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Gardening Projects Help Children Flower

American parents may bond with their children by taking them to farmers’ markets or showing them how to grow potted plants, but in other areas of the world, growing plants may literally help keep families together.

In Ecuador, for example, children were often left alone while their parents went into the city to work. Because children had to take care of the home while their parents were away, many stopped going to school. ChildFund International, an organization that focuses on working with children, as well as with families, local organizations and communities to create environments in which children can thrive, decided to take a unique, community-wide approach to solving this problem — by growing a garden.

ChildFund Ecuador started training the community in flower and vegetable cultivation, as well as business administration. The local bank, which ChildFund helped develop, gave local fathers the loans that they needed to build greenhouses for roses, carnations and tomatoes. Today, more than 285 families now use their greenhouses as their primary source of income, so the parents don’t have to migrate into the cities to work, and children can attend school regularly.

The Actively Engaged Mayan Women, or Mujeres Emprendedoras Mayas, in rural Tecpan, Guatemala, are using macro tunnels — or miniature greenhouses -; to grow tomatoes, thereby creating income and improving food security for their families. As the women become more able to create their own income, they also gain the ability to better care for their children.

In ChildFund Uganda, children and their parents planted more than 10,000 eucalyptus trees and 5,000 pine trees to create two new forests. In an area where environmental degradation has reduced the quality of life, the new forests provide inexpensive firewood, protection against soil erosion and an economic boost, as the trees provide timber for housing and other projects.

“Forests will be a major source of timber, which will be mainly used in house construction, and houses are very important to us,” said 14-year-old Nalubega Florence, a student at St. Andrew Primary School.

To learn how you can help communities come together through the plants that they grow, visit ChildFund International at www.ChildFund.org.

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Must-See Travel Destinations for 2020

Today’s sophisticated travelers can enjoy once-in-a lifetime experiences in luxurious locations that are off the beaten path. If you crave the ultimate in adventure, eco-conscious settings, and magnificent service, put these unique destinations on your travel bucket list for 2020.

1. Hangaroa Eco-Village + Spa, Easter Island, Chile (hangaroa.cl). Located on the mysterious Easter Island in the South Pacific (home to mythical Moai statues), Hangaroa allows adventure-seeking travelers to get an inside look at the Rapa Nui culture and history. Guides lead guests to centuries-old archeological sites to unravel the mystery of how the giant, hand-carved heads came to be. Must-sees include the Rano Raraku volcanic crater (home to the island’s largest statue) and Anakena Beach, where Polynesian culture first came ashore 800 years ago. For those wanting something more adrenaline pumping, opt for an ATV to explore the island.The hotel stays true to its eco-friendly ethos. The 75 oceanfront rooms feature handmade clay tubs, stone showers and lots of natural light. After a day of exploring, head to the spa to be pampered with ancient rituals. A new added bonus: Full Experience guests can choose to dine at one of two local restaurants, including Kana Hau, which has a traditional Rapa Nui dance show!

2. The Singular Patagonia, Chile (thesingular.com). Situated in the heart of Southern Patagonia, The Singular is indeed a singular experience.Once a cold storage plant at the epicenter of the sheep farming industry a century ago, the property has been resurrected as a luxury hotel (and a museum)! However, mother nature is the real draw. Just as previous explorers did, guests immediately fall in love with the surrounding awe-inspiring nature, as this bucket list hotel sits on the shores of a Fjord overlooking the snow-capped Andes. Guests feel like pioneers as they explore the area by private boat discovering glaciers and hidden waterfalls. Other once-in-a-lifetime excursions include trekking through Torres del Paine National Park, horseback riding across an “Estancia” with real-life gauchos or kayaking down winding rivers.Any adventure wouldn’t be complete without incredible food. The Singular uses locally sourced ingredients to deliver local favorites with a french flair. Try the hotel’s traditional “Asador” (barbecue), set in a former Blacksmith’s workshop serving a variety of locally raised meats.

