June Newsletter - Raffle for Grads - Full Auto Detailing with I am VT Strong Plate

Monthly Raffle

Congratulations to our May raffle winners Carrie Barrett and Laura Bowe, who each won a $50 gift card to a home, garden, or hardware store of their choice!

We're partnering with Travelers Insurance to reward three Graduates for their hard work.
This month we're giving away (3) Auto Detailing Packages with a Vermont Strong plate to any Vermont High School or College Graduate - valued at $225 each! Register here.

We'll draw the winner on June 25th.

The lucky grad gets to choose where to go and we've got suggestions on our B2B page. (Want to add your business? Click the link on the B2B page. All are welcome.)

June Events Across Vermont

School is letting out, the days are getting longer again, and the temperature is rising. Now that you have more time, you don't have to waste any of it scouring the newspaper or internet for things to do! We've compiled a list of exciting summer events so you can spend less time planning and more time doing.

June 9th - Antique & Classic Car Show - Manchester, VT

June 9th - Renegade Playground 5K- Stratton Mountain, VT

June 9th - Kids Pirate Festival - Vergennes, VT

June 9th - Champ Ride 2012 with VT CARES - Burlington, VT

June 9th,10th - Snow White Ballet - Johnson, VT

June 10th - Sapsucker Sunday Birding Series - East Charleston, VT

June 15th,16th,17th - Soccerfest - Stratton Mountain

June 16th - Antique Engine Show - Brownington

June 17th - 4th Annual VT Lumberjack Competition - East Burke, VT

June 17th - Rattling Brook Bluegrass Festival- Belvidere, VT

June 20th - Jenny Brook Family Bluegrass Festival- Tunbridge, VT

June 21-24th - Wanderlust Yoga & Music Festival - Stratton Mountain, VT

June 22nd - Strings & Vines - New Haven, VT

June 22nd - NEMBAfest Mountain Bike Festival - East Burke, VT

June 22nd - 2012 Stowe Wines & Food Classic - Stowe, VT

June 22nd - Con Brio in Concert - North Bennington, VT

June 23rd - Native American Heritage Festival- Vergennes, VT

June 23rd - Understanding Your Forest - East Charleston, VT

June 23rd - Heron Carving Class w/ David Tuttle - Huntington, VT

June 29th - July 1st - Vermont Quilt Festival - Essex Junction, VT

June 29th - 4th Annual Grafton Music Festival- Grafton Village

Looking a little farther into the summer for plans? From the Vermont History Expo in Tunbridge, all the way to the Champlain Valley Fair in Essex Junction, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce has named the top 10 Vermont summer events. Click here to check them out.

Backyard Grilling Safety & Tips

Keep it level.

No matter what type of grill you own, keep it on a level surface a safe distance away from flammable objects and never unattended.

Grilling = outdoors.

Regardless of the type of grill, never grill indoors. All flames emit carbon monoxide, a lethal and virtually undetectable gas.
Keep the grill a safe distance from your home to reduce the risk of fire.

Take care with coal and accelerants.

Use caution when adding an accelerant to your coal-based BBQ. Never use gasoline or kerosene. Do not add lighter fluid directly to hot coals, as the flame could travel up and burn your hand. Use sparingly.

Let coals cool off.

Coals can reach temperatures up to 1000 degrees. Before disposal, allow coals to cool off for at least 48 hours or place coals in a non-combustible container filled with sand or water.

Leaks can be lethal.

Check gas lines for leaks before the first use of the summer. Applying soapy water to the hose helps spot leaks, as they will create small bubbles. If you are unable to stop the leak by shutting off your grill and gas line, stay clear of the line and call the fire department.

Tank safety.
Never keep filled propane tanks in a hot car, and minimize the amount of time spent traveling with a filled tank in your vehicle. When storing a tank, always keep it outdoors and in an upright position.

Do the Math! Student + Car = Savings

Got a student with good grades? You could save!

Though discounts often stop at high school or college graduation, many insurance carriers offer a 'Good Student' credit for students who maintain a B average or a 3.0+ GPA. Contact your agent for more information.

Recent college grads: you could get a rebate for a new car!

Many auto dealers offer incentive programs in the form of rebates for recent college graduate who are looking to buy a new car. Be sure to read the fine print and ask plenty of questions.

Safe Driver Courses

Just because you graduate doesn't mean you stop learning. Some carriers offer a credit on auto insurance if you complete a defensive driving course. Be sure to check with your agent before booking the class, as not all carriers offer this discount.

Boating Tips

Here When You Need Us Life Preservers Aren't Just for Kids.

In an accident, people rarely have time to reach for a life jacket - they only work if you're wearing them! This rule applies to adults, not just children: today, you can even get vests for your water-loving dog!

Alcohol and Boating Don't Mix.

More than 50 percent of drowning's result from boating incidents involving alcohol. You don't drink and drive, so don't boat and drive.

Boats Need TLC Too.

Have your boat's operating systems checked yearly by a certified marine technician.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons also offer free vessel safety checks.

Experience Counts!

The U.S. Coast Guard says that any operator who drives your boat must be properly trained. Some insurance carriers also provide a discount if you complete a safety course with the Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons.

Monthly Raffle

This month we're giving away three Auto Detailing Packages along with a Vermont Strong plate to any Vermont graduate - valued at $225 each!

What's the catch?
We're rewarding hard work, so the graduate needs to have a 3.0GPA or higher, possess a valid Vermont driver's license, and live in Vermont. This is for High School AND College Grads.

We'll announce the winner on Monday, June 25th on our Facebook page and in our July newsletter. Stay tuned!