Rotary Home & Recreation Expo

Date: March 15th, 2019 – March 17th, 2019

Times: Friday: 2pm – 7pm, Saturday: 9am – 5pm, Sunday: 10am – 3pm

Location: Collins Perley Sports Complex

Website: https://www.fcrccvt.com/events/details/rotary-home-recreation-expo-6869

Event Description:

Over 150 booths, Vermont made products, wine, food and spirits. Free admission, compliments of Handy Cars.

Fees/Admissions:

Absolutely Free!

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festivities

Date: March 16th, 2019

Time: 5:00pm

Location: Begins at the Court House Parking Lot on Lake Street

Webstie: https://www.fcrccvt.com/events/details/st-patrick-s-day-parade-festivities-6825

Event Description:

Parade! A spirited parade winding through the downtown corridor, beginning at the Court House on Lake Street and ending at St. Albans City Hall. Post-parade party at City Hall with live music by the Dale & Darcy Band, green punch, face painting, refreshments and a cash bar.

Fees/Admissions:

Free and open to the public, cash bar at the post-parade party.

Casino Night

Date: March 29th, 2019

Time: 6pm – 10pm

Location: American Legion Post 42 108 Depot St. Enosburg Falls, VT 05450

Website: https://www.fcrccvt.com/events/details/casino-night-6874

Event Description:

Try your luck with the Black Jack tables, Roulette Wheel, Wheel of Fortune and Poker. Admission includes play money, appetizers, and door prize entry. Cash bar Live auction to follow! Joint fundraiser for The Friends of the Opera House and the American Legion.

Fees/Admissions:

Tickets: $40 per couple; $25 per individual. Tickets on sale NOW at Post 42 and The Mighty Oak.

As Vermonters, we know that winter here isn’t for the faint of heart. That’s why Handy Toyota is dedicated to making sure our customers drive smoothly and safely all winter long. Our service center and parts center is readily available for our customers to take advantage of, so you can take the wheel with confidence knowing your vehicle is prepared for whatever Mother Nature sends our way.

Before the winter season begins, we suggest bringing your vehicle in for a routine service appointment. Our team of technicians will change your oil, rotate your tires, install snow tires, top off your wiper fluid and other engine fluids, and check to ensure your heating system works. We’re also able to install new windshield wipers if you’re due for a new pair, replace any other part of your vehicle that’s past its prime, align your front end and install an automatic starter. We also recommend keeping extra wiper fluid, gas and salt in your vehicle, just in case you run into any inclement weather that causes you get stuck without visibility or horsepower.

Drive without stress this winter: schedule a service appointment for your car at Handy Toyota today. We’re looking forward to properly prepping your vehicle for any and all wintry conditions so you can keep moving without interruption.

If the all-new 2019 RAV4’s Adventure trim isn’t rugged or capable enough for you, Toyota has the answer with this 2020 TRD Off-Road model, which it introduced at the Chicago auto show. Channeling its inner 4Runner, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road certainly looks the part of an adventurous SUV with black-plastic fender flares, darkened grille and bumper elements, matte black aluminum wheels, and knobby all-terrain Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tires.

Sporting twin-tube dampers and springs tuned by Toyota Racing Development (TRD), the TRD Off-Road shares the same 8.6-inch ground clearance of the RAV4’s Adventure and Limited trims, which is 0.2 inches higher than the LE and XLE models. Toyota claims that the suspension is inspired by the setup developed for the Rally RAV4 but with enough compliance to damp out bumps in the trail and soak up potholes on the street. The RAV4 TRD Off-Road also receives new bump stops for better body control at the travel limit of the suspension.
 

Like the Adventure trim, the TRD Off-Road will come standard with selectable drive modes for the all-wheel-drive system. The rotary controller allows the driver to select Mud and Sand, Rock and Dirt, or Snow modes in addition to the Normal setting. Torque vectoring is accomplished by the use of the braking system. The RAV4’s hybrid powertrain will not be offered on the TRD Off-Road, which instead comes standard with a 203-hp 2.5-liter inline-four paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Toyota also gussied up the interior with faux-leather seating surfaces, red contrast stitching, red interior trim, and embroidered TRD logos in the headrests. The RAV4 Off-Road will offer all of the same standard driver-assistance features that are on lesser models when it goes on sale, which includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beams, and traffic-sign recognition. We expect to see the RAV4 TRD Off-Road on our lot this fall as a 2020 model! Don’t forget to visit Handy Toyota now to see the already released 2019 Toyota Rav4 models!

