Winter or Spring?

I know Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow so 6 more weeks of winter but there have been other minor groundhogs who predict spring. I think the weather is as confused as the groundhogs. Yesterday was a beautiful balmy day and then today is very cold. Be sure to get your Kleenex out as this is where colds seem to start from. I know I personally have had a cold recently hoping maybe it was just allergies. Although I have seen some pollen on my car recently.

How many watched the Super Bowl yesterday? If you tend to look forward to the commercials then you were in for a treat as there were several funny ones. Here's ours if you missed them: 

Friday we had a great visit from Bob Morgan today, who is our Subaru of America, Inc. representative. He cooked us some amazing steaks and potatoes to celebrate exceeding our Subaru sales goals for January. Let me tell you he was fantastic. Thanks to our sales team for an amazing job!

Being Thankful

If you have Facebook you might have been invited to "Giving Thanks Everyday", if not you can do it anyways. The "event" is about giving thanks every day in November instead of just on Thanksgiving.

Write in your status what day it is "Day 3" and what you are thankful for. Try doing this every day for the month of November.

I know a lot of people can be thankful for having a job in this rough economy we are living through. Others may be thankful for the family and friends they can count on to help them through anything.


What are you thankful for?

Support available for husbands of women with breast cancer

By Tom Corwin

Staff Writer

Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011

 

It isn’t just the patient that can be devastated by a diagnosis of breast cancer. Sometimes it hits spouses hard, and experts say they might need support, too.

It might just need to be administered differently.

“Your life is going along with all of its normal ups and downs.

“And this is just such a different world that you are suddenly introduced to that you just need to kind of normalize a little bit,” said the Rev. Jeff Flowers, the director of chaplains for Georgia Health Sciences University.

“You need some outlet to be able to say, ‘Help me understand what is going on and what I need to do to try to come to grips with it.’ ”

The Rev. Hank Flowers, the director of pastoral care at University Hospital and no relation to Jeff, has run a men’s support group in con­junction with the Pink Mag­nolias breast cancer support group, although sometimes few, if any, men show up regularly for it.

“The good thing was a lot of men who had been there for a while could share with them, ‘Here’s what you are going to go through, here’s the path you are probably going to take, here’s the medicines’ ” he said. “And kind of walk them through their journey, which made it so nice for them, particularly if they were younger men with younger wives.”

There can be a feeling of frustration and helplessness, Hank Flowers said.

“The sad part is we men have got that fix-it mentality and all of a sudden they discover this is something they can’t fix, something they are going to have to deal with and walk with their wife,” he said. “We men sometimes have a tendency to run away from intimacy and it is a very intimate time of their life, too, because of what their wife is going through. It is out of their control.”

Men seem to have two kinds of questions, the immediate and the more philosophical, Jeff Flowers said.

Sometimes it just means learning to bear with it and finding a way to get through it, Jeff Flowers said.

One husband told him life seems to begin again after each clear checkup.

“His expression was, ‘Now I can breathe again,’ ” Jeff Flowers said.

And along with the frustration, there is often good news to share, he said.

“There are lots of people celebrating cures and remissions and life beyond,” Jeff Flowers said. “Everyone who beats it, that is a wonderful story.”

-Augusta Chronicle

Slain deputy called 'hero'

Alan English/Staff

Law enforcement representatives fill First Baptist Church of Augusta for funeral of slain Richmond County Sheriff's Deputy J.D. Paugh.

 

By Kyle Martin

Staff Writer

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 10:40 AM

Last updated 3:26 PM

 

Special

Deputy J.D. Paugh

Back | Next

Zach Boyden-Holmes/Staff

In life, Paugh was the guy who cooked turkeys for firefighters during the holidays, served meals to fellow Richmond County deputies during Masters Week and grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for his neighbors.

He was one who always followed a greeting with a comment to brighten your day.

“The making of a hero is day after day doing what is right,” the Rev. Rodger Murchison said Thursday to a sanctuary packed with men and women in uniform. “Even when you are tired. Even when you are going home late at night and the day has been long but your duty tells you someone might need me.”

That compulsion proved fatal for Paugh, who was headed home from a special detail early Sunday when he pulled over to investigate a suspicious vehicle on Bobby Jones Expressway at Gordon Highway. Paugh was immediately fired on by Christopher Hodges, who was drunk and arguing with his girlfriend. After killing Paugh, Hodges turned his assault rifle on himself and took his own life.

In a service that mixed formal ceremony with raw emotion, friends recalled the slain deputy’s character and talked about what makes a hero.

