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Ethan Raymond

Internet Marketing Consultant

April’s employee spotlight focuses on internet marketing consultant, Ethan Raymond! If you do not know Ethan, then you are missing out because he is an all-star. He has worked here for four years, which means a majority of his time in high school was dedicated to Handy’s Downtown. Ethan started working in maintenance/recon and did that for two years before he moved to the internet department. He has lived in Vermont for his entire life, and when asked what his dream vehicles are, he tells us that we he would love a 2019 Audi S4 and a 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road from our own lot. When he isn’t working full-time, you can find him at Champlain College as a full-time student studying Business Administration, and he’s minoring in marketing. During his brief time away from work and school, you can find him with friends. Ethan says his favorite TV show is “Friends,” but those close to him would say it’s “Grey’s Anatomy.” His favorite movie of all time is “Titanic,” with “The Notebook” as a close second (don’t tell anyone). His favorite hobbies are driving, working on cars, and various outdoor activities like hiking and swimming. Ethan states that his goals in life are, “to get my master’s degree and move up as a manager one day at Handy’s. After that, maybe open my own business.” We asked Ethan to summarize himself to the best of his ability, and he says “I love my job and being around cars all day. I like snowboarding in the winter and getting outside with friends in the summer.”

For any inquiries contact Ethan Raymond at eraymond@handycars.com or (802) 528-2261

The 2019 Toyota Avalon will be an all-new model. As with previous Avalons, the new 2019 model will serve as Toyota’s flagship sedan, likely debuting with a V-6 engine producing over 300 hp as well as a more efficient hybrid model with more than 200 hp.

Now that the 2018 Camry has upped its midsize sedan game, the 2019 Avalon will be even bolder than it has been before, with more upscale options including an available dual-panel moonroof and a head-up display. Standard equipment will include a package of active safety tech with features including adaptive cruise control, a lane keeping assist system, and another system to apply the brakes if an obstacle ahead is detected. Also, expect the return of more traditional HVAC controls.

Our exposure to the Avalon hybrid was extremely limited. But the big news isn’t anything novel in its engineering, it’s that the system carries a mere $1000 premium over the conventional V-6 drivetrain. (The hybrid is available in XLE, XSE, and Limited trims.) And Toyota’s fuel-economy estimates—43 mpg in the city and 44 on the highway on the XLE with 43 across the board on XSE and Limited trims—are astonishing. With the V-6 Avalon estimated at 22 mpg in the city and 31 or 32 on the highway depending on trim, the math indicates this is a hybrid that could pay for itself, an enticing prospect for anyone worried about the long-term health of that 401(k) balance.

That said, the combined output of the hybrid’s 2.5-liter inline-four and dual electric motors is a modest 215 horsepower, up 15 ponies from the previous model. This is a drivetrain built for strolling, and that may be plenty for many buyers. Despite the addition of 204 nickel-metal-hydride battery cells under the rear seat, trunk room isn’t compromised compared with the conventional Avalon.

Befitting its maturity, the Avalon’s interior is more conservatively conceived and decorated than the Camry’s. The panel shapes are simpler, fewer design elements intersect with one another, and the materials used are more subdued. XSE and Touring models use aluminum trim throughout the interior, while Limited models go more traditional with nice-looking real wood trim.

No vehicle can afford to be left behind in the tech sweepstakes, and the Avalon centers most of its functions in a 9.0-inch touchscreen atop the center stack. The Toyota dam has burst and Apple CarPlay is finally on offer. Still missing, however, is Android Auto. Whatever the disagreement is between Toyota and Google, they ought to work things out because the one thing that’s obvious is that buyers crave cell-phone integration.

The first step on the 2019 Avalon ladder comes at $36,395 for the basic XLE, with the top-rung Touring model at $43,095. That’s not cheap, but it’s reasonable in a world where it’s easy to spend more than $50,000 on a sparsely equipped German mid-size sedan.

Although we do not have many Avalons on-hand, we look forward to more coming our way. So come on down to Handy Toyota, where the 2019 Toyota Avalon can be yours today!

