended and providing a good contact in your company’s HR department is required because most of those last minute VOE’s [verification of employment] are just a phone call to the employer to make sure the borrower is still employed.”

Despite the stubborn seller’s market, buyers can still take advantage of conforming and government-backed programs, which offer fixed-rate loans with down payments as low as 3% with no minimum borrower contribution. “This means the down payment can come from a gift,” Vieira added.

AAA Northeast serves as a broker for low-rate mortgages. The company also offers a number of other mortgage products, including reverse mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit. Regardless of where you might be in the process, AAA is happy to walk you through the best options.

Learn more about how AAA can help you with your mortgage.

Car maintenance goes far beyond bringing your vehicle in for inspections and emissions tests. It requires regularly checking on your car and consulting with your mechanic before a serious problem arises.

Improper maintenance can decrease the longevity and performance of your vehicle. Additionally, minor problems that could have been fixed easily can turn into major issues that require extensive – and expensive – repairs.

We spoke with Justin Knight, mechanic at AAA Approved Auto Repair facility Knights Automotive in Ledgewood, N.J., to get his best tips on car maintenance as the Northeast heads into winter.

What is the biggest car maintenance myth/misconception?

One of the biggest maintenance myths/misconceptions is that every new vehicle still under its factory warranty must be serviced at a dealership or its warranty will be voided. I hear from many customers that dealerships tell them they must have their car serviced there. That is simply not true. It is your right to have your car serviced by any certified automotive repair shop. But remember, services must be performed within the manufacturer’s maintenance schedules or warranties will be voided.

What’s the most common mistake people make in regard to keeping their car in good shape?

The most common mistake is being on time for oil changes. The number of people I see going way overdue on oil changes is staggering. This simple task will maintain the health of your engine as well as allow more opportunity for your mechanic to inform you of any needed services before things break down. It is all about maintaining your vehicle, not waiting until it needs to be fixed.

While we generally suggest referring to the manufacturer’s recommendations for your car’s oil change schedule, it also depends on factors such as the age of your vehicle and how often you drive it. Learn more about oil changes from AAA experts.

What are your best general tips to keep your car in the best condition?

The best thing to do is to be on time for oil changes and all your manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance. It is important to look at your owner’s manual and know when services should be done on your vehicle, as well as know what all the warning lights on your dash mean. Not letting warning lights linger will help maintain the life of your vehicle.

 

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Heading into winter, what are some car problems people should watch out for and how can they prevent them?

Some car problems you should always be aware of during the winter months are battery issues, door locks and latches freezing, windshield washer fluid freezing and broken wiper arms and transmissions. The last one can easily be prevented by always making sure you clean off any snow or ice from your windshield before using your wipers, as well as starting your car and letting it warm up before you start to drive it.

Also make sure your washer fluid has enough strength, meaning it should be able to withstand temperatures of at least -20 degrees Fahrenheit. And that it is not too low, otherwise it will freeze and cause the bottle to crack.

Another thing to be aware of is the condition of your tire treads and pressures. Extreme cold weather leads to a fluctuation in tire pressure, causing tire pressure monitoring system lights to come on. The winter can be referred to as tire light season.

Is it smart to invest in winter tires, and what makes them different from year-round tires?

I believe it is smart to invest in snow tires, especially if you have a two-wheel-drive vehicle. At the same time, it all depends on your situation and how often you drive your vehicle during snowstorms and bad weather to determine if they are a worthwhile investment.

Another factor is how your vehicle handles in the snow. Every vehicle handles differently in extreme weather. To this point, it is important to know exactly how your vehicle handles in all weather conditions as well as snowy conditions with or without snow tires.

It is also important to consider snow tires for all-wheel-drive/four-wheel-drive vehicles. Some of these vehicles will be fine with all-season tires but snow tires will just increase handling ability in the snow.

The main difference between snow tires and all-season tires is the tread pattern. There are also minor differences in the rubber compound; snow tires are typically softer to increase grip. Some snow tires do come with tiny metal studs in the tread. While certain states prohibit snow tires or set restrictions on the months that they can be used, they are allowed throughout the Northeast.

Stay safe on the road this winter!

All the tools needed for at-home car maintenance can be purchased at NAPA Auto Parts, where AAA members receive 20% off. If you prefer to let the pros handle it, find a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility near you.

For more experts car tips, see our article on what your mechanic says is damaging your car. 

What automotive questions do you have for our mechanics? Let us know in the comments below.

Diamond Designation: Three Diamond (Trendy food skillfully presented in a remarkable setting. Learn more about AAA Diamonds.)

Address: 132 W. 44th St., New York, N.Y.

Signature Dish: The Lambs Club Burger

Looking for a midtown restaurant that feels as classy as Broadway itself? Located inside the AAA Four Diamond Chatwal Hotel, The Lambs Club is a stylish choice.

Chef and restauranteur Geoffrey Zakarian – whom you may recognize from Food Network as one of the stars of “The Kitchen” or as a judge on “Chopped” – and his staff, serve up seasonal American bistro and grill-style dishes with signature modern flair. Dressed in pops of show curtain red, the decor feels appropriately theatrical and tastefully retro.

While dinner options like the dry-aged Delmonico steak, Pekin duck breast and lobster spaghetti impress, nothing hits the spot like a burger done right. The signature TLC burger found on the bar and lunch menus comes topped with craveable fixings like crispy fried shallots and a tangy secret sauce. Three-course prix fixe menus are also available for pre-theater ($65) and matinee lunch ($45).

The eatery takes its cocktails and wine selection seriously, too; the wine list features an extensive by-the-glass selection along with a knowledgeable staff to help you find the perfect pairing.

The restaurant is named after The Lambs, America’s first professional theatrical club, which called the building home at the turn of the century. Members of the prestigious thespian society – which is still active today – have included such recognizable names as Charlie Chaplin, George M. Cohan and Fred Astaire.

Further honoring the history of the space, the enormous 18^th-century, fully restored French limestone fireplace prominently displayed in the dining room was a gift to The Lambs from the building’s architect, Stanford White.

It’s open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as for brunch on the weekends with live music. The prices are in line with what’s expected in the theater district, but it’s the stellar food, service and atmosphere that make The Lambs Club stand out. As noted by a AAA inspector, “It’s for good reason that this [restaurant] is favored for the midtown business elite to see and be seen.”

Restaurant Recipe Guide

Featuring more than 40 recipes and tips from top chefs and kitchens in the Northeast. Download the Restaurant Recipe Guide and get cooking!

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The Lambs Club Burger and Fries

1 tablespoon canola oil
Sea salt, to taste
1 pound ground beef (40% chuck, 40%, brisket, 20% fat), formed into two 8-ounce burger patties
2 slices sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
2 brioche or challah rolls
2 tablespoons LC sauce (recipe below)
1 ounce fried shallots (recipe below) or fried onions
2 bibb lettuce leaves
2 half-sour pickle spears

Heat a cast-iron pan over a high flame. Add the oil. Once oil is at its smoking point, season the burgers with sea salt and sear on both sides until heavily caramelized.

Cook burgers to desired temperature. Top with cheddar cheese after they’ve rested for 5 minutes. Wipe the pan clean.

Spread the butter on the buns and toast the buns in the same pan with a little of the rendered beef fat.

Spread the LC Sauce on both sides of the toasted buns and sprinkle on fried shallots. Top with lettuce leaves and burger patties. Serve with pickle spears and french fries.

Makes 2 burgers

LC Sauce

1 ¼ cups mayonnaise
2/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons cornichons, chopped
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
2 tablespoons shallots, chopped
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Coarse kosher salt and fresh-cracked pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients and season with salt and pepper. Reserve sauce in a quart-size container with airtight lid.

Makes 2 cups

Crispy Shallots

5 ounces shallots, thinly sliced on a mandolin
1 quart canola oil, for frying
Coarse kosher salt, to taste

Combine the shallots and cold oil a pot twice the volume of the oil. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently to ensure no sticking and even cooking.