Ken Gross, the department chaplain, said Paugh was not a polished character nor was he perfect.

“But here in Georgia we love junkyard dogs,” Gross said.

Gross described Paugh as a man willing to give up his time to serve others in public safety and the community. That meshed well with his passion for riding motorcycles.

Because he loved his job in the traffic division, “J.D. hasn’t worked for the past 17 years,” Gross said.

The sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Augusta was jammed with deputies from Richmond and Columbia counties, but a wide array of different uniforms also represented jurisdictions all across Georgia and South Carolina. Gross said he felt sorry for the people who never had a chance to meet Paugh.

“You missed out,” Gross said.

In his message, Murchison explored what made Paugh a hero and how everyone can follow his example. He quoted condolences from all across the country, lamenting the death of a brother officer.

“Our spirits are lifted in the knowledge that Deputy Paugh died a hero, and we are proud of his courage and selfless actions,” Capt. John Sharp of the Walker Police Department wrote to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Murchison concluded that Paugh was a hero because he was an ordinary man who took extraordinary actions.

Turn from all the “why” questions and start asking what Paugh would want us to do, Murchison said.

“I think J.D. would say, ‘Be your own hero,’” Murchison said.

In The News:

• Deputy's visitation crowded
• Paugh to be added to memorial
• Funeral route announced
• Spouse of fallen officer empathizes with Paugh family
• Deputy shot at assailant before he was killed
• Public safety awards bittersweet
• Police officer fatalities up
• Hundreds honor slain deputy
• Deputy's killer was local grad
• Deputy shot, killed by soldier
• Friends share memories

More Coverage:

• Funeral arrangements
• Obituary | Sign the Guestbook
• Gallery: Staff, shared photos
  
• Video: Candlelight vigil
  
• Video: Press Conference
• Topic Page: Complete Coverage

From The Archives:

• 1999: Paugh recounts serious injury
• 2008: Paugh monitors drivers

Augusta Chronicle

Pumpkin Carving

Come out to see us today from 4-8p and support the Golden Harvest Food Bank! They will be selling pumpkins for $5 each. All proceeds will go to the GHFB.

Here are some awesome looking pumpkins!

Here's some in tribute to Breaking Dawn, Pt 1 coming out November 18th!

What would you carve on your pumpkin? Feel free to send us photos of yours and we will post them in our Halloween blog! :)

11th Annual Miracle Mile

If you live in the CSRA area you probably already know about the Miracle Mile or, like me just found out about it last year.

"University Health Care Foundation, the fundraising arm of University Health Care System, is preparing for the 11th Annual Miracle Mile Walk on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011.

All proceeds from this event benefit University Health Care System's Breast Health Center, the only nationally accredited Breast Center in the region, and its Mobile Mamography Unit.

Because of the tremendous support we have received through the years our event has experienced tremendous growth – from 50 walkers and net proceeds of $3,000 in 1990 to 5,000 walkers, more than 200 breast cancer survivors and net proceeds of more than $175,000 in 2010. The Miracle Mile Walk continues to raise the awareness of breast cancer in our community.

The Mobile Mammography Unit began its service in December 2002 and has provided more than 30,000 mammograms and detected 101 breast cancers to date. A large number of these mammograms are provided free to under-served women and are a vital tool in the early detection and fight against breast cancer.

If you wish to schedule the mobile for a visit at your place of business, please call Pam Anderson, RN, Program Coordinator for the Breast Health Center at 706/774-4141"

I (Charlotte), the receptionist at Gerald Jones Volvo Subaru, plan to walk for my Grandmother (RIP) and my Aunt (survivor). I have others joining my team and then those who are donating. Would you like to donate? I have a jar at my desk asking for donations or you can always go to my website:  http://tinyurl.com/3wccbwy

Lifetime presents FIVE, a star-studded Original Movie directed by Jennifer Aniston, Patty Jenkins, Alicia Keys, Demi Moore and Penelope Spheeris. FIVE takes a bold, honest and irreverent look at breast cancer told through the personal stories of five women. Don't miss this Lifetime Television Event - check your local listings.

Come by the dealership to show your support. We have free pink ribbon pins and ribbon decals!

Art in the Park

Wondering what to do this weekend? Support the arts is what I would do. Columbia County is offering their annual Art in the Park behind the Columbia County Library on Saturday. There will be a sidewalk chalk contest, 42 different vendors with plenty of hands on demonstrations for kids and adults alike. Make sure you keep cool considering the constant 100 degrees we keep having since it can be a killer.