53rd Annual Vermont Maple Festival

Date: April 26th, 2019 – April 28th, 2019

Time: Friday: Beginning at noon, Saturday & Sunday: Beginning at 10:00am

Location: Held in various locations throughout the City and Town of St. Albans, VT

Website: https://www.vermontmaplefestival.com/

Event Description:

The 53rd Vermont Maple Festival is a food and arts celebration held at St. Albans in the state of Vermont. The festival is a three-day event held annually over the last weekend in April. During the event, there are exhibits and demonstrations, entertainment, and a craft & antiques show all dedicated to maple syrup.

Fees/Admissions:

Free Admission to Maple Exhibit Hall, Craft & Specialty Food Show, Antique Show, Taylor Park Tent Shows, Sugar House Tours, Main Street Entertainment & Kids Center

Admission Fees to Maple Barbecue Buffet, Maple Beverage Tasting, Pancake Breakfast, Fiddlers Variety Show, Carnival Rides & St. Albans Museum

Run for Jim

Date: May 5th, 2019

Time: 8:30am – 12:30pm, Kids race starts at 8:30am; Adult race starts at 9:30am

Location: Collins Perley Sports Complex, St. Albans, VT

Website: http://www.runforjimbashaw.com/

Event Description:

An annual 5K walk/run in honor of Jim Bashaw. All proceeds donated directly to residents of Franklin and Grand Isle counties suffering with cancer and catastrophic illness.

Fees/Admission:

Advance Registration:  Kids – $15; Adults – $35

Race registration forms available at the Franklin County Regional Chamber of Commerce office.  Online registration at the link above.

Ken’s Rode, Ride of Hope

Date: May 11th, 2019

Time: 8:00am – 12:00pm

Location: Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail between St. Albans (US 7/Main St. at Rewes Dr) and the Sheldon Bridge in Sheldon, VT.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/619388768500244/?ti=ia

Event Description:

This event celebrates the life of Ken Appel, a passionate cyclist who passed away from neurodegenerative brain diseases Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Ken’s Ride ride will honor his wish that a cure be found for these Prime of Life Brain Diseases that consume a person, slowly attacking their physical, mental, independence, mobility, and communication. There is no cure or effective treatment at this time for these diseases. The Ride also is his expression of appreciation to caregivers and for the care he received. The event will occur rain or shine on the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail between St. Albans and the Sheldon Bridge in Sheldon, VT. Ride as far as you wish – have fun, enjoy the scenery, smell the flowers or ride as Ken did, as fast and as hard as you can. The proceeds of the event will be shared between CurePSP, a national organization that helps supports research efforts to find a cure and treatment for Prime of Life Brain Diseases (PSP, FTD, CBD, MSA, ALS) and a local agency, Franklin County Home Health, that provides palliative and end of life care for patients with progressive neurodegenerative diseases and offered amazing support to Ken and his family.

Fees/Admisission:

Registration required. Registration begins at 8:00am on-site. Range: $25-$35.

A Few Reasons Why Vermont Is Hands-Down The Best State In The Northeast!

If you live here, you already know that VT is the best state in the Northeast. From charming towns to extraordinary people, this little state sure has it all. Check out some of the reasons why we love it and be sure to add your own in the comments.

Low crime rates

Safety first! When you look at reports like this one in the Burlington Free Press about safety, Vermont usually tops the list among all other states.

Wide open spaces

If you’re not one for crowds, then Vermont is the place for you. We have the second lowest population in the country, and even the state capital of Montpelier has less than 8,000 residents! 

Location, location, location!

If you’re looking for a city fix, New York, Boston and Montreal are all within driving distance.

Year-round outdoor activities

If you love to embrace the outdoors, skiing, hiking, biking, swimming and more await! Not to mention stunning scenery while you do it!

Community matters

From helping neighbors to our annual Green Up Day, Vermont communities are always ready to lend a helping hand.

Fresh Foods

Vermont has always been a leader in the farm to table movement, and fresh foods are available to everyone at the local shops and farmers markets. 

Naturally fun

Vermont is full of great swimming holes which are a natural – and free – way to cool down on a hot day.

