Park Auto Group Akron Ohio - NEW and USED Acura, Honda, Mazda and Subaru sales, parts and service.

Green High School Ensemble at Park Auto Group December 19th and 20th

2011-12-12T13:58:00.001-08:00

The Green High School Ensemble will be performing all of your favorite traditional holiday songs at Park Auto Group December 19th and 20th, 2011 from 11am to 2pm. You won't want to miss this !!!

Photos from the Ohio Greyhound Gathering event at Park Subaru

2011-12-12T13:02:00.000-08:00

Thank you to OGGA members, hounds and everyone else who stopped by to meet all of the wonderful greyhounds.

Ohio Greyhound Gathering - Saturday December 10, 2011 11am-2pm

2011-12-06T10:42:00.001-08:00

Ohio Greyhound Gathering and Adoption Inc. Will be at Park Subaru.
Ohio Greyhound Gathering and Adoption is a 501c (3)(C) not-for-profit corporation based in Canton and made up entirely of volunteers. Since 2000 they have been rescuing greyhounds from racetracks when their racing careers are over so they won't be euthanized. They take them to groomers, make sure their veterinary needs are met, and, place them in foster homes until their forever home is found.

Please join us for a fun day and help a greyhound find his/her forever home for Christmas.

Cash donations will also be greatly appreciated and go towards the costs of care of the rescued greyhounds.

Visit http://www.myogga.org for more information on this wonderful rescue group.

2011-11-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

Park Acura 1st annual holiday food drive November 1st to December 26th. Drop off anytime during regular business hours.
Monday: 9am - 8pm
Tuesday: 9am - 6pm
Wednesday: 9am - 6pm
Thursday: 9am - 8pm
Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: Closed
Park Acura will donate $1 per every food item we collect.* We will be accepting all non -perishable food items and also cash donations.
*Up to 2,000 items total.

Every $1 donation can provide $7 worth of groceries for the hungry!

Click here to go to The Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank Website

The Super Six most needed items:
boxed cereal
peanut butter
canned tuna
canned vegetables
canned beef stew
canned soup

Other greatly needed items:
Canned Vegetables
beans, green beans, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, tomato products
Canned Meats
tuna, salmon, Spam, ham, chicken
Canned Meals
stew, chili
Canned Fruit
applesauce, peaches, pears, pineapple

Condiments and Dressings:
Dried Pasta, Rice and Beans
Canned Soups

Cleaning Supplies:
laundry supplies, household cleaners
Paper Products
paper towels, facial tissue, bathroom tissue
Personal Care Items
deodorant, shampoo, bath soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair care products

Thank You Figaro Farms Fresh Market

2011-10-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

a BIG thank you to the folks at Figaro Farms Fresh Market for their donation of the awesome mums, pumpkins and gourds. We have them all on display in the Subaru showroom. Check out Figaro Farms Market on the corner of S. Main and 619...lot's of fall goodies !!!

Park Subaru Technical Specialists

2011-07-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

Park Subaru's automotive expertise is a product of our sustained interest in industry trends and characteristics. We are privileged to share the latest news, promotions and events with you and hope the information will enhance your shopping experience. As you know, there are many new cars from which to choose, and we believe an informed customer is the best customer.

Subaru Technical Specialists

Congratulations to Scott Pickering and Ken Williams JR. for their training achievements as Subaru Technical Specialists.

Pictured left to right

Scott Pickering - Technician

Dave Underwood - Subaru Of America DPSM

Dave Fischer - Park Subaru Fixed Operations Director

Ken Williams Jr. - Technician

Some Fathers Day Facts...

2011-06-17T06:42:00.000-07:00

Father's Day in the United States is on the third Sunday of June. It celebrates the contribution that fathers and father figures make for their children's lives. Its origins may lie in a memorial service held for a large group of men, many of them fathers, who were killed in a mining accident in Monongah, West Virginia in 1907.

Father's Day is a day for fathers and father-like figures. ©iStockphoto.com/jkullander

What do people do?

Father's Day is an occasion to mark and celebrate the contribution that your own father has made to your life. Many people send or give cards or gifts to their fathers. Common Father's Day gifts include sports items or clothing, electronic gadgets, outdoor cooking supplies and tools for household maintenance. Father's Day is a relatively modern holiday so different families have a range of traditions. These can range from a simple phone call or greetings card to large parties honoring all of the 'father' figures in a particular extended family. Father figures can include fathers, step-fathers, fathers-in-law, grandfathers and great-grandfathers and even other male relatives. In the days and weeks before Father's Day, many schools and Sunday schools help their pupils to prepare a handmade card or small gift for their fathers.

Public life

Father's Day is not a federal holiday. Organizations, businesses and stores are open or closed, just as they are on any other Sunday in the year. Public transit systems run to their normal Sunday schedules. Restaurants may be busier than usual, as some people take their fathers out for a treat.

Background and symbols

There are a range of events, which may have inspired the idea of Father's Day. One of these was the start of the Mother's Day tradition in the first decade of the 20th century. Another was a memorial service held in 1908 for a large group of men, many of them fathers, who were killed in a mining accident in Monongah, West Virginia in December 1907. A woman called Sonora Smart Dodd was an influential figure in the establishment of Father's Day. Her father raised six children by himself after the death of their mother. This was uncommon at that time, as many widowers placed their children in the care of others or quickly married again.

Sonora was inspired by the work of Anna Jarvis, who had pushed for Mother's Day celebrations. Sonora felt that her father deserved recognition for what he had done. The first time Father's Day was held in June was in 1910. Father's Day was officially recognized as a holiday in 1972 by President Nixon.

Flag Day...What is it?

2011-06-14T06:40:00.000-07:00

When : Always June 14th

Flag Day, is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation.....one nation, under God, indivisible. Our flag has a proud and glorious history. It was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans. Many people have died protecting it. It even stands proudly on the surface of the moon.

As Americans, we have every right to be proud of our culture, our nation, and our flag. So raise the flag today and every day with pride!

Properly Display Our Flag

There is a right way and a wrong way to display the flag. The American flag should be held in the highest of regards. It represents our nation and the many people who gave their lives for our country and our flag. Here are the basics on displaying the American flag:

The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset.

In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously.

The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it.

The flag should not be flown in the rain or inclement weather.

After a tragedy or death, the flag is flown at half staff for 30 days. It's called "half staff" on land ,and "half mast" on a ship.

When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field , or "union", is at the top and at the end of the pole (away from your house).

The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your state flag and other flags fly below it.

The union is always on top. When displayed in print, the stars and blue field are always on the left.

Never let your flag touch the ground, never...period.

Fold your flag when storing. Don't just stuff it in a drawer or box.

When your flag is old and has seen better days, it is time to retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Please do not throw it in the trash.

Did you Know? There is a very special ceremony for retiring the flag by burning it. It is a ceremony everyone should see.Your local Boy Scout group knows the proper ceremony and performs it on a regular basis. If you have an old flag, give it to them. And, attend the ceremony

Park is going Green!!

2011-06-14T06:34:00.001-07:00

Park is going Green!!

We now have recycling bins for plastic bottles and cans near the waiting areas as well as in service.
We NEED your help to make Park’s recycling program successful.
You can help the environment with minimal effort. Just put your empty bottles and cans in the recycling containers. If you consume a beverage while at Park, just ask an employee where the recycling containers are.
Enough energy is saved by recycling one aluminum can to run a TV set for three hours or to light one 100 watt bulb for 20 hours.

-Recycling a soda can saves 96% of energy used to make a can from ore and produces 95% less air pollution and 97% less water pollution.
-Five recycled soft drink bottles make enough fiberfill for a man’s ski jacket. Thirty-six recycled bottles can make one square yard of carpet.
-Recycling generates jobs and revenue.
“ You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”- Mahatma Gandhi

Visit Park Auto Group online at www.parkautogroup.com

Kids and Bicycle Safety

2011-06-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

Bicycle riding is fun, healthy, and a great way to be independent.

But it is important to remember that a bicycle is not a toy; it’s a vehicle!

Be cool – follow some basic safety tips when you ride.

Safe Riding Tips

Before using your bicycle, make sure it is ready to ride. You should always

inspect your bike to make sure all parts are secure and working properly.

Remember to:

Wear a Properly Fitted Bicycle Helmet. Protect your brain, save your life. For more information see the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration publication

“Easy Steps to Properly Fit a Bicycle Helmet.”

Adjust Your Bicycle to Fit. Stand over your bicycle. There should be 1 to 2 inches between you and the top tube (bar) if using a road bike and 3 to 4 inches if a mountain bicycle. The seat should be level front to back. The seat height should be adjusted to allow a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fully extended. The handlebar height should be at the same level with the seat.

Check Your Equipment. Before riding, inflate tires properly and check that your brakes work.

See and Be Seen. Whether daytime, dawn, dusk, foul weather, or at night, you need to be seen by others. Wearing white has not been shown to make you more visible. Rather, always wear neon, fluorescent, or other bright colors when riding day or night. Also wear something that reflects light, such as reflective tape or markings, or flashing lights. Remember, just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you.

Control Your Bicycle. Always ride with at least one hand on the handlebars. Carry books and other items in a bicycle carrier or backpack.

Watch for and Avoid Road Hazards. Be on the lookout for hazards such as potholes, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves, and dogs. All these hazards can cause a crash. If you are riding with friends and you are in the lead, yell out and point to the hazard to alert the riders behind you.

Avoid Riding at Night. It is far more dangerous to ride at night than during the day because you are harder for others to see. If you have to ride at night, wear something that makes you more easily seen by others. Make sure you have reflectors on the front and rear of your bicycle (white lights on the front and red rear reflectors are required by law in many States), in addition to reflectors on your tires, so others can see you.

Many bicycle-related crashes resulting in injury or death are associated with the bicyclist’s behavior, including such things as not wearing a bicycle helmet, riding into a street without stopping, turning left or swerving into traffic that is coming from behind, running a stop sign, and riding the wrong way in traffic. To maximize your safety, always wear a helmet AND follow the rules of the road.

Rules of the Road – Bicycling on the Road

Bicycles in many States are considered vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights and the same responsibilities to follow the rules of the road as motorists. When riding, always:

Go With the Traffic Flow. Ride on the right in the same direction as other vehicles. Go with the flow – not against it.

Obey All Traffic Laws. A bicycle is a vehicle and you’re a driver. When you ride in the street, obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.

Yield to Traffic When Appropriate. Almost always, drivers on a smaller road must yield (wait) for traffic on a major or larger road. If there is no stop sign or traffic signal and you are coming from a smaller roadway (out of a driveway, from a sidewalk, a bike path, etc.), you must slow down and look to see if the way is clear before proceeding. This also means yielding to pedestrians who have already entered a crosswalk.

Be Predictable. Ride in a straight line, not in and out of cars. Signal your moves to others.

Stay Alert at All Times. Use your eyes AND ears. Watch out for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks, or anything that could make you lose control of your bike. You need your ears to hear traffic and avoid dangerous situations; don’t wear a headset when you ride.

Look Before Turning. When turning left or right, always look behind you for a break in traffic, then signal before making the turn. Watch for left- or right-turning traffic.

Watch for Parked Cars. Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars (like doors opening, or cars pulling out).

Sidewalk versus Street Riding

The safest place for bicycle riding is on the street, where bicycles are expected to follow the same rules of the road as motorists and ride in the same direction.

Children less than 10 years old, however, are not mature enough to make the decisions necessary to safely ride in the street.

Children less than 10 years old are better off riding on the sidewalk.

For anyone riding on a sidewalk:

Check the law in your State or jurisdiction to make sure sidewalk riding is allowed.

Watch for vehicles coming out of or turning into driveways.

Stop at corners of sidewalks and streets to look for cars and to make sure the drivers see you before crossing.

Enter a street at a corner and not between parked cars. Alert pedestrians that you are near by saying, “Excuse me,” or, “Passing on your left,” or use a bell or horn.

For more information on bicycle safety, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Web site at: www.nhtsa.dot.gov

And then there's an ACURA Oil Change

2011-06-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

All things considered, getting your oil changed at an Acura dealership makes a lot of sense. OK, go ahead and ask the tough questions: "Aren't all oil changes the same?" & "Don't Acura dealers charge too much money & take too much time?" Consider these facts:

Acura Dealers Use ACURA PRECISION CRAFTED OIL FILTERS
- Superior materials and advanced technology combine to make the ultimate oil filter for your Acura. For example, take apart an Acura oil filter and you'll find 60% more paper, based on surface area, than the leading competitive oil filters. This variable density filter paper is responsible for trapping contaminants and keeping your oil clean. Clean Oil = Happy Engine!
- P-RING SEAL DESIGN A round seal, not flat, provides solid contact between the filter and engine. This is what keeps your oil inside the filter and prevents it from leaking all over your garage!
- ANTI-DRAINBACK VALVE This prevents dirty oil from draining out of the filter and back into your engine after the engine is shut-off. Acura uses Silicone material for optimum performance.
- Unlike many other oil filters, Acura Genuine Oil Filters are designed specifically for Acura vehicles, to provide maximum protection and improved engine life.
Acura Dealers Replace the CRUSH WASHER. What is a Crush Washer and why is it SO important to your Acura?
- The crush washer is a gasket that fits between your oil pan and the drain plug. It is only supposed to be used one time, and should be discarded during each oil change and replaced with a new one.
- When a new washer is installed and the drain plug is tightened, this washer "crushes" to form a very tight seal, this prevents motor oil leaks without overstressing the oil pan threads.
- Oil changers who are not aware of its importance may think it's OK to re-use this washer. Since it has already been crushed, it will not collapse any further. As a result, the installer may over-tighten the drain plug to get a tight fit. This can eventually lead to stripped threads in the oil pan--a VERY expensive repair.
Acura uses an aluminum crush washer. Some oil changers might mistakenly use a plastic one, which is not as effective
An Acura-Trained Technician makes a big difference! Why?
- --Acura dealers know your vehicle inside and out, and can provide competent, efficient service.
- --Acura technicians check the engine block to make sure the O-ring from the old filter is not stuck to it. If it is, the technician scrapes it off thoroughly and wipes the surface clean. If a new oil filter is installed over the old O-ring, the filter could come loose over time. When installing a new Acura Oil Filter, Acura technicians torque it to the proper specifications. To keep the new O-ring from shearing when torquing the filter, they apply a lubricant, such as engine oil, to it. Before returning your Acura, many Acura technicians spray a cleaner onto the oil pan near the drain plug to remove any excess oil so you don't have oil on your driveway or garage. They also know to clean the crevices in the undercarriage where oil can pool while draining, only to drip later on.
- --Most Acura dealers complete a thorough Multi-Point Inspection with every service. Click on the image (right) to see everything they inspect!

Why Use ACURA OIL?

Acura recommends using Genuine Acura Oil for your vehicle. It meets the Starburst performance requirements (This symbol indicates that the oil meets the latest performance requirements set by the automotive and oil industries. Oil bearing the Starburst will provide superior performance in the areas of deposit and sludge protection, wear protection, and oil life), and is also subjected to a series of Acura-specific tests to guarantee optimum performance and compatibility with your Acura vehicle. It has just the right amounts of detergent and lubricants prescribed by our engineers. To learn more, click on the picture above.

Most Acura dealers check your tires, batteries and fluid levels.
- Batteries never die when it's convenient! Your Acura dealer can do a complimentary battery test with a special diagnostic tool that detects when a battery is approaching the end of its life, so you can avoid ever getting in a no-start situation. With this simple test you'll know whether your battery is good, bad or better off replaced. Acura batteries carry a 100 month limited warranty & 3 years free replacement.
- Re-Tire at Acura! High performance vehicles are equipped with high performance tires. Most Acura Dealers will check your tires and keep you informed about when you need new ones. Maintain your Acura's Precision Crafted Performance with the name, reputation and quality of original equipment factory spec tires. Acura dealers know exactly which tires your Acura needs--if the wrong tires are installed, noise and vibration could result.
Visit Park Acura online at www.parkacura.com

Our Employees sound off...What does Memorial Day mean to you...

2011-05-27T10:45:00.001-07:00

Lisa Downey- " Remebering those who have died. Family tradition of going to cemetaries and putting flowers on the graves of family members."

Chris Gless- "America, Baseball and Cookouts"

Jason Kuhns- "Being a OIF Veteran, Memorial Day means to me that is a day to take a moment to remember all Service men and women who have paid the ultimate price for freedom. Also, to enjoy all the freedoms that we do have in this Nation. Always remember Capt. Mark Stubenhoffer I-41 Inf. Fort Riley KS Dec 7, 2004"

Moez Hedri- "To Honor the Heros that sacrificed their life for our freedom"

John Gardiner-" A day to remember all of those who made the ulitmate sacrifice so we can choose to live the way we want-Semper Fi!"

Jessica Sanders- "To me it means remembering the troops who served and fought for our country and being grateful to those who are serving now. They are the ones that help us sleep at night."

Randi Myers- " Memorial Day is a day to remember all those that have given their lives while in our Nation's Service. These men and women fought for their loved ones and complete stangers while putting themselves in harm's way and unfortunately did not return to reek the benefits of what they did for our nation. I am thankful and will be in internal debt to all those honored on this day, for I have and never will be able to give them anything close to what they have given to me."

What is Memorial Day and why do we Celebrate it

2011-05-26T12:04:00.001-07:00

Memorial Day in the 21st century has come to mean a day off from work, but the holiday is deserving of this nation's respect in ways more important than simply grilling hot dogs and watching sports.

Why do Americans celebrate Memorial Day? To honor Americans who have died in the wars that have been fought to preserve their beliefs.

Many confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. While Veterans Day does honor the memory of those who have died in service to their country, it is also a day set aside to honor those still alive who have fought in U.S. wars. Memorial Day is specifically set aside to honor the memory of those who paid the ultimate price.

It originally began as a day to recognize those who died in the single bloodiest war in American history: the Civil War. The holiday was originally known as Decoration Day. According to usmemorialday.org, it is nearly impossible to pinpoint the exact day that Decoration Day came into existence; several dozen cities have staked a claim to being the first to officially celebrate it. Decoration Day got its name from the efforts of southern women to decorate the graves of Confederate soldiers not long after the end of the Civil War.

The Encyclopedia Britannica states that Columbus, Mo., was one of the first southern cities to formally observe the day as a remembrance for both Confederate and Union soldiers. Nevertheless, a congressional proclamation in 1966 officially sanctioned Waterloo, N.Y., as the birthplace of Memorial Day.

Decoration Day had been officially changed to Memorial Day almost exactly a century earlier. The day of remembrance remained a day specifically set aside for those who had died during the Civil War until after World War I. At that point, it was made to include all American soldiers who died in conflicts.

According to History.com, it was not until 1971 that the last Monday in May was set aside as Memorial Day and declared a national holiday.

Despite this, some southern towns still set aside a separate day of observance just for Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War. The actual manner of observance has gone with the wind over the last few decades. The impetus for the holiday, the decoration of graves, is mostly done with small American flags if at all.

Many cities, especially those in the south, used to hold extravagant parades, but even that most traditional manner of celebration is rarely seen today. Instead, Memorial Day is now observed with picnics and baseball games.

For the average American, Memorial Day has become a day to observe as the kickoff to the summer holiday season rather than a day to celebrate the lives and deaths of the soldiers whose sacrifices have made it possible for the Indy 500 and beach picnics to exist.

Park Acura commercial for May 2011

2011-05-10T06:03:00.000-07:00

We just finished editing the new Park Acura television commercial that will start running this week. The style and design works in conjunction with a mailer that we came up that went out to local owners of other luxury class vehicles. We hope you enjoy it this new commercial. Give us a shout if you see it run on tv.

The NEW 2012 ACURA TL at the movie premier of Thor!