New England is a great place to visit and it has a lot to offer travelers. Not only can you plan a long vacation in the region, but there are some fun day trips available for locals as well. The six states of New England include Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Each has a unique character and many fun attractions that are sure to keep you busy. From historical sites to great food and plenty of time on the coast, let’s explore the riches of New England.

The Best of Connecticut

While it may be tempting to just drive through Connecticut on the way to one of the northern states, you’ll find plenty of things to do in this state.  It’s a hidden gem of New England travel and you won’t want to miss it.

Among the best attractions Connecticut has to offer, you’ll find the nation’s oldest amusement park at Lake Compounce and the Mystic Aquarium as well as the historic Mystic Seaport. The Gillette Castle in East Haddam and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum offer a little New England history while the Connecticut Wine Trail is always bustling. For some fun in the sun, Hammonasset Beach State Park is the place to be.

In the mood for a little gambling? Then you need to stop by the Mohegan Sun Casino or Foxwoods. The latter is the largest in the region and once held the title of the largest in the world.

The Best of Maine

Maine is the largest state in New England and it has many fun opportunities throughout the year. You can enjoy the long coastline or travel inland to areas like Height of Land in Rangeley. While summer’s filled with places to see, you won’t want to miss the autumn colors in places like Bethel for the ultimate leaf-peeping experience.

The coast of Maine offers endless opportunities and driving along Route 1 will provide everything you need. It begins at the New Hampshire border with beautiful and historic Kittery, Ogunquit, and Wells. In Kennebunkport, you can enjoy fine dining at places like the White Barn Inn.

Further up the coast, you’ll run into the popular Old Orchard Beach, Maine’s “7-mile Sandbox.” Portland is the biggest city on the coast and offers arts, entertainment, and many shopping experiences. Just up the road is Freeport, home to L.L. Bean and Reid State Park near Bath is a nice seaside adventure for your new gear.

You can continue all the way to Canada, stopping at spots like Rockland and Camden. Bar Harbor is a great place to catch a whale-watching tour and you can’t miss the many lighthouses along the way.

What you do need to do while in Maine is eat lobster and lots of it. It is the state’s food of choice and you’ll find many ways to enjoy the freshest lobster available. If you like, hop on a lobster boat and see how they’re caught as well.

The Best of Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a small state with a big personality. There’s so much to do here and it’s not just centered around Boston and Cape Cod.

Boston has its fair share of activities. Some of the city’s hottest attractions include the Boston Public Garden, Fenway Park, and Quincy Market (more properly Faneuil Hall Marketplace). You can also get a dose of history with the Freedom Trail and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. There’s almost always an event going on in Boston and many activities are free or reasonably priced.

Cape Cod and the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are another top destination in Massachusetts. This is where you’ll find the Pilgrim Monument, though the actual Rock and Mayflower replica are up the coast in Plymouth. The Cape also offers dining, shopping, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean.

Just down the coast is New Bedford, “The City that Lit the World.” It has a wonderful history of whaling and whale oil and inspired “Moby Dick.”

Massachusetts’ North Shore includes the coastal areas north of Boston. There you will find a number of great towns to explore. It is also where you’ll come across Salem, the place of the infamous witch trials. While Halloween is the best time to visit, the town is in the spirit year-round, so don’t worry if you can only get there in the off-season.

The Best of New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers visitors many scenic drives, a little beach, a good dose of mountains, and a few attractions you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a fun state and one that is definitely worth some of your time.

The state has just 13 miles of seacoast, but they make the most of it. Hampton Beach is the premier spot and it’s been rated one of the best beaches in the U.S. You can hang out on the beach, stroll the boardwalk, and have fun in the old-fashioned arcades or do a little shopping. Be sure to see which act is playing at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, it’s an intimate spot to see your favorite musicians.

Driving up the coast on Route 1, you’ll come across a few coastal towns and hidden beaches. Rye Harbor has wonderful rocky beaches that are typical ​of New England. Just before you hit Maine, you’ll come across Portsmouth, the biggest town on the seacoast. It’s fun to stroll through and has a nice mix of boutiques and restaurants and entertainment venues.

Off the coast, you’ll get to experience the most scenic highways and byways New England has to offer. Route 112 is the Kancamagus Highway, which runs right through White Mountain National Forest. Leaf-peepers consider it a must in autumn, but it’s a great drive year-round.

If you hop over to Route 3, you’re bound to see a moose. The stretch from Pittsburg, New Hampshire to Canada is known as “Moose Alley” and this is your best chance to spot one of the giants of the north.