3. Careyes, Pacific Coast (careyes.com). Careyes is a destination unto itself where the jungle meets the sea, spanning more than 20,000 acres of nature reserve. A vibrant community of international residents and visitors spread across the property’s Ocean Castle villas, Casitas and El Careyes Club & Residences along the cliffside, Careyes is more than just a beautiful resort. It is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to commune with nature, explore your sense of spirituality and appreciate the beauty of the earth and sea.Rest assured, all of the unique accommodations are bucket-list worthy. The Ocean Castle Villas feature infinity pools, lush gardens and luxurious furnishings. The beachfront El Careyes Club features five infinity pools, the La Duna restaurant and spacious one- to four-bedroom suites perfect for families or groups. Careyes is an ideal location for a winter getaway, especially at one of their annual special events, including ArteCareyes Film Festival, Agua Alta Polo Tournament and the Ondalinda Festival.

4. Le Torri di Bagnara, Umbria, Italy (letorridibagnara.it/). If life in a sprawling castle sounds appealing, visit this 1,500-acre Italian estate owned by descendants of Napoleon Bonaparte. This restored medieval castle accommodates groups from 15 to 30 people, who enjoy the privacy of a private home coupled with the safety, security and amenities of a luxury hotel.Le Torri di Bagnara has an official hotel license guaranteeing the highest standards, setting it apart from other Italian villa rentals. The estate boasts an infinity saltwater pool, stone barbeque, and vegetable gardens. Savor locally grown ingredients from the estate’s working farm, including extra virgin olive oil, as well as truffles and mushrooms foraged right on the grounds.Special activities include cooking classes, wine tastings, mountain biking, truffle hunting and photography. For families, a kids’ playground keeps the little ones entertained. A must: soar high above the estate and surrounding countryside in a hot air balloon, followed by a gourmet picnic.

5. Costa Rican Vacations, Costa Rica (vacationscostarica.com/). Travelers seeking the ultimate in eco-travel, adventure and luxury can find it all through Costa Rican Vacations, which create complete and customized Costa Rican experiences. A popular place to start is Playa Cativo Lodge on the Osa Peninsula, which fronts a mile of pristine beach offering plenty of wildlife. Use the personal binoculars to catch close-ups of birds and sea turtles, plus a can’t miss, whale-watching tour. Other must-do activities include a private air tour of the Sirena Ranger Station at Corcovado National Park or a visit to Nayara Springs, where the villas have private terraces with private plunge pools overlooking the Arenal volcano.For the ultimate luxury experience, check out Costa Rica’s Four Seasons in Guanacaste, where visitors can expect the ultimate in amenities and service, with offsite adventures, including zip lining, horseback riding and ATV tours.

6. Manoir Hovey, Quebec, Canada (manoirhovey.com/). Manoir Hovey, a five-star Relais & Châteaux resort in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec, was built in 1900 and inspired by George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate.The property is 90 minutes from Montreal and retains its historic charm; most of the 36 luxurious rooms feature wood-burning fireplaces, private balconies, and views of Lake Massawippi.Foodies will have a field day at Manoir Hovey. Le Hatley, the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, is ranked among the best in the world, and chef Alexandre Vachon presents modern and diverse menus that showcase regional ingredients.Guests can enjoy the bucolic country scenery and a range of activities year-round, including kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding in the warmer months, as well as guided speedboat tours and fly fishing.Fall is an excellent time for foliage tours and hiking nearby, while in the winter, guests enjoy ice fishing with a local guide who sets up a sheltered area on the frozen lake, complete with a pizza oven on skis. Complete a bucket- list item with a thrilling dogsledding experience.

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Rebuilding Your Career Toolkit to Meet the Needs of Employers

Despite an uncertain job market, many job seekers would like to believe they are qualified. However, it simply is not the case. Candidates are failing at the job search because they lack the qualifications that employers value.

A national online survey conducted by the Career Advisory Board established by DeVry University brings to light how job seekers can better position themselves by focusing on the attributes employers’ value most. The findings of the Job Preparedness Indicator conducted Sept. 6-12, 2011 by Harris Interactive revealed that employers are unable to find qualified candidates for open positions.

In fact, only 14 percent of the 540 hiring managers surveyed said that within the past three years “nearly all” or “most” job seekers have had the skills their company looks for in a potential employee.