2011-05-06T06:22:00.000-07:00

This is a quick clip and some photos of the NEW 2012 Acura TL that we at Park Acura rigged up with cool lights and had on display at the The Regal Cinema last night. What a great turnout and killer movie. Thanks everyone for coming out !!!

History of the Easter Bunny and Traditions from Around the World

2011-04-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

History of the EASTER BUNNY: Who is he?

The idea of the Easter Bunny comes from early pagan (these are worldly or secular, no religious association with any particular one deity like Christianity has) traditions. The Easter traditions of the Easter Bunny and Easter Eggs do not have any real ties to the Christian celebration of Easter but rather these Easter traditions, that are practiced today, are evolved from pagan symbols. The timing of the Christian celebration of Easter (to Christians this word represents the time frame and the events revolving around Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection) is around the time of the vernal equinox, which is linked historically with a pagan celebration that coincides with the arrival of spring. This pagan celebration also symbolizes the arrival of light and the awakening of the life around us, the idea of spring bringing new life, etc. Even the name “Easter” itself has its basis in pagan traditions. The name is spawned from the Saxon goddess of Eastre (or Oestre or Ostara) who was the goddess of the dawn and the spring. Eastre, was of course, a fertility goddess who brought an end to winter making days longer and brighter with a passion for “new life”. Eastre’s presence could be felt by all in the spring as the newly flowering plants, and the new births of babies both human and animal were happening all around. This is where we start to see the formation of the “EASTER BUNNY” because the animal associated with this goddess as her sacred animal was the RABIT because of this animal’s well known rapid production and fertility prosperity. Easter eggs and “Easter Bunnies” were both featured in the festivals of Ostara or “Eastre” which were initially held during the pagan feasts of the goddess Ishtar. The pagans used eggs in the celebration because these are an obvious symbol of fertility with new born chicks also being a great representation of new life. During these feasts and festivals the pagan’s worshiping would use brightly coloured eggs, chicks, and “bunnies” to express their appreciation of the abundance “Eastre” had provided for them.

When it comes to the actual character that we know as the “Eastre bunny” or “EASTER BUNNY” and the idea of him bringing us chocolate eggs on Easter, there is a very interesting pagan story behind the legend. The legend claims that the goddess “Eastre”, or Ostara as she is also known, felt very bad for arriving late one spring (the season of spring must have actually been late in its coming the year this legend was born) and in order to help make a mends for this she decided to save the life of a poor bird whose wings had frozen in the snow. Eastre made this bird her pet and some versions of the legend even say it made the bird her lover. Feeling compassion for this bird of hers because he no longer had the ability to fly Eastre decided to turn him into a snow hare named “Lepus”. She also gave him the ability to run very fast so he could avoid hunters and she also gave him one more special gift. In remembrance of his life as a bird Eastre gave Lepus the ability to lay “eggs”. Not only could Lepus lay eggs but these eggs would also come out in all the different colours of the rainbow. There was only one downfall to this great ability Lepus had, he could only lay these eggs on one day each year, on the day that the festivial of Eastre was celebrated. From this simple and earliest known pagan legend we get the first stories of the birth of the idea of the “EASTER BUNNY” and also Easter Eggs and where they get their multiple bright colours from.

History of the EASTER BUNNY: Traditions around the World

In terms of more recent traditions the character that we in the West would call the “Easter Bunny”, in our minds, is often a big, almost lifelike, character. A giant loveable and friendly white bunny who is as real as Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy. And who also delivers chocolate eggs to the homes of kids by hiding them in their houses or their yards but providing them with baskets to go and hunt the eggs with during the spring celebration of Easter. When you read it like that it sounds kind of silly don’t you think? I mean at least Santa Claus is based on a human being. Anyways when it comes to the Easter Bunny and other Easter traditions it is important to realize that the customs surrounding this season and Holiday are different around the world.

Believe it or not the first actually documented use of the “Bunny” as a symbol of “Easter” occurs in the late 1500’s in Germany of all places. Although if you read the previous article you would know that pagan traditions and legends point the hare or rabbit as often being strongly associated with the time of “Eastre” or “Easter”. Following along with their firsts in terms of the “Easter Bunny” it was the Germans in the 1800’s who were the first ones to also create edible “Easter Bunnies”. However, it was actually the Pennsylvania Dutch who brought the “Easter Bunny” from Europe to the United States in the 1700s. Every spring their children would be spinning with excitement in their wait for the arrival of “Oschter Haws” (their Easter Bunny character) and the gifts that accompanied him; this was a joy for these Dutch children that could only be rivaled by the winter visit of “Sinterklaas” (their name for Saint Nick – the mispronunciation of this name is where Santa Claus comes from).

The character of the rabbit or bunny is revered around the world in different cultures. Many Asian cultures hail the rabbit as a sacred messenger to the divine. Even for Buddhists and Egyptians the rabbit has special meaning. And of course Western Europe has their strong beliefs in the rabbit as a symbol of fertility and new life. It is thought that the knowledge of the Eastern traditions to do with the rabbit must have spread to Europe as communication between these two groups increased. Also the fact that the two groups beliefs about the rabbit blended so well together must have helped keep these traditions alive. Even Native American peoples and the ancient Mayans had their beliefs about the mysticism of rabbits a.k.a. bunnies.

Over time these many different traditions/legends about rabbits/bunnies has moulded this animal from an symbolic ancient bringer of life, etc. into the “Easter Bunny” a symbol of the Holiday which celebrates resurrection. In truth, part of the message remains the same as the Rabbit is still symbolic of a season and time when all things are possible and everything can again be new.

When it comes to the modern day tradition of the Easter Bunny, in North America, we follow the idea that on Easter Sunday children wake up to discover either that the “Easter Bunny” has left them a basket full of candy or that he has hidden eggs (maybe decorated ones or simply chocolate ones) for them to find. There are only a few other countries who follow this same tradition. For example, in Austria, the “Easter Bunny” who is known to them as “Osterhase” hides decorated eggs, for children to find the next day, on the night before Easter Sunday. In New Zealand the stores all carry Hot Cross Buns (with the crosses being symbolic of Christ’s cross) and chocolate eggs that the Easter Bunny fills his basket with and delivers to all the children during his delivery rounds on Easter Sunday morning; usually hiding these treats just like the American “Easter Bunny” so that children have to search for them. In New Zealand’s neighbouring country of Australia, they also believe in the “Easter Bunny”. However, rabbits are considered pests and so there has been a long running campaign to replace the “Easter Bunny” with the Easter Bilby (a native marsupial – there are “Easter Bilbies” made of chocolate and are sold to fund raise for this endangered marsupial) but the “Easter Bunny is still more popular.

Not all countries celebrate the Easter Bunny or have even heard of him. Other countries have their own strange Easter traditions including Sweden, where in its western provinces there are competitions to see who can create the biggest bonfire and fireworks are shot off. In Norway, Easter time brings out the more modern tradition of “Easter-crime” shows which are aired including televising detective novels and crime stories. No one knows where this tradition came from. On the other hand, just as in the West almost all countries that celebrate this Holiday do have some form of “Easter eggs”.

Well, I hope you have enjoyed this little look into the history and traditions of the “Easter Bunny”. Perhaps it has sparked your interest and maybe you will include in your life some of these other well-known traditions from other cultures or maybe it will inspire you to twist the “Easter Bunny” idea into some form of new tradition that your family can carry on with from generation to generation and who knows maybe 200 years from know somebody just like myself might be writing about it.

Akron Childrens Hospital

2011-04-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

Park Auto Group delivered 20 Easter baskets today to Akron Childrens Hospital. Each basket contained a kit to make your own windchime, crayons, coloring book, a special coloring page, puzzles and a stuffed animal.

Park Mazda is #1!!

2011-04-20T07:01:00.001-07:00

Check out our reviews!!

http://www.dealerrater.com/dealer/Park-Mazda-review-18839/

Visit Park Mazda online at www.parkmazdaakron.com

Fun Facts about Peeps!

2011-04-20T06:56:00.001-07:00

For the last 10 years Peeps have been the #1 Non chocolate Easter Candy.

The Second most popular color for peeps is pink.

Over 70 million Peep Chicks are need to line the US Coast to Coast.

In 1950 it took 27 hours to make one Peep. Now it takes about 6 minutes!

Peeps have 28 calories and 0 grams of fat!

Peeps rule the world wide web, there are more than 200 Unofficial Peep Websites!

Peeps have become gourmet favorites in many recipes including fondues, creme brulle ingredients and as cappuccino toppings!

Mazda 100 Club

2011-03-30T06:50:00.000-07:00

Fixed Right the First Time…100% of the Time!!

Award Presented to Park Mazda
February 2011

This distinction is reserved for select dealers that have met AND surpassed high standards of quality AND a commitment that never ceases to demonstrate their dedication to customer service in support!

Honda President's Award Winner - Park Auto Group

2011-03-14T08:00:00.001-07:00

We are proud to announce that Park Honda has been selected as a winner of the prestigious Honda President's Award for 2010. This award reflects our outstanding dedication to customer service and satisfaction, exceptional vehicle sales and strong business practices. Park Honda is the only eight time winner in Northeast Ohio. We are also the highest volume Honda Dealer in Summit, Medina, Wayne and Stark County

Valentines Day on a Budget

2011-02-11T07:50:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day can be one of the most expensive holidays. It is the holiday that you are supposed to say "I love you" to your significant other. To many people this means spending big bucks. Because the more you spend the more you love them, right? Wrong! Showing someone you care on Valentine's Day does not have to cost a lot of money.

The first thing to do is to think about what this person really likes. Personally I like chocolate. And flowers. Notice I didn't say fancy, expensive chocolate or red roses. Any kind of dark chocolate (about $2) and a small bunch of flowers from the grocery store ($8) and I will be pretty happy. So basically my husband can make my day for about $10. I bet you can do the same! Here are some ideas.

1. Put together a box of this person's favorite things. It could be anything. You more than anyone will know their favorite things, so surprise them by getting them all together. The small things, that is. You can't purchase diamonds on a budget. People feel very loved when they know that other people pay attention to the small things about them.

2. Bubble bath and candles make a great gift. This will be relaxing and romantic all at the same time.

3. Take the day off of work to spend with them. This would work especially well if this person doesn't work. If they do, you might need to do some arranging with their employers, which could be hard to do and might not go over very well. But how wonderful for someone to know that you took a day off of work just to spend it with them.

4. Cook them their favorite meal.

5. Leave them love notes - all over. On the bathroom mirror, in their car, in their lunch, on the newspaper, etc. Anywhere they will be leave a little note.

6. Fill their car with balloons.

7. Do something that they want to do. If your wife loves sappy romantic movies, but you hate them and won't go - go anyway, it will make their day.

8. Do something that they don't want to do. Do they despise cleaning bathrooms, grocery shopping, vacuuming out the car, bathing the kids, etc? Do it for them.

9. Make your own card detailing everything you love about this person.

10. Give them a back rub.

11. If you must take them out to eat for Valentine's Day you have a couple of options. You could take them out to lunch, or you could take them out to dinner another night instead. Of course you will still spend Valentine's Day with them doing frugal things right? But you will be saving a good bit of money and hassle by going out to eat a different night.

12. Don't buy roses. There are lots of wonderful flowers out there and just because the marketers try to tell us that everyone needs roses on Valentine's Day does mean that everyone needs roses on Valentine's Day. Pick a different flower or perhaps a potted plant. Potted plants live a lot longer than cut flowers do, so they would be reminded of your love for years to come, not just a week.

13. Here is a cheesy one from my husband - give real kisses instead of Hershey's kisses.

If you really want to take your significant other out to dinner on the most expensive night of the year and buy them a dozen red roses, go for it. But be prepared to spend a lot of cash, at least $100. Pick some or all of these ideas for a much less expensive and memorable way to say "I love you".

How to Reduce Ice Build up on Car Windows

2011-02-04T08:49:00.000-08:00

Nothing is more frustrating than waiting for your car to defrost or standing out in the cold scraping ice off your car windshield, but you can cut down on the amount of ice that builds up by cleaning the glass in your car with a simple vinegar solution.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Vinegar

Water

Spray bottle

Clean paper towels

Mix a half a cup of vinegar with one and a half cups of water in a spray bottle.

Saturate all glass surfaces with the mixture. You may notice some solution dripping onto your car's paint. This will not harm your car's paint finish the way commercial de-icers can.

Wipe excess solution from all windows and the windshield, but leave the windows slightly damp and allow it to air dry. The water will evaporate, but the vinegar compounds will remain to help fight ice.

Reapply the solution twice a week. You will find yourself spending less time scraping ice. Not only will this reduce ice build up, it will also keep your windows from fogging over.

Read more: How to Reduce Ice Build Up on Car Windows and Windshields
eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2113483_build-up-car-windows

Have a Heart, Do Your Part 2011 Radiothon

2011-02-04T07:46:00.000-08:00

Park Honda is participating in WKDD's annual Have a Heart, Do Your Part 2011 Radiothon. Park Honda is an official change bandit for this great cause. Park Honda will also match all donations by associates and our customers up to $250! So stop in and help us make a difference in our community.

http://www.facebook.com/parkautogroup

MAKE SURE TO PASS THIS ON AND SHARE ON YOUR FACEBOOK WALL....WE WANT TO SEE AS MANY "LIKES" AS POSSIBLE TO THE PARK AUTO GROUP FACEBOOK PAGE FROM THIS GREAT EVENT !!!

Customer Testimonials.....

2011-01-19T10:50:00.000-08:00

"I have always been treated like family..."

"Dave always treats me and my wife with the utmost respect and professionalism. He is knowledgeable and extremely helpful" -Michael P

" I recommend Park"

"Moez was very informed and straight forward" -Wava B

"Excellent Refferal from my brother in law"

" Really Good salesperson...took care of my needs better than any salesperson I have dealt with" - Justin J

"This is a great dealership"
" I am very happy with all the sales staff and the great effort that they put forth. Very courteous, Casey has been extremely helpful, all sales people should have her qualities" -Linda M

"Recommended by Edmunds.com"
" Very knowledgeable about the car and very prepared when I came in and it was an internet sale...A very good car buying experience" -Susan L

Review for the 2011 Odyssey

2011-01-19T09:30:00.000-08:00

The following article was posted Jan. 18, 2011 on AutoBlog.com. It has been edited slightly for length, but this one is so good, I left much more in than our normal readers are used to.

Start of article: After driving the new Odyssey for a week, I have serious van envy. Honda has crafted the ultimate, state-of-the-art people mover, even if it's not much more than some flashy design and incremental improvements in areas like powertrain, fuel efficiency and equipment.The biggest changes in the redesigned Odyssey are obvious at first glance, as it no longer looks so much like a conventional minivan. Honda's ideas on styling have been polarizing as of late, so it's smart that the company chose the Civic as the donor of the new minivan's face. The venerable compact is still the most complete and fluid execution of modern Honda design language, and what it lends to the Odyssey works to make Honda's largest vehicle appear smaller and sleeker. It helps that the Odyssey has a lower and much wider stance, having been stretched over two inches across. While its front and back sections don't exactly mate up well in profile, each works on its own. The flying buttress D-pillar helps the rear end achieve a more contemporary look, like that of many crossovers. Honda is calling the quirky jog in the beltline at the Odyssey's C-pillar a "lightning bolt," and it's more than just a clever device to give the vehicle a dynamic, moving-forward look. That little dip makes the third-row windows bigger and increases the feeling of roominess for passengers in the way back.Honda clearly wants to make the back of the bus a more desirable place to ride, and it's come up with some enticing new features to serve the rear-seaters' needs. The first is that the third row now has two sets of LATCH anchors, while the second row can be had with three. These carseat attachments mean more than horsepower to breeder parents, and the Odyssey has more of them than the competition. The second row is interesting in that Honda has decided not to follow Chrysler into its folly of designing seats to fold into the floor like those in the third row. Understanding that it's the rare day when you want to use your minivan like a pickup truck, Honda instead designed a system that allows the second-row seats to be moved laterally to make more room for passengers or car seats, while improving third-row access through the center in the process. The optional second-row-center seat can even be moved forward to place an infant carseat closer to mom and pop in the front. This is smart engineering trumping gimmicky marketing. Up front, the cockpit is functional and the controls are similar to any number of other Honda or Acura vehicles (save for a dash-mounted shift lever). Behind the wheel, the Odyssey is a nice driver, though it no longer feels as much like an Accord. It's not that this new version of what used to be the best driving minivan on the market can't corner, but that the steering doesn't provides as much feel as its predecessor.If the Odyssey drives more like a minivan than a station wagon now, it certainly doesn't accelerate like one. Honda's 3.5-liter V6 makes 248 horsepower in the 2011 Odyssey, along with 250 pound-feet of torque. It revs quickly and has great throttle response, and Honda has done a masterful job of matching the gear ratios of the new, optional six-speed automatic transmission to make the Odyssey move. This is a minivan than can go quicker than it should, at least with babies onboard. Honda has also included its Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system as standard equipment. This shuts down two or three of the V6's cylinders when they're not needed, improving fuel economy. This and some other measures, including a 50-to-100 pound weight reduction, have helped the Odyssey boast some impressive EPA numbers for a roughly 4,400-pound vehicle. With the standard five-speed automatic, the van is rated at 18 mpg city, 21 combined and 27 on the highway. The six-speed automatic improves each of those numbers by a single mile-per-gallon, and that's tops among any vehicle that can carry eight passengers. No minivan these days would be complete without some sort of video screen for the kids, and Honda has gone big in this department with an optional 16.2-inch widescreen that folds down from the headliner in the second row. (A more conventional nine-inch screen is also available.) Before you get too excited about having a display larger than a MacBook Pro in the Odyssey, however, understand this is really just two normal-sized displays mated into a single, wide LCD panel. While it's possible to stretch out a single video source to cover the entire screen in a grotesquely distorted aspect ratio, the more useful application is to allow each side of the vehicle to select a separate input source for their half of the screen, choosing from the DVD player, composite auxiliary inputs and an HDMI port. While this HDMI port is bound to get video game geeks excited, it's more of a way for Honda to future-proof its van than anything else. The screen in the Odyssey is still pretty small, making most modern video games designed for widescreen, high-definition displays difficult. Your World of Warcraft addiction will have to be a lot more severe than mine to want to play in the back of an Odyssey.As fantastic as the Odyssey is, there's a bigger question at hand: Can it (or Toyota's "Swagger Wagon," or a nicely revamped Grand Caravan from Dodge, or the all-new Nissan Quest) convince the masses that minivans aren't the automotive equivalent of wearing sweatpants? Surely there are a sizable amount of people who wouldn't drive a minivan even if it came with a personal invitation from Rob Halford himself. But Honda thinks that this market is primed for growth, and that's reasonable speculation. With plenty of consumers making the SUV-to-crossover jump in the interest of cutting their fuel bills while maintaining a capacious interior, giving minivans another look is the smart thing to do.End of article.

Visit Park Honda online at www.parkhonda.com

TOP LEVEL SALES FOR MAZDA

2011-01-11T12:08:00.003-08:00

Paul Burke, Dave Sommerville and Brad Neikirk from our Mazda Sales Team just made MASTER CERTIFICATION TOP LEVEL SALES FOR MAZDA! Way to Go Team!!

Way to go Ric and Mark

2011-01-11T12:08:00.001-08:00

The Park Auto Group would like to congratulate Ric Witherspoon and Mark Hamilton from our Acura store for achieving Silver Level with Acura. This award is based on customer satisfaction, before, during and most important after the sale. It is graded by customer’s who purchased an Acura and also recognizes Ric and Mar...k’s product knowledge.

Way to go Ric and Mark

CONGRATULATIONS DAVE

2011-01-11T12:07:00.000-08:00

Park Associate Stephanie Muntean pictured with Dave Herron, iPod winner for the month of December 2010. Dave has actually purchased 11 vehicles from Park over the years. CONGRATULATIONS DAVE !!!

Nothing like Comfort Food...Roast Beef!