Once shallots are golden and almost crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place on a plate with paper towels to drain. Season with kosher salt.

Makes enough for 5 burgers

French Fries

1 ½ pound high-starch potatoes, such as Idaho
2 quarts canola oil
Coarse sea salt, to taste

Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, but do not peel. Cut into batons, ½ inch by ½ inch by 4 inches. Rinse in cold water three times. Soak the potatoes in fresh, clean water overnight in the refrigerator.

The next day, heat the oil to 350 degrees in a heavy-bottomed pot. Make sure the oil doesn’t fill the pot by more than a third, so it won’t bubble over when you add the potatoes. Prepare a sheet pan with absorbent towels. Drain the potatoes and dry. Fry for 3 minutes, then remove the blanched fries from the oil with a mesh skimmer. Rest the fries on the prepared sheet pan for at least 15 minutes.

To finish, change the absorbent towels on the sheet pan. Return the fries to the hot oil for 3 to 5 minutes or until crispy, then remove with a mesh skimmer. Place the fries on the prepared sheet pan and season liberally with sea salt. Serve while hot and crispy.

Makes 4 portions  

For more AAA-approved signature dishes, visit AAA.com/DiamondDish. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world in many ways, impacting a wide array of industries. While working remotely has become a new normal for many, and some are starting to return to work, millions of Americans are still unemployed (13.6 million as of August 2020).

Whether you’re looking for remote work, a side gig or something more traditional, you’ll likely be doing much – if not all – of your job search virtually. Job hunting was never easy, but virtual job hunting poses its own challenges.

From honing your skills and revamping your resume to preparing for virtual interviews, there’s plenty you can do build your brand and improve your job search.

Whether you’re looking for employment or just want to update your portfolio, check out these tips to establish your professional brand for online job hunting.

Building Your Professional Brand

Your brand is a representation of you. It’s based on everything you do, including your job performance and the behaviors you demonstrate.

“Ask yourself: What am I known for? What does my supervisor think about my work? How do my colleagues perceive my attitude or behaviors?” said Jill Harris, AAA Northeast’s manager of talent acquisition. “Depending how you respond to these questions, it might be time to consider ways to enhance your brand, knowing that you have the power to positively or negatively affect your brand all the time.”

Think about who you are and what makes you unique, and then play to your strengths. Do you volunteer? Have you learned any new skills? Maybe you took online classes, learned a language or earned a license. If not, there’s always time to learn. LinkedIn Learning offers free courses. You can also take a skills assessment to prove your know-how.

Virtual Networking

Regardless of where you are in your career or job search, networking can be a valuable tool. LinkedIn is perfect for virtual networking because you can join groups and make connections within your preferred industry.

“Given the climate right now, I’ve seen lots of opportunities for job seekers to attend virtual information sessions that employers are hosting, or virtual career and networking events hosted by a state’s department of labor,” Harris said. “If you belong to industry associations or affiliations, they likely have regular meet-ups virtually. It’s worth exploring all that is available.”

It’s recommended you update your LinkedIn account – at least your headline or “about” section – every 90 days.

Updated Cover Letter, Resume and Portfolio

Your cover letter, resume and portfolio are all extensions of your brand. Make sure they are the best representation of you and your work history.

Cover Letters

Even if a job posting doesn’t require a cover letter, you should consider writing one anyway. It’s a great way to differentiate yourself.

“It allows the job seeker to expand on his/her skills and experience and how they directly relate to the job opening,” Harris said. “But be careful – a well-written cover letter could be a game-changer, but a poorly executed cover letter could put you out of the running.”

Try submitting a unique letter for each job posting. While it’s perfectly acceptable to reuse a template, try demonstrating specific skills and incorporating language listed in the job posting.

Resume

Unless you’re a designer, modern resumes should be simple, clean and easy to read. Some white space is good. Use headings and sections to break up your experience, education, skills, etc., and put the latest experience first. List accomplishments and responsibilities with bullet points, not paragraphs, starting with action verbs.

“Industry surveys indicate that at least 90% of people ‘pad’ their resume, which means to some degree inflating their experience and skills,” Harris said. “I would caution against this; the resume needs to be an accurate depiction of the work you’ve done.”

Portfolio Website

Portfolio websites have been growing in popularity, but you might not need one. It all depends on your profession. Artists, programmers, writers and other visually focused professionals can benefit from portfolio websites as a way to show examples of their work.

“If that site is used in a professional capacity for prospective employers or clients, I would encourage the job seeker to be mindful of the content and only post what is relevant,” said Harris.

Applying for Jobs

There are many online platforms built for job hunting. Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter are free and let you search for work by experience level, job type, salary and more. Some also allow you to set up job alerts that notify you when a new posting matches criteria you’ve selected.

“I recommend that job seekers review the position details closely and only apply to jobs that match their skills, experience and interest,” Harris said. She also recommends keeping a log of the jobs you apply to. “No one wants to be contacted by a recruiter and then not remember that they submitted an application.”

While applying to jobs is stressful, the worst part can be waiting.

“I know every job seeker wants to know immediately what’s happening with their application,” said Harris. “Employers can review hundreds, and even thousands, of resumes and applications a day. I would like job seekers to understand that it takes time.”

Some job sites offer application tracking where you can check on the status of your application.

Preparing for Virtual Interviews

When it comes to virtual interviews, prepare like you normally would. Research the company, practice answers to FAQs and come up with your own questions to ask. During the interview, dress the part, speak clearly and use positive body language.

The only major difference is you’ll be in your own space, so make sure it also reflects your brand. Good lighting, a quiet, private space and a clean background are all important.

Make sure the device you’re using for the interview is fully charged, perhaps plugged in, and updated. Finally, make sure you’re using the right program – Skype, Zoom, Google, etc. – and do a dry run to test the audio and video.

When all is said and done, try to be patient and stay positive. Your last action should be sending a follow-up email to thank the interviewer for their time.

“The interactions you have with employers – by phone, email, text, video or in-person – matter,” Harris said. “This is the time to continuously be mindful of what your brand represents.”

The Northeast is home to birds of all sizes, colors and songs, from tiny finches to bald eagles.

Whether you are a casual backyard bird watcher that likes to feed the sparrows and spot the occasional cardinal or are a pro birder that could identify a red-tailed hawk from a mile away, it’s hard not to be impressed by our local feathered friends.

Have you ever caught up to a hummingbird fast enough to grab a photo or captured an owl mid-flight? Submit your best bird photographs below! We can’t wait to see and share them with the AAA Northeast community.

How to Photograph Birds

Local photographer Kayla Mandeville shares a few pro tips and tricks to help you land the perfect bird photo.

“Photographing birds can be a bit challenging because they can be unpredictable and are often far away,” she said. “It requires time and patience.”

Equipment Is Important

“When photographing birds, your equipment is very important, more specifically your lens. To get a great shot of a bird you are going to need a telephoto lens. A telephoto lens can range from 150-600mm, 200-500mm, or on the lower end, 100-400mm. A lens size indicates how far away you can capture your subject. There is nothing worse than having the perfect shot lined up and not enough focal length to capture it. Larger lenses can be heavy, so with that being, I recommend using it with a tripod to avoid camera shake and produce a sharp image.”

Be Mindful of Your Camera Settings

“Camera settings are extremely important in bird photography. Be mindful of your ISO (brightness) and your shutter speed (the amount of time the sensor is exposed to light). A bird in flight requires a faster shutter speed than a stationary bird. In the moment, it is easy to forget to change your shutter speeds, but the wrong settings could leave you with a less than desirable image.”

Get help from our camera settings cheat sheet.

Closely Observe Their Behavior

“Birds can be unpredictable by nature. When photographing them, try to anticipate what they might do next, although it can make it difficult to compose your shot. Watch for subtle movements and patterns. This information is valuable when setting up your shot. It will enable you to predict their next move and get the best shot possible. It’s important to watch from afar – if you notice a bird changes its posture, or flies or runs away, it’s possible that you may be too close. You don’t want to approach a bird in a way where it induces stress or disrupts its natural behaviors. It is important to approach bird photography ethically.”