The Best of Rhode Island

Rhode Island is not only the smallest state in New England, it’s the smallest in the U.S. Yet, for its size, it’s not hard to spend five days or more seeing the sights.

From Newport to Providence, Rhode Island packs a lot into a little space. You can enjoy Newport’s Cliff Walk or spend a day on Misquamicut Beach in Westerly. Take a ferry to Block Island or a gondola ride on the Woonasquatucket River in Providence. The Roger Williams Park Zoo is a popular destination as are Bristol’s Blithewold Mansion and Gardens.

Fans of lighthouses definitely want to book a stay at the Rose Island Lighthouse. There are only two bedrooms available, but you can also apply to be “Keeper of the Week.”

If you’re around during the holiday season, be sure to check out the opulent Newport mansions decorated for the season.

The Best of Vermont

Vermont is the only New England state with no coastline, but in no way does that detract from its charm. In fact, life in Vermont is unique, laid-back, and filled with things to do.

Fall is the premier season for Vermont travel and the state does get crowded with visitors taking in the beautiful autumn foliage. However, Vermont is just as picturesque year-round.

Some of the best places to see include Quechee Gorge, the Ben & Jerry’s Factory, the Rock of Ages, and the five covered bridges of Bennington County. Within your travels, you’ll come across many small towns and villages, each with unique character and nice places to stop and explore.

The countryside is filled with organic farms, wineries, and breweries and many are open to the public. Heady Topper is a beer that Vermont is famous for and you’ll definitely want to pick up a pint somewhere before you leave the state.

The Simon Pearce glassblowing workshop in Quechee is another must-see attraction. Not only can you shop for hand-blown glassware, but you can also watch it being made by the skilled artisans.

Another fun stop is the Vermont Teddy Bear factory in Shelburne. You can take a tour and watch the entire bear-making process and enjoy all their quirky little bear hospitality features

Zak Longe
Sales Associate

February’s Employee Spotlight focuses on Sales Associate Zak Longe. Zak has been with the company going on three years now and claims he started as a “bagel runner!” He has lived in Vermont for all but three years of his life, the other portion in Tennessee. When asked what his dream vehicle is, Zak says he would love a ’72 Chevelle SS 454 or a Tundra TRD Off-Road. When Zak isn’t selling cars left and right, you can find him fishing out on his boat or working on his ’91 Volkswagen Corrado. We can’t forget to mention he is an avid bowler and he competes in tournaments regularly!. Some of his favorite shows are Criminal Minds and Ray Donovan, and his favorite movie is Tombstone. One of Zak’s favorite hobbies is hunting with his family! Zak’s goals are to become self-employed and eventually move down south, and when he was asked what is most important to him, he said “My family is most important.” He tells us what he likes most about working at Handy’s is, ” I can sell cars in an honest and flexible way. Treating the customer how they want, without games!”

For any inquiries contact Zak Longe at zlonge@handycars.com or (802) 528-2243

Full-size trucks are more popular than ever, and the race to have the most luxurious, advanced and gadget-filled machine is in full swing. The Tundra still holds a strong name in value, reliability and an impressive list of standard features! For starters the Tundra has two available V8 engine options — a 4.6-liter engine that produces 310 horsepower and 327 pound-feet of torque or a 5.7-liter engine that produces a powerful 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7-liter’s robust power, and plenty of grunt to get any jobs done makes it a great option!

Ultimately, if all you need is a truck to haul cargo and tow a trailer without fuss, the 2019 Toyota Tundra should be on the top of your list. The available TRD Pro variant is pretty cool, too.

2019 Toyota Tundra configurations

The 2019 Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup that is available in one of five trim levels: the base SR, the value-conscious SR5, the flexible Limited, the upmarket Platinum and the specialized 1794 Edition and TRD Pro. Two engines are available, both V8s: a 4.6-liter (310 hp, 327 lb-ft) and a 5.7-liter (381 hp, 401 lb-ft). From there, you’ll pick a body style (the regular Double Cab crew cab or extra large CrewMax) and one of three bed lengths.

Highlights for the base SR include 18-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, a damped tailgate, a rearview camera, an integrated trailer brake controller, a tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth, a 6.1-inch touchscreen interface, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and a USB port. It also includes forward collision warning and mitigation with automatic braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control.

Going with the SR5 gets you fog lights, variable intermittent windshield wipers, and an upgraded tech interface that includes a 7-inch touchscreen, HD and satellite radio, traffic information and a navigation app. The crew cab adds a power-opening rear window and an overhead console.