2011-01-04T10:18:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

1 (3-pound) beef roast, trimmed of excess fat

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

8 ounces button mushrooms

2 small onions, quartered

Gravy:

1 cup red wine

1 cup low-sodium beef stock

2 tablespoons gravy flour (recommended: Wondra)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Season the beef with salt and pepper, to taste.

Heat 2 tablespoons the oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot but not smoking. Add the meat and sear on all sides.

Add the mushrooms and onions to a bowl and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and toss. Add to the skillet around the roast.

Put the skillet in the oven and roast until an instant-read thermometer registers 130 degrees F, about 40 minutes. Remove the roast from the oven to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. Remove the onions and mushrooms from the skillet.

While the beef is resting, prepare the gravy.

Put the skillet on low heat. Add the wine and stock, while scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Whisk in the flour until the sauce is thickened and smooth.

Slice the beef into very thin slices. Transfer to a platter and serve with the mushrooms, onions and gravy.

2010-12-27T09:19:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the Park Subaru Family!

Check out this Offer

2010-12-27T09:17:00.001-08:00

Limited time offer !!!

Honda all season protection packages specially priced on Accord, Civic and CR-V at $199.00

$249.00 on Pilot and Odyssey

Black Ice...What you should do

2010-12-06T05:18:00.000-08:00

Winter driving conditions can be tricky for even the most experienced drivers. While a snow-covered road can be an obvious driving hazard, a road that just looks wet can also be deceivingly slippery.

Black ice is a dangerous wintertime hazard because the icy road may not always be visible to the driver. Indeed, melted snow or ice that refreezes may still look deceivingly like a dry road. And temperatures don't have to be below freezing for black ice to develop. Black ice can occur if temperatures are near the freezing mark--or even a few degrees above it.

While a shiny road surface indicates an obviously wet or icy road, a road covered with black ice will look a little different. Keep an eye out for pavement that is slightly darker and a little duller looking than the rest of the road surface-- this may indicate that black ice is present. Because black ice is so tricky to detect, a driver may not realize there is an icy road surface until his car begins to slide. Here are some winter driving safety tips on how to drive on black ice:

As soon as your car begins to slide on black ice, take your foot off the gas pedal. In fact, the last thing you want to do is give your car more gas. It is very important to slow down when you are driving on black ice or in any other winter road conditions.

Don't slam the brakes. While it may be a natural instinct to slam on your brakes, this will only cause your car to lose control and slide even more. Tap the brake pedal lightly instead of pushing down hard on it.

Look for trouble spots ahead. If you have an idea that there may be black ice ahead (if you see cars ahead of you sliding, for example), downshift to a lower gear before you come onto the black ice. The lower gear will force you to drive more slowly and it will give you better control of your car.

If your car does begin to skid on the ice, turn the wheel in the direction of the skid. This should help to steer your car back on the right track.

2010-11-23T07:04:00.001-08:00

When and Where was the first Thanksgiving?

The first Thanksgiving was held in 1621. The location was somewhere in the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. The first Thanksgiving was held sometime between September and November. The exact date is unknown. It was a harvest celebration. It was not repeated every year, and there were other thanksgiving feasts in some parts of other colonies. But the one by the Plymouth Colony is the one we think of. Some British settlers near Virginia are said to have given thanks for a successful voyage in 1619. Another one in 1623 was also celebrated after some hard times. They did not just last one afternoon. They normally lasted about three days!

Food at the First Thanksgiving

What did the Pilgrims eat?

For meat, poultry and fish, they may have had eel, clams, turkey, duck, goose, and partridge. Nobody really knows exactly what they served. Some even think they had lobster and swan! For fruits and vegetables, probably on the tables were corn, acorns, carrots, pumpkins, beans, peas, and grapes. The first Thanksgiving may have also had a few walnuts and chestnuts. Perhaps an onion tossed in for flavor. Again, we are only guessing.

Who was at the First Thanksgiving?

William Bradford, the governor, proclaimed a day of thanksgiving. The Plymouth colonists shared an autumn celebration with the local Wampanoag Indians. It was traditional for the settlers to have celebrated some sort of harvest each autumn. Because it is generally believed that the local Indians helped the Pilgrims out, they were naturally involved and invited to such a feast. That and the native Americans probably contributed quite a bit to the menu. Or at least the success of the Pilgrims harvest.

How to eat like the First Thanksgiving

The following are foods you can choose from that the Pilgrims ate.

The foods listed below are pretty much known due to writings that have survived about the first settlers that came on the Mayflower. Corn to them probably was what we would call Indian corn. There is also a debate as to whether they had goats on the Mayflower. This would have made cheese and milk products a possibility. But since this is unsure, it is not listed.

LeeksLettuceCarrotsPumpkinCornSquashBeansWalnutsChestnutsAcornsStrawberriesRaspberriesCranberriesFishLobsterEelsClamsMusselsCornbreadWild turkeyDuckGooseDeer

They did not use forks and probably ate mostly with their hands. They did not dress up in those campy black and white outfits. Their clothes were probably in earth tones like brown and beige.Forget the fancy hats, belt buckles, and shoe buckles.

Thanksgiving Food Tid Bits

There were no pies of any kind. Even pumpkin. The Pilgrims did not have everything needed to bake pies. The meats may have been dried, as that was the way of keeping meat. There was no big, fat turkey served. Wild turkeys, duck, and other fowl would have been scrawny to todays standards. In fact, meat made up most of their meals. Fruits and vegetables were not that common and plentiful. No big plates of steaming mashed potatoes and buttered sweet potatoes. Thay had no potatoes. As for sweets, if they had sweets it was sweetened and spiced meat, not pies.

Minnesota produces more turkeys than any other state.

Cranberries are only native to North America.

Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving in November?

The history of the holiday in the United States.

Many times during the Revolutionary War, there were suggestions of a day of thanksgiving. General George Washington had even observed it. When George Washington became president, he declared that November 26, 1789 was to a day of thanksgiving and prayer.

New York in 1821 was the first state to adopt such a custom as thanksgiving. Many other states followed. Abraham Lincoln in 1863 designated the last Thursday of November as a day of thanksgiving. It is now tradition for every president every November to make an official proclamation of thanksgiving.

It was President Franklin Roosevelt who officially offered it as the 4th Thursday in November. This measure was approved by Congress in 1941. The rest, as they say, is history.

Subaru Share The Love Event

2010-11-22T07:07:00.000-08:00

The Subaru Share The Love Event-going on now through January 3rd, 2011

Get the best deal of the year on any

new Subaru and $250 gets donated

to your choice of five charities.

November 20th through January 3rd, 2011.

It’s Habitat Humanity day at Park Subaru – December 11th (11am-2pm)

You can drop off donations at Park Subaru

on December 11th between 11am and 2pm

Congratulations Dan D.

2010-11-02T13:51:00.000-07:00

Monthly winner for November

Finger Print Turkey Craft- Fun for all ages

2010-11-02T07:58:00.000-07:00

Fingerprint Turkey Craft

A finger and a bit of paint are all you need to make this super-cute turkey.

Its fun for children to make for namecards on the Thanksgiving supper table (we don't normally use name-cards... we aren't that formal, but sometimes the kids like to help out with the decorating and hostessing... they always seem to arrange a spot right beside Grandma *grin*)

Materials:

brown finger paint

red, yellow and/or orange finger paint

scrap of cardboard or old margarine container lid (something to act as a pallet)

black marker

paper or card stock

Directions:

Squeeze a bit of brown finger paint onto a margarine container lid

Squeeze a bit of red and/or orange finger paint onto the lid, spaced away from the brown paint (or use a second lid)

stamp the pad of your index finger into the orange or red paint

Use your finger to make an arch of fingerprints as the turkey's tail

Optional: Make a second arch around the first one using your index finger or your pinkie again... you can use the same color or another autumn color for the second arch (it's actually better to make the outside arch first if you're planning to do two)

Use your thumb finger to stamp a brown thumbprint in the center of the arch as the turkey's body

Use a marker to add feet, a beak and eyes.

Park Gets An Impact Award!!!

2010-10-25T07:15:00.001-07:00

By Tammy Proctor

The Suburbanite

Posted Oct 25, 2010 @ 08:09 AM

Green, Ohio — Innovative Autocare, FirstMerit Bank, Kovatch Castings and Blake's Café and Cupcakery were presented awards Oct. 20 by the Green Chamber of Commerce.

The Vision Award, which recognizes businesses for putting vision into action, was presented to Innovative Autocare.A full-service automotive repair and preventative maintenance center, Innovative Autocare is owned by Jeff Goodwin. His business philosophy is highest quality service at an intermediate price. Goodwin recently remodeled and expanded the business at 4901 South Main St. For more information about the business call 330-245-0865.

Honorable mentions for the Vision Award included Gerri's Closet and Shields-Blice & Co., CPAs, Inc.

The Community Award, recognizing businesses which enrich the community with the completion of short-term projects or long range initiatives, was presented to FirstMerit Bank. The Green branch, located at the corner of Massillon and Boettler Roads, focuses on being a community bank with local decision-making boards. The staff is very active in Green Relay For Life, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, United Way and the American Heart Association. They are active in the Rotary Club of Lake-Green and Green Good Neighbors Back to School Program.

Park Auto Group and Gallery 143 were honorable mentions for the Community Award.

The Environmental Award recognizes businesses bettering the environment either with the completion of short-term project or long-term initiatives. This award was presented by Kovatch Casting. Founded in 1976, Kovatch Castings employs 190 people and recently received the largest Ohio Targeting Energy Efficiency Grant of $1 million, which they will match.

City Cleaners was named an honorable mention for the Environmental Award.

The Impact Award is the pinnacle award that recognizes outstanding achievements which impact the community and business community. Blake's Café and Cupcakery, located at Town Park Plaza, was presented the Impact Award. The company specializes in healthy selections of the highest quality.

The honorable mentions for the Impact Award were the Akron-Canton Airport, Park Auto Group, The Karcher Group and the Area Agency on Aging.

City Cleaners Dry Cleaning and Laundry sponsored the Oct. 20 Green Chamber Impact Awards at Raintree Country Club. Greg Byrer of 30daygifts.com, Paul Doerr of Quick Clean Car and Pet Wash, Matry Ruegg of Community Care Givers of Green, Lee Lewis of AkroSteam Carpet Cleaning, Dave Manderine of Window Genie, Margie Toombs of Maid Brigade, Susan and Skip Summerville of the Office Place, Luke Messner of TKM Printing and Dallas Wallace of Paramount Photo contributed to the success of the event.

The 2010 Impact Awards committee was chaired by Jim Corra of Park Auto Group and assisted by Shon Christy of City Cleaners and Denise Dennewitz of Copeco, Inc.

Copyright 2010 The Suburbanite. Some rights reserved

CHECK OUT THE NEW 2011 HONDA ODYSSEY

2010-09-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

The all-new 2011 Honda Odyssey is the ultimate minivan reinvented, re-energized and

evolved. With its modern styling, spacious interior, and high-tech features, the new Odyssey

almost demands a new category. Although it's available with seating for up to eight

passengers, there's nothing “minivan” about the Odyssey's efficient-yet-sporty performance,

available 10-way power adjustable heated leather-trimmed front seating, authoritative V-6

acceleration and all the thoughtful engineering you'd expect from a Honda.

Of course, the new Odyssey pushes the tech envelope further with available features like a

16.2-inch Ultrawide DVD Rear Entertainment System with HDMI® Technology and split

screen viewing capability for those times when passengers just can't agree on what to watch.

And the available navigation system now includes FM Traffic, which alerts you to traffic

conditions and can suggest alternate routes. The Odyssey's sophisticated technology is

thoughtfully integrated for user-friendliness and simplicity—just load it with family and friends,

gear up, and go.

Get to know James Paumier

2010-09-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

NAME: James Paumier

How long have you been with Park Auto Group: 3 months

Your Title: Sales Consultant at Park Mazda

Describe yourself in 3 words: Creative, sensitive and Caring

If we would look in your refrigerator right now what would we find: Milk, Butter, Juice, Quesadillas and Water

What was the last book that you read: 2010 Fantasy Football Draft Guide

If you could trade places with another person, famous or not, living or dead, who would it be: Jude Law

Favorite Color: Yellow

What actor/actress would play the lead role in a movie about your life: Kyle Edwards...aka DJ Qualls

What is the best part of your job: Being my own motivator

Summer Car Saftey for Kids

2010-07-16T10:30:00.001-07:00

Moving or parked, cars pose a constant threat to children. During the summer months, the interior temperature of a car can reach fatal levels within a few minutes. Keep your kids safe with these must-know tips.
The Grim Statistics

In 2003 alone, 42 children died of heat stroke because they had been left inside a vehicle. In July and August 2003, 22 children tragically died after being trapped in car trunks. Leaving children unattended in or around vehicles is a serious problem. More than one thousand cases involving injury or death have been documented so far. Those injuries and deaths were caused by heat stroke, a vehicle being put in motion by a child, children being hit by vehicles backing up, children choking while alone in a car, being kidnapped, toxic fumes, activation of automatic power controls, or being trapped in car trunks. Children should never be left unattended in or around vehicles.
(Source: Kids ‘N Cars, 2004.)
When it’s hot outside the temperature in a car interior can reach dangerous and sometimes fatal levels in a matter of minutes. Young children – especially infants – are more sensitive to variations in temperature than adults and are the most vulnerable to quick temperature changes.

Heating up
In addition to the children who die from motor vehicle crashes, many children die every summer from heat exposure when left in cars. From 1996 to 2000, more than 120 children– most three and younger–died from heat stroke after being trapped in cars. Even children who survive serious heat exposure often have severe disabilities as a result of irreversible brain damage from lack of oxygen.
Studies show that regardless of the color of the car, its seats, or if the windows are cracked, interior temperatures can rise from 96 degrees to 150 degrees in a matter of 20 minutes, with a sharp rise in the first 10 minutes. With such hot temperatures, a few moments can have drastic consequences.
Infants and young children in hot cars can experience heat stroke within only a matter of minutes. Heat stroke causes children's skin to become red and dry. They become unable to produce the sweat needed to reduce their core body temperature; the heart rate quickens and they eventually become confused and lose consciousness before the organ systems fail. When there is not enough oxygen in the car for a long enough period of time, children die of asphyxiation, as well as heat exposure.
Leaving Children Unattended in Hot Vehicles

Small children and infants are more sensitive to extreme heat. According to Dr. Martin Eichelberger, director of trauma surgery at Children’s National Medical Center and president of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, "Heat rapidly overwhelms the body’s ability to regulate temperature. In a closed environment, the body can go into shock and circulation to vital organs will begin to fail."

Heat exhaustion can occur at temperatures above 90 degrees and heat stroke can occur when temperatures rise above 105 degrees. When a child is enclosed in a hot car, the child loses body fluids and salts through sweat-ing, causing heat exhaustion. If not treated immediately, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. In heat stroke, a child can no longer sweat. The body temperature rises to deadly levels leading to severe damage to the brain, liver and kidneys, or even death.

Keep in mind that a car is basically a metal box. The hot sun can turn this metal box into an oven. Nobody would ever consider leaving a child in an oven. When the outside temperature is 93 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperatures inside a car can reach 125 degrees in just 20 minutes and 140 degrees in 40 minutes even if a window is cracked open. A car parked in direct sunlight can reach 131- 172 degrees Fahrenheit, even after only fifteen minutes. At that temperature it only takes a matter of minutes for children to die or suffer permanent disability.
(North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 1999)
Of the reported deaths, more than a third involved children who had crawled into unlocked cars during play and then perished in the sweltering heat. With children that are naturally curious and often lacking in fear, unlocked cars can pose serious risks. Once a child gets into a vehicle, they often do not have the developmental skills to get themselves out again.
(University of Michigan Health System)

General Motors and SAFEKIDS have teamed up to launch the “Never Leave Your Child Alone” campaign to inform parents and caregivers about the dangers of leaving children alone in a car. They want to teach parents that because a child’s core body temperature increases three to five times faster than an adult’s, even a quick errand could be fatal.

To make sure your child is safe in your vehicle this summer:

Never leave a child unattended in a motor vehicle, even with the window slightly open. On a sunny day, the temperatures inside a vehicle can reach potentially deadly levels in minutes.

Lock car doors and trunks – even at home – and keep keys out of children’s reach.
Watch kids closely around cars, particularly when loading and unloading.
Make sure all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination. If you’re afraid you might forget a sleeping infant in the car, leave the diaper bag by your purse or briefcase on the front seat.
If the car has been parked in the heat, make sure the carseat and seat buckles aren’t too hot before sitting and securing your child in a seat.

Attention Woman Car Buyers

2010-07-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

Buying a car always raises concerns, especially for woman.
You wonder, will I be taken seriously, do I need to bring a man with me?!
Statistics show that woman dread car shopping for these reasons and many more.

Here at Park Auto Group we make car buying comfortable for woman.
We treat all our customers with respect and kindness.

We understand that the largest growing demographic of car buyers are woman.
We do our best to provide woman a comfortable, relaxed and worry free experience.
Everything is open and upfront from the start.

Feel free to browse our website, call our dealership and set up a time to come in and visit our sales and service departments.

We will help you find the perfect vehicle, give you a fair deal and find a fit for your budget.

We want to make this a experience that you will not forget. We would be happy to have you not only as a customer but as part of our Park Family!

To speak to a friendly consultant call us at 1-866-939-6696.

Ask for Nicole- I look forward to hearing from you.

Car Seat, Booster and Seat Belt Safety

2010-07-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

Car Seats, Booster and Seat Belt Safety Fact Sheet

Key Facts

Child safety seats and safety belts, when installed and used properly, can prevent injuries and save lives. Each year, an estimated 975 child occupants under 14 years of age die as a result of a motor vehicle incident.

Young children restrained in child safety seats have an 80 percent lower risk of fatal injury than those who are unrestrained.

In 2005, more than 1,400 child occupants died in motor vehicle crashes and nearly half were unrestrained.

More than 203,000 occupants under 14 years of age were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2005.

From 1993 to 2002, there were 159 reported fatal injuries to children less than 12 years of age associated with airbag deployment. Of the total child fatalities 69.2 percent were unrestrained and 29.6 percent were improperly restrained.

For children ages 0 to 8, restraint use has increased from 15 percent in 1999 to 73 percent in 2005.

Children are more likely to be properly restrained when the driver is properly restrained.

In a study observing the misuse of 3,442 child restraint systems (CRS) in six states, approximately 73 percent of CRSs showed at least one critical misuse.
- 84 percent of CRSs showed critical misuses. Booster seat misuse was 41 percent.
The most common form of misuses for all CRSs included loose vehicle seat belt attachment to the CRS and loose harness straps securing the child to the CRSs.

Who is at Risk

African American children ages 4-7 have the lowest restraint use among children ages 4 to 7, an estimated 26 percent are not restrained while riding in a motor vehicle. Asian children have the highest restraint use, followed by white and Hispanic children.

Children 2 to 5 years of age using safety belts prematurely are four times more likely to suffer a serious head injury in a crash than those restrained in child safety seats or booster seats.

Child Restraint System Effectiveness

Child safety seats reduce fatal injury in passenger cars by 71 percent for infants less than 1 year old and by 54 percent for toddlers 1 to 4 years of age. For children 4 to 7 years of age, booster seats have shown to reduce injury risk by 59 percent compared to safety belts alone.

Among children under 5 years of age, 451 lives were saved in 2004 due to child restraint use. Of these 451 lives saved, the use of child safety seats was responsible for 413 saved lives and the use of safety belts saved 38 lives.

An estimated 1,700 children’s lives were saved between 1996 and 2002 solely because they were seated in a back seat.

Safety Interventions

Ensure that every occupant is properly restrained for every ride.

Always follow manufacturer’s instructions. Infants should ride in rear-facing child safety seats as long as possible (a minimum of 12 months old and 20 pounds).