What’s Going on Around the Bird Is as Important as the Bird Itself

“While clean backgrounds are most desirable in bird photography, a background that complements the subject can work as well. Rather than just a shot of a bird, use background or foreground details to tell the story.”

By using these basic tips and giving it your own creative spin, you will be on your way to getting your bird shot for this month’s #AAAPhotoSesh. Check out last month’s sunset session for inspiration.

Thank You for Participating!

We were so impressed by your bird photos. Take a look at all of the amazing captures in the slideshow below and don’t forget to check our social media channels, where we will be featuring some of our favorites.

Stay tuned for the next AAA Photo Session, coming soon!

Get more photography tips.

AAA Northeast may receive revenue from products purchased through recommended third-party links.

School transportation looks different this year. For parents & students with concerns about traffic safety, a walking school bus program can be a great benefit to the community.

A walking school bus is a planned route on which a group of students – accompanied by an adult and/or trained AAA School Safety Patrollers – travel to school. There are assigned “stops” along the way where other students join on the way to school.

Decide Who Will Organize & Manage the Program

This can be a group of parents who share responsibility of leading the bus different days of the week. The school may be able to help with grouping students by neighborhood.

Find Your Students!

Organize walking groups with interested families. Use social media to get the word out! Share info with the school so they can promote it too. Create a map to mark “walking school bus” stops.

Use Your AAA School Safety Patrol!

Visit AAA.com/SafetyPatrol to order supplies or register a new School Safety Patrol. Use the resources on that page to conduct a training with your students.

Conduct a Walkability Audit

Take note of the safest route(s) possible and identify possible hazards. Provide feedback on sidewalks, crosswalks and traffic control devices before you decide on the route.

Use the Safe Routes Audit Toolkit for help.

Announce the Program in Your Community

Share the news with the school & police department.

Send a press release to local media, and share on social media networks.

Make It FUN & SAFE!

Have a group meeting with students and parents to review the rules before the program begins. Set regular check-ins to make sure students are following safety guidelines. Incorporate “theme weeks” to engage students.

Visit AAA.com/Community to learn more!

Distracted driving is one of the most serious problems plaguing America’s roads today. In 2018 alone, it caused nearly 3,000 deaths and injured an additional 400,000.

Distracted driving usually consists of preventative behavior such as talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, and changing the station on the radio. But what if you had a neurological disorder, specifically attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, that caused you to have trouble paying attention? Furthermore, what if you were a young, inexperienced driver? What sort of problems would this create and how could we mitigate them in order to create safer roads for everyone?

These are the questions a group a researchers at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is trying to answer. Led by Dr. Shannon Roberts, professor of mechanical and industrial engineering, and Dr. Jennifer McDermott, professor of psychology, the research team studied how ADHD impacted young people while driving and how automated technology may or may not effectively help this segment of vulnerable drivers. “We felt this research was needed because young drivers with ADHD are more prone to crashes and they are more likely to receive moving violations,” Roberts said. “As a consequence, some young drivers with ADHD avoid driving all together. However, advanced vehicle technology has the potential to help.”

To answer these questions, the team conducted two separate experiments. The first is a series of attention tests to determine young drivers’ abilities with respect to working memory, inhibitory control and selective attention. The second is a driving simulator experiment to examine the drivers’ skills in hazard anticipation, hazard mitigation and attention maintenance when they drive with and without automation. The results from both experiments were combined to find the correlation between attention profiles and driving behavior.

“What we found was that the technology hindered young drivers, regardless of whether they had ADHD, with respect to the eye glances – they looked away from the road more when they were driving with automation,” Roberts said. “But it helped them with respect to vehicular measures – they were able to maintain a constant speed when they used automation.”

Roberts and her team hope the results of this project can be used productively to inform policy and technology advancements. “Given the variation in ADHD symptomology, it’s difficult to come up with one policy or piece of technology that can address the problem,” she said. “However, what we know for sure is that there needs to be some sort of training to ensure that young drivers know how and when to use the technology. The technology can be useful in some situations, but it can also be dangerous in others. Having customizable or adaptable training will relay this fact to young drivers.”

Learn how AAA is working to keep the roads safe for drivers of all age.

One of the hard truths of retirement is that Social Security will not cover your financial needs. In fact, it probably won’t even cover half. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Social Security benefits for someone who retires in 2020 will only replace about 40% of past earnings.

All this is to say that you’ll likely need an additional account in order to live comfortably in retirement. There are two primary types of such accounts: a pension and 401(k).

Both a pension plan and 401(k) are savings accounts used to provide the owner with money in retirement. However, they differ significantly in how they are funded and administered.

What Is a Pension Plan?

Pensions are a workplace benefit that employees receive once they have met certain criteria. These usually include the requirement to work a minimum number of years. The amount of money put into a pension is usually based on the employee’s years of service and earnings during that time.

One of the main benefits of a pension is that the employee does not need to contribute as much, if any, to the account. Instead, it is usually funded mostly by the employer. Because of this, pensions can be extremely beneficial to employees and are highly sought after. However, they are quickly disappearing from the private sector. According to the advisory group, Willis Towers Watson, only 14% of Fortune 500 companies offered a pension plan to new employees in 2019. That’s a significant drop from 59% rate in 1998.

If you work in the private sector and you have a pension, it is likely fully funded and you don’t need to worry about the money running out. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, a federal agency, insures more than 35 million American pension plans. Pensions for public employees, however, have been under duress. The Pew Charitable Trusts found a $1 trillion gap in pension funding for all 50 states.

A major drawback to a pension is the lack of control the employee has over the account. A pension plan does not allow employees to see where their money is being invested or how it is performing. They also may not be able to choose if the account funds are distributed in a lump sum or monthly payments.

What Is a 401(k)?

401(k) accounts are also an employee benefit. However, this retirement plan requires the employee to contribute the funds. A percentage of each paycheck will be directed into the account. Some employers offer to match employee contributions up to a certain percentage. In 2020, employees are allowed to contribute up to $19,500 into a 401(k). Those age 50 and older are allowed to add up to $6,500 in catch-up contributions.

There are two types of 401(k) accounts: traditional and Roth. In a traditional plan, money is deducted from an employee’s paycheck before taxes are applied and continues to grow tax-free. However, when the money is taken during retirement it is taxed just as regular income would be.

Roth accounts work in the opposite manner. Money put into the plan is taxed at that time. However, all the funds in your account can be withdrawn in retirement tax-free.

One of the main benefits of a 401(k) is the control an employee has over the account. Generally, an employee can choose which funds within a company’s plan to place their money. (Employees should make sure they are well-educated on the topic and seek out help from financial advisors.) Workers are also able to see how their 401(k) accounts are performing at any time.

Learn about all the ways AAA and Discover can help you save and set you up for a comfortable retirement.

Although their purpose has remained the same, windshields have evolved quite a bit over the past 100-plus years. What once was a simple windowpane used to block debris has become an integral part of an automobile’s structure, technology and safety.

So how did we get to a place where windshields can break but not shatter completely, keep a car safer during a crash and detect rain all on their own? It took a little bit of good fortune and a steadfast determination to improve auto glass safety and quality.

Early Windshields

The first motorized vehicles couldn’t travel fast enough for the wind to be a significant concern. It wasn’t until 1904 that the first windshields appeared and they weren’t particularly effective. Early windshields were horizontally divided pieces of plate glass that weren’t aerodynamic. When the top half got too dirty, the driver could fold it down.

The biggest problem with the first generation of windshields was how easily they broke. Whenever there was an accident, the glass would break and inevitably injure the passengers, posing a severe health risk.

As the 20th century rolled on, cars became more popular. More vehicles on the road led to more crashes, which caused an increase in glass-related injuries to both drivers and passengers and an influx of lawsuits.