Endless hiking

You can always find a hiking trail nearby, no matter where you are in the Green Mountain State. Fresh air? No problem!

World famous foliage

Hands down, Vermont has the best foliage not in just the Northeast, but in the world. Yes, the world!

Museums

You’ll find museums that embrace the outdoors and some of the most remarkable and unique exhibits here.

Vermont Maple Syrup

Vermont Maple Syrup is incredible and we use it on just about anything. After all, life is sweeter here!

With Toyota’s new Entune 3.0 entering into a world with an emphasis on technology, it gives the new Toyota lineup, available at Handy Toyota just 30 minutes from Burlington and Plattsburgh, key characteristics, that allow it to stand out in the automotive crowd. With an influx of technology, Toyota-brand entertainment and connectivity take a leap forward with the debut of Toyota Entune 3.0 at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show. With Improved navigation, connectivity, and entertainment the next-generation Toyota Entune system will be a game changer for new Toyota Models. Here are some of the best features of the new Entune 3.0!

Scout GPS and Dynamic Navigation Systems

Here to help you when traveling down the road less traveled, is Toyota’s new navigation system. Toyota’s Entune 3.0 will add Scout GPS link with full moving maps, simply connect to Scout GPS with your smartphone and turn-by-turn directions will appear on your Toyota Entune touchscreen display! With the new Dynamic navigation bringing updates to maps and navigation in real-time in order to ensure accurate information at all times.

On-Board WI-FI

You heard right! Toyota’s new Entune 3.0 brings on board Wi-Fi to the table, allowing for an instant upgrade in connectivity. Data Communications Modules will be available for select models and through a partnership with Verizon will add access to Wi-Fi for up to five devices!

Safety Connect and App Suite Connect

To help you stay safe behind the wheel of your new Toyota from Handy Toyota in Saint Albans Vermont, Toyota’s new Entune 3.0 provides important new safety features. Your new Toyota will provide an instant notification when you are involved in an accident, providing a direct line to emergency services. Another advantage is Toyota’s new App Suit Connect, bringing access to your favorite smartphone apps, easily accessible on your multimedia touchscreen display.

Remote Connect and Service Connect

To further your connectivity, Remote Connect will keep you connected to the cloud through an Entune mobile app that will allow you to start your car, lock the doors and set driving parameters from your smartphone on higher trim level Toyota vehicles. For the Drivers that may neglect basic maintenance, you will find that Toyota Entune 3.0 Service Connect is an asset! Providing maintenance reminders and access to Vehicle Health Reports online and on your smartphone.

For the first time ever, Toyota will offer the Corolla sedan with a hybrid powertrain in the United States. The hybrid is based on the all-new 2020 Corolla sedan, which is making its debut at the Los Angeles auto show alongside the hybrid. Advanced standard Toyota Safety Sense^™ 2.0 (TSS 2.0) technology helps bring more peace of mind to every drive. Inside, it has the latest tech, like an available 8-inch touch-screen display with standard Apple CarPlay^® that works with your iPhone^®.

The Corolla hybrid uses the same Hybrid Synergy Drive system as the current Prius; that means a power-split trans-axle incorporating two motor/generators, coupled to an Atkinson-cycle 1.8-liter inline-four and paired electronically with a nickel-metal hybrid battery pack. Like the Prius, the Corolla has a combined output of 121 horsepower, and like the Prius, the Corolla is front-wheel drive. Toyota doesn’t give any performance figures, apart from saying that the Corolla hybrid’s acceleration “may take some by surprise.” We hope that’s true, since the Prius took a laggardly 10.5 seconds to hit 60 mph in our testing.

As with any hybrid, the biggest selling point of this Corolla is fuel economy. The EPA estimates that the Corolla hybrid gets 52 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars on sale. The standard 2020 Corolla sedan gets EPA estimates of between 32 and 34 mpg combined.

We expect to see the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid with other new inventory on our lot this spring. So come on down to Handy Toyota!