Correctly secure children who have outgrown their rear-facing car seats in a forward facing child safety seat. Always use the safety seat tether for optimal protection.

Correctly secure children over 40 pounds in a booster seat or other appropriate child restraint until the adult lap and shoulder safety belts fit correctly (approximately 4’9” and 80-100 pounds, usually between 8 and 12 years).

Return the product registration card provided for all new child safety seats to the manufacturer to ensure you will be notified of any recalls.

Check www.recalls.gov to inquire about any recalls or safety notices on child safety seats. Avoid purchasing safety seats from yard sales, flea markets and second hand stores or when there is no known history of the seat.

Laws and Regulations

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have child restraint laws. In 38 states and the District of Columbia all children younger than 16 are covered by either safety belt laws or child restraint laws.

As of November 2006, 38 states and the district of Columbia had upgraded their child restraint laws to require the use of booster seats or other appropriate child restraint device by children up to as old as 9.

Belt use laws in 25 states and the District of Columbia are standard, or primary, meaning police may stop vehicles solely for belt law violations.

15 Ways to Beat the Heat!

2010-07-07T09:06:00.001-07:00

Keeping cool when temperatures reach record highs isn't just about comfort. Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The following tips can help you keep cool all summer long.

Alter your pattern of outdoor exercise to take advantage of cooler times (early morning or late evening). If you can't change the time of your workout, scale it down by doing fewer minutes, walking instead or running, or decreasing your level of exertion.

Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably of a light color.

Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetics.

Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a quick refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.

Fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air-conditioned house.

Try storing lotions or cosmetic toners in the refrigerator to use on hot, overtired feet.

Keep plastic bottles of water in the freezer; grab one when you're ready to go outside. As the ice melts, you'll have a supply of cold water with you.

Take frequent baths or showers with cool or tepid water.

Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes.

Some people swear by small, portable, battery-powered fans. At an outdoor event I even saw a version that attaches to a water bottle that sprays a cooling mist.

I learned this trick from a tennis pro: if you're wearing a cap or hat, remove it and pour a bit of ice cold water into the hat, then quickly invert it and place on your head.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.

Instead of hot foods, try lighter summer fare including frequent small meals or snacks containing cold fruit or low fat dairy products. As an added benefit, you won't have to cook next to a hot stove.

If you don't have air-conditioning, arrange to spend at least parts of the day in a shopping mall, public library, movie theater, or other public space that is cool. Many cities have cooling centers that are open to the public on sweltering days.

Finally, use common sense. If the heat is intolerable, stay indoors when you can and avoid activities in direct sunlight or on hot asphalt surfaces. Pay special attention to the elderly, infants, and anyone with a chronic illness, as they may dehydrate easily and be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Don't forget that pets also need protection from dehydration and heat-related illnesses too.

8 Top Traffic Ticket Myths

2010-07-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

8 top traffic-ticket myths

Much of what you've heard isn't true. But this is: If an officer asks if you know why you were pulled over, the answer is a very polite 'no.'

By Bankrate.comDrivers of red cars get more tickets. If you don't sign a ticket, the case will be dropped.
If the officer gets your hair color wrong on the ticket, you'll win.
Such stories relating to traffic tickets abound, but drivers and defendants will find that few of them are true.
The best advice is to simply to obey the law, know that rules and procedures vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and not count on urban myths when you hope to escape a ticket -- or its consequences.

Myth No. 1

If the officer makes a single mistake on your ticket, the case will be dropped.A ticket should be seen as an accusatory instrument and a basis for prosecution that must be factually valid, says Matisyahu Wolfberg, an attorney and former police officer from Spring Valley, N.Y., who represents defendants in traffic cases.

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Clerical mistakes, such as a wrong number or wrong order of a person's name, are usually overlooked. Material mistakes, like the identity of the driver, the direction of travel, the street where the citation occurred or the description of the vehicle, can usually help a driver win the case.

Talk back: Have you ever considered fighting a traffic ticket?

"Any mistakes that involve who, where and how usually can be used to beat the case in a trial. If the description of the vehicle is inaccurate, the officer will usually lose," says Wolfberg.
He recalls one recent case in which the officer cited a white Mercedes when the defendant was actually driving a black Porsche.

Myth No. 2

If the officer doesn't show up in court, you automatically win.Though this may happen in many cases, there's nothing automatic about it. Most judges will drop a case if the officer does not appear in court because defendants have a constitutional right to question their accusers.
However, in some jurisdictions, a case is scheduled at a time to help ensure the officer is present, or a judge will reschedule the case altogether. Wolfberg says that in most cases an officer not showing up will result in a dismissal, but there is no guarantee."It all depends on the jurisdiction, the court, the judge, the law," says Wolfberg. "Most judges feel the pain of people taking time off work and out of their lives to come to court and will dismiss if the officer doesn't show."

Myth No. 3

Red cars get more tickets.Forum posters on Color Matters, a Web site that focuses on color theory and everything that color affects, claim drivers of red cars get more tickets.
There are no official studies to confirm that red cars do get more tickets, but some suggest the bold color tends to attract more attention from everyone, including police officers. There is also a theory that red cars can create an optical illusion that makes them appear to be going faster than they really are.
One myth says that insurance companies charge higher premiums for red cars. Allstate and Progressive say that a car's color has no bearing on the premiums they charge.

Myth No. 4

You need a lawyer to beat a ticket.You might expect most traffic-ticket attorneys to say you can't beat your own ticket. With a little time and homework, however, many people successfully fight their own traffic tickets. At the very least, first-time offenders for minor offenses can usually strike a plea bargain in most jurisdictions.
An attorney's fee will often outweigh the fines and impact of a first violation, but in states such as Texas and Florida, some law firms have entire practices dedicated to fighting tickets and can often do so at reasonable rates.

Myth No. 5

If you get a ticket in another state, your home state won't find out about it.The interstate Driver License Compact is an agreement between participating states that share information regarding certain types of traffic convictions. Reports on traffic violations and suspensions are forwarded to the home state of the nonresident.
There are only a handful of states that are not members of the compact.
There is also the National Driver Register, a database of information about drivers who have had their licenses revoked or suspended due to serious traffic violations. States provide the register with information about these serious offenses, and those in the database can be denied licenses in other states.

Myth No. 6

You can make up an excuse to get out of the ticket.Most police officers aren't interested in excuses. When an officer pulls you over, he already suspects you of an infraction. You'll have your day in court and many ways to fight the ticket.
Remember: Any explanation you give about why you were speeding is an admission that you were speeding. If an officer logs those explanations in his notes, the statements could later be used against you in court. That's why, whenever an officer asks if you know why you've been pulled over, always answer "no" and just take the ticket.
"Never admit to speeding in the process of talking," says Aaron Quinn, the communications director for the National Motorists Association. "I would say just to be polite with the officer. Reasoning with the officer is something that might help you out if you actually are on your way to the hospital. You can try talking; just don't admit guilt."

Myth No. 7

A radar detector will ensure that you never get pulled over."Radar detectors give drivers a false sense of security that they can speed as much as they want without facing the consequences of breaking the law," says Ken Underwood, the president of the National Safety Commission, an organization that promotes safe driving.
But speeding drivers are also more likely to commit other infractions, and a radar detector can't tell you when a cop is watching you run that red light or make an illegal turn. Virginia and Washington, D.C., both ban the use of radar detectors. This year, a Florida bill making the devices illegal died in the Legislature.
Radar-detector users often find themselves chasing new technology as law enforcement upgrades its speed-detection devices. Many officers now routinely use lasers, and many states have banned the use of jammers designed to foil them.

Myth No. 8

If you don't sign the ticket, it will be dismissed.Signing a ticket is not an admission of guilt. The signature is merely an acknowledgement you received the ticket and a promise to appear in court.

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Refusing to sign the ticket -- and there are drivers who think that if they don't sign, they can lie in court and say they weren't there -- will do nothing but agitate the officer and invite more scrutiny.In some states, such as Texas, refusal to sign a ticket can mean a trip to jail. Houston attorney Robert Eutsler says that if you don't sign the ticket, the officer has the choice to either take you to jail or write on the ticket "refused to sign."
"It's a promise to appear in court on a certain day -- that's all it is,'' says Eutsler. "It's certainly a myth that if you don't sign it, it's going to get dismissed. You're more likely to get arrested, and the officer is going to get very upset."
This article was reported and written by Craig Guillot for Bankrate.com

Come and support this wonderful Cause!

2010-06-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

Local Firework Schedual for NE Ohio

2010-06-29T09:02:00.000-07:00

City	Date	Location	Time
Akron	July 4th	Fireworks finale after Akron Symphony Concert in Lock 3	8:45 p.m.
Ashland	July 4th	At stadium	9:30 p.m.
Alliance	July 4th	Silver Park on Route 183	9:45 p.m.
Amherst	NONE
Ashtabula	NONE
Aurora	July 4th	Sunny Lake Park	9:45 p.m.
Avon	July 4th	All Pro Freight Stadium	After the game
Avon Lake	July 4th	Miller Road Park	At dusk
Bay Village	July 5th	Cahoon Park	9:45 p.m.
Barberton	NONE
Bedford Heights	July 3rd	St. Peter Chanel High School	At dusk
Beachwood	NONE
Bedford	July 3rd	St. Peter Chanel High School	At dusk
Berea	July 4th	Coe Lake	At dusk
Bratenahl	July 3rd	Village Park	At dusk
Brecksville	NO 4th FIREWORKS	Home Days, Square in Brecksville, June 26th & 27th	10 p.m.
Brook Park	NO 4th FIREWORKS	Home Days,Rec. Center and City Hall, July 11th	10 p.m.
Brunswick	July 3rd	Brunswick Community Recreation Center	9:45 p.m.
Canton	June 30th	Downtown Canton	10 p.m.
Chagrin Falls	NONE
Cedar Point	July 4th	Cedar Point	10 p.m.
Chesterland	NONE
Cleveland	July 4th	Dock 20	10 p.m.
Cleveland Heights	NONE
Conneaut	July 4th	Conneaut Township Park	10:15 p.m.
Cuyahoga Falls	NONE
Cuyahoga Heights	NONE
Dover	NONE
East Cleveland	NONE
Eastlake	July 4th	Classic Park Stadium	10 p.m.
Elyria	NONE
Euclid	NONE
Fairlawn	NONE
Garfield Heights	NONE
Geneva-on-the-Lake	July 4th	Geneva-on-the-Lake Municipal Golf Course	10 p.m.
Grafton	NONE
Hudson	July 2nd	Barlow Farm Park	At dusk
Huron	NONE
Independence	July 2nd	Elm Wood Park	At dusk
Kent	July 3rd	Downtown Kent	At dusk
Lakewood	July 4th	Lakewood Park	9:30 p.m.
Lyndhurst	NONE
Lorain	July 4th	Lakeside Landing and Black River Landing	10 p.m.
Macedonia	NONE
Mantua	NONE
Maple Heights	July 2nd	Stafford Park	At dusk
Massillon	July 4th	Massillon Stadium Park	10 p.m.
Mayfield Heights	NO 4th FIREWORKS	Community Unity Days, end of August
Mayfield Village	July 3rd	Displayed at Center Elementary School	At dusk
Medina	July 3rd	Medina Recreation Center	At dusk
Mentor	July 4th	Civic Center Park	9:50 p.m.
Mentor on the Lake	NONE
Middleburg Heights	NO 4th FIREWORKS	Summer in the City Festival, Smith Road, June 26th	10 p.m.
New Philadelphia	July 3rd	Tuscora Park	10 p.m.
Newburgh Heights	NONE
North Canton	July 5th	On 7th Street around Memorial Stadium	At dusk (likely 10 p.m.)
North Olmsted	NONE
North Randall	NONE
North Ridgeville	July 3rd	South Central Park	Midnight
North Royalton	NO 4TH FIREWORKS	Fireworks as part of Home Days August 22nd	At dusk
Oakwood	NONE
Oberlin	July 4th	Oberlin Recreation Complex	At dusk
Olmsted Falls	NONE
Orrville	July 4th	Orr Park	10:15 p.m.
Painesville	NONE
Parma	NONE
Parma Heights	NONE
Pepper Pike	NONE
Ravenna	NONE
Richmond Heights	NONE
Rocky River	NONE
Sagamore Hills	NONE
Sandusky	NONE	See Cedar Point
Seven Hills	NO 4th FIREWORKS
Shaker Heights	July 4th	Shaker Middle School	At dusk
Sheffield Village	NONE
Solon	July 4th	Community Park	At dusk
South Euclid	NONE
Stow	NO 4th FIREWORKS
Streetsboro	NO 4th FIREWORKS	Family Days, July 31st, Streetsboro City Park	After Bo Bice performs (likely 9:45 p.m.)
Strongsville	July 4th	Foltz Parkway	At dusk
Valley View	NONE
Vermilion	NONE
Wadsworth	July 3rd	Memorial Park	At dusk
Walton Hills	NO 4th FIREWORKS	Community Day, Thomas G. Young Park, August 8th	At dusk
Warrensville Heights	NONE
Westlake	July 4th	Clague Park	At dusk
Wickliffe	July 4th	Coulby Park	At dusk
Willoughby	July 4th	Willoughby South High School	9:45 p.m.
Willoughby Hills	NONE
Willowick	NONE
Wooster	July 4th	Kinney Property/Oldman Road and Burbank Road	10 p.m

Stop Throwing Your Money Away

2010-06-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

There's no question that disposable items can be incredibly convenient sometimes. But if you stop and think about it, they're not all they're cracked up to be.

While it might be quicker to throw something in the trash when you're done using it than washing it and putting it away, you do have to have to spend time going to the store and buying the same products all over again. The costs for buying products again and again can really add up.

Plus you're not only throwing away your hard earned money. You're also disposing of the resources used to make the throwaway products and unnecessarily sending things to the landfill.

No one is suggesting that you stop using disposables altogether, just that you give it a little more thought. Some disposables are hard to live without (such as diapers), but the items on the list below will be barely noticeable once you change a few habits. You'll need to spend a little money up front to save down the line.

A family of four can save $3,164 a year by cutting back or eliminating the items listed below. Of course, the final savings ultimately depends on what you use now, how much you cut back, and local prices. No matter the exact total, wouldn't you rather spend money on a family vacation instead of disposable junk?

Paper napkins

Use cloth napkins instead. Worried about the laundry piling up? Assign a different color napkin to each family member (or try this fun DIY napkin project). The idea is that if the same person uses the same napkin at every meal, you can wash napkins less often.

Potential savings: Count on saving around $57 a year if everyone in your family uses one napkin at every meal. You'll also save 4,368 paper napkins from being tossed in the landfill each year.

Paper towels

Wipe up spills with cloth towels. Use rags for cleaning. You can make your own by cutting up old sheets, T-shirts, towels, etc., or buy microfiber towels. For windows try crumpling up old newspapers.

Potential savings: If your household uses one roll of paper towels each week, you can save around $83 a year.

Resealable, plastic storage bags

Reuse them by washing them out and letting air dry. (It's not a good idea to reuse bags that were used to store raw meat.) There are now several kinds of reusable sandwich and snack bags that are widely available. Store leftovers in plastic or glass reusable containers.

Potential savings: You'll save around $78 a year if you stop using throwaway plastic bags for weekday lunches and storing leftovers.

Paper coffee filters

Try a reusable coffee filter or make coffee in a French press, which doesn't require a filter.

Potential savings: About $15 a year if you make one pot of coffee every day.

Single-serve bottled drinks

Carry a reusable stainless-steel bottle to transport water and other drinks when you're on the go.

Potential savings: About $2,187 if each member of your family consumers one bottled beverage a day.

Aluminum foil

Save leftovers in reusable plastic or glass containers. Avoid using foil to line baking sheets.

Potential savings: Around $64 a year if you use six rolls of foil (200 square feet each).

Single-use batteries

It's much easier to use rechargeable batteries than you think. Rechargeable AA batteries and chargers, ubiquitous for TV and gaming remotes and kids' toys, are widely available. An added bonus: You don't have to run to the store when your remote runs out of juice. Just recharge the batteries and you're good to go.

Potential savings: If you use around 25 AA batteries a year, you'll save around $28 a year. You can also feel good about not unnecessarily sending batteries to the landfill.

Disposable razors blades

Use an electric razor instead.

Potential savings: About $122 a year if your household uses 54 razor blades a year.

Paper publications

Read your favorite newspapers and magazines online instead of letting the paper pile up at home. You'll find a lot of interesting content for free online, but even if you have to pay to read articles you'll still come out ahead.

For example, subscribing to the electronic edition of the New York Times costs $29.95 a month. Compare that to the $769.60 price tag for seven-day home delivery (It's $608.40 if you live in the Tri-State area.)

Potential savings: Depending on where you live, you'll either save $530 or $369 a year.

Stop throwing money away

2010-06-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

There's no question that disposable items can be incredibly convenient sometimes. But if you stop and think about it, they're not all they're cracked up to be.
While it might be quicker to throw something in the trash when you're done using it than washing it and putting it away, you do have to have to spend time going to the store and buying the same products all over again. The costs for buying products again and again can really add up.

Plus you're not only throwing away your hard earned money. You're also disposing of the resources used to make the throwaway products and unnecessarily sending things to the landfill.
No one is suggesting that you stop using disposables altogether, just that you give it a little more thought. Some disposables are hard to live without (such as diapers), but the items on the list below will be barely noticeable once you change a few habits. You'll need to spend a little money up front to save down the line.
A family of four can save $3,164 a year by cutting back or eliminating the items listed below. Of course, the final savings ultimately depends on what you use now, how much you cut back, and local prices. No matter the exact total, wouldn't you rather spend money on a family vacation instead of disposable junk?

Paper napkins
Use cloth napkins instead. Worried about the laundry piling up? Assign a different color napkin to each family member (or try this fun DIY napkin project). The idea is that if the same person uses the same napkin at every meal, you can wash napkins less often.
Potential savings: Count on saving around $57 a year if everyone in your family uses one napkin at every meal. You'll also save 4,368 paper napkins from being tossed in the landfill each year.

Paper towels
Wipe up spills with cloth towels. Use rags for cleaning. You can make your own by cutting up old sheets, T-shirts, towels, etc., or buy microfiber towels. For windows try crumpling up old newspapers.
Potential savings: If your household uses one roll of paper towels each week, you can save around $83 a year.

Resealable, plastic storage bags
Reuse them by washing them out and letting air dry. (It's not a good idea to reuse bags that were used to store raw meat.) There are now several kinds of reusable sandwich and snack bags that are widely available. Store leftovers in plastic or glass reusable containers.
Potential savings: You'll save around $78 a year if you stop using throwaway plastic bags for weekday lunches and storing leftovers.

Paper coffee filters
Try a reusable coffee filter or make coffee in a French press, which doesn't require a filter.
Potential savings: About $15 a year if you make one pot of coffee every day.

Single-serve bottled drinks
Carry a reusable stainless-steel bottle to transport water and other drinks when you're on the go.
Potential savings: About $2,187 if each member of your family consumers one bottled beverage a day.

Aluminum foil
Save leftovers in reusable plastic or glass containers. Avoid using foil to line baking sheets.
Potential savings: Around $64 a year if you use six rolls of foil (200 square feet each).

Single-use batteries
It's much easier to use rechargeable batteries than you think. Rechargeable AA batteries and chargers, ubiquitous for TV and gaming remotes and kids' toys, are widely available. An added bonus: You don't have to run to the store when your remote runs out of juice. Just recharge the batteries and you're good to go.
Potential savings: If you use around 25 AA batteries a year, you'll save around $28 a year. You can also feel good about not unnecessarily sending batteries to the landfill.

Disposable razors blades
Use an electric razor instead.
Potential savings: About $122 a year if your household uses 54 razor blades a year.