Manufacturers knew they needed to create a better type of auto glass. The Ford Model A, released in 1930, was the first mass-produced car to feature safety glass, invented nearly 30 years earlier.

Safelite AutoGlass® Has You Covered

Members save 10%* on auto glass replacement or windshield repair with code AAA10NE at checkout on safelite.com.

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Safety Glass

French chemist Edouard Benedictus played a major role in the development of windshields.

In 1903, Benedictus was working in his lab when he accidentally knocked over a glass flask, which fell to the ground and broke. But to his surprise, Benedictus saw that the glass didn’t break apart and shatter. Instead, the flask kept its general shape.

Unbeknownst to Benedictus at the time, the flask was covered in cellulose nitrate, a transparent liquid plastic. As luck would have it, he had just discovered safety glass, and not a minute too soon.

Post-War Windshields

By the end of World War II, techniques for making rounded glass in airplane cockpits were also incorporated into automobiles. By the 1950s, the more aerodynamic curved glass became the norm for passenger vehicles.

In the 1960s and ’70s, the public became much more concerned about auto safety. One such concern was the occurrence of passengers being ejected through windshields during crashes. This forced vehicle manufacturers to develop stronger windshields. The solution was found in a substance known as polyvinyl butyral, a clear liquid plastic that was added as an inner layer between two sheets of glass. In 1966, this new safety glass was implemented on all vehicle windshields in the United States.

During this time, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was founded. Among other responsibilities, the NHTSA sets safety standards for motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment.

Modern Windshields

Windshields continue to evolve at a rapid pace. As gas mileage becomes more of a concern, manufacturers have increased vehicle aerodynamics by improving glass curvature and smoothness.

Windshields have also gotten larger to improve a driver’s visibility and improve a car’s aesthetics. Such is the case with some of the panoramic windshields hitting the market.

It’s not just the size of the glass that’s improved – the technology has taken us leaps forward. Many windshields now include forward-facing cameras linked to advanced safety systems, which control features like automatic braking and forward-collision warning. Windshield sensors can also detect rain, so wipers deploy automatically for better visibility. Head up displays are another growing technology that allows essential driver information, such as speed and navigation, to display on the windshield, so the driver doesn’t need to look down continually.

The safety and technology of today’s auto glass is something we rarely think about. A brief look back in history helps us to appreciate what most drivers take for granted.

Get more car safety tips. 

AAA members can save 10% on Safelite AutoGlass replacement or repair. 

Most of us think of convertibles as warm-weather vehicles, not something we’d want to cruise around when the temperatures drop (at least not with the top down). But the best part of a leisurely drive during autumn is seeing the fall foliage all around. There’s no better vehicle to witness nature changing colors than one of the best convertibles on the market. The open-air car gives you unobstructed views that traditional automobiles can’t compete with. And trust us, feeling the crisp air on your face can be soothing.

Whether it’s because of their off-road capabilities, luxurious interiors or useful technology, these are the best convertibles to drive during your next leaf-peeping road trip.

MINI Cooper Convertible

The MINI Cooper features technology that can be very helpful during a leaf-peeping ride. First is a head-up display that projects essential driving info (speed, navigation instructions) onto the windshield and in the driver’s line of sight. This will help ensure you don’t have to constantly look down and miss the changing colors all around you. The Cooper also comes with a rain warner app that checks the forecast in your area. It warns you if rain appears imminent so you can put the top up and stay dry.

But the best thing about the MINI Cooper may just be its cost. With a price tag starting below $28,000, it’s one of the most affordable cars around.

Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler isn’t your typical convertible but a leaf peeping excursion isn’t your typical convertible joy ride.

The Wrangler’s best quality when it comes to fall foliage viewing is its customizable roof. Drivers can choose between the standard, easy-to-lower soft-top roof; a removable hard top; and one-touch power top. You can even lower the windshield to feel the cool autumn air.

Of course, any Jeep is well equipped to go wherever the road should take you. The 2020 Wrangler is Trail Rated, meaning it passed a series of tests in tough terrain, harsh conditions and inclement weather. Should the alluring colors lead you off the beaten path, you’ll be well prepared.

Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

You won’t be able to bring the whole family along, or much cargo at all, but if you’re just going for a scenic drive, there are few cars more enjoyable than the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. Not many cars offer the exceptional handling of the Miata and the vehicle has just enough engine power to remind you you’re in a sports car.

The rigid hardtop retracts into the trunk in just 13 seconds, so you’ll be off on your trip before another leaf can float to ground. If you enjoy the wind in your hair but not rattling your eardrums, you’re in luck. The MX-5’s nine-speaker premium sound system is specifically tuned and oriented for the convertible’s cabin. It delivers pitch-perfect acoustics, even with the top down.

Ford Mustang

You can never go wrong with a classic. There’s a reason the Mustang has been so popular for more than five decades: it does just about everything right.

The legendary muscle car’s engine is fast but works at a respectable mpg, its handling makes it easy to drive, and as always, features an eye-catching style that makes it look, well, very cool. The fall foliage may just be the second best-looking thing on this trip.

Mercedes-AMG E-Class

If it’s pure luxury you’re after, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better convertible than the Mercedes-AMG E-Class. The car’s exquisite cabin oozes elegance. It features a host of options, such as massaging seats, that will make you hope the ride never ends.

And if you thought the E-Class was all looks and no substance, think again. It has one of the smoothest engines on the market that just so happens to carry plenty of kick. This is a car that performs just as well driving up a mountainside as it does cruising down a city street.

Jeep Wagoneer

The new Jeep Wagoneer is not a convertible, so we’ll call this a bonus pick. We needed to add it to best fall foliage cars for one reason: it’s roof.

The Wagoneer features a full-pane glass roof that extends the full length of the car’s interior, giving everyone in the cabin a front-row view of the foliage above. The interior features three rows of passengers, meaning the entire family can come along for the ride.

So, what do you think? Now that you know some of the best convertible cars, which would you choose for your foliage excursions? 

Rent your ride and save with Hertz. 

Legs weak, I emerged from a forest of rust and gold just in time to see a blood orange horizon. As the sun set, the Great South Bay gleamed with all the colors of autumn, as bright and vivid as the surrounding foliage. A brisk gust brushed my face, contrasting to the warm feeling of catharsis that washed over me – I finished the Greenbelt Trail.

Hiking Long Island in the fall is a brilliant way to take in the foliage: it’s healthy, cheap and you can bring the whole clan. A trek on the Greenbelt Trail, one of Long Island’s longest hikes, offers a scenic opportunity to fully appreciate the season and bask in the beauty of the changing trees.

Starting at Sunken Meadow State Park, the Greenbelt stretches from the Long Island Sound to the Great South Bay – a full 32.5 miles. The twists and turns take you through the various landscapes of the island, from the hilly bluffs of the north shore to the quiet marshes of the south. Along the way, you’ll stumble upon ponds, pines and some hidden history. From shore to shore, it took me about 9 hours.

From Sunken Meadow, head south along the Nissequogue River. This tranquil wetland trail is teeming with life, contrasted by the barren brick buildings of Kings Park Psychiatric Center. The crawling vines and rusty railings are especially eerie amongst the fading leaves.

Keep following the bends of the Nissequogue until you reach Caleb Smith State Park. As you wander the upland woods, ospreys and warblers flying overhead, you’ll forget that this wildlife preserve is nestled in the heart of a suburb.

The backcountry splendor continues just across the road at Blydenburgh County Park, where the Nissequogue forks into two vast freshwater ponds. While crossing over, you can stop by the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference headquarters and thank them for the continuous work they put in to maintain these trails.

Rich valleys are not the only thing to discover at Blydenburgh; you can also see the historic district, comprised of farm and mill buildings that date back as far as 1798. Travel east along the swan-inhabited waters of New Mill Pond until you hit paved road once more.