The SR5’s Upgrade package adds front bucket seats with a power-adjustable driver seat, a center console (with storage and console shifter), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a larger 38-gallon gas tank when equipped with the 5.7-liter V8. There’s also a TRD Sport package that adds 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a hood scoop, body-colored mirrors and bumpers, LED headlights and foglights, TRD shift knob, floor mats and graphics.

The Limited builds on the Upgrade options package with 20-inch wheels, automatic headlights, movable tie-down cleats, automatic dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, an upgraded power driver’s seat and a power-adjustable passenger seat, a power horizontal-sliding rear window (extended cab), a navigation system and additional stereo speakers.

At the top of the heap, the Platinum trim level comes with distinctive styling elements, LED daytime running lights, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, a sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, driver-seat memory functions and a 12-speaker JBL sound system.

The 1794 Edition really only differs from the Platinum in terms of its exclusive exterior and interior styling elements.

A TRD Off-Road package can be added to the SR5, Limited and 1794 Edition. It includes 18-inch TRD wheels, off-road tires, LED headlights, trail-tuned shock absorbers, skid plates and tow hooks.

For better off-road performance, the TRD Pro trim features larger aluminum Fox shocks for better heat dissipation and damping control, a 2-inch front lift for more clearance, lighter BBS forged wheels, and LED headlights and foglights to help light up the trail at night. A shiny black exhaust tip and TRD Pro exhaust change the exhaust note, while a front skid plate prominently features the TRD logo in red. Visually, a unique grille, TRD Pro stamping on the rear quarter panels, and a hood scoop separate it from the rest of the line. On the inside, TRD Pro logos are pretty much everywhere!

Driving

With its strong V8, the Tundra offers legitimate performance. It’s quick, and it feels capable of hauling itself through any scenario a real truck user might encounter.

Comfort

The Tundra, when equipped with the 5.7-liter V8, has a truck like ride comfort and couples a towing package to their biggest engine. The smaller 4.6-liter V8-equipped Tundra gets softer springs for a more refined ride and feel. Inside, the Tundra 1794 Edition is covered in a perforated, stitched leather that ranks among the nicest materials seen in a full-size truck!

Utility

The Tundra utilizes its space well. There’s a massive center console big enough for multiple average-size laptops. The door pockets are large and fitted for large drink containers.

Technology

The Tundra is equipped with Toyota’s Entune system, which, when combined with an app on your phone, allows you to integrate various systems. Also included on every model Tundra is Toyota’s safety suite 2.0, offering lane keep assist, radar cruise control, pedestrian detection with automatic braking and pre-collision detection with automatic braking!

Handy Toyota has been a sponsor for the UVM hockey team for around three years. This partnership includes donations to the team for travel, gear, and other expenses. Handy Toyota gets involved in the community whenever a chance arises. Handy Toyota holds four events with both the men’s and women’s teams. The SASA nights are held in St. Albans at the local hockey rink and each team comes up on separate nights to hold a clinic for the local teams. After the game, Handy’s has the players sign a team photo for any fans that want them. Handy’s also gives out skate towels and has free hot dog’s and waters. The two other events held are in Burlington at the UVM’s ice skating rink and are called Handy Cars Night. These Nights are always a lot of fun with noise, skating, and scoring! Come on out and join us in all the festivities and support your local Hockey Teams!

Check out their FaceBook Page with this link:

https://www.facebook.com/St-Albans-Skating-Association-209290063044/?epa=SEARCH_BOX

In Good Taste
Name: In Good Taste
Date: February 1, 2019
Time: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM EST
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/749454138749912/
Event Description:
Join us to sample creative culinary delights, handcrafted beer, wine and delicious spirits. Vendors will be selling their goods. All attendees will receive a handy, re-usable shopping bag for purchases.
Location:
St. Albans City Hall, 100 North Main Street

Father Daughter Gala & Silent Auction

February 7, 2019
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST
Website: http://www.stalbansrec.com/info/activities
Event Description:
An elegant and fun evening for dads and their daughters, this formal event is a fundraiser for the St. Albans Rec Department. Dads and daughters may enjoy refreshments, beautiful atmosphere, music and dancing. And if dad is not available, an uncle or grandad can certainly fill in! And fun silent auction items also! Tickets required.

Fees/Admission:
Tickets: $55 per couple; $18 each additional daughter (residents)
$68 per couple; $25 each additional daughter (non-resident)

St. Albans Winter Carnival

Date: February 16, 2019 – February 17, 2019
Event Description:
The weekend kicks off with Fireworks in Taylor Park at dusk, followed by a full day of familiy activities on Sunday, including a nature walk with Bird Queen Bridget Butler, sugar on snow, JAS entertainment, horse drawn sleigh rides, the Flag Football Snow Bowl and the duct tape derby.