However, most job seekers believe they have what it takes to succeed. More than half (56 percent) of the 734 adults looking for work who were surveyed are confident they know what qualifications are required for employment. In addition, 72 percent are confident they know how to present their skills during an interview.

“These findings highlight the striking gap between what skills hiring managers value in a candidate and how job seekers describe themselves. But some of the disconnect between hiring managers and job seekers is due to misconceptions about what is most important to the other party,” notes Dan Kasun, senior director of developer and platform evangelism at Microsoft Corporation and Career Advisory Board member. “Job seekers should utilize these findings to better calibrate the way they present themselves to employers.”

According to the study, hiring managers place the highest value on the following skills across all job levels (entry, middle and managerial):

1. Strategic perspective
2. High integrity
3. Global outlook
4. Strong base work ethic/dependable
5. Accountability

For those looking to enhance their marketability to employers, Career Advisory Board members offer the following actionable advice:

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Maximize Your Capital-Building Connections

Once businesses get over the hurdle of start-up costs and finding a reliable team of hard workers, the task becomes generating capital to maintain momentum.

Growth and revenue projections for a business should toe the line between ambitious and realistic. One way to achieve pragmatic business goals is to use conferences and networking to stay competitive and generate capital.

Industry conferences — like those orchestrated by Financial Services Exchange (FSX) — give companies an opportunity to meet independent broker dealers, fund managers, investors and other industry resources.
In fact, entrepreneurs of all levels said they’ve forged some of the best relationships of the past several years at FSX conferences.

“Presenting companies get to mingle with broker dealers and potential investors in structured and unstructured meetings. They have several days to make lasting impressions on key decision makers from firms nationwide,” says Judy Ensweiler, executive director at FSX.
According to fund managers, the most impact is usually made during the break-out and one-on-one sessions that follow the formal presentations. For FSX, the proof is in the pudding.

To date, presenting companies have raised more than $2.8 billion through the FSX conference network.

“Investor conferences like ours play a key role in raising capital for financing, publicity and more. Part of being able to connect for success is having the time and space to come in as strangers but leave as friends,” adds Ensweiler.

Being able to predict company growth with precision largely depends on investor opportunities, and the resources at a company’s disposal. Accurate growth projections help long-term profits and affect the value of company shares.

An FSX presenting company reported that their share price increased by a full 100 percent — after only one conference.

There are ways to generate capital and attract investors in an uncertain market, and industry conferences have helped do so for nearly 30 years. To sign up or find more information, visit fsx1.com.

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Kick Off Your College Financial Aid Game This Fall

Fall is here, and high school seniors (and their parents) are in the thick of the college application process.But these days, the cost of tuition can seem daunting: 85 percent of parents believe the cost of college is more of a financial burden than in past years, according to a College Ave Student Loans survey of 1,072 parents conducted by Barnes & Noble College Insights. However, many families may not realize and take advantage of the range of financial aid opportunities and options available.

“Don’t let the ‘sticker price’ of a college sway you from applying,” says Joe DePaulo, Co-Founder and CEO of College Ave Student Loans.”The college ‘sticker price’ typically refers to the published annual cost of attendance for any given school, which includes tuition, fees, and an average estimate of other related costs like room and board. The actual price families will pay depends on how much financial aid they receive which will be unique for each family,” he says.

Start by filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Some families skip this form because they think it is too much work for too little payoff. Don’t Fear the FAFSA By forgoing filling out this important government form, you could be leaving financial aid on the table. Some financial aid programs work on a first-come first-served basis, so getting it done as close to the October 1 start date maximizes the aid you might receive.There are other reasons to make sure the FAFSA is part of your fall financial aid game, according to College Ave Student Loans, a company offering simple and personalized private student loans:

– More financial aid: Some schools won’t even consider you for merit aid unless you complete this important form.

– More options: Students planning to apply for Federal Stafford Loans or Federal PLUS Loans must fill out the FAFSA first. 

Keep Applying to Scholarships Beyond the FAFSA, students and parents can round out their financial aid plan with scholarships. Many scholarships are available with rolling applications year-round and every little bit helps. College Ave Student Loans offers a monthly chance for students to win a $1,000 scholarship on their website. 