Paper publications
Read your favorite newspapers and magazines online instead of letting the paper pile up at home. You'll find a lot of interesting content for free online, but even if you have to pay to read articles you'll still come out ahead.
For example, subscribing to the electronic edition of the New York Times costs $29.95 a month. Compare that to the $769.60 price tag for seven-day home delivery (It's $608.40 if you live in the Tri-State area.)
Potential savings: Depending on where you live, you'll either save $530 or $369 a year.

25 Things I learned from my Dad!

2010-06-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

1. Never waste water.

2. Listen to good music, especially jazz.

3. Ella Fitzgerald was a great artist and a nice lady. Duke Ellington was a great artist and an elegant, articulate man. Miles Davis was a great artist but kind of a cuckoo clock. Stan Getz played a sweet sax, Illinois Jacquet played a driving sax, Coleman Hawkins played a rich, warm sax, Flip Phillips played an energetic sax, Lester Young played a delicate sax, and Charlie Parker played the saxophone like God.

4. Admire people who are not only good at what they do, but who love doing it.

5. Respect your roots.

6. Never waste food.

7. Mechanical things are as much art as science. They express beauty as well as order. Therefore, regularly check the fluid levels in your car.

8. Your body is a beautiful machine. Eat right and exercise.

9. Never waste money.

10. Be kind to children and animals.

11. Be a good friend.

12. Never waste anything.

13. When you’re watching a nature show on television, don’t feel too bad when the lion kills the gazelle because the lion has to eat, too.

14. How to make good Pasta Fazul.

15. How to change a flat tire.

16. There’s always something.

17. Everything’s fate.

18. Don’t scuff your shoes.

19. Anticipate what could go wrong—something always goes wrong—and try to prevent it from happening. If it happens anyway, learn from it.

20. Act a little cocky.

21. There’s only one way to do things: the right way. Corollary: If you need a stone wall, hire an Italian mason.

22. When you’re screwing something in, make sure it’s on good and tight, but don’t overdo it, or you’ll strip the screw.

23. Don’t take the little sticker off the peach until you’re ready to eat it because the sticker will rip the skin and make it go bad faster.

24. Listen to people. Listen to their stories. Listen deeply. That’s how you learn things.

25. Love your family. They’re for always.

2010-06-15T09:24:00.001-07:00

Used car dealers carry the stigma of the balding salesman with the obvious comb over wearing a plaid sports coat from the 1970s doing everything they can to look cool and talk smoothly to their customers. The stereotype of these sleazy salesman that mislead their customers with their fast talking misinformation could not further away form the used car sales people that earn their living by selling quality used vehicles and practice honest and ethical sales tactics to close their customers. The stigma of a dishonest car dealer is so strong that many people dread buying a car and avoid shopping for a vehicle for as long as they can that would make their lives better.
Regulated by a state run agency that licenses each sales person and monitors the business practices of each new and used car dealership customers can have peace of mind in knowing that when they buy a used vehicle they are getting the best car at the best price and making a great deal when they purchase from a used car dealer.
Many sales people are honest, hard working individuals that are eager to make a sale, but know that word of mouth is still the best form of advertising and that repeat customers and referrals are the only way to conduct business. If you look around at the people that work for the dealerships you will notice that the majority of sales people are clean cut and professional. They are knowledgeable about their inventories and approachable with questions about the vehicles that they are selling. With an open and honest approach to greeting their customers and dealing fairly with them, the used car sales people are changing the old stigma of the sleazy salesman and replacing that image with one that is friendly and honest in their dealings.

The History of Fathers Day

2010-06-14T10:20:00.001-07:00

The idea for creating a day for children to honor their fathers began in Spokane, Washington. A woman by the name of Sonora Smart Dodd thought of the idea for Father's Day while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909. Having been raised by her father, William Jackson Smart, after her mother died, Sonora wanted her father to know how special he was to her. It was her father that made all the parental sacrifices and was, in the eyes of his daughter, a courageous, selfless, and loving man. Sonora's father was born in June, so she chose to hold the first Father's Day celebration in Spokane, Washington on the 19th of June, 1910.
In 1926, a National Father's Day Committee was formed in New York City. Father's Day was recognized by a Joint Resolution of Congress in 1956. In 1972, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father's Day to be held on the third Sunday of June. So Father's Day was born in memory and gratitude by a daughter who thought that her father and all good fathers should be honored with a special day just like we honor our mothers on Mother's Day.

Family Road Trip Must-Haves

2010-06-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

Family Road Trip Must-Haves

Planning Ahead Can Make or Break Your Trip
When you're on the road, there are two types of things you'll need: the grown-up stuff, and the kids' stuff. We'll cover both here.

Cell phone. We're not suggesting talking while you drive, but if you get lost, blow a tire, overheat an engine or need medical assistance, a cell phone is indispensable. If your adult partner (or teenage child) has a different carrier, have him or her bring a phone as well, because you never know which carrier will have a working signal at any given moment. Don't forget the car charger and wall charger. If you have (or are planning to buy) a Bluetooth-enabled phone, bear in mind that an increasing number of cars are available with hands-free Bluetooth technology and will allow you to call someone using only your voice.
Detailed maps. OK, sounds obvious, but how many times have you had to stop to ask directions during your lifetime? If you're on a road trip and lose your way, vehicle navigation systems are a gift from heaven. If your car doesn't have a nav system and you have the cash, consider getting an aftermarket unit. At worst, bring detailed maps, not just driving directions. Some maps or guides will also highlight features along the route and the all-important rest stops. Rand McNally, Thomas Brothers and especially AAA are good places to start. Getting directions from strangers you meet while traveling is dicey, at best. So don't rely on the guy at that gas station, or you could end up driving in circles.
Entertainment for the kids. We could spend all day on this one. Klutz Press publishes several books/activity packs for kids that will have you singing the company's praises, including Glove Compartment Games and Kids Travel — A Backseat Survival Guide, which has lots of puzzles, connect-the-dots and so on. Bring stories on CD — often you can get these at the library. For older kids, satellite radio such as Sirius or XM is a good bet. Finally, on long trips there's nothing better to keep kids busy than a DVD player or handheld electronic games. Some vehicles even offer gaming system connections so your kids can bring their favorite video games along with them. Naturally, there's always the entertainment fallback, traditional (and free) car games such as "I Spy" and "20 Questions" or "Geography."
Munchies. This cannot be overstated. You need lots of snacks and lots of variety. Water bottles, juice boxes, individual bags of chips or crackers, grapes (cut in half for little ones to avoid choking), fresh veggies (OK, that's for you), Cheerios, granola bars or yogurt sticks that have been frozen (kids love this!). Most young kids calm down a bit when they drink milk, so bring along milk boxes that are vacuum-packed and don't need refrigeration. (They can be hard to find; check the powdered milk area of the grocery store.) Use disposable plastic containers and resealable plastic bags so the car doesn't resemble a Tupperware party. Remember, kids can't shout while they're busy drinking and eating. Don't forget a couple of bags to hold all the trash, too.
Travel-sized goods. It isn't just shampoo and deodorant that come in travel sizes today. First aid kits, baby wipes, toys (classics like Mastermind and Connect Four, Etch-a-Sketch), hair brushes, disposable plastic placemats and bibs, sunscreen, bug repellent, just about everything comes in a mini version today, saving you a lot of weight in the suitcase and the need to rummage around looking for things. Pack all these things in one bag that is easy to get to, and you'll save not only time but energy as well.
Prescription medicines. If you forget them, you'll be waking your doctor and scrambling for the number of the nearest pharmacy. Also ask your pediatrician about over-the-counter motion sickness medication if you will be traveling on winding roads.
Change of clothing — for everyone. Nevermind the kids: If little Susie upchucks on your lap instead of her own, you'll be glad you brought along an extra pair of sweats. Don't overlook the obvious: extra diapers, undies, jackets.
Legal documents/Legal tender. Bring driver licenses (for all drivers) or IDs, vehicle registration, current insurance card, AAA card (or other roadside assistance information), ATM/debit card, credit card and cash. This neat little package will save your trip if you are pulled over by police, towed, or break down. Keep them in one place, preferably in a front pants pocket, because they're harder to pick. You also won't risk that moment of panic if you realize your purse is hanging on the back of a chair in the restaurant, 10 miles back.
Favorite blankie or stuffed animal. Torn or ratty, nothing, but nothing, becomes more valuable on a road trip than your child's "lovey." It connects him to home and makes him more comfortable in a strange place. It also helps him sleep. Don't leave home without it.
Shades. If your vehicle's rear windows aren't heavily tinted (and even if they are), you might need a sunshade to keep the sun out of your little ones' eyes. Built-in sunshades are featured on many luxury sedans, and you can also get them on the Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey. Several add-on sunshade accessories are available on the Web or in baby stores. Even then, it's a good idea to bring sunglasses for the whole family for those times you step out of the car and into a bright, sunny day.

Finally, you may already have a child safety seat, but is it a comfortable one? The rule of thumb is, the less expensive it is, the less padding there is between Junior and a hard piece of plastic. Check it out: Press down on the fabric...is there a lot of cushion, or will it feel like a rock after an hour? Remember: Keep 'em comfortable, and you'll keep everybody happy.

Flip Flops...

2010-06-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

To beat the summer heat, nothing seems more comfortable than the flips-flops. However of late, lots of health experts and beauty therapists are talking about the damaging effects of wearing flip-flops, all the time.
When we talk about comfortable casual clothing for summers, flip-flops are a standard for all vacation and beach activities. But unfortunately, we need to look at other options for a cool casual summer look, as this kickback style can cause damage to your legs and feet.
Since, they don’t offer much of a cushion, have nearly no arch support and the grip is poor, your feet become highly susceptible to injuries and external damage. When you wear flip-flops, your muscles have to work harder and your joints are more stressed which can lead to problems later on. Also, since most of your foot remains exposed, you can suffer damage if something falls accidentally onto your feet or if your toes bump into any hard object.
Moderation is one solution
For the diehard flip-flops fans, who just cannot give up wearing their flip-flops completely, it’s better if they can at least avoid wearing them all the time. Wearing them once in a way really doesn’t pose much of a threat to your feet. Use them only for your regular leveled walks or when you are sitting and relaxing in the sun or by the pool. For all other activities avoid wearing them.
Buy the best quality
When buying flip flops, avoid the temptation to save money, and stick to buying quality stuff only. The high end flip flops, which are definitely costlier, have an in built arch support and good cushioning to reduce the stress on your muscles and joints, while walking. Also pay attention to the shape and the material used, to safeguard your feet from accidental damage.
Consider alternatives
Some of the footwear brands have come up with newer flips-flops upgrades which offer more support and comfort, such as the currently popular strapped gladiator style.

Fathers Day Award!!

2010-06-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

Is your dad worthy of an award? Of course he is! Make him this shiny, gold trophy for Father's Day.
Looking for more Father's Day fun? Get creative with one of these Father's Day crafts and recipe ideas.

What you'll need:

2 foam coffee cups
5 inch square box (or one cut to size)
Masking tape
1 gold chenille stem
Gold craft paint
Black construction paper, cut to fit on side of box
White paint pen
Scissors
Paintbrush
White craft glue

How to make it:

Turn cups upside down and trim bottom lips to make them flush. (See photo.)
Glue the bottoms of the two cups together. (See photo.)
Tape the square box shut by covering the entire box with masking tape. (See photo.)
When glue on the cups have dried, wrap a piece of masking tape around the middle where the two cups meet. (See photo.)
Cut the chenille stem in half and insert into each side of one of the cups as trophy handles. (See photo.)
Cover cups completely with masking tape. (See photo.)
Paint masking tape on both the trophy and the box gold. Let dry. (See photo.)
Write "Awarded World's Best Dad" on the black construction paper with white paint pen. Glue to the front of the box. (See photo.)
Pipe white glue onto the bottom of the cup that does not have the chenille handles. Press onto the top of the box and let glue dry completely. (See photo.)

Tips:

Fill the trophy cup with Dad's favorite candy.
Paper cups can be used instead of foam.
Use boxes from crackers, cereal bars, and convenience foods for projects like this one.

Drivers Spend Less Time on Cell Phones

2010-06-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

Drivers Spend Less Time on Cell Phones

The push to raise people’s awareness of distracted driving must be working because a survey found that drivers are using their mobile devices less than they did last year.
According to a survey by Nationwide Insurance, 20 percent of drivers surveyed said they text while driving, and of that group, 47% of drivers younger than 35 said they text and drive. Clearly, there’s work to be done with younger drivers. But four out of 10 of these drivers say they’re texting less than they did last year. The telephone survey of 1,005 U.S. adults was conducted by Harris Interactive from April 20-27.
What about drivers who just talk on their cell phones while behind the wheel? While 67% of drivers say they talk on their phones when driving, 30% of those drivers said they’re talking less than they did last year.
These numbers might sound high, but when Nationwide first started the annual survey in 2007, 73% of drivers talked on their cell phones when driving. In 2007, 19% of drivers admitted to texting and driving.

13 Things your Waiter/Waitress will not tell you

2010-06-04T08:26:00.001-07:00

1. Avoid eating out on holidays and Saturday nights. The sheer volume of customers guarantees that most kitchens will be pushed beyond their ability to produce a high-quality dish.
2. There are almost never any sick days in the restaurant business. A busboy with a kid to support isn't going to stay home and miss out on $100 because he's got strep throat. And these are the people handling your food.
3. When customers' dissatisfaction devolves into personal attacks, adulterating food or drink is a convenient way for servers to exact covert vengeance. Waiters can and do spit in people's food.
4. Never say "I'm friends with the owner." Restaurant owners don't have friends. This marks you as a clueless poseur the moment you walk in the door.
5. Treat others as you want to be treated. (Yes, people need to be reminded of this.)
6. Don't snap your fingers to get our attention. Remember, we have shears that cut through bone in the kitchen.
7. Don't order meals that aren't on the menu. You're forcing the chef to cook something he doesn't make on a regular basis. If he makes the same entrée 10,000 times a month, the odds are good that the dish will be a home run every time.
8. Splitting entrées is okay, but don't ask for water, lemon, and sugar so you can make your own lemonade. What's next, grapes so you can press your own wine?
9. If you find a waiter you like, always ask to be seated in his or her section. Tell all your friends so they'll start asking for that server as well. You've just made that waiter look indispensable to the owner. The server will be grateful and take good care of you.
10. If you can't afford to leave a tip, you can't afford to eat in the restaurant. Servers could be giving 20 to 40 percent to the busboys, bartenders, maître d', or hostess.
11. Always examine the check. Sometimes large parties are unaware that a gratuity has been added to the bill, so they tip on top of it. Waiters "facilitate" this error. It's dishonest, it's wrong-and I did it all the time.
12. If you want to hang out, that's fine. But increase the tip to make up for money the server would have made if he or she had had another seating at that table.
13. Never, ever come in 15 minutes before closing time. The cooks are tired and will cook your dinner right away. So while you're chitchatting over salads, your entrées will be languishing under the heat lamp while the dishwasher is spraying industrial-strength, carcinogenic cleaning solvents in their immediate vicinity.

Rainy Day Boredom Busters!

2010-06-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

Boy with all this rainy weather, nothing makes it worse than bored Kids...here are some helpful hints to help combat rainy day blues

Indoor / Outdoor Activities

Blow bubbles

Dance

Play hide and go seek

Play I Spy

Play jacks

Play Marco Polo

Paint

Make and fly paper airplanes

Plan a party (NOT a birthday party): an art party, a bug party, a baking party, a water party (sprinklers squirt guns etc.) ... be creative! Invite a few friends and think up related activities.

Plan a trip somewhere and research what you could do there

Train a pet to do something new

Act out a play or story

Do one of the projects you put off until summer

Read Aloud (my personal favorite)

Scavenger hunt

Tie-dye T-shirts (or Daddy's underwear!)

Do a paid job (Ask mom for a list)

Indoor Activities

Fill a large plastic bin with different shaped dry pastas dry beans rice whatever you can buy least expensively. Give them cups and "sand" toys and you have a winter alternative to the sandbox. (Spread a sheet under the bin they will get it everywhere then you can just gather up the sheet and dump it back in the bin.)

Books on tape and stuff like that from the library.

Camp in the house. One of our tents can be set up without the stakes so we have camp outs in the living room and make smores in the microwave. You can always drape a blanket over a table.

Make a tower from paper cups as tall as you can. Then remove the bottom piece and watch it tumble.

Subscribe or go to Family Fun's website. They always have a ton of creative ideas to try!

Invite some friends over

Learn something new together.... A foreign language, an instrument, how to sew, candle making, jewelry making, typing, etc.....

Think up 100 things you can do besides watch TV

Ask a question and find the answer

Go to McDonald's playland and get a soda for the morning.

Movie night - a special night a week where we rent a kid-friendly movie and eat popcorn.

Take a nap (you can always try)

Make a teepee

Let them sort your spools of thread or stick pins into your pin cushion (if you think he wouldn't hurt himself).

Write on a white board we all like that!

Make your own word search puzzles

Make a book of favorite animals, trees, bugs, etc.

Kids' Aerobics Video.

Play basketball with the Little Tikes basketball hoop.

Line up cans etc and get a ball and bowl

Go to the local appliance store and get large refrigerator boxes etc and make big forts (similar to McDonald's playland...okay use your imagination). The kids can have hours of fun running through them turning off the lights and using flashlights getting dad to play monster and even sleeping in them. You can also decorate them with paint or turn them into cars etc. My kids love to "invent" stuff out of them. I have even seen playhouses made that include curtains wallpaper etc. Check your local library for "The Great Big Box Book" by Flo Ann Hedley Norvell.

Play chase

Chin up bar we put it in one of the boy's rooms. This also helps to get out energy. - Diane

Set up an obstacle course in the living room or the basement using chairs with pillows over them (kids crawled under) different things to make circles they could step in with different feet a jump rope and a mini-trampoline.

Play racquetball in the garage or cellar (as long as you don't mind ball marks all over your walls)

Have an indoor "snowball" fight. Divide; give each one a stack of newspapers yell go and they have to wad up the sheets of newspaper into "snowballs" and throw them. Great fun! Last part is seeing who can gather the most balls into a trash bag!

Jump on a mini trampoline

Clean out a drawer

Clean the house fold laundry do dishes vacuum the rug... - Hee Hee

Mend

Help a child re-organize or decorate his/her room

Let them sort your canned goods or jello boxes.

Plan a treasure hunt

Do a craft

Use large dry beans (limas etc.) and school glue and let him glue beans onto heavy paper or old folders. (You could dribble out a line of glue in the shape of something fun--a car for example--and then let him press the beans onto it.)

Save boxes and containers then give them a roll of foil and duct tape and let them create.

Make & send a card to someone who needs encouragement

Start a new collection of something (besides dust :o)

Color

Make and color paper dolls

Tex Mex Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing

2010-06-01T10:01:00.001-07:00

Ingredients

Butter, for preparing 8 by 8-inch glass pan
1 (8.5-ounce) box cornbread mix (recommended: Jiffy)
1 large egg
1/3 cup milk
1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 packet sazon seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup salsa
2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 head romaine lettuce, cut into strips
Creamy Lime Dressing, recipe follows
1 1/2 cups grated Monterey jack cheese
1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar
Special equipment: glass trifle dish

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease an 8 by 8-inch glass pan with butter. Stir together the cornbread mix with the egg and milk. Evenly spread into prepared pan and bake on the middle rack for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan to cool completely. Mix together the beans with the sazon and season with salt and pepper. Toss the salsa with the tomatoes. When ready to serve, cut the cornbread into 1/2-inch croutons. Toss the lettuce with 3/4 cups of the dressing. In a clear trifle dish, layer the Tex-Mex Salad beginning with the black beans followed by the Monterey jack cheese, the tomato salsa mixture, the Cheddar, the dressed romaine and top with the cornbread croutons. Serve the remaining dressing on the side.