Wave to the neighbors as you meander through backroads and backwoods, experiencing a more intimate side of suburbia as you head towards Hidden Pond Park. Here you will have to traverse the Ronkonkoma moraine – a glacial ridge that runs along the jagged spine of the fish-shaped island. On the other side of your ascent, cross the main artery of metropolis – the Long Island Expressway. With only one-third of the journey remaining, you’ve officially left the land of rolling hills and started the flatland trek towards the southern sea.

At Lakeland County Park, rest your feet inside the gazebo, then duck back into the shade of red maple and sassafras trees. Walk the boardwalk until you reach Honeysuckle Pond, where you might catch a glimpse of turtle heads poking out the surface.

Next stop, Connetquot River State Park, the essence of the Greenbelt’s natural wonder. Connetquot’s diverse ecology consists of woodlands, wetlands and pine barrens. The towering pines and oak brush plains are home to white-tailed deer, red foxes, a cornucopia of multi-colored birds and many other curious creatures. You may even come across a horse (hopefully with a human saddled on top.)

A wellspring of wilderness, this nearly 3,500-acre refuge will transport you to a pre-civilized island, away from the roar of engines and the rush of life. The preserve also contains a hatchery abounding with trout, in the river for which the park was named. The term “Connetquot” comes from the Secatogue tribe phrase for Great River, a tribute to the native roots of the area. The park ends at Sunrise Highway, but there’s an underpass that can take you to the other side. From here, follow the Great River as it flows through ponds and marshes, snaking its way to the boggy timberland of Hecksher State Park, where it empties into the bay.

Besides the minor inconvenience of walking a few side roads, the Greenbelt Trail is an adventure that every serious Long Island hiker should consider. Hiking Long Island in the fall, when the cold has forced nature’s nuisances such as mosquitos and ticks back into hiding, is arguably the best time to go. If you’re looking for a quicker hike, start anywhere along the trail, or try out the shorter Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt.

Starting at the Massapequa Preserve, the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt stretches north for 19.5 miles. Forge ahead and travel back in time as you walk in the footsteps of Walt Whitman. A short walk east of the main trail will bring you to West Hills Nature Preserve, where Whitman used to walk up to Jayne’s Hill, Long Island’s highest peak. Not interested in historic detours? Finish up at Cold Spring Harbor just before dusk and watch the sunset cast its colors across the Sound.

While the Greenbelt Conference, a non-profit volunteer organization, does their best to maintain these trails, some signs may be hard to follow. Your best bet is to purchase an official map. Plus, you’ll be contributing to a great cause! The group builds hiking trails in an effort to preserve Long Island’s open spaces. Hiking Long Island is the perfect excuse to get outside, get active, support your local habitat and witness some beautiful views of fall foliage along the way.

Tell us about your favorite places to hike on Long Island, or anywhere in the Northeast, in the comments.

Discover more great nearby hikes. 

A favorite pastime of many leaf-peepers in fall is to take a long, winding drive through their favorite fall foliage spots. But how are you supposed to enjoy any sort of drive without a road trip playlist ultra-tailored to your experience? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, please check official websites before visiting to check for restrictions or closures.

New York Road Trip Playlist 

In terms of fall foliage (and just about everything else) New York has it all. From the Long Island Expressway, to Central Park, to the rolling hills of upstate New York, the autumn here is beautiful. For the perfect fall foliage drive around the Empire State, I’ve cobbled together a road trip playlist. The New York playlist is made up of songs by New York locals, songs about New York, and songs that recall the feeling of autumn in my home state. Put your feet up on the dashboard and remember late afternoons on your stoop, hikes through the woods and the tinny jukebox music at your local diner.

If there was a separate playlist for Long Island, it would be all Billy Joel.

“Autumn in New York” – Billie Holiday
“Uptown Girl” – Billy Joel
“New York State of Mind” – Billy Joel
“Piano Man” – Billy Joel
“Jenny From the Block” – Jennifer Lopez
“Rockaway Beach” – The Ramones
“Empire State of Mind” –  Jay-Z and Alicia Keys
“America” – Simon and Garfunkel
“The Only Living Boy in New York” – Simon and Garfunkel
“Brooklyn Baby” – Lana Del Rey
“Young and Beautiful” – Lana Del Rey
“Tapestry” – Carole King
“The Lady is a Tramp” – Lady Gaga and Tony Bennet
“Another Hundred People” – Pamela Myers
“New York, New York” – Frank Sinatra

Want to listen right now? Here’s our New York road trip playlist on Spotify.

New Jersey Road Trip Playlist 

For your foliage drive through New Jersey, our road trip playlist is comprised completely of local New Jerseyans. From Frank Sinatra to Bruce Springsteen, some of the greatest American musicians have come out of Jersey. They don’t have bad fall foliage either. It is called the Garden State, after all. And the best part? During this road trip, you’ll never have to get out and pump gas.

“The Best is Yet to Come” – Frank Sinatra
“I Get a Kick Outta You” – Frank Sinatra
“My Way” – Frank Sinatra
“Out in the Street” – Bruce Springsteen
“Dancing in the Dark” – Bruce Springsteen
“Born in the USA” – Bruce Springsteen
“Working My Way Back to You” – Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
“Maps” – The Front Bottoms
“I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor
“American Slang” – The Gaslight Anthem
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” – Whitney Houston
“Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi
“I Like Jersey Best” – John Pizzarelli

If you’re ready for your foliage drive, check out our New Jersey road trip playlist on Spotify.

Connecticut Road Trip Playlist 

With songs about Connecticut and songs by locals themselves, this road trip playlist is sure to put a kick into anybody’s quiet, suburban foliage drive.

“Connecticut” – Judy Garland and Bing Crosby
“Weekend Wars” – MGMT
“Siberian Breaks” – MGMT
“How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” – Michael Bolton
“Close to You” – The Carpenters
“Island in the Sun” – Weezer
“Only in Dreams” – Weezer
“Our Most Fragile Things” – Erica Buettner
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Diana Ross
“Love on the Weekend” – John Mayer
“Kylie From Connecticut” – Ben Folds
“We Are All Made of Stars” – Moby

Listen to our Connecticut road trip playlist on Spotify.

Rhode Island Road Trip Playlist 

For such a small state, Rhode Island has an abundance of fall foliage. While you’re driving down sun-dappled streets lined with sugarleaf maples and sawtooth oaks, pop in this road trip playlist. These songs about Rhode Island and songs sung by Rhode Islanders are the perfect score for your afternoon in the Ocean State.

“Rhode Island is Famous for You” – Blossom Dearie
“Sea of Clouds” – Deer Tick
“Smith Hill” – Deer Tick
“This Must Be the Place” – Talking Heads
“Take Me to the River” – Talking Heads
“Rhode Island Bound” – Seth McFarlane
“Not Too Soon” – Throwing Muses
“Bright Yellow Sun” – Throwing Muses
“On the Dark Side” – John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band
“January 2008” – Math the Band
“Sweet Rhode Island Red” – Ike and Tina Turner

Take a listen to our Rhode Island road trip playlist on Spotify.

Vermont Road Trip Playlist 

In fall, the slopes of Vermont are blanketed with crisp, bright foliage. It might not be ski season just yet, but that doesn’t matter. You’re here for the leaves. Tuck into some luxury ice cream and enjoy this road trip playlist while you drive down forest roads and country lanes.

“Farmhouse” – Phish
“Divided Sky” – Phish
“Eve and Adam” – Cricket Blue
“Long Vermont Roads” – The Magnetic Fields
“Low Road” – Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
“Stars” – Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
“Something That I Want” – Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
“Yip Yip Yow” – Caroline Rose
“Here Comes the Rain” – Caroline Rose
“Fable” – Sam Moss
“Beast” – Sam Moss
“Moonlight in Vermont” – Willie Nelson

Check out our Vermont road trip playlist on Spotify.