Build a Balanced College List College Ave recommends that you apply to a variety of schools. This will give you more opportunities to find a school that fits your budget financially, and one that may offer better financial aid.If scholarships, grants and federal loans in the student’s name don’t cover the full cost of tuition, College Ave Student Loans offers a simple, stress-free student loan process to help cover college costs. Students and parents can apply online and get a response in 3 minutes, with no application or origination fees.For more information about college financial aid planning, hints for filling out the FAFSA, and other loan opportunities, visit collegeavestudentloans.com.

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What If You Were Elected President? Children Across the Globe Respond

On the heels of the presidential election in the U.S., more than 6,200 children from 47 countries are weighing in with their own set of presidential priorities.

The third annual Small Voices, Big Dreams global survey, commissioned by ChildFund International — a member of ChildFund Alliance — and compiled by GfK Roper, asked children around the world, “If you were president or leader of your country, what would you do to improve the lives of children in your country?”

Overwhelmingly, children answered that improving education would be a top priority under their leadership. One in two (50 percent) respondents in developing countries said they would improve education or provide greater enrichment opportunities.

Ibrahima, a 12-year-old from Guinea, where an overwhelming 77 percent of children would improve education, said, “If I was the president, I would encourage education for every child and would multiply school infrastructures in every village where there are maximum numbers of children of school age.”

The Small Voices, Big Dreams survey allows children like Ibrahima to share their hopes and dreams and for ChildFund to improve its programs by listening to children to better address their needs, fears and hopes for the future.

While most children believe that getting an education is the key to a brighter future, providing basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter was a concern for children from both developing and developed nations. Approximately 23 percent of all children surveyed acknowledged that affording these basic items would improve the lives of children in their countries.

Creating jobs is also a top concern for children living in developed countries. While unemployment rates are declining in the U.S., children still recognize that country leadership should create employment opportunities and address inequality. Of all developed countries, 17 percent answered that addressing poverty and creating jobs are important compared to 13 percent of children in developing countries.
Health care remains a hot topic in the U.S., but only five percent of children living in developed countries felt that health care needed improvement if they were president. Surprisingly, only nine percent of children living in developing countries felt that health care needed improvement in their respective countries.

Despite the differences in priorities, children are hopeful about their futures and the change they can bring to the world, and that’s good news.

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Have a Preteen or Teen? Protect Them Against Serious Diseases

Leaving their phone at a friend’s house, suddenly needing a ride somewhere ? you knew there would be days like this. But did you know that you’d also need to take your preteens and teens to get shots?
As they get older, kids are at increased risk for some infections. Plus, the protection provided by some of the childhood vaccines begins to wear off, so kids need a booster dose. You may have heard about pertussis (whooping cough) outbreaks recently. Vaccine-preventable diseases are still real. The vaccines for preteens and teens can help protect your kids, as well as their friends, community and other family members.

There are four recommended vaccines that preteens should get when they are 11 or 12 years old. If you have an older kid like a teen, they’ll need a booster dose of one of the shots. It’s also not too late to get any shots they may have missed. You can use any healthcare visit, including sports physicals or some sick visits, to get the shots your kids need. The vaccines for preteens and teens are:

* HPV vaccine for both boys and girls, which protects against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cancer. HPV can cause cancers of the cervix, vulva and vagina in women and cancers of the penis in men. In both women and men, HPV also causes mouth/throat cancer, anal cancer and genital warts.

* Tdap vaccine, which is a booster against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Pertussis, or whooping cough, can keep kids out of school and activities for weeks. It can also be spread to babies, which can be very dangerous and sometimes deadly.

* Meningococcal vaccine, which protects against meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria and is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis — a serious infection around the brain and spinal cord.

* Influenza (flu) vaccine, because even healthy kids can get the flu, and it can be serious. All kids, including your preteens and teens, should get the flu vaccine every year.

Talk with a doctor, nurse or clinic about the vaccines for preteens and teens. Even though they may not realize it, your kids still need you for more than a ride somewhere. They need you to continue protecting their health by getting them these important and life-saving vaccines.
Want to learn more about the vaccines for preteens and teens? Check out www.cdc.gov/vaccines/teens or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

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Patut Diapresiasi, Operasi Undercover Buy Satresnarkoba Polres Madina Berhasil Amankan Pengguna dan Pengedar Narkoba

Madinapos.com – Panyabungan.