Creamy Lime Dressing:

2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon lime zest
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 cup sour cream
1 clove garlic, smashed
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Special equipment: blender

Blend all the ingredients except the olive oil until smooth. While machine is running, slowly drizzle in the oil until incorporated. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
Yield: 1 1/2 cups

Park Auto Group Memorial Day Weekend Sales Event

2010-05-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

Park Auto Group Memorial Day Weekend Sales Event

Memorial Day History and Facts

2010-05-27T09:45:00.001-07:00

Memorial day is a great way to remember our patriotic heroes who sacrificed their lives to help us breathe the air of freedom. This day is observed with families and friends visiting cemeteries and memorials to pay homage to their loved ones. Want to know more about this historic holiday? Read on to learn about the history of Memorial day and even pick up some fun facts to share with your friends and loved ones.

“Your silent tents of green
We deck with fragrant flowers;
Yours has the suffering been,
The memory shall be ours.”
–Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Memorial Day History:

* When was Memorial Day first celebrated? Memorial day was first celebrated on May 30, 1868. It was observed by placing flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers during the first national celebration. Gen. James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which around 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who were buried there.
* Why is Memorial Day celebrated on May 30? Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. This date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.
* Who started the custom of wearing red poppies? In 1915, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” Moina Michael replied with her own poem.

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.

She then came up with an idea of wearing red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need.

Teen Driving Tips

2010-05-26T12:30:00.003-07:00

Tip #1: Drive Now. Talk Later.

The use of cell phones is the most common distractions for drivers.
Dialing a hand-held device (typically a cell phone) increases the risk of a crash or near-crash by almost 3 times, and talking or listening on a hand-held device by 1.3 times.
62 percent of high school drivers say they talk on a cell phone while driving and 24 percent say that talking on a cell phone is safe. More than one in five admits to text messaging while behind the wheel.
Sources: NHTSA and VTTI, SADD/Liberty Mutual

Tip #2: Pay Attention.

Nearly 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near crashes involved some form of driver inattention within three seconds before the crash.
A high percentage of the crashes reported by teens involved rear-ending a car that had stopped while the teen driver was looking away from the road.
Reaching for a moving object increased the risk of a crash or near-crash by 9 times, looking at an external object by 3.7 times, and reading by 3 times.
Sources: NHTSA and VTTI

Tip #3: Get Ready at Home — Not in the Car.

Applying makeup increases the risk of a crash or near-crash by almost 3 times.
Other risky behaviors including shaving, fixing your hair, and eating while driving.
Sources: NHTSA and VTTI

Tip #4: Drowsy? Pull Over.

Drowsiness is a significant problem that increases a driver's risk of a crash or near-crash by at least a factor of four. Driving while severely drowsy increases the risk to up to 8.5 times.
Statistics show that 100,000 police-reported crashes, 71,000 injuries, and 1,550 deaths occur due to drowsy driving each year in the U.S.
Sixty percent of adult drivers — about 168 million people — say they have driven a vehicle while feeling drowsy in the past year.
Sources: NHTSA and VTTI, NSF

Tip #5: Limit Teen Passengers.

Teen passengers in a vehicle can distract a beginning driver and/or lead to greater risk taking.
Fatal crashes involving 16-year-old drivers are much more likely to occur when other teenagers are in the car. The risk of a fatal crash increases in proportion to the number of teenage passengers.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for 36 percent of all deaths in this age group.
Sources: IIHS, CDC

Tip #6: Know the Facts about Age.

Today there are more than 18.9 million licensed drivers in the U.S. who are 70 or older. By 2020, it is estimated that there will be more than 30 million.
The accompaniments of aging can affect a driver's ability to sense, decide, and act.
As the number of older drivers increases, new mindsets and behaviors are necessary to prevent a corresponding increase in traffic accidents and fatalities.
Sources: NHTSA 2001, AAMVA

Crazy Traffic Laws

2010-05-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

Alabama

Apparently ‘Bama is an acronym for Blunt All Motorist Adventures, for officials there have inexplicably made it illegal to drive while blindfolded.

Alaska

Contrary to public opinion roof racks are not specifically designed for skis, snowboards and cocker spaniels. Or at least not in Alaska, where authorities have found it necessary to declare it illegal to tether a dog to the roof of a car.

Arkansas

Think twice while in Arkansas if you harbor an unflagging passion for cold cut sandwiches and honking your car horn. Arkansas authorities have deemed it illegal to blare a car horn where ice cold beverages or sandwiches are served after 9 p.m.

California

No matter how luxuriously comfortable that divided highway may look, it is illegal in Eureka, California, to use a road as a bed.

In order to save money on having to crop dust their streets, officials in Chico, California, have made it illegal to plant rutabagas in roadways.

Officials in Glendale, California, no doubt, caved in to insurance lobbyists when they inexplicably decided to make it illegal to jump from a car at 65 mph.

Don’t expect to find any salt-rimmed curbs in Hermosa Beach, California. Officials there have made it illegal to spill your Margarita on any street.

Connecticut

No need to get your Lexus Sport Luxury Sedan painted blaze orange. Hunting from cars in Connecticut is illegal, even during deer season.

Georgia

Going on an intuitive hunch that teeter-totters and cars don’t mix, officials in Dublin, Georgia, have made it illegal to drive through playgrounds.

Illinois

Beware if you own a bicycle in Galesburg, Illinois. The police there have no tolerance for “fancy riding.”

Iowa

Throw it and they (police) will come. In Mount Vernon, Iowa, it is illegal to throw your Red Ryder onto the highway.

Kansas

In Derby, Kansas, it is considered a misdemeanor to screech your tires while driving. This abominable act can cost you 30 days in jail.

In Topeka, Kansas, it is unlawful to transport dead poultry along Kansas Avenue. Lesson: look elsewhere for a KFC.

Kentucky

Make sure your canine does not harbor a weird fetish for tailgate lights or trailer hitches while in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. You’ll be fined if your pet molests a vehicle.

Maine

Be careful about Jonesing for a Bavarian Cream while in South Berwick, Maine. You’ll be ticketed if you park in front of Dunkin Donuts.

Maryland

Keep in mind while traveling through Rockville, Maryland, that the streets there are rated G. If you possess a PG-17 vocabulary, take the bypass. Swearing from a vehicle in Rockville is considered a misdemeanor.

Minnesota

In Minnetonka, Minnesota if you drive a truck that leaves mud, dirt or sticky substances on any road you will be considered a public nuisance that is harming the peace, safety and general welfare of the town.

Missouri

If you are a horn-honking hooligan you better be carrying your vehicle’s bill of sale if you have the nerve to toot your horn while in University City, Missouri. Officials there have wisely made it illegal to honk the horn of someone else’s car.

Nevada

To prevent any literal interpretation of Reno’s No Standing signs, authorities there have made it illegal to place a bench or chair in the middle of the road.

New Jersey

Don’t be feeling all fuzzy-warm about New Jersey residents if you’re driving through the state with a “Honk if You Love Skippy the Kangaroo” bumper sticker soldered to your vehicle’s trunk. New Jersey residents are required by law to honk before passing.

Arbor Day requires careful planning in Blairstown, New Jersey, for local officials there have made it illegal to plant trees in the middle of the street.

New York

Be sure to enter your vehicle feeling sartorially content while in Sag Harbor, New York. Officials there have made it illegal to disrobe while in your car.

North Carolina

Officials in Dunn, North Carolina, apparently harbor no faith in the intuitive powers of common sense:

First, they have made it illegal to play in traffic. So if you’re a parent make sure your kids play Candyland on the floor of a living room rather than on the asphalt of a passing lane.

Second, it is illegal to drive through a cemetery if you’re not there to dig a grave or bury someone. So if you intend to visit the grave of a loved one bring really powerful binoculars.

And third, even if you are considerate enough to yell “On your left,” officials still deem it illegal to drive on sidewalks.

Ohio

In Canton, Ohio, people wearing roller skates cannot share the streets with cars. And yes, this applies even during the “couples only” skate.

Oregon

In Oregon you need to be not only alert for state troopers with speed guns, but also with stop watches. For you can be ticketed if you leave your car door open longer than is deemed necessary.

You will be slapped with a Class A traffic violation if you use your car on an Oregon highway to prove your physical endurance.

If you opt for driving on a sidewalk while in Oregon, be sure to not attract the wrath of the law by not yielding to pedestrians.

Rhode Island

In Scituate, Rhode Island, it is illegal to drive with beer in your vehicle even if it is unopened. So, in other words, if you’re a beer delivery driver you’re screwed.

South Carolina

There’s a good reason why automakers don’t manufacture models named the Dodge Dumpster or the Lexus Litterbin. For in Hilton Head, South Carolina, it is illegal to store trash in your vehicle due to rat problems.

West Virginia

Virginia may be for lovers, but West Virginia is for meat lovers. Officials in the Mountain State have deemed it perfectly legal for anyone to scavenge road kill.

Helping Keep the community Safe!

2010-05-20T10:02:00.000-07:00

Here at Park Auto Group families are very important to us. With Summer right around the corner we would like to remind you to keep on the look out for kids riding bikes and skateboards on the streets. Also, remember to buckle your kids every time you get into your vehicle to go anywhere. Hug your kids at home, but belt them into your car-Author Unknown

Here is the link to sign Oprah's No Phone Zone Pledge- Lets keep America Safe! Will you sign the pledge?
http://www.oprah.com/questionaire/ipledge.html?id=4

12 Car Cleaning Myths

2010-05-19T13:06:00.001-07:00

12 Car Cleaning Myths

Car Cleaning Myth #1
Dish washing detergent is safe to use to wash your car.
First among them is the idea that plain, ordinary dish washing detergent is just fine and dandy for car wash purposes.
In the face of opinions that suggest, "go ahead, not a problem," when it comes to squeezing a little into a bucket of hot water and tackling the SUV or four-door sedan, Meguiar nixes the idea altogether.

Car Cleaning Myth #2
Washing and cleaning are the same.
A car wash removes loose contaminants; cleaning removes stubborn stains, blemishes and bonded contaminants, explains Meguiar. Bonded contaminants? Think tree sap and, almost as bad, a spray of tire rubber that no one can escape. "When you're driving behind someone, the rubber from the tires is landing somewhere -- and that's on your vehicle."

Car Cleaning Myth #3
A shiny car is clean.
In this case, seeing is not believing. "Your eyes can't tell you what's happening in the paint finish," says Meguiar, who suggests rubbing the face of your hand over the surface of the car after washing it. "It should feel like glass if it's right. Most of the time it's going to feel more like sandpaper. You can feel the contaminants." Products like a clay bar can easily remove bonded contaminants, something that's essential before applying polish or wax.

Car Cleaning Myth #4
Clay bars should only be used by professionals.
Remember how easy it was to use Silly Putty? Using a clay bar (like this one from Meguiar's) is just as easy. The bar (which comes in a kit) is able to grab and gently remove all bonded contaminants (like tree sap and road rubber).

Car Cleaning Myth #5
Waxing removes swirl marks.
Meguiar says swirl marks (scratches on the paint surface) can only be removed by getting to the bottom of them. Modern paint finishes magnify the scratches, making swirl marks a troubling aspects of car care. Fixing them depends on how deep the scratch is. Micro-fine scratches can be fixed with a non-abrasive paint cleaner; moderate ones may require something more serious; deeper swirl marks may need professional help.

Car Cleaning Myth #6
There is no difference between polishing and waxing.
Understanding what polishing and waxing are designed to do is key. Polishing creates a brilliant high-gloss surface; waxing protects the vehicle's finish by coating it with wax polymers, resins and silicones (which means waxing won't make a dull surface shiny).

Car Cleaning Myth #7
Machine polishers damage the paint finish.
Speed is the key; a dual-action polisher or orbital buffer shouldn't be a problem for even the most inexperienced. Not so with rotary buffers, which operate at much higher RPMs and are best left to the pros.

Car Cleaning Myth #8
Diapers, t-shirts and flannel make good cleaning cloths.
A smooth surface is exactly what you don't want to see in a cloth, the reason being those fine particulates that you're trying to capture. While cloth diapers or t-shirts may be clean, they're actually scratching the surface; a premium terrycloth microfiber towel is what's recommended -- the deep-pile surface creates a buffer zone that will pick up the bad stuff, not grind it into the paint finish.

Car Cleaning Myth #9
Wax protection can be guaranteed to last one year.
A claim may help sell a product, but Barry Meguiar says there are enough variables in place that make such guarantees suspect. A better strategy might be to consider those differences -- weather, use of road salt, whether your vehicle is parked outside or garaged -- and maintain accordingly. Meguiar's is taking that idea a step further with personalized service that gives owners options based on expectations.

Car Cleaning Myth #10
Paste wax offers greater protection than liquid wax.
While Barry Meguiar admits this once was true, times have changed. "In the old days, there was a great reliance on carnauba wax, which was the hardest natural wax available. Fifty years later we have synthetic waxes, polymers and resins that have far more resilience than carnauba and enhance the gloss. Interestingly, carnauba (which people still want to see in a product) actually grays the surface of a vehicle."

Car Cleaning Myth #11
Lighting a hood on fire, without damaging the paint finish, proves the protective qualities of a car wax.
It may be a nice science trick, but that's about it. Even if the paint surface has little or no protection, setting fire to a pool of alcohol will produce nothing more than a barely warm surface when the flame goes out--which it will do in just a few seconds.

Car Cleaning Myth #12
Once a car is waxed, regularly protecting the paint finish becomes unnecessary.
Remember that tree sap and tire rubber? It's never-ending, which means so is the need to remove it (and everything else the world might throw at the surface of your vehicle). The best strategy: Remove the contaminants with a mist-and-wipe product before they have time to bond to the vehicle's paint.

A recipe from Nicole in our Business Development department

2010-04-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but in my house with 4 boys to get ready, breakfast as a family is very hard these days. With spring here we have soccer and baseball going on. Here is a great recipe to make on those busy Saturday mornings that will surely please your family.

Nicole
(Business Development Center)

Chocolate and Strawberry Stuffed French Toast
Ingredients

* 3 eggs
* 1 1/4 cups nonfat milk
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
* 8 slices of whole-wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed
* 1 (8-ounce) container strawberries, hulled and sliced
* 4 teaspoons bittersweet chocolate chips
* Cooking spray
* 2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and vanilla. Set aside.

Place 1 tablespoon of ricotta in the center of 4 of the pieces of bread and spread around slightly. Top with about 6 slices of strawberries and a teaspoon of chocolate chips. Cover each with another piece of bread to make a "sandwich".

Spray a large nonstick skillet or griddle with cooking spray and preheat. Carefully dip each of the "sandwiches" into the egg mixture until completely moistened. Then place on the skillet and cook over a medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the outside is golden brown and the center is warm and chocolate is melted.

Transfer to serving places. Top with remaining strawberries and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

Source - http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/chocolate-and-strawberry-stuffed-french-toast-recipe/index.html

NOW HIRING !!!

2010-04-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

Park Auto Group - Akron, Ohio is looking for a Sales Professional and an Experienced Auto Mechanic Technician. Click here for more info.

Used 2004 Ford Taurus SES For Sale

2010-04-08T06:07:00.000-07:00

Looking for a nice car under $7,000?....HELLO !!...Check out this sharp 2004 Ford Taurus. A terrific car that will get you around town at an affordable price,
this Taurus is fantastic for anyone, but is REALLY perfect for the
family on the go.

Click here for all the details !!

Get your car all sparkling clean and ready for the sunshine !!!

2010-04-02T07:55:00.000-07:00

Get your car all sparkling clean and ready for the sunshine !!!
A COMPLETE EXTERIOR DETAIL...WASH AND WAX FOR ONLY $89.95...AT PARK AUTO GROUP.
http://www.parkautogroup.com/specials/service.htm

http://www.parkautogroup.com/specials/service.htm

Crosstour named a top pick for families

2010-03-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

The automotive experts at Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com have named their "2010 Top 10 Family Cars." And Honda's very own 2010 Accord Crosstour has taken its place in the highly esteemed group. So what made the Crosstour stand out from the ever-growing pack of family-friendly choices?

The KBB editors considered factors like fuel efficiency, resale value and kid-friendliness. In the end, they saw that the Accord Crosstour offers all the qualities of its sedan counterpart, plus the additional benefits of available 4-wheel drive and increased cargo space. As they put it, it's "a big win for families." You can read more of the review at the Honda Web Site.

WWW.PARKHONDA.COM

Call Park Subaru at 1-888-408-1446

2010-03-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

Lease a brand new Subaru Impreza (model AJB) for only $116.00 a month !!!

http://www.parksubaru.com
36 months, 10K per year, $2,199 due at signing, plus tax and fees
15 cents/mi. over 10,000 miles/year, with approved credit, offer good through March 31, 2010

It's March Madness at Park Honda

2010-03-02T07:15:00.000-08:00

IT’S MARCH MADNESS TIME

HONDA EXPRESS SERVICE SPECIAL
Oil change $19.99
INCLUDES:
Factory Honda oil and filter, with a new sealing ring, check all fluids, fill up the windshield washer fluid and car wash.

FREE SIDESLIP/ALIGNMENT INSPECTION
Why test side slip?
Tires are expensive. We check sideslip to quickly determine if your car is going to rapidly wear tires. Sideslip also will show how straight the wheel is traveling down the road. If sideslip is excessive it usually is corrected by an alignment.

Has your vehicles seen any pot holes or traveled into the pitfalls of the roads we travel? NOW OFFERING,
ALL WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIAL.
$74.95

Pete Bonnot is retiring from Park Honda

2010-02-05T14:58:00.000-08:00

As most of you already know, after 29 years of exceptional sales and customer service, Pete Bonnot is retiring from Park Honda at the end of this month. It is an extreme rarity anymore that someone is with a company for that length of time, let alone in our business. Many of you have had the pleasure of working with Pete for most of those 29 years, purchasing several vehicles and amazingly, Pete is selling well into the 3rd generation of your families! Pete has turned what was a “job” into a successful career by putting your complete satisfaction above all else and that is what separates Pete and Park Honda from all the rest.
We encourage anyone who is able, to stop in just to say hi or wish Pete a happy, relaxing retirement; although knowing Pete, he will keep plenty busy!
By the way, if you or anyone you know would be looking at buying a new vehicle, we will be putting together special deals for Pete’s customers! Plus you will be helping send him out as the top salesperson this month!!

On behalf of Pete and Park Companies,
Thank you for your patronage throughout the years!
Adam Dungan and Andy Hetler, Sales Managers

www.parkhonda.com

2010-01-23T07:53:00.001-08:00

Some manufactures don't pay attention to the small details on their cars. Recently there has been alot of press about safety issues regarding floor mats in cars. Honda has been dedicated to keeping their customers safety in mind. Honda's floormats are engineered and designed for safety and comfort. They are designed to hook into place so they do not slide forward, interfering with the accelerator and braking pedals. Check out Honda's safety ratings on www.Honda.com!

Honda Safety for everyone

2010-01-22T14:38:00.000-08:00

Our Philosophy
Honda is committed to providing safety for everyone — not only for our own drivers and passengers, but also for other vehicle occupants and injury mitigation for pedestrians.

Through technology and innovation, we are developing increased levels of protection for the driver and all passengers in Honda and Acura vehicles. As a leader, Honda looks beyond government regulations, studying real world situations to develop new safety technologies for everyone.

In this section you will learn more about our efforts to make the world a safer place.

http://corporate.honda.com/safety

Take advantage of this special off from Park Honda TODAY !!!

2010-01-22T14:19:00.000-08:00

Production Version of 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe Makes Official Debut

2010-01-12T07:12:00.000-08:00

January 11 2010

All-new hybrid model set to go on sale in the U.S. this summer

The all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe, making its U.S. production debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, introduces sleek styling and sporty handling to the hybrid segment, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

"The CR-Z is a personal sport hybrid coupe for people with a spirit of adventure and an elevated sense of responsibility toward the environment," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "It's the first hybrid designed to maximize style and fun, in addition to efficiency and economy."