The Green Mountain State features some of the best skiing in the Northeast. Read on for a selection of our favorite Vermont ski resorts.

The sport of skiing owes a debt of gratitude to New England. Its early history is centered in the region, and many pioneers cut their teeth on its breath-taking slopes — especially in Vermont. The nation’s first ski tow, for example, opened on Gilbert’s Hill in Woodstock in 1934. Today, Vermont features some of the best skiing resorts in the Northeast. Come winter, those Green Mountains become a snowy wonderland. Ready to hit the slopes? Read on for a selection of our favorite Vermont ski resorts.

GUIDE TO VERMONT SKI RESORTS

STOWE MOUNTAIN RESORT, Stowe

Stowe’s roots as a skiing destination date back to 1912, when Swedish families moved here and brought their skis to get around town. A little more than two decades later, Stowe Mountain developed the ski area. Today it covers two different mountains: Mount Mansfield, the state’s highest peak, and Spruce Peak. Stowe offers a nice variety of trails, from double-black diamonds to long intermediate cruisers. Looking for more ideas about what to do in the Stowe area? We’ve got you covered.

JAY PEAK RESORT, Jay

At the very northern tip of Vermont sits one of New England’s most legendary skiing destinations. Located in the villages of Jay and Montgomery Center, and home to the most snowfall of any ski resort in the Northeast, Jay Peak offers 78 alpine trails and a vertical drop of more than 2,100 feet. When it’s time to take a break from snowy adventures, warm up — and catch a wave! — at the resort’s sprawling indoor water park.

SUGARBUSH RESORT, Warren

Set in the heart of the Mad River Valley town of Warren and spread across two mountains (Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen), Sugarbush has 111 trails for all skill levels. Its vertical drop of 2,600 feet is the second largest in New England, after nearby Killington (3,050).

KILLINGTON MOUNTAIN, Killington

Affectionately referred to as “the Beast” by skiers, Killington boasts a vertical drop that ranks as the second largest on the East Coast. Don’t miss the Stash, the resort’s all-natural terrain park, whose features include a 500-foot-long Superpipe with 18-foot walls. When you’re ready for a little après-ski action, check out Killington’s lively restaurant and bar scene.

SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH RESORT, Jeffersonville

Rated the No. 1 overall resort in the eastern U.S. and Canada by the readers of Ski magazine in 2017, Smugglers’ Notch Resort has long been one of New England’s premier family-friendly skiing destinations. Why? For starters, there are miles of easy terrain for newbies to find their ski legs. Weekly activities include a Monday night bonfire, family karaoke, and family tubing. For those in need of a more black-diamond experience, take up the challenge (and the gnarly runs) atop Smugs’s signature peak, Madonna Mountain.

OKEMO MOUNTAIN RESORT, Ludlow

Set in the southern Vermont town of Ludlow, Okemo Mountain was born as a community-run ski hill that eventually morphed into a top-tier four-season resort. Come winter, Okemo’s 2,200-foot vertical drop and 121 trails offer something for every kind of skier.

STRATTON MOUNTAIN RESORT, South Londonderry

The highlights at this legendary winter destination include 97 trails, more than 100 acres of glades, and a network of prized terrain parks, as well as the fastest set of lifts in the East. Stratton is consistently rated by Ski magazine as one of the country’s top 10 resorts for snow, grooming, and lifts, among other categories.

The XLE Highlander includes all of the following plus many more creature comforts!

Interior
A premium interior offers space for up to eight, five USB ports 24 for charging on the go, a ton of cargo space 26 and a whole lot more.

Design
A bold front grille, available LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and available dark-black-accent headlights make a powerful first impression.

Performance
Highlander features an available direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 engine, plus a Direct Shift-8AT (8-speed Automatic Transmission) for impressive performance.

Standard Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P)
Toyota Safety Sense™ (TSS) 34 is a bundle of active safety features on many new Toyota vehicles at no additional cost. These innovative features were designed to help protect you and your passengers from harm.

Also a Highlander Hybrid LE or XLE. It uses an Atkinson-cycle version of the V6 with direct injection. There are two electric motors, one for the front wheels and another for the rears. It makes a combined 306 horsepower and brings 30 City, 28 Highway and 29 Combined miles per gallon. We got seat time in a 2017 Hybrid XLE, all of it relaxed city driving, and it returned considerably less than that. Much the same with our 2016 Highlander Hybrid.

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