Patut diapresiasi, karena operasi Undercover Buy yang dilakukan petugas Kepolisian Polres Mandailimg Natal (Madina) Sat Resnarkoba dalam dua hari Jumat dan Sabtu (31/1 – 1/2/2020) berhasil mengamankan beberapa pelaku pengguna dan pengedar narkotika jenis ganja dan sabu di Wilayah Hukum Polres Madina. Dalam operasi tersebut, sejumlah barang bukti berhasil disita dan tersangka dijebloskan ke penjara.

Informasi yang didapat media ini, pada hari Jum’at, 31 Januari 2020, sekira pukul 16.30 Wib di Desa Bonan Dolok Kecamatan. Siabu Kabupaten Madina berhasil ditangkap FA alias Gatot dengan 467 bungkus kecil ganja siap edar. Lelaki pengangguran kelahiran 2000 dan belum menikah ini tak berkutik saat mengetahui pelanggan barang haram tersebut ternyata seorang petugas kepolisian yang sedang melakuan penyamaran dengan pura-pura membeli dan akhirnya Gatot berhasil diciduk serta harus mempertanggungjawabkan perbuatannya dari balik jeruji besi Polres Madina.

Kemudian, pada Sabtu tgl 01 Februari 2020, sekira pkl 13.30 Wib, di Jalan Staim Desa Pinago Kecamatan Panyabungan, petugas Sat Resnarkoba Polres Madina berhasil mengamankan PA Alias PENDI, pria penggangguran kelahiran Hutanamale / 08 Agustus 1986, tamat SD, beralamat Desa Sabajior Kecamatan Panyabungan yang hendak melakukan transaksi narkoba. Dari pria ini berhasil diamankan 1 (satu) bungkus permen yang diduga berisikan narkotika Gol I jenis Shabu yang dibalut dengan lakban warna hitam berisikan 2 (dua) paket shabu dengan berat bruto keseluruhan 0,89 (nol koma delapan sembilan) gram.

Dihari yang sama Sabtu 01 Febuari 2020, sekira pukul 18.00 Wib di Jln. Desa Runding Kecamatan. Panyabungan Barat, kembali berhasil diamankan dua orang BHM alias Budi kelahiran Hutabargot (30 thn) warga Desa Huta Julu Kecamatan Huta Bargot dan AP alias AIN (32) Warga Desa Huta Dolok Kecamatan Huta Bargot Kabupaten Madina.

Kedua pelaku yang sedang mengendarai sepeda motor berhasil dihentikan petugas Satresnarkoba Polres Madina, dan diamankan serta ditemukan 1 (satu) bungkus plastik asoy warna hitam berisikan ganja kering seberat 400 gram yang dibungkus sebanyak 60 ( enam puluh) paket siap pakai. Kedua lelaki yang mengaku wiraswasta dan pengangguran ini diboyong ke sel Polres Madina untuk mempertanggungjawabkan perbuatannya.

Media ini sangat mengapresiasi langkah yang dilakukan Kapolres Madina AKBP Irsan Sinuaji Sik. MH yang selama ini sangat gigih memberantas penyalahgunaan Narkoba di Kabupaten Mandailing Natal, memberangus ladang ganja hingga puluhan hektar dan berhasil menangkap puluhan pelaku narkoba baik itu jenis sabu maupun ganja.(Syahren)

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Teen Driver Contest Highlights Tire Safety

Teaching teens to drive can be a hair-raising experience for any parent. And while driver’s education classes can help focus kids’ attention on the rules of the road and basic etiquette while behind the wheel, they need to put their education into action on the road.Consider this: A recent survey of U.S. teens conducted by Michelin North America in seven major U.S. cities reveals that 42 percent are driving with unsafe tire tread, and 40 percent are driving with improper tire pressure. Two in five (43 percent) have never checked their tire tread depth, while one in three (32 percent) have never checked tire pressure. However, the majority of teen drivers agree that they should check their tire pressure and tire tread more often.

