Happy Memorial Day to all of our Veterans and their Families!

Memorial Day is being observed this year on Monday May 28th.

It commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the
military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the
American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification
after the Civil War), it was expanded after World War I.

Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and
memorials. A national moment of remembrance takes place at
3:00 p.m. local time. Another tradition is to fly the flag of the
United States at half-staff from dawn until noon local time.
Volunteers often place American flags on each grave site
at National Cemeteries.

Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars take donations for
poppies in the days leading up to Memorial Day; the poppy's
significance to Memorial Day is the result of the John McCrae
poem "In Flanders Fields."

In addition to remembrance, Memorial Day is also used as a
time for picnics, barbecues, family gatherings, and sporting
events. One of the longest-standing traditions is the running
of the Indianapolis 500, which has been held in conjunction
with Memorial Day since 1911.

Please join us in celebrating our brave Men and Women who
have given their life defending our freedom.

Happy Memorial Day to all Veterans from your friends at The Zabbia Insurance Agency,

Beware of thefts of items in your car!

With the warm weather comes driving with your windows open.  Unfortunately, it is also an opportunity for thieves to easily break into your car to see what you have to steal.  All auto break-ins usually have one thing in common: there's something left in the car worth stealing. One of the “Hottest” items that thieves are targeting both locally and nationally is the GPS system in your vehicle. It's very simple police say:” if you leave a GPS system in your car, the chances are it will be stolen”. Here are few tips to prevent your satellite navigation system from being taken.

If your vehicle is stolen or property is taken from the vehicle there are number of things you can and should do:

• Call the Police. Provide a complete description of the items taken. Also provide license plate number, make a model of vehicle, year and color.
• Etch your driver's license number on all removable valuable items. Items such as audio equipment.
• Don't leave your driver's license or title in the vehicle.
• Keep a record of the VIN number, License plate number, and insurance information in your wallet or purse.
• Install a vehicle tracking and location system that can be activated after the vehicle is reported as stolen.

Hide your GPS device

Think of a GPS device as an invisible eye, one that can help you see but one that need not be seen by others. Don't leave it in plain sight because the majority of thefts occur because someone sees that it is there for the taking. Mounting the GPS device on your dashboard keeps the GPS unit out of sight.
 
Take it when you leave
Also opt to take the GPS device with you when you exit your car. That may or may not be cumbersome depending on what else you have to carry, but you will know the GPS device is with you.
 
Wipe away the evidence
If your GPS device has suction cups to adhere it to the windshield, the rings left by the suction cups advertise the presence of a GPS device. Even if you take it with you, someone may vandalize your car in search of a GPS device after seeing the rings left by the suction cups. You can keep towelettes on hand to wipe away these rings.

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April Car Care Tip: Inspect the tires

Inspect your tires: Worn-down tires make it hard to stop, even if your brakes are in good order. Try the coin test on your tires: Insert a quarter into several grooves across each tire. If part of Washington's head is always covered, you still have 4/32 inch of tread left and can probably drive safely. If you have less tread, it's time to think about replacements. (A definite danger signal comes when you slip a penny into a groove and the tread does not reach Lincoln's head.)

Even if your tire tread are OK, make sure you keep them inflated to the pressure listed on the placard visible when the driver's door is open. You can boost your gas mileage by 3% or more and make the car safer as well. To get an accurate reading, check the pressure of tires when they are cold, not when you have been driving.

Avoid Holiday Season Distractions Behind the Wheel

‘Tis the season of multitasking: Mixing the cookie batter with one hand while trying to address holiday cards and wrap presents with the other.  While the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be the most stressful.

Drivers are faced with the added distractions of holiday music, traffic jams, and congested mall parking lots and other shopping areas with pedestrians and moving vehicles. With so many things to do, and so little time to do it, it’s no wonder why we try to multitask while driving.

Allstate has conducted extensive research, which has found that eliminating distractions in the car can help drivers avoid accidents and ultimately save lives. Texting, talking on the phone, changing the radio, eating, putting on makeup and joking around with friends all increase the odds of a crash.

Can you imagine if everyone invited these distractions in during the holidays? Multitask a little less, and keep the roads safer.

Don’t let distractions ruin your holiday spirit this season. Here at Allstate we encourage you to practice caution behind the wheel. We know accidents happen, but that shouldn’t get you down.

Here are some good driver safety tips from Allstate:

·                     Keep your eyes on the road.

·                     Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

·                     Do not eat while driving

·                     Do not apply cosmetics or groom if you are behind the wheel.

·                     Pull over if you feel drowsy.

For more information on these or any other safety tips, please contact me at 516-799-6900, 845-229-6109 or via email at robertzabbia@allstate.com.