Set to go on sale late summer in the U.S., the CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Honda's compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system. The two-passenger CR-Z introduces a new three-mode drive system that allows the driver to select between Sport, Econ (Economy) and Normal driving modes.

The exterior's distinctive "one-motion" wedge form originates from its low-slung hood to form a broad forward stance. A side profile with a deeply inset beltline conveys a dynamic tension, while the short wheelbase and large, wide front grille accents the vehicle's athletic presence.

The futuristically styled interior offers a high-tech appearance and ergonomically intuitive controls. Instrument panel meters illuminate with a three-dimensional, vibrant blue color theme resulting in a multi-layered appearance. Set against a motif of textured black materials and aluminum-style trim accents, the upper portion of the dashboard extends toward the driver to provide a wrap-around cockpit environment. The passenger zone offers an open, comfortable space. Premium sport-oriented cloth seats are designed to provide excellent lateral support along with everyday driving comfort. A mid-ship console behind the front seats optimizes cargo space. A hard-shell separator can be closed to create additional hidden storage.

The two trim levels include the well-equipped CR-Z and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available. Standard features on the CR-Z include Vehicle Stability Assist, an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more. The CR-Z EX adds, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off, fog lights, a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD premium audio system with seven speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System¹ with voice recognition.

The CR-Z represents the sixth unique version of Honda's original IMA technology since the launch of the 2000 Insight, the first hybrid vehicle available in North America in December 1999. The foundation of the CR-Z's hybrid powertrain is a 4-cylinder, 16-valve, single overhead cam engine with "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the IMA system's DC brushless electric motor. The i-VTEC system controls the opening and closing of one intake valve per cylinder to enhance combustion at low RPMs. The 10-kilowatt electric motor assists in acceleration and also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy that recharges the 100-volt IMA nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The gasoline engine can automatically turn off during vehicle stops to improve efficiency.

The system delivers a combined peak output of 122 horsepower² at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft. of torque² at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm (123 lb-ft on CVT-equipped models). Preliminary fuel economy estimates are anticipated to result in a rating of 36 city/38 highway miles per gallon³ on CVT-equipped models. Manual transmission models are anticipated to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 31 city/37 highway miles per gallon³. The CR-Z is rated as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in states that adhere to California Air Resource Board (CARB) ZEV standards (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 in all states).

The standard six-speed manual transmission is engineered for optimal acceleration performance in gears one through five and for optimal fuel economy in sixth gear. When starting on steep inclines from a stop, hill start assist temporarily prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards during the moment between releasing the brake, depressing the throttle and releasing the clutch (for a duration of approximately 1.5 seconds). The available CVT provides the convenience of an automatic transmission with a seamless transition between minimum and maximum ratios, while also keeping the engine within an optimal RPM range for overall efficiency. To increase the performance potential of the CVT, paddle shifters located on the steering wheel allow the driver to manually simulate the stepped holding pattern. In Sport mode, the paddle shifters will hold and maintain a selected ratio.
The CR-Z's three-mode drive system allows the driver to select between individual modes of performance for Sport, Normal and Economy driving styles. The system is activated via three backlit buttons to the left of the steering wheel.

The Sport mode enhances multiple vehicle systems for performance including the engine throttle responsiveness, electric power steering effort and the electric motor power assist. The inner ring of the tachometer illuminates red when the vehicle is in Sport mode.

During Econ mode operation, the engine's responsiveness is tuned for optimal economy, the electric motor assist gives priority to fuel efficiency and the air conditioning system can reduce its overall load on the engine. The inner ring of the tachometer transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in Econ mode, with the green representing more ecological driving.

Normal mode provides standard settings for steering, engine response, motor assist and air conditioning. Similar to Econ mode, the tachometer ring transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in normal mode, with the green representing more ecological driving. Like the Honda Insight, the CR-Z offers an Eco Guide and Eco scoring feature to help drivers track progress of efficient driving styles.

The front MacPherson strut suspension and rear H-shaped torsion beam suspension settings are tuned to provide a sporty, solid and dynamic driving experience. All models are equipped with 16x6-inch aluminum wheels with 195/55 R16 86V tires. Accessory 17x7 alloy wheels with 205/45R17 84V tires with are available. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) uses ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. The low vehicle height and placement of the battery and other hybrid components beneath the rear cargo area further contribute to a low center of gravity, which is key to the new CR-Z's responsive, sporty handling. Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering enhances steering performance and improves efficiency.

In addition to being environmentally responsible, the CR-Z demonstrates a commitment to safety in its design and construction. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure helps protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags, active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

Additional Honda media information is available at Hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com.

¹ The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available on the CR-Z EX in the United States, except Alaska. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

² Preliminary estimate provided by Honda. Final specification is subject to change.

³ Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Introducing the all-new 2011 Mazda2

2010-01-12T06:43:00.000-08:00

Zoom zoom concentrated !!!

Stay tuned for more information on this cool little hatch. We should be seeing them roll in this spring we hope.

Special lease deals at Park Honda

2009-12-22T12:04:00.000-08:00

Hurry in....offer expires 1.4.2010

Park Gift Certificates are here

2009-12-08T12:54:00.001-08:00

What a great gift for that "hard to buy for" car lover. If you purchase a Park gift certificate, the recipient can use it for alot of different things at any of the Park locations...Mazda, Subaru, Acura, Honda.

Habitat for Humanity Day at Park Subaru

2009-12-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

www.parksubaru.com

Below are the items that we can and cannot accept.
All items must be in good, resalable condition and the ReStore reserves the right to refuse any item.
If you don't see an item on the list, or have a donation question, please call the donation hotline at 330-493-0011.

Items We Love

APPLIANCES
* Must be 10 years old or newer and in perfect working condition
* Dishwashers
* Washer/dryer (electric or gas)
* Refrigerators
* Microwave ovens
* Ovens (drop in or free standing – electric or gas)
* Other small appliances

CABINETS
Cabinets must have all doors and drawers. We accept both kitchen and bathroom cabinets in sets or individual pieces (all must be complete containing all doors and drawers). Must have no structural or water damage

DOORS
* Doors must be in excellent condition, with no rotted wood, broken glass, or peeling paint.
* No doors over 84 inches tall
* Pre-hung or slabs
* Exterior or interior
* Storm doors (must have all tracking)

WINDOWS
Windows must be complete units (with all sashes and frame) with no rotted wood, cracked glass, or foggy glass

LIGHTING
Lighting must be complete, in working order and in excellent condition.
* Lamps
* Indoor lighting
* Outdoor lighting

PLUMBING ITEMS
Plumbing items must be in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, rust or water damage
* Stainless steel and porcelain kitchen sinks
* Pedestal and drop-in bathroom sinks
* Fiberglass bathtubs with no cracks
* Complete faucets
* Miscellaneous plumbing hardware

FURNITURE
WOOD furniture in excellent condition.
UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE, including BOX SPRINGS and MATTRESSES must be free of stains, tears and animal smells.
* Office furniture
* Chairs
* Dining room sets
* Couches
* Coffee tables
* Bookshelves
* Bedframes
* Dressers

ARCHITECTURAL ITEMS
* Mantels
* Columns
* Stained and leaded glass windows, etc.

FLOORING
* Carpet Remnants must be 10ft x 10ft or larger, and in excellent condition with no visible wear, tear, stains or animal smells.
* Area Rugs must be free from visible wear, tear, stains or animal smells.
* Carpet Padding must be 10 ft x 10 ft or larger with no visible stains or animal smells.
* Hardwood Flooring must have no splitting or cracking, must be at least 30 sq. ft.
* Vinyl and Ceramic Tile must be at least 50 sq ft., in excellent condition, no chipped or broken pieces accepted.

HARDWARE
Complete sets of door hardware, hinges, etc. Any quantity of nails, screws, fasteners, hangers, connectors, etc.
PAINT
Accepted on a seasonal basis. Full, unopened, quarts, gallons and 5-gallon buckets of latex paint only.
LUMBER
* All lumber must be free of ALL nails and screws
* All lumber must be 5 feet in length, with no warping.
* Sheetgoods (particle board, paneling, plywood) must be at least half sheets with no damage
* Trim and molding must be 5 ft. length minimum

ELECTRICAL
Residential electric items only. No donations of commercial electrical stock accepted.
MISCELLANEOUS
* Home décor and knick-knacks
* Dishes and cookware
* Wall art
* TVs (10 years or newer)
* Packaged wallpaper
* Shutters
* Gas logs
* Free standing wood stoves
* Window AC units
* Hand and power tools (in good working condition),
* Palletized brick or glass block
* Stone pavers

Park Honda and Acura Christmas trees

2009-11-27T08:13:00.000-08:00

Our Honda and Acura stores have their Christmas trees up. We followed Jimmy around this morning and caught him in action finishing up the decorating. We invite you to stop in to any of our locations Acura, Honda or Mazda/Subaru to share in the Holiday spirit and possibly drive home in a new vehicle. Happy Holiday from Park Auto Group Akron...new and pre-owned Acura, Honda, Mazda and Subaru dealer.

Holiday decorations

2009-11-25T07:19:00.001-08:00

Jimmy from our detail department is the man around here when it comes to decorating. He is putting up all of our Holiday decorations today at all three stores. This is a picture of the Mazda/Subaru reception area. We will post more later.

FREE SHIPPING on Mazda parts and accessories

2009-11-23T10:54:00.000-08:00

Hey Ya’ll check it out !! Just in time for the shopping season ….FREE SHIPPING!! That’s right…. FREE SHIPPING on any order over $200.00 from parkmazdaoemparts.com. Mazda has lots of cool accessories for any model of vehicle so don’t get left out… load up before Christmas and get FREE SHIPPING !!

Starched T-Shirt Ghost

2009-10-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

Thought this was very cute !!!

Who says all ghosts will scare you stiff? This friendly little ghoul will make an adorable Halloween door or wall decoration--all it takes is a few simple steps.

What you'll need:

White T-shirt material
Fabric stiffener or starch
Wax paper
1 craft stick
6" x 4" piece of black craft foam
Glitter glue
Scissors
Orange, black and pink paint
Pink, black or purple glitter felt, small scrap for bow tie
Craft wire, about 30"
Hot glue gun

How to make it:

Lay T-shirt material onto the work surface. Use a marker, pen or pencil to draw a ghost shape.
Cut the ghost shape out, cut within the inside of the lines so that you won't have any pen marks showing on your finished ghost.
Lay two pieces of wax paper side by side and tape them together. Turn over.
Place some liquid stiffener into a glass bowl and dip the ghost shape into the liquid.
Squeeze out most of the excess liquid and place the wet (but not dripping) ghost onto the wax paper.
Spread the ghost out flat and then scrunch it up slightly with your fingers to create wrinkles and lumps and bumps. Set aside to dry completely.
Cut a design around the edges of the black foam rectangle. We used triangles with little curves here and there.
Use a pen or pencil to write "Trick or Treat!" onto the black foam.
Use the glitter glue to trace the words and set aside to dry completely.
Paint the craft stick with orange paint and let dry.
Cut a bow tie out of glittery felt and glue it to the ghost.
Use a pen to lightly add eyes and a mouth, then trace with the handle end of a paint brush with black paint.
Dip the bristles of a paint brush into pink paint. Dab off excess onto paper towel, you want the brush to be fairly dry. Next, use the brush to create rosy cheeks for the ghost. Set aside to let facial features dry.
Glue the orange stick to the back of the black foam creating your sign.
Wrap craft wire around a pencil. Slip the wrapped wire off the end of the pencil and gently stretch out the coils.
Poke each end of the wire through the shoulder areas of the ghost and twist ends around themselves. This will be your hanger.
Hot glue the "Trick or Treat" sign to the front of the ghost.

Tips:

Instead of T-shirt material, try an old sheet or pillow case.
Stiffener is available near the glue in a craft supply store.
If you don't have any craft foam, you can use cardstock or construction paper.

Acura Adds Performance-Oriented Manual Transmission

2009-09-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

Acura Adds Performance-Oriented Manual Transmission Model to 2010 TL Lineup TORRANCE, Calif. - 9/22/2009

Acura takes performance to the next level and aims straight at the heart of the enthusiast driver with the addition of a manual transmission model to the TL lineup for the 2010 model year. Along with the luxurious TL and sporty TL SH-AWD, the 2010 TL lineup is the most diverse in the vehicle's history, further broadening its appeal among luxury performance sedan buyers.

"The new manual transmission equipped TL SH-AWD® allows the enthusiast driver to take full advantage of the performance of Acura's SH-AWD® system," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales, "Not only is the new 6-speed manual transmission model the best performing Acura TL ever, it is the top handling performer among every vehicle in its class."

The availability of a 6-speed manual transmission for the 2010 TL SH-AWD® represents the first time Acura has ever paired its acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system with a manual gearbox. In addition, the new close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission is approximately 110 lbs lighter than the Sequential SportShift automatic transmission to further benefit the TL's acceleration, braking and cornering.

For 2010, two distinct versions of Acura's performance luxury sedan will be offered: a luxurious 280 horsepower, front-wheel drive TL, and a powerful 305 hp TL paired with Acura's exclusive SH-AWD. Each model is available with an available technology package which adds navigation, extensive electronics and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system.

In addition to the powertrain and technology choices, TL buyers can further customize their performance luxury sedan with tire and wheel upgrades. For 2010, the standard TL is now available with an 18-inch diameter aluminum wheels with all-season tires- giving the TL a more aggressive, sporty appearance. Additionally, the TL SH-AWD (both manual and automatic transmission models) is available with a 19x8-inch 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheel with summer spec high performance tires to further add to the sedans performance capabilities.

With optimized suspension, two performance transmission choices, plus an available Technology Package featuring a comprehensive array of navigation and communication aids, the 2010 TL offers more appeal than ever before. Along with an available Acura/ELS Surround® premium 10-speaker surround sound system, the fourth-generation TL is the most technologically advanced sedan in Acura's history.

The combination of dramatic styling, exhilarating performance and an extensive array of electronics (including AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™ and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps) ensures Acura's best selling sedan will appeal to a sophisticated, technology-savvy audience.

Powertrain
A choice of two different all-aluminum VTEC® engines enables the 2010 TL to satisfy a wide range of customers. Standard is a 3.5-liter V-6 producing 280 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque that sends power to the front wheels through Acura's sophisticated Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Though powerful, the 3.5L engine is also fuel efficient, with EPA fuel economy ratings* of 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The engine meets California's tough CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification standards, thanks to features including a Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system, Computer-Controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) and Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) for the intake valves.

Serious performance-sedan enthusiasts will choose the TL SH-AWD® to make winding roads their own. Its 3.7-liter V-6 engine produces 305 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque courtesy of high-performance features like Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) on both the intake and exhaust valves and a special high-flow dual exhaust system. With EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings* of 17/25 mpg (TL SH-AWD®), the 3.7L V-6 also meets California's CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification. The piÃ¨ce de rÃ©sistance on the TL SH-AWD® model is the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system, now available for the first time ever with a 6-speed manual transmission.

During spirited cornering, SH-AWD® seamlessly distributes more torque to the outside rear wheel to create a "yaw moment" to help the TL turn in more quickly and precisely â€“ while also continuously apportioning drivetrain torque front to rear and left to right. The result is a remarkably balanced and precise all-wheel-drive performance sedan that excels year-round, not just during inclement weather.

The standard transmission on the 2010 TL and TL SH-AWD® is a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic featuring racing-inspired steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control. The big news for 2010 is the availability of a new close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.

The 6-speed manual transmission is an all-new design that is substantially stronger than the previous generation TL manual transmission. In addition to using a more rigid aluminum case and heavier-duty internals, the new manual transmission employs precisely selected gear ratios based on the characteristics of the TL's 3.7L V-6 engine and SH-AWD® drivetrain. New gear synchronizers deliver improved shift accuracy and feel, and a short-throw shifter assembly generates confident shifting combined with low shift effort.

Engineers also designed an entirely new clutch system for the 6-speed manual transmission to withstand the TL's robust power output while also improving modulation for noticeably easier use. The new self-adjusting, dual-mass clutch delivers extremely consistent effort throughout the entire stroke of the pedal. By keeping the pedal effort linear, the driver has improved feel that results in better clutch interaction.

The TL SH-AWD® 6MT has a specially calibrated Hill Start Assist system that helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when the driver switches from the brake to the accelerator while stopped on a hill. When the road incline exceeds an 8-degree threshold and the vehicle is fully stopped, Hill Start Assist automatically activates. When Hill Start Assist is active, the brakes automatically hold momentarily as the driver's foot transitions from the brake to the accelerator pedal. The brakes are automatically released when the vehicle begins to move forward.

Body/Chassis
The TL employs a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. The 2010 TL SH-AWD® 6MT retains the TL's fully-independent suspension, but has exclusive suspension tuning via special coil spring and shock absorber rates for flatter cornering with reduced pitching motions under acceleration and braking. The front dampers incorporate 5-percent more compression damping to generate improved turn-in feel. In addition, the front dampers generate 14-percent less high speed compression damping which helps improve ride quality.

The TL SH-AWD® 6MT employs firmer engine and transmission bushings that better resist engine and/or transmission movement during spirited driving. Engine side mount bushing stiffness increases by 80-percent, front mount rate increases by 17-percent, rear hydro mount firmness increases by 50-percent and the transmission upper mount is stiffened by 100-percent.

For 6-speed manual transmission applications, special heavy-duty front driveshafts are used. In addition to being 2-percent larger in diameter, the driveshafts have a larger inboard spline size and team with more heavy-duty CV joints.

The TL SH-AWD® fit with the new 6-speed transmission will also benefit from exclusive Electronic Power Steering (EPS) tuning. Just as with the TL SH-AWD® with Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic, the EPS delivers low steering effort for parking maneuvers that progressively firms up as speed increases. With the TL SH-AWD® 6MT, the EPS system is further tuned to deliver a slightly heavier feel as speed increases thus generating a more confident mid- to high-speed driving experience.

The structural engineering for the TL's unit-body includes the relocation of the frame rails inside (rather than underneath) the vehicle's floor pan, resulting in a nearly flat body underside. Benefits of this frame design include improved crash safety, a significant reduction in interior noise levels and reduced aerodynamic drag that helps enhance fuel efficiency. Another notable engineering feature is the significant use of high-strength steel, which simultaneously improves the unit-body's overall strength while helping to reduce weight. For additional weight savings, aluminum is used for the hood, the front suspension subframe and rear suspension knuckles.

Further improving ride quality and road-holding are dual-stage "blow off" style suspension dampers, hydro-compliant bushings (for the transmission and key suspension components) and a "smart" engine mount design. On the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) model, more performance-minded suspension and brake tuning, larger wheels/tires, racing-inspired front brake cooling ducts and specially-tuned Electric Power Steering (EPS) take the enthusiast's driving experience to an even higher level.

Exterior/Interior
An evocative and powerful exterior body design dramatically advances the TL's image as a performance luxury sedan. Designed by Acura in Southern California, the TL utilizes an array of styling techniques to express motion â€“ and emotion â€“ even when the car is at rest. Featuring Acura's signature front grille, body sides defined by strong character lines, sweeping C-pillars and LED taillights, the 2010 TL is simultaneously Acura and yet wholly unique. Plentiful use of luxury and performance features add visual appeal while adding to the TL's vigorous statement â€“ including bright HID projector-beam front headlights, pronounced wheel arches, a standard power moonroof and genuine stainless-steel body trim.

Wheels and tires are as expressive as the exterior styling. Standard on the 2010 TL are 17-inch aluminum wheels with P245/50R17 all-season for confident year-round performance. Available for the TL are 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires.