“The fact that car crashes remain the No. 1 killer of our teens is a national tragedy,” said Scott Clark, chairman and president of Michelin North America.”Many teens say they know the simple steps that make their tires safe, but too few are actually using their knowledge. It’s time to move our teen drivers from awareness to lifesaving action.”To further educate young drivers about tire safety and encourage them to check their car tires, Michelin, in partnership with the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), is expanding its Beyond the Driving Test program with the #StreetTreadContest. At the core of the contest is a collaboration with youth culture brand Vans, who worked with Michelin to design limited edition versions of Vans Classic SK8-Hi and Old Skool shoes.

To acquire one of the limited-edition, Michelin-inspired Vans, teens must prove their street tread by sharing a photo showing that they know how to check a tire’s tread depth using a penny and/or know how to check tire pressure, using the hashtag #StreetTreadContest.”Any time I have the opportunity to encourage youth to develop their knowledge and improve their safety, I want to get involved,” said Steve Van Doren, son of Vans’ cofounder and vice president of events and promotions.

“Using the iconic Michelin Man on our classic styles that are built on top of rubber will be a fun way to inspire tire safety and drive teens to take action.”To learn about critical tire safety checks and how to enter the #StreetTreadContest for a pair of limited-edition Vans, visit www.BeyondtheDrivingTest.com/StreetTread. 

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Motorists: Disregarding Auto Repairs Is Dangerous

The power of the dollar doesn’t stretch as far as it once did. And it has prompted some motorists to cut back on maintenance or put off needed vehicle repairs due to tight budgets, especially if the vehicle remains drivable. But, delaying certain repairs can be a dangerous gamble for motorists.

Disregarding maintenance on your vehicle can definitely result in costly repairs. However, AAA reminds motorists that ignoring their vehicle’s upkeep also can put them, their passengers and others on the road in danger.

Monitor these five areas for safer driving and increased vehicle reliability:

1. Get a grip on traction. Worn tires with little tread are much more likely to hydroplane on wet pavement or lose traction in the snow, resulting in a loss of braking power and steering control — two of the most dangerous situations in which drivers can find themselves.

Insert a quarter upside down into a tire groove. If you can see above Washington’s head, start shopping for new tires.

2. Don’t suspend needed suspension work. Neglecting to maintain undercar components — especially struts and shock absorbers which wear out as more miles are driven — can cause drivers to lose control on sudden turns or at higher speeds.

3. Put a halt on brake malfunctions. Old brake fluid or low fluid levels can lead to brake fade or failure. Moisture-contaminated fluid also increases corrosion in the brake hydraulic system, which can include expensive electronic anti-lock brake system (ABS) components.

Inspect the brake fluid level at every oil change. If the level has fallen below the “low” mark on the fluid reservoir, it usually indicates major brake wear or a leak somewhere in the system. Seeing a professional cannot wait.

Most vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing the brake fluid every two years to flush moisture and contaminants from the system. Check vehicle owner’s manuals for specific recommendations.

4. Don’t let fluids checks leak out of your maintenance routine. Leaking fluids mean that your vehicle needs maintenance. Oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and brake fluid are all flammable and can burst into flame when they meet a hot engine or exhaust component. Fluid leaks are the number-one cause of vehicle fires.

5. Keep good vision in sight. Motorists need to see the road. Worn, cracked or brittle windshield wipers will limit visibility because they cannot remove insects, grime and other debris from the windshield. A good spray of windshield washer fluid will help wiper blades remove contaminants.

Certified technicians at AAA Approved Auto Repair shops can provide motorists with trustworthy guidance on repairs and vehicle safety. Shops can be identified by the AAA Approved Auto Repair sign, or by searching online at AAA.com/Repair.

John Nielsen joined the AAA executive management team in 1998 as national director of the Approved Auto Repair network. Nielsen has 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. He has held an ASE Master Automotive Technician certification, authored the book “Making Sense of Car Care” and given testimony to the state and national legislatures, and he now serves as Editor in Chief of AAA’s new car and truck reviews. He is a regular guest on radio and TV shows throughout the country.