Chairperson's Message
Wilson L. Aungst
Chairperson of the Board
AAA Central Penn

Preparing for winter and holiday festivities.

Each year about this time, I can be heard saying, "I wonder where another year has gone?" I see the leaves changing and then disappearing; it is a precursor of things to come - a time of preparation. By now the water features in the yard have been readied for colder days and nights and many of the flower beds have been prepared for the coming winter season. For a month or so, holiday decorations have been appearing in stores, heralding the festive times ahead. I like to check our vehicles before the really cold weather, sometime accompanied with ice and snow, heads our way. Tires, antifreeze, wiper blades - in other words the cars get a "going over" before winter hits. One of the things I like to make sure our cars are readied with is emergency equipment in the trunk - extra blankets, bottled water, some packaged snacks, a first aid kit - just in case we get stuck or stranded. I hope you take a moment or two to check your vehicles - in preparation.

As usual, travel is at the forefront of the holidays. People here want to go there, and people there want to come here. All that here and there will cause all modes of travel to increase. Our biggest concern here at your club is your safety. We ask that you make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up so that you arrive safe and sound at your destination. If you are hosting or attending holiday parties, please remember drinking and driving don’t mix. As a host, make sure your guests aren’t over-served and as a guest, have a designated driver when necessary.

To ease the strain of your holiday shopping, don’t forget to visit the travel stores in our offices for terrific gift ideas. Need a gift for someone who has everything? A gift of AAA membership for a new member or a renewal for an existing member would provide safety and security for a full year. Don’t forget the Show Your Card and Save program your AAA membership provides when doing your holiday shopping.

As we approach the busiest and one of the most beautiful times of the year, the Board of Directors, the staff of your club and I wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season and a peaceful, happy, prosperous, healthy new year.