Cody Durkin
Sales & Leasing Consultant

March’s employee spotlight focuses on sales and leasing consultant, Cody Durkin! Cody has worked with the company for three months and previously worked at Northwestern Medical Center. He has lived in Vermont for seven years, and when asked what his dream cars are, he states, “Toyota Supra RZ, 2001 Audi S4, and the 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback.” During his free time, you can find Cody driving his cars, and if the weather is nice, you can he even find him boating on Lake Champlain. Cody loves Marvel movies and TV shows, but his favorite of all is Top Gear. Who would have guessed his hobby is cars? His goal in life is to have enough money to build a countless amount of cars. When asked to summarize himself, Cody tells us, “I’m from Texas, and I love cars and going fast!”

For any inquiries contact Cody Durkin at cdurkin@handycars.com or (802) 528-2220

It’s hard to believe we survived another winter in Vermont. Before we know it, the first signs of new life are popping up and bringing color back into our landscape. Spring in Vermont is often overshadowed, if you think of it: the foliage of fall, the epic powder days of winter, and the bluebird skies of summer days on Lake Champlain. Sure, spring in Vermont is muddy, soggy, rainy, and not truly green until early May. But, there are many spring activities to make the most of the season in Vermont.

1. Tour Billings Farm Museum & Visit with Baby Animals

Located in Woodstock, Billings Farm and Museum is an outdoor museum and fully-operating Jersey cow dairy farm, dating back to 1871. Woodstock is worth a day trip in any season (don’t miss Worthy Kitchen, Farmhouse Pottery and FH Gillingham & Sons General Store), but Billings Farm Museum is especially fun in the spring with their baby animals. Visit the restored 1890 farmhouse, the animals on the property (including 70 Jersey cows, six draft horses, a flock of southdown sheep, chicks, rabbits, steers, etc.), and ensure you get a bite of their cheddar. Keep an eye on their events calendar; you might spot unique events like sheep shearing, cheese celebrations, quilt exhibitions, and more.

2. Watch 20+ Hot Air Balloons Soar Over Vermont as Part of the Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival

Quechees’s 38th Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival is a sight to see in Vermont. For 2017, it’s happening the weekend of Father’s Day: June 16 – 18. It’s the longest running balloon, craft, and music festival in the Northeast. There are five different flights scheduled throughout the festival, so if you’re in the vicinity of Quechee or the Upper Valley that weekend, chances are you’ll catch a glimpse of the colorful sky. You can also take part in the soaring yourself! There are tethered rides, where a hot air balloon is tied down by rope and only floats 50 feet above the ground. There are also more traditional ascension rides, which are 30-40 minutes of soaring. If you’ve never been in a hot air balloon, do it! The spring landscape in Vermont is simply stunning from the air.

3. Peep the Peonies and Take in Some Vermont History at Hildene in Manchester

Hildene, also known as the Lincoln Family Home, is the former summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln and his wife Mary Harlan Lincoln. It’s a beautiful and historic stop just outside of Manchester Center in Southern Vermont. Take your time with your visit and get to know the grounds, extensive gardens, and the estate, as well as the 1,000 pipe Aeolian organ. Even the gift shop on site is beautiful. You can walk through the exquisite home on a self-guided tour or take a guided tour at 11am or 1pm every day from June through September. In mid to late June, the peony gardens are in full bloom, which makes for a stunning site against the grandness of the estate’s facade. Can’t make it in the spring? Visit in the winter when you can cross-country ski or snowshoe on the grounds for a memorable cold-weather excursion.
 

4. Take a Leisurely Stroll Through the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail in Ripton

Located off Route 125 in Ripton, Vermont, is the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail. Ripton is home to The Robert Frost Farm, now a National Historic Landmark, where Frost lived and wrote for 44 years. It’s less than a mile of nearly flat trail with poetry from Robert Frost along the way – serene and stunning in every season. The trail is especially beautiful in the spring as you begin to see the greenery come back to life as a snow-covered winter in the Green Mountains. It’s also a great spot for swimming and picnicking in the warmer months. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including unique birds. You may even see a moose!