Wishing you a very Happy & Healthy Thanksgiving

George

Washington's

1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.

G. Washington (his actual signature)

Thank you to all of our Veterans

The United States of America is the beacon of freedom to the world.  It is because of the dedication and sacrifice of our Veterans and their families.  A friend passed on this list to me, and I wanted to share it with you so you can share it with any Veterans you know.  Please pass it on.

Restaurants

Abuelo’s Mexican Food - Abuelo’s offerings vary by region, be sure to call ahead to see what the discounts or freebies are included.

Applebees - All veterans and active duty military eat free from a limited menu at Applebee’s on Veterans Day.

Chili’s — Veterans and active duty dine for free from a special limited six item menu on Veterans Day.

Golden Corral — Golden Corral Restaurants’ Military Appreciation Monday free dinner will be available on November 15, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves are all welcome.

Hooters — All Veterans and active duty eat free. The free entrees must be selected from a special Veterans Day menu.

Krispy Kreme – All active-duty, retirees & veterans get a free doughnut on Veterans Day. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is par-ticipating.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants — Participating McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants offer a complimentary entree to vets from a special menu on a space available basis, online reservations are highly recommended.

Outback Steakhouse — Veterans and active-duty military get a complimen-tary Bloomin’ Onion and non-alcoholic beverage on Veterans Day.

UNO Chicago Grill — UNO is offering a Buy One Get One free offer to Service members or Veterans with a military or veteran I.D. or in uniform or with a photo of themselves in uniform. The Veterans Day BOGO offer includes a free entree or individual pizza, with the purchase of an entree or pizza of equal or greater value.

Texas Roadhouse – Free meal from opening until 4pm. on Veterans Day. Call ahead to your local restaurant for more information.

T.G.I. Friday’s – Veterans and Service members Buy one get one free from Nov 11–14. Contact your nearest location for more details on their Veterans Day BOGO offer.

Retail

The Dollar General — Veterans, Service members (Active, Guard, and Reserve), and their immediate families will receive a 10-percent discount with a Veterans Day coupon. The coupon may be found in store circular ads or by asking a sales associate.

Home Depot — Offers a 10 percent discount to all Veterans during Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Lowe’s — All veterans receive the 10-percent discount on Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The offer is available in stores only and is limited to in-stock and special-order purchases of up to $5,000.

Sam’s Club — Sam’s give away 36,000 collapsible Hugo Canes on Veterans Day to military veterans in need of mobility assistance. Sam’s Club will require membership for this offer, but proof of service may be necessary.

Amazon.com – Free ―Veterans Day Honor‖ MP3 album download. The album includes 12 songs by The Bands and Ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Cabela’s Outdoor Store – Offers their employee discount to all veterans, active-duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel November 11-12. Discounts vary from 5% to 50%, depending on the item.

Build-a-Bear Workshop – Members of the armed services including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserve Officer Training Corps, will receive a 20% discount November 11-15 on any one transaction at Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Fashion Bug – 20% off all plus-size and misses clothing purchases with a copy of military ID or spouse’s military ID.

Sports Clips Haircuts - The men’s hair salon chain is offering a free haircut to active military and veterans on Veterans Day.

Foot Locker — Veterans, Service members (Active, Guard, and Reserve), and their immediate families with a Foot Locker Veterans Advantage Card receive a 20 percent discount every day of the year. That offer is good both online and at any store location, including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Footaction and Champs Sports — even on sale items.

It's almost time to put away your classic car!

Fall is a great time to get out and drive your classic car/hot rod.  The temparature are better for those without A/C!  For those classic car owners who live in more dramatic climates, it's almost time to put your cars to bed for the winter. We've put together some steps to help you do it right. Feel free to pass this information on to anyone who may benefit.

1. Top off your levels.

• Fill your gas tank and add a fuel preservative. The full tank keeps out moisture, and the preservative keeps the gas from breaking down. Take one last drive to circulate the preservative.
  
• Make sure your antifreeze is fresh and topped off.
• To avoid a nasty sludge in the spring, change the oil

2. Take preventative measures.

• Give your car a good wash and wax to protect the paint. Protect the chrome with wax or paint sealant.
• Over-inflate tires to avoid flat spotting, or jack up the car to take pressure off the tires.
• Put a battery manager on your car.
• To prevent rodents nesting in an engine compartment, try a rodent repellent under the hood. Just remember to remove it before starting up.
• Put down a few moisture pads on the upholstery to absorb moisture and prevent mildew.
• Cover the car with a breathable car cover to prevent corrosion and rust.
  

3. Re-circulate your oil.

• When a car sits, oil settles into the pan, leaving the engine without lubrication. Disconnect the coil wire and crank the engine