The TL SH-AWD® comes standard with 18-inch aluminum wheels with low-profile P245/45R18 tires for more agile handling. Finally, the TL SH-AWD® offers available 19-inch aluminum wheels with aggressive P245/40ZR19 summer tires for the ultimate TL performance experience.

In keeping with its mission as a driver's car, the 2010 TL interior features a "dual personal" design that provides both the driver and front passenger with their own personal space. Thanks to its large exterior dimensions, the fourth generation TL has 1.3 inches more rear legroom and 0.5-inch of added rear shoulder room compared to the previous generation TL.

Acura's commitment to luxury and technology are apparent from the first moment the driver's door is opened. With sweeping shapes, generous use of premium materials and passionate attention to detail, the TL rewards the discriminating eye. The design and execution of the interior is an artful combination of leather surfaces, accented by metallic and wood-pattern trim. An impressive array of standard features includes a power moonroof, dual-zone adaptive climate control, 10-way power adjustable driver seat, 8-way power adjustable passenger front seat, and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the Sequential SportShift automatic transmission. An 8-speaker, 276-watt audio system that includes a 6-disc CD changer, AM/FM tuner, XM® Radio, Bluetooth® Audio, USB port and AUX jack connectivity, and HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface.

Available on both the TL and TL SH-AWD® is a Technology Package that includes the most comprehensive array of advanced electronic features ever offered by Acura. The Technology Package includes the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps, an Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system and Keyless Access System with pushbutton ignition. The Navigation System features an 8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display for excellent visibility.

Audiophiles with appreciate the Acura/ELS Surround® 10-speaker, 440-watt premium sound system with DVD-Audio, CD, DTS™, AM/FM tuner, XM® Radio and 2,500-song** hard disk drive (HDD) media storage.

An intuitive interface dial as well as sophisticated voice recognition capability simplifies control of this impressive technology. Premium Milano leather seating surfaces included with the Technology Package further enhances comfort and visual appeal.

Safety
The 2010 TL makes use of a host of advanced safety features including Acura's acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. In simple terms, the ACE™ body design enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE™ design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash. Acura first introduced ACE™ to the Acura line for the 2005 model year and its inclusion in the fourth generation TL means that every vehicle in the Acura model range now has this advanced safety engineering.

Six airbags and active head restraints for the driver and front passenger seats are just a few of the long list of passive safety features built into the TL. The airbag array includes dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, dual-chamber front seat side airbags with front passenger seat Occupant Position Detection System and side-curtain airbags for front and outboard rear seating positions. Additional passive-safety features include 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, driver and front passenger seatbelt load-limiters with an automatic tensioning system and a Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system that permits quick, secure attachment of up to two child seats in the outboard locations of the rear seating area.

The 2010 TL includes safety minded features such as 4-wheel disc brakes (with ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and daytime running lights (DRL).

The 2010 Acura TL is designed to meet the latest crash-safety standards, and is targeted to receive the highest crash-safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA***) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2010 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV, the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the all-new ZDX four-door sports coupe.

The 2010 Acura TL is assembled in Marysville, Ohio and is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.

For additional information and photos of the 2010 TL (or information on any Acura vehicle), please visit www.acuranews.com.

* Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

**Approximate music storage capacity

*** Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Model tested with standard side-impact air bags (SABs).

Park Auto Group is in need of quality pre-owned vehicles

2009-09-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

Park Auto Group is in need of quality pre-owned vehicles. Because of the Cash for Clunkers program, our pre-owned inventory is at its lowest point of the year. As a consumer, this means we are paying more than we ever have before for late model quality trade-ins. Think of this like the housing market in 2005. Take advantage while you still can. We have great new vehicle deals to go along with these outstanding trade values. Get your best deal of the year at any one of our dealerships! Stop in today or call for a "no strings attached" assesment of your trade in.

Don't need a new car but need to sell yours? Bring it in and we'll write you a check! Don't wait too long though...this opportunity won't last forever.

Give your Honda Fit its own spin

2009-09-15T06:31:00.000-07:00

Give Fit your own spin with this special selection of add-ons:

Master the road with 16” Alloy Wheels...$149.00*
Defend your interior with Carpet Floor Mats...$69.00*
Add impressive/aggressive style with a Sport Grille...$149.00*
Conquer adverse weather with the power of Fog Lights...$249.00*
Energize your ride with the performance and sound of a Sport Muffler...$299.00*
Add extra protection with a Rear Bumper Applique...$39.00*

Offer is good for Honda Fit ’07-’08 at Park Honda Akron, Ohio. While Supplies Last. See us for model year availability.
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Prices do not include installation.

The Dog Friendly™ Element Concept

2009-09-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

Man's best friend's best friend. Now friendlier than ever.

Dogs agree: The Element is one of the most "pet-friendly" vehicles ever. Now we're taking a good thing and making it even better with the new Dog Friendly™ Element concept coming fall 2009. The specially designed collection of accessories will include pet restraint systems, a folding ramp, pet bed, water bowl, electrical fan and more—all designed for the safety and comfort of your beloved canine companion and you.

The Dog Friendly™ Element made its public debut at the 2009 New York Auto Show.

The Dog Friendly™ Element Concept is likely to include:

Pet restraint systems
Cushioned pet bed
Load-in ramp
Dog-pattern second-row seat covers
All-season "dog-bone" rubber floor mats

Spill-resistant water bowl
Electrical fan
Tote bag
Dog Friendly™ exterior emblems
A leash, collar and dog tag ready for custom engraving

Honda Crosstour teaser pictures

2009-09-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

Honda is pleased to share the first official photos of the all-new Accord Crosstour. Based on the award-winning Honda Accord, the aggressively designed Accord Crosstour has a bold front grille, a longer, wider stance and a versatile, spacious cargo area.

If this first look isn’t quite enough, be sure to check back soon for more photos.

New Pet of the Month for August 2009

2009-09-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

I'm Annabelle, also known as AB.

I'm really a person, stuck in a dog's body. A dog's life is so much easier. Eat, sleep, poop. What could be better?

I was adopted from a pet rescue center about 4 years ago, when I was 5. I became the center of attention with the Morris family. I pretty much rule the roost here. I try to keep on the low down, sleeping most of the time. Naps are interrupted by eating/and or begging and going outside to sniff and harrass the dog next door who is chained. I stay just far enough away that when he runs to get me, he gets yanked back. My favorite past time is snatching his bones and then running home so he can't get me. My vet said I could stand to slim down a bit, but I think big is beautiful.

I love to go for rides with my family in the car- sitting around the house gets boring. I don't care where you are going, crack the window and I'll wait patiently until you get back. It really bums me out when I can't go, so I put on the sad face and mope under the kitchen table til my family gets back.

I definitely have "the life".

Seeing is Believing- an event filled with fun, food, and a fashion show!

2009-09-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

What: Seeing is Believing- an event filled with fun, food, and a fashion show! There will also be a live auction & raffle. Proceeds benefit the Green Chamber of Commerce & the Lions Club. To extend Green Chamber’s “Vision”, we are working with the Lions Club of Green to collect used glasses and cases. Donation boxes will be at various sponsor locations throughout the local area during the month of September.

When: Friday, September 25, 2009 from 6-9pm

Where: Roberts Hall at Queen of Heaven Church 1800 Steese Road Uniontown, OH 44685.

Funds raised from this event will allow the Green Chamber of Commerce to fund increased Economic Development
efforts for area businesses. Glasses and cases collected from this event will allow the Lions Club to provide corrective lenses to children and adults in enveloping nations.

Contact the Chamber office today for more information
Tickets are $20 each in advance / $30 day of the event
*Blocks of tickets and sponsorship packages are available *Table of 8 for $125 discounted rate.

Business Casual or Dressy Casual Attire Suggested
Cash Bar to include Adult Beverages & Non-Alcoholic Beverages
2 Complimentary Drink Tickets are included with each event ticket

New exterior design coming soon for Park Mazda/Subaru

2009-08-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

Check out these artist renderings of the proposed exterior of the building and grounds. Construction is expected to get underway sometime in October of 2010. Everyone at the dealership is looking forward to the exterior makeover to complement the recently updated interior. We will keep you posted with any new drawings or photos.

Nitro Fill releases silly commercial

2009-08-20T06:23:00.001-07:00

Nitrogen is the only way to go, once you learn the facts.
Click here to watch the video on YouTube.

Go Orange & Brown for Animals Moonlight Golf Outing Sponsored by the Canton Browns Backers

2009-08-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

Please join us for the Go Orange & Brown for Animals Moonlight Golf Outing to benefit the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and the Friends of the Pound of Stark County. Come howl at the moon with us on August 15, 2009. This event is brought to you by The Canton Browns Backer's and dog pound lovers everywhere. We will have a great day of golf at the beautiful in Massilon, OH at The Legends of Massillon. www.thelegends.com. The event will include a 9-hole golf scramble played in the dark with illuminated pins, golfers and golf balls, food, drinks, auctions, raffles for great prizes, 50/50 drawings, games and awards following golf. And if you just want to join us for some fun and support the cause, you can purchase tickets just for the food and drinks and watch all of the glowing that goes on! Registration, beverage service and contests and auctions begin at 6:00 PM. We will proceed with a shotgun start at 7:00 PM. The cost is $40 per person and includes 9-holes of golf, dinner, appetizers, beverages and a gift bag including a glow ball, T-shirt and necklace. Reservations for dinner-only are $15 per person.

Click here for more information and to register.

2009 Honda Clearance Event

2009-07-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

Its is time for the 2009 Honda Clearance Event!! Hurry--Its the only thing from Honda that won't last!!
http://http://www.parkautogroup.com/index.htm

Northeast Ohio's Premiere Kidz Event

2009-07-09T05:58:00.000-07:00

Northeast Ohio's Premiere Kidz Event

Join Park Auto Group and 98.1 WKDD for Akron/Canton's only interactive festival created just for kids. Kids and parents experience the thrill of learning as they are introduced to many topics including safety, health, sports, arts, dance, music, crafts, and much more. WKDD Kidz Day is the ultimate outdoor playground featuring activities and exhibits reserved just for fun! The goal of Kidz Day is to create an educational and entertaining environment where kids and parents can gain information on products and services with the emphasis on having quality family fun at an affordable price!

Click here to visit WKDD's website and more information.

Cash For Clunkers

2009-06-22T11:43:00.001-07:00

Park Auto Group will be participating in the US Government's Cash for Clunkers Bill.

At this time the bill has not been signed by President Obama, but we thought we could provide some details about it now.News Alert CFC is a GOJune 18, 2009 - Senators Harry Reid, Dick Durbin and Debbie Stabenow spoke on behalf of the Cash for Clunkers Bill. Republican Senators tried to cut the measure from the Wartime Spending Bill but they were NOT successful. Cash for Clunkers program will stay as part of the wartime spending bill.
Green Light for Cash For Clunkers ? The wartime spending bill will go to President to Sign.
The President has already said that he would sign the bill. Then the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will have 30 days to put regulations in place for the program.We will be updating this page as more informationCash For Clunkers Overview
Lawmakers are proposing a ?cash-for-clunkers? bill that would give consumers up to $4,500 to purchase a new fuel efficient car. Since there are a few versions being pushed around Washington, specific details will not be worth discussing until we see which measure gets the most forward momentum in the coming weeks. Keep posted by signing up for our email alerts on the upper left corner of the site.
According to one version, consumers would have to trade in cars and trucks for a new fuel-efficient vehicle that delivers additional fuel savings of between 2 and 10 miles per gallon, depending on the type of vehicle purchased. According to a recent Edmunds.com article this table will aide consumers in knowing what cars would qualify for the program.Does Your Trade-In Qualify?
The #1 question from consumers is: When will the bill be passed? The second most frequently asked question is: Will my trade and the car I want to buy qualify for the $4,500 cash voucher?
Read below for the most Frequently Asked Questions listed on the official Cash For Clunkers website.
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Is the billed signed into law yet?
A: On Thursday, June 18th the Senate voted to KEEP the Cash for Clunkers provision in the $106 billion dollar wartime spending bill. This means that both the house and Senate have approved the spending bill and now it will go to President Obama to sign. Consumers can start purchasing cars that qualify on July 1, 2009.
Q: Are there updated conditions on the bill?
A: The purchased vehicles, which must be new and cost no more than $45,000, must be bought between July 1 and Nov. 1 to qualify. You cannot trade in a clunker for a motorcycle.
Q: Does the Cash for Clunkers bill apply to used car purchases?
A: Currently, the language of the proposed bill is only for new car purchases. If you are looking for a used car, click here.
Q: Is the value of the voucher tax-free to the consumer?
A: Yes.
Q: Is there an income limit that disqualifies certain vehicle owners?
A: No.
Q: If I already purchased a new car, in the last few months, can the voucher apply to my past purchase?
A: We can not answer that question until the final bill is signed into law but?the answer looks like a NO. This is because all cars traded in for the program will be sent to the scrapyard. If you already traded in your car, there is no guarantee that it is off the road. Update: Cars prior to July 1st will not qualify.
Q: If I want to buy a new car now and have a clunker that qualifies, can I get the voucher credit once the bill goes into effect by bringing in the old car to the dealership where I purchased my new car?
A: Again, we can?t answer that question until we see how the bill is implemented. If you can hold off until further information is available, it may be the best choice. If you need a car now, that is a chance you have to take. Update: Cars prior to July 1st will not qualify.
Q: If my car is worth more than $4,500, how would the Cash for Clunker voucher work?
A: The program would not provide any benefit if a car dealer would give you more than $4,500 for your trade-in. If you want to purchase a new car, do not wait on this bill if your trade is worth more than $4,500 since it will not provide any upside relief.
Q: If dealers are offering cash incentives toward a new car purchase, would that be in addition to this voucher?
A: The program is independant from manufacturer buying incentives. For example, if a car dealer is offering $3,000 off the list price of a car and you qualified for a $4,500 voucher from your trade, then the total reduction off the MSRP would be $7,500. You should always shop for the best deals before buying a car.
Q: I have two old clunkers, can I trade-in both cars for a $9,000 voucher toward a new car purchase?
A: The current wording of the bill would seem to indicate that only ONE voucher can be applied to a new car purchase.
Q: How do I know if I qualify for a $3,500 voucher or a $4,500 voucher?
A: We need to wait on the final wording of the bill. Since there are various versions of the measure in play, we will notify everyone on our email list when the final bill language is signed into law? The amount will depend on the car you purchase and the increase in average MPG.Be at the head of the line for the car you want because popular fuel efficient cars will be moving off dealer lots quickly. Since there will be a large ?rush? when the bill is signed, getting all your paperwork and loan approvals in place in advance could get you to the head of the paperwork line.
Q: Can I go to the junkyard a buy an old car and use it for a trade?
A: The final language of the bill is still to be decided but it seems that you will have to show that the car is operational and that you have owned the car for a period of time. Right now, that may be a one-year period.
Q: What will happen to the car I trade in?
A: Once again, we have to wait for the final language but it would seem that the car would be recycled so cars that are worth more than $4,500 on a trade would not be viable for this program.
Q: My car is old and originally got more than 18 mpg, but now it gets 14 mpg. Will it qualify?
A: That is another popular question. We will have to wait and see if the bill provides a reasonable assessment of current MPG versus original manufacturer EPA MPG.
Q: How long will the program last?
A: That is still unknown. Some insiders were hoping to get funding that would keep the program running for one year. However, if funding is reduced, the program may only last a few months. That is why we encourage all consumers to connect with a Cash for Clunkers Participating Dealer now, so your paperwork can be lined up when the bill is signed into law.
Q: Are there restriction on the year of my trade-in?
A: The car can not be any older than a 1984 model year vehicle?
Q: Why would some trades qualify for $3,500 and other trades get $4,500?
A: The difference in vouchers depends on the improved gas mileage as compared to your trade. For example, if your new car purchase gets 4 mpg more than your trade you get $3,500. If the new car gets 10 mpg better than your trade you get $4,500.
Q: What if my trade-in is worth more than $4,500?
A: This program does not apply to you because you will be better off trading the car in through traditional channels. All cars that are part of the Cash for Clunkers bill we be sent to the scrapyard.
Q: I have an old clunker truck that gets under 18 mpg. Can I trade that in for a car that gets over 22 MPG?
A: It would seem that you will be able to trade it in. We will wait on the final wording on the bill since this is a very popular question.
Q: My parents own an old clunker. Can I transfer the title into my name and use it for a Cash for Clunkers trade-in?
A: It would seem that unless you have the car register in your name for at least a year, the answer would be no.
Q: Can I buy any new car and still qualify? Does it have to be an American manufacturer?
A: You can buy any new car: foreign or domestic.
Q: Can I lease a car or do I have to purchase/finance it?
A: Qualifying leases must be at least 5 years long. You can finance the car under any term you qualify for.
Bonus AssistanceQ: How can I find out the current EPA MPG estimates for the car I drive?
A: Visit: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/Latest Update Information also available at the Cash for Clunkers Facts page.

Top 10 green gifts for Dad

2009-06-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

Top 10 green gifts for Dad

Fathers are notoriously hard to shop for, and what if your dad is an eco-friendly guy who prefers to live light on the planet instead of pile up more plastic clutter around the house?
Look for gifts that use recycled materials or gadgets that help the big guy further his favorite green activities. Here are some of our faves...

1. Black & Decker power monitor
For the father who loves to tinker around the house, this little device is the perfect companion. One part attaches to the home electric meter, and the handheld monitor wirelessly gives real-time data about home energy consumption. If your dad's the type who always reminded you to turn off the light, he'll appreciate knowing exactly where power is being used and what he can save thanks to this gadget.

2. Bamboo cutting board
Is Dad a kitchen whiz? He'll appreciate a brand new, bamboo cutting board (or even better, a whole set!). This sustainable wood is 16% harder than solid maple, but cooks swear that it's gentler on high quality knives. Bamboo is far more renewable than plastic, and it's low maintenance -- just clean up with a quick rinse.

3. Furniture made from sports equipment
Want to spoil a sports nut? Get him a bench made from snowboards or a coat rack constructed of hockey sticks. How about an Adirondack-style chair made of water skis? These one-of-a-kind pieces are built from recycled hockey sticks, snow and water skis, wakeboards, and snowboards.

4. Ankle solar bike light
For the active dad, this solar-powered light is a great addition to his workout or commuting gear. Bike in the morning with the lightweight light (it doubles as a pant-leg clip), and if it's dark on the return trip, he'll have a fully-charged safety light. It's also great for jogging and walking the dog. No batteries needed.

5. Vintage transit token cuff links
Thank Dad for using public transit and remind him of a favorite city at the same time. These cuff links are made of vintage transit tokens from Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.

6. GreenSmart commuter laptop bag
This isn't an ordinary laptop bag. It's not just rugged and stylish; the material is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Your father is ready for business with a computer bag that protects his gear and the planet.

7. Stainless-steel lunch carrier set
Give "take-out lunch" a new meaning with this handy reusable lunch system. Perfect for fathers to take to the office or on the road, these lightweight yet durable sets can store hot or cold food. Add in a cloth bag and bamboo utensils and Dad can easily brown-bag it every day.

8. Rain watering wand
If your father loves to garden, he'll want to treat his plants right with an accurate watering wand. With adjustable settings and a telescoping reach, the wand waters exactly where it's needed and doesn't waste water.

9. Bottle lamp DIY kit
Did pops sing "100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall" during long car trips? Recycle those memories and six empty glass bottles to create this unusual lamp. The kit contains a frame and base to hold both a light bulb (CFL, of course) and the bottles. Dad's choice of beverage is not included.

10. Handmade necktie
Put a twist on the traditional Father's Day gift by searching for ties made by one of the many artisans on Etsy.com. Search for Dad's favorite color or search according to his hobbies. Maybe he'd find a Ms. Pac-Man tie funny. Sailing buffs might like this navigation print. And there's always a classy red silk tie.