Massachusetts Road Trip Playlist 

Take advantage of the highways and byways of this historic state to see the beautiful fall foliage lining Massachusetts roads. The songs in this road trip playlist, written entirely by Massachusetts locals, recall Boston’s Irish roots and the state’s revolutionary history. It’s also got a little bit of rock and roll.

“Walk This Way” – Aerosmith
“I’m Shipping Up to Boston” – Dropkick Murphys
“For Boston” – Dropkick Murphys
“The Warrior’s Code” – Dropkick Murphys
“More Than a Feeling” – Boston
“Peace of Mind” – Boston
“Rock and Roll Band” – Boston
“Drive” – The Cars
“Birdhouse in Your Soul” – They Might Be Giants
“Photosynthesis” – They Might Be Giants
“Don’t Let’s Start” – They Might Be Giants
“Sweet Baby James” – James Taylor

Don’t start your drive without our Massachusetts road trip playlist on Spotify.

New Hampshire Road Trip Playlist 

New Hampshire’s got woods. It’s got an embarrassment of riches (if those riches were woods). While you take a drive through the lush, rural landscape, take a listen to this road trip playlist comprised entirely of folk music and Aerosmith. If that’s not culture, I don’t know what is.

“Autumn in New Hampshire” – Leo Austin
“New Hampshire Naturally” – The Shaw Brothers
“Write Me a Letter” – Aerosmith
“Mama Kin” – Aerosmith
“Dream On” – Aerosmith
“Leaving New Hampshire” – Andy Leftwich
“Remember Song” – Tom Rush
“Urge For Going” – Tom Rush
“Voices” – Tom Rush
“Birches” – Bill Morrissey

Here’s our New Hampshire road trip playlist on Spotify.

Maine Road Trip Playlist 

The northernmost state in New England has a wonderful, early-peaking foliage season. Maine’s coastal cities are no stranger to tourists, but if you venture further inland you’ll find autumn forests as ripe and crisp as an apple. With most of the foliage peaking in mid to late September, make sure you have your road trip playlist prepped early. The Maine playlist is filled with songs of longing by outsiders, and deep-cutting, hollering folk and rock songs by locals. Also David Bowie is in here somehow.

“Portland, Maine” – Donovan Woods
“Hardest Way Possible” – Rustic Overtones
“Sector” – Rustic Overtones and David Bowie
“A Hilly Town” – Phantom Buffalo
“Ballad of the 20^th Maine” – The Ghost of Paul Revere
“Wolves” – The Ghost of Paul Revere
“After Many Miles” – The Ghost of Paul Revere
“Between Two Trees” – Lady Lamb
“Crane Your Neck” – Lady Lamb
“Going to Maine” – The Mountain Goats
“The Falling of the Pine” – The Mallett Brothers Band

If you’re leaf-peeping in Maine, don’t forget our Maine road trip playlist on Spotify.

What would you add to your fall foliage road trip playlist? Tell us below. 

To plan your own fall foliage road trip, visit AAA.com/Travel. 

And for more fall fun, head to AAA.com/FallFest! 

We all need a little help from time to time. Whether you’re looking to make a change, get more organized or reach a specific goal, it can be beneficial to have someone who’s on your side. A lifestyle coach is a professional who can support you in identifying your goals and guide you towards achieving them.

Health and Wellness

There are many types of life coaching, but one of the most widespread is health and wellness coaching, which specializes in improving the health of your body and mind. To find out more about what health and wellness coaches do, we spoke to Health Coach at American Specialty Health, Emily Adams.

“We’re working primarily on health improvement,” Adams noted. “So that’s gonna be nutrition, exercise and stress management. But we do get into what we call ‘life skills,’ which can range from improving your time management to understanding your values and how they relate to your overall well-being.”

“I always like to say that it’s like hiking up a mountain with someone or doing it on your own. A coach is having someone to hike up the mountain with you, so you have a little bit of guidance if needed to help you through the challenges. Let’s say there’s a big avalanche or something of that nature that you weren’t expecting on the trail. If you’re alone, you could get scared and want to turn around and go back. With a coach, you can kind of troubleshoot together and find a different path that might work for you and your unique journey.”

Save More With the Active&Fit Direct™ Program!

Stay active with access to 2,500+ digital workout videos, 11,000+ fitness centers, unlimited one-on-one lifestyle coaching and more.

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Qualifications for Coaching

There aren’t really any governmental or standardized regulations for lifestyle or health and wellness coaching, so you shouldn’t just pick any coach without doing some research first. The health and wellness coaches that you can connect with through the Active&Fit Direct™ Healthy Living program are employees of American Specialty Health, which has its own set of standards.

“All of us at American Specialty Health have a background in a health-related field,” said Adams. “We have at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology, nutrition, exercise or another health-related field. And then you get training through our program. I got three months of training when I was hired ten years ago. And I’ve since received two extra certifications outside of ASH. Those are through private companies, and one was the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching. I always like to tell my clients that we’re in the business of behavior change, so we’re working on taking small steps to make lasting changes in life. For us, we get basic knowledge of nutrition, exercise and stress management. We’re not nutritionists, we’re not personal trainers and we’re not doctors or nurses. We look at supporting people in making the behavior change.”

AAA members get access to the Active&Fit Direct Healthy Living program, as well as 1,500+ digital workout videos and 11,000+ fitness centers nationwide, all for just $25 a month. Join today!* The $25 enrollment fee is being waived through Dec. 31, 2020.

How Is Coaching Different From Therapy?

When people talk about lifestyle coaches, they often use the same language as when they talk about therapists. And from the outside, they do seem pretty similar. The main difference, Adams said, is in the methodology.

“So we look at going forward. We don’t go into the past at all. A therapist or a counselor can get into the details of what’s going on, into the pathology and things of that nature. They can look at discussing relationships and the details of that, and give advice. Whereas coaches, if we’re looking at stress management, we’re talking about what stress is, how it physiologically manifests for you, the fight-or-flight response, how they’re currently responding to stress, how they’d like to respond, using tools and techniques like relaxation and mental imagery. We also look at expressive writing or art, just teaching basic ways to get your body out of the stress response and into the relaxation response. We do some education around what’s acute stress vs. chronic stress, and how that can impact your blood pressure – your overall health and well-being.”

Why Do People Need Health and Wellness Coaches?

People seek out health and wellness coaching for a variety of different reasons, but they all have to do with taking care of the body and mind. Some clients are pursuing specific goals, while others just want to feel better and aren’t sure what to do about it.

Adams noted that many clients seek out health and wellness coaching for “weight management, people looking to lose a certain amount of weight, improve their nutrition, get more active. Even sleep hygiene we get a little bit, wanting to sleep better or to stay asleep. And then of course there’s stress management. And I would say this year in particular, there’s been a huge shift toward stress management and wanting to focus on that. I’m actually kind of glad, because we end up there a lot anyway, even if they’re originally wanting to lose weight or improve these other habits. It does seem like stress is the root of a lot of these habits, why their health isn’t the way they want it to be.”

You don’t need to be a specific type of person to use the help of a health and wellness coach. “I work with people who are running marathons, like ultra-athletes, and I work with people who don’t have any education around nutrition or exercise, or why it’s important or what to do. There’s a wide range of clients, which is a cool part of the job,” noted Adams. “I really love what I do.”

If you want to see what health and wellness coaching is like for yourself, AAA members can try the Active&Fit Direct Healthy Living program, in which members receive one-on-one lifestyle coaching in areas such as fitness, nutrition, stress and sleep.

Follow Active&Fit Direct on Facebook @myactiveandfit.

Have you ever worked with a health and wellness or lifestyle coach? Would you be interested in that type of coaching? Let us know in the comments below!  

Active&Fit Direct and the Active&Fit Direct logo are trademarks of ASH and used with permission herein.

A short ride from Huntington Beach and Los Angeles, the city of Buena Park is well-known for its major attractions like Knott’s Berry Farm, Knott’s Soak City and dinner shows, but the excellent and affordable range of food options may be its best-kept secret.