If you need some time to cool off then come visit us and meet our new salesmen: Erik Hensley, Vincent Martin, and Chris Cook.

Save your life as well as animals

Have you ever heard someone say that if they had been driving anything but a Volvo then they would not be alive today? I've heard it several times in the dealership when they come in to buy a replacement car and show the after photos of their accidents. Find more amazing stories at: Volvo Saved My Life. Do those stories make you want to buy a Volvo?

Now I'm sure you are wondering about the title of this blog. Above I mentioned saving your life by buying a Volvo but you are probably asking, "save animals?" Well on July 16 (7:30pm) at Le Chat Noir will be a bakers' dozen of Augusta artists lined up for CSRA Humane Society benefit, "Artists for the Animals". Come out to support the Humane Society!

WHAT: Artists for the Animals (benefits the CSRA Humane Society)

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. July 16

WHERE: Le Chat Noir, 304 Eighth St.

DETAILS: $15; features dance, music and the spoken word; www.csrahumanesociety.org; (706) 722-3322

Happy 4th of July!

What are your plans to celebrate our nation's independence? I know several of us plan to cook out and enjoy time with family, maybe even some fireworks! Here's the locations, dates, and time for the fireworks in the CSRA:

FORT GORDON INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION: 3 p.m. Friday, Barton Field, Fort Gordon; free; Jimmy Buffett tribute band, water slides, carnival, food and craft vendors; fireworks at dark; (706) 791-6779

RAYSVILLE FIREWORKS ON THE LAKE: Sunset Friday, Amity Recreation Park and/or Raysville Marina on Thurmond Lake, Highway 43 between Lincolnton and Thomson; $4 per car at Amity Park; fireworks over the lake; patriotic music simulcast on 101.7-FM; (706) 597-1000

DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION: 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Augusta Riverwalk and Augusta Common; free; live music, vendors; children's area with games, rides and inflatables; fireworks at dark; www.augustariverwalk.com

FOURTH OF JULY PATRIOTS PARK: 4 p.m. Monday, Patriot's Park, 5445 Columbia Road, Grovetown; Free; gates open at 4 p.m.; live music featuring the Fort Gordon Signal Corps Band; children's activities and rides; food and drink vendors; fireworks at dark; (706) 312-7192

LEXINGTON COUNTY PEACH FESTIVAL AND FIREWORKS: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday. Gilbert Community Park, Rikard Circle, Gilbert, S.C.; free; ride prices vary; arts and crafts vendors; children's rides, food vendors, parade; antique tractor and farm equipment display, car show, Revolutionary War re-enactment, volleyball tournament; fireworks; (706) 892-5207

Keep cool on this wonderful weekend considering all of the month of June has been 90+ degrees out. If you plan to do your own fireworks please be safe!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

Blood Drives

Have you ever donated blood before? Here's 8 reasons why you should:

1. Someone needs blood every 3 seconds in this country. An average of 40,000 units are needed every day in the U.S. There is no substitute for human blood.

2. 60% of the population will need blood at some time in their lives, yet less than 5% of the population donates.

3. Disasters like car accidents, fires, and other trauma cases happen every day and these patients need blood, and rarely do they need only one pint. A bleeding trauma victim can run through 100 units of blood in no time.

4. If all eligible donors would donate on a regular basis, four to six times a year, blood needs would be met and shortages could be a thing of the past.

5. For decades this nation relied on a large pool of blood donors from "The Greatest Generation," the heroic World War II veterans who considered blood donation to be an on-going patriotic duty. Sadly, that generation is fast disappearing and other new donors are not stepping forward to replace them.

6. Donating blood is safe and a healthy thing to do. Not only do you get a free mini physical, including blood pressure check, heart rate, temperature and iron levels, but it's the fastest way to lose a pound!

7. For men, there is a life-saving benefit to donating blood. Men are at higher risk for "hemochromatosis or iron overload" a potentially deadly problem where too much iron builds up in the blood. It can lead to heart disease and other major health problems. Research shows if men give blood 3 times a year, they can reduce their iron overload and therefore their risk of a heart attack by as much as 50%!

8. Blood donors are true heroes. In fact, your one blood donation will be broken down into several components, enabling you, with just one donation, to save up to three lives!

I know of several blood drives being held this week.

Blood drives today

- 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Doctors Hospital, 3651 Wheeler Road

- Noon to 6 p.m., Firehouse Subs, 1237 Knox Ave. , North Augusta

June 30th:

-Columbia County EMA 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM, 630 Ronald Reagan Dr., Evans, GA For everyone who donates blood you get a tshirt and a Chickfila meal!