5. Taste the Sweetness of Pure Maple Syrup at The Vermont Maple Festival

2017 marks the 51st Annual Vermont Maple Festival held in St. Albans, Vermont, April 28-30. The family-friendly events includes a maple store (including maple donuts and maple creemees), maple contests, a pancake breakfast, sugarhouse tours, puppet shows, an antique show, and even a Vermont maple beverage tasting, hosted by 14th Star Brewing Co. To burn off the sweets, there’s the Annual Sap run, which is an 8.5-mile course from Swanton to St. Albans. Love the maple syrup-making process? In early spring (typically late March in Vermont) is the Maple Open House Weekend, where you can visit sugar shacks across the state to see the boiling in action.

Jim Bashaw Bowlathon

Date: April 6th, 2019 – April 7th, 2019

Time: 11:00am or 2:00pm

Location: Dairy Center Bowling Alley, Enosburg

Website: https://www.fcrccvt.com/events/details/jim-bashaw-bowlathon-6858

Event Description:

Teams of 6 people, $50 minimum donation, includes shoes, two games, refreshments and prizes. Proceeds go directly to Franklin and Grand Isle residents struggling with cancer or a catastrophic illness.

Fees/Admissions:

Register by calling (802) 524-8467

St. Albans Easter Egg Hunt

Date: April 20th, 2019

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am

Location: Taylor Park, downtown St. Albans

Website:https://stalbansvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29846#0_145933

Event Description:

Hunt for eggs in Taylor Park! Three separate sections divided by age group to make this event fun and safe for kids of all ages. Please remember that this event is only for the kids! Thank you in advance.

Fees/Admissions:

Free to the public!

53rd Annual Vermont Maple Festival

Date: April 26th, 2019 – April 28th, 2019

Time: Friday: Beginning at noon, Saturday & Sunday: Beginning at 10:00am

Location: Held in various locations throughout the City and Town of St. Albans, VT

Website: https://www.vermontmaplefestival.com/

Event Description:

The 53rd Vermont Maple Festival is a food and arts celebration held at St. Albans in the state of Vermont. The festival is a three-day event held annually over the last weekend in April. During the event, there are exhibits and demonstrations, entertainment, and a craft & antiques show all dedicated to maple syrup.

Fees/Admissions:

Free Admission to Maple Exhibit Hall, Craft & Specialty Food Show, Antique Show, Taylor Park Tent Shows, Sugar House Tours, Main Street Entertainment & Kids Center

Admission Fees to Maple Barbecue Buffet, Maple Beverage Tasting, Pancake Breakfast, Fiddlers Variety Show, Carnival Rides & St. Albans Museum

Stuck in a Blizzard with nothing to do? Here are 9 great activities for you and the kids to keep busy during a snowstorm. From arts and crafts to truth or dare to making a meal with the family there’s something here for everyone!

1. Do Arts and Crafts: OK, we might not be in first grade, but that doesn’t mean arts and crafts aren’t fun anymore. Try making something to decorate your dorm room (like paper snowflakes in honor of the blizzard!) or print out “grown-up coloring books” and color them in.

2. Dance:It’s a good way of exercising and bonding, and since it’s in the comfort of your own dorm room, it really doesn’t matter how stupid you look, which is always a plus. If you don’t like dancing on your own, try YouTubing Just Dance videos and battling your friends!

3. Play Hide and Seek: Set some ground rules and be reasonable so you don’t get expelled, of course

4. Play Truth or Dare: Tried and true. If you get sick of normal Truth or Dare, try Paranoia or Never Have I Ever.

5. Try Cooking: Attempt to use what you already have in your dorm room, and put your microwave to good use! Here are some mug cake recipes, although you might not have the ingredients with you already.

6. Pilates/Yoga: My roommate made me do this yesterday and it still feels like I’ve been shot in the back of the legs. This is a great way to make yourself cry/exercise in substitution for running outside in the blizzard.

7. Meditating:Sit in a comfortable position, and try to clear your mind.

8. Make up Your Own Game: My friends and I once came up with “blind hide and seek tag,” where we crawled along the ground at each other (in a fairly open space) and tried to tag each other. Make up an equally stupid game, but don’t be too stupid (just a little stupid).

9. Rearrange Your Room: This one might take a fair amount of commitment, but if you’ve really run out of other things to do, this could be fun.