Berry Good

Renowned as the birthplace of the boysenberry, Buena Park hosts Knott’s Boysenberry Festival annually. Since all boysenberries can be traced back to Knott’s, Buena Park celebrates this special fruit in several ways, including the Boysenberry Festival’s Craft Beer and Wine Tasting as well as the creation of over 75 uniquely delicious boysenberry-inspired foods and drinks.

Even with all the boysenberry-themed culinary creations, Buena Park offers plenty of more worldly dining options and award-winning casual dining venues that appeal to a variety of tastes. From sweet treats and savory snacks to flavors from around the globe, Buena Park visitors don’t have to pay a lot to enjoy a wide array of cuisines.

This SoCal Town is a Foodie’s Fantasy

From award-winning cuisine to notable food to go, Buena Park has something for every palate & budget.

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Asian Cuisine

You can find multiple Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese restaurants in Buena Park.

For authentic Japanese, go for a bowl of Orange County’s Best Ramen at Yoshiharu. This location is known for its delicious broth, which is made from pork bones and boiled for 14 hours to develop a pure, rich flavor. Also one of Buena Park’s top Japanese restaurants, Miss Shabu serves an amazing kimchi broth and is number 30 on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the United States.

For Vietnamese-style noodles, try SUP Noodle Bar’s pho, which was voted the OC’s Best Pho by OC Weekly. The highly recommended, “Chef’s Choice” Pho Dak Biet is especially delicious.

Take part in preparing your food by cooking on a tabletop grill at Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, Grub Street’s Absolute Best Korean BBQ spot. This food is so good, Sunset Magazine said Buena Park has a better Koreatown than Los Angeles.

Uncle Fung, an authentic Borneo eatery, serves tasty traditional dishes like Borneo wok, curry rice and laksa. It was highlighted as one of the Top 10 Places for Cheap Eats in Orange County by the OC Register.

For modern takes of classic Chinese dishes, head to New Moon, which was named one of the Best Chinese Restaurants for 2019 by OC Weekly.

American Cuisine

To enjoy a culinary tradition that’s been around since 1934, check out Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. Located outside the main gate of Knott’s Berry Farm, this spot was named one of the Top 50 Most Kid-Friendly Restaurants in America for 2019 by OpenTable.

For more family fun, John’s Incredible Pizza Company has an all-you-can-eat endless menu, games and amusement rides for one-stop entertainment.

Out-of-state visitors may want to indulge in this West Coast favorite. In-N-Out Burger has won many local and national awards, such as TimesOC’s Readers’ Choice Awards for best hamburger and the fourth Most Craveable Chain Burger by Restaurant Business.

Central American Cuisine

Delicious Cuban and Mexican cuisine can also be found at Buena Park, at spots like Tacos La Calle and Porto’s.

For crave-worthy street tacos, head to Tacos La Calle, one of the Top 10 Best New Restaurants in the OC according to OC Weekly and one of the Top 10 Places for Cheap Eats In Orange County according to the OC Register. Though the entire menu is tasty, the tacos, mulitas and street corn on the cob are a few must-try highlights.

Since its inception in 1960, the world-renowned, family-owned Porto’s Bakery & Café has been a must-visit. Named Yelp’s No. 1 Restaurant in the Country for 2016, Porto’s serves a variety of Cuban food, including delectable desserts, savory sandwiches and authentic Cuban beverages.

European Cuisine

From European-inspired meats to authentic Italian pizza, Buena Park has some infamous eating establishments.

Winner of five Silver Platter Awards, Portillo’s is a Chicago based company that has spread into several states across America. Portillo’s makes the tastiest sausages, Italian beef sandwiches and hamburgers around.

Il Palco, an authentic Italian restaurant located in Buena Park, gets its name from the Italian word meaning “the stage,” and guests will certainly feel treated to an experience. The Orange County Register named the Gorgonzola pizza from this “Italian Restopub” one of the Top 20 Dishes in 2019.

Sweets

Those looking for a treat will have plenty of options in Buena Park.

HoneyMee, famous for its award-winning raw honey and honeycombs, was named one of the Best Spots for Soft Serve and Frozen Custard by Zagat. The cold kosher ice cream is perfect after a long day at Knotts.

If you find yourself in the need of a caffeine boost, head to Coffee Code, named “Best Coffeehouse in Orange County” by OC Weekly. While you’re there, get a decadent dessert waffle to accompany your beverage.

And dessert aficionados can’t miss the impossibly fluffy souffle pancakes at Basilur Tea & Coffee, topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream and maple syrup.

Drinks

Stop in for a spell at The Cauldron, a dark and cozy, witchy spot specializing in fresh quality cocktails, local craft brews and tasty bites.

Or kick back at Rock & Brews, where you can sample from a menu of over 60 different craft beers. From the mind of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS, it doesn’t get more rock ‘n’ roll. Munch on wings, burgers and wood-fired barbecue on the patio or around the fire pit, then challenge friends and family to a game of cornhole.

Although Buena Park is known for its major attractions, its diverse food scene is an attraction all its own.

To get your FREE Buena park travel Guide go to VisitBuenaPark.com. 

Despite everyone’s best efforts, crashes happen. Although you may know what to do if you’re driving your own car, do the same procedures hold true if you’re behind the wheel of a car that belongs to a rental company? Here’s what you should do if you are involved in a crash while driving a rental car.

Don’t Panic

A crash can be frightening but try to stay calm. It’s especially disconcerting when it’s not your car. Jumping out of the vehicle without paying attention to what’s going on around you isn’t safe. Give yourself a second to calm down and think before you do anything.

Safety First

Any time you’re in an accident, regardless of whether it’s in your car, a friend’s car or a rental, the first thing you need to do is assess the situation for safety. Start by making sure everyone in your vehicle is okay and then check on any pedestrians and people in other vehicles who were involved in the crash. If there are injuries, immediately call 911 for help.

Pull over to a safe place if possible and be cautious exiting your vehicle. A busy intersection or highway will likely have other cars trying to get by, so make sure to look around carefully before you step out of your car. You don’t want to risk your safety in a situation in which you or your vehicle are at risk of being struck by another car. Once outside, make your way to a safe location where you can wait for help.

If you’re not able to move the car out of traffic, it’s especially important to warn other motorists to slow down and be careful. Turn on your hazard lights and use flares or traffic triangles to mark the accident and help keep other drivers safe.

Gather Information

Exchange information with any drivers or other parties involved in the crash. This includes your full name, address and phone number as well as your complete insurance information. It helps to have this information ready when the police arrive because they’ll need it, too. The officer will file a police report and have a case number that you’ll also want for filing any claims.

It’s a good idea to take photos of the damage from the crash. Make sure you get pictures of your own vehicle and any other vehicles or property involved. You can also take a picture of the scene overall, which helps insurance companies understand the flow of traffic at the spot where the crash occurred. The more documentation you have about the crash, the better.

Is rental car insurance necessary? Learn more.

Call Your Rental Company

Here’s the extra step that needs to happen when you’re driving a rental car rather than your own. Call the emergency phone number for your rental company. It will be on your rental paperwork and is often on the outside of the paperwork folder, too. You should make sure you know where to find this information before you even walk away from the rental counter, just in case.

Once you call the rental company, let them know you’ve been in a crash and ask them what they would like you to do next. They will want to know the extent of the damage including whether the car can still be driven. The company will tell you whether they want you to drive the car somewhere, perhaps to the nearest rental office, or if they want to have the car towed. Follow the rental company’s instructions and be sure to ask questions if you’re not clear on exactly how they want you to proceed.

Call Your Insurance Company

Once you’ve notified the rental company, you also need to notify your personal auto insurance company. They’ll want the same information you already collected for the police and the rental company, so have it ready.

Who covers what depends on your individual policy, the credit card you used to rent the car and any insurance coverage you may have elected to purchase at the time of the rental. Making sure your insurance company and the rental company have the necessary information on a crash will make things move more smoothly.

Don’t wait too long before you call your insurance company. Putting off calling them may cause problems with the claim, so call them sooner rather than later.

Take Care of the Rental Car

Don’t think simply because it’s not your car, it’s not your problem. You are responsible for the car while it’s your rental, so treat it as you would your own car.

Even though it’s been damaged in a crash, you want to be sure it safely gets to wherever the car rental company specifies. See that it’s towed away or drive it directly to the rental office if that’s what the company requests.

File a Report With the Rental Car Company

You need to start by calling the rental company, but there’s more to the process. You also need to fill out an accident report, which is often available for download on the company’s website.

While you don’t need to do this immediately, much like reporting the accident to your own insurance company, this needs to be done promptly. It’s also a good idea to do it as soon as possible so there’s no problem with the claim and while the details are all fresh.

Much of what happens if you crash your rental car is the same as what you do if the same occurred in your personal car. Stay calm, make sure everyone is safe and then properly report the accident to the parties involved.

Need a ride? Learn about exclusive Hertz discounts for AAA members.

Are you ready for fall? From crisp air to freshly baked pies, fall into fun with a puzzle filled with everything you love about the season.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your puzzle playing experience. Good luck!

Since our members are the root of everything we do, your feedback is important to us. Let us know if you run into any issues while playing, or share your ideas for future puzzles by emailing us.

When shopping for a new camera the options seem nearly endless, but when it comes time to choose between mirrorless vs DSLR, which is best for you?

We discuss the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.

The Breakdown

In the debate between mirrorless vs DSLR cameras, you may be wondering what exactly the difference is. Let’s start at the top.

What Is a DSLR Camera?

DSLR stands for digital single lens reflex. When you take a photo, light passes through your lens, which hits a mirror that is located inside of your camera body. The light then reflects up into an optical viewfinder. When looking thought the viewfinder you can see the exact subject the lens is pointed at with zero digital processing involved. When the shutter is pressed, the mirror moves, exposing the sensor to capture your photo.

What Is a Mirrorless Camera?

A mirrorless digital camera is less complicated because – shocker – it does not have mirror. When the light enters through the lens it lands directly on the sensor. When that occurs, the image is instantly processed, and you receive a digital live view on an electronic viewfinder. When the shutter is released, the camera records the image instantly from the sensor.

For reference, your likely already own a mirrorless camera – your phone. But if you are looking for more than what your phone or a standard-point-and-shoot camera can do, most of the big players in the camera game – Nikon, Canon, etc. – now offer comparable mirrorless options alongside their DSLR lineups.

Weighing Your Options  

DSLR Pros

• The optical viewfinder on the DSLR has proven to be more reliable. DSLRs outperform in both low light and situations that require multiple fast-paced shots (think wildlife photography).

• Availability of lenses and accessories. While companies are developing new lens options every day for mirrorless systems, DSLRs still have an infinite selection of lenses, giving DSLR shooters an advantage.

DSLR Cons

• Unlike its lightweight compact competitor, DSLRs tend be heavier and bulkier.

• Less video capabilities.

Mirrorless Pros

• Although smaller and generally more compact than a DSLR, mirrorless cameras pack a lot of punch. Being quieter and lightweight makes them much more travel friendly.

• The video capabilities on a mirrorless digital camera are superior to those on a DSLR, especially for autofocusing.

• The ability to capture images faster, as its not limited by the speed of the mirror. The lack of a mirror also makes cleaning the sensor much easier.

Mirrorless Cons

• The electronic viewfinder on the mirrorless camera, while oftentimes an advantage of owning a mirrorless, is where you can also run into some issues, between the occasional processor lag and its performance in low-light situations.

• One of the major disadvantages to owning a mirrorless camera is the availability of lenses and accessories. While adapters are available, it can sometimes affect the functionality of the lens.

• Mirrorless cameras, including entry-level systems, tend to be more expensive.

• Shorter battery life is another area where mirrorless cameras fall short.

The Choice Is Yours

So, how do you decide?

There are many DSLRs and mirrorless cameras on the market today to choose from. In July 2020, Tech Radar named the Nikon Z6 the all-around best mirrorless camera, while the Sony Alpha a7 III was listed as the most popular. Although both cameras get good reviews, they are both priced well over a thousand dollars.

If cost is a factor in your decision, a DSLR might be the better choice for you. The Nikon D3500, albeit an older model, is a great entry level DSLR. Tech Radar also recommends the Nikon D5600, Nikon D850, Canon 90D and Canon EOS Rebel  SL3, for their many capabilities.

The gap between DSLR and mirrorless cameras is rapidly closing. While the future seems to be headed towards mirrorless, DSLR cameras still have their loyalist. Base your decision on your personal preferences, photography needs and most importantly, your budget.

Still need help finding the right camera? Here are more camera buying tips for beginners.

Kayla Mandeville is a Massachusetts-based photographer. You can follow her on Instagram at @k__elizabeth.

When you make a purchase through a third-party link, AAA Northeast could receive revenue.

Views expressed are the opinion of the writer and do not reflect the views of AAA Northeast.

Over the course of the last year, our communities have come together to support one another and bring hope to those who need it most. October 8, 2020, Organ Donor Enrollment Day, brings a different type of opportunity to help others – an opportunity to save lives by signing up to be a lifesaving organ, eye and tissue donor.

Did you know that nearly 10,000 children and adults in New York are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant? These are our friends, family and neighbors and they need our help.

Meet Angelica. She may look like your typical 19-year-old, though she’s anything but. Yes, she loves to wear makeup, spend time with her boyfriend and listen to Ariana Grande, but the purse she always wears is not like her other fashion accessories. It carries a heart pump that is keeping her alive while she waits for a lifesaving heart transplant.

When Angelica was just four years old, she was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma. It was a terrifying time for her family. Angelica underwent chemotherapy and was in remission for 14 years. In remission, she attended high school, participated in plays and helped with household chores.

Things took a turn in the summer of 2018 when she was diagnosed with heart failure that her doctors believed was a result of receiving chemotherapy at such a young age. They didn’t think her condition would progress as fast as it did, but soon Angelica was in need of a new heart.

“I felt so sick,” Angelica remembers. “I know it can be a long wait for a transplant and I was worried I wouldn’t live long enough to get my new heart.”

Saving Lives – Rewarding & Free

Angelica is waiting for a heart transplant. Help save someone like Angelica through organ donation.

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Angelica’s health continued to worsen, and she spent her 19th birthday in the hospital.  It wasn’t long before she underwent surgery to implant a Left Ventricular Assist Device, also known as an LVAD. The battery-operated pump helps the left side of her heart circulate blood throughout her body.

“The LVAD made a huge difference, but I know I won’t be healthy until I get a new heart,” Angelica says. “I don’t have enough energy to go to school and I have to spend a lot of my time at home resting.”

Angelica was listed for a heart transplant in March 2019 and has spent the past year waiting for the call that will save her life. She keeps her cell phone on her at all times and dreams of the day when she can live a more healthy, normal life.

“A new heart would give me a chance to go back to school and move forward with my life,” Angelica says. “It would give me a chance to spend more time with my one-year-old niece. She is the person that keeps me going. I want her to know that she has the strongest aunt in the world. I can’t wait for the day when I have my new heart and I can start to plan for the future.”

Organ Donor Enrollment Day on October 8th is an opportunity to bring hope to those waiting for a lifesaving transplant. It’s an opportunity to save lives, share your wishes with loved ones and encourage others to do the same. During this time, remember Angelica and the thousands of New Yorkers like her who are counting on us to say yes to organ donation. One person can save up to eight lives and leave a lasting legacy through those who live on because of their generosity.

In support of those waiting for a transplant, please take a few moments to learn more about organ donation and to consider registering as a donor.

Please visit LiveOnNY.org to learn more.

To sign up as a lifesaving organ donor, please visit Registerme.org/EnrollmentDay.