2012 Volvo S60, XC60 R-Design

Jun 20, 2011 - 1:41:22 PM

A few months ago at the New York International Auto Show, Volvo rolled out its upcoming S60 R-Design model, just as it had done in LA, in Detroit, and in Chicago. This wouldn’t have been a major news event were it not for one interesting bit of information: instead of the previously communicated 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, the T6 under the hood of the new-for-2012 model would now produce 325 horsepower and 354 lb-ft. Same goes for the 2012 XC60 R-Design. But where did all that newfound power come from? Did it just fall from the sky?

Officially, Volvo’s PR folks and product planners have been shy about answering that question, but behind the scenes we’ve heard rumblings that the source wasn’t Volvo’s own powertrain engineers. We can now confirm that Polestar, Volvo’s Swedish partner for its racing efforts in STCC and WTCC, deserves the credit. You might also know the Polestar name from the C30 Polestar Performance Concept Prototype that made its rounds from the 2010 Gothenburg Auto Show, to European media members including the BBC’s Top Gear, and most recently, into our own hands this past weekend.

A team from Polestar accompanied us on our C30 test drive, having just come from an annual Volvo dealer conference in Florida, where the company informed dealers about the tie-up. All 2012 S60 and XC60 R-Design models will leave the factory with stock engines and the Polestar software will be installed at port here in the US before heading to dealers. Additionally, we’ve been told more announcements are coming soon about Polestar performance upgrades being offered through all of Volvo’s US dealer network for pre-existing models. We’re assuming that likely includes the option for current owners of cars with T6 engines to buy the more aggressive tune. As for the two new R-Design cars, Volvo’s planners are still trying to decide how to communicate the Polestar upgrades and the cars may or may not wear small Polestar badges like the one you see above. We’ll find out for sure when we drive the car in just a few months. This is exciting news for enthusiasts — if the Polestar upgrades catch on, we may see some seriously sporty Volvos in the near future and perhaps even the Polestar name reaching the level of AMG or BMW M.

-Swedespeed.com

Gas Prices

Normally when summer starts the gas stations start jacking up the prices of fuel because of everyone going on vacations. Surprisingly the prices have not jacked up as bad as to be believed or at least not yet. I was playing around on the Augusta Chronicle site and found they have an "Area Gas Prices" page. If you click the link you can look around your area and see what the gas prices are. I think that is very cool. Unfortunately, the lowest priced gas is in Burnettown which would be a little bit of a drive for me to get to and wouldn't be worth it.

What did you guys do this past weekend? If you went to the Farmer's Market on the River Saturday you could have seen one of our salespeople, Erica, down there showing and selling her artwork under the Verge magazine's tent. As well as drawing while she was there. She also was selling some of our receptionist, Charlotte's photography prints. Who knew what talent we have here at the dealership!

Here's something to cool you off with the crazy 100+ degree we have been having..

New 2012 Subaru Impreza - Soon to Hit Dealer Showrooms

By JAKE LINGEMAN on 4/20/2011

The redesigned 2012 Subaru Impreza made its debut in New York on Wednesday with a more refined look, a longer wheelbase and a new four-cylinder engine.

The Impreza's horizontally opposed 2.0-liter produces 148 hp and returns 36 mpg on the highway, even with all-wheel drive. Fuel economy is maximized with electric power steering and low-rolling-resistance tires.

The 2.0-liter engine replaces the previous 2.5-liter flat-four and has a longer piston stroke, leading to smoother operation, Subaru says. Hydraulic engine mounts also filter out engine vibrations. Buyers can choose from a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission.

Bolder wheel arches and accent lines on the body panels are key traits of the redesign. A new hexagon grille has a bigger badge in the center. Designers pushed the base of the windshield forward about eight inches, which enables the front doors to open wider. The new Impreza uses a greater amount of high-strength steel to improve crash safety while minimizing weight gain. Stability and traction control are standard.

The overall length of the new Impreza is about the same as the previous model, but Subaru stretched the wheelbase by about an inch. Redesigned door panels give occupants more hip room, while back-seat passengers get two more inches of legroom. Subaru says it used a better grade of materials in the interior.

The 2012 Impreza is available with all of the connectivity features you might expect, including Bluetooth, HD radio, iPod connections and navigation--many of them optional.

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110420/CARNEWS/110429980#ixzz1PG5p5nOn

Check out other's comments: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110420/CARNEWS/110429980

Summer!

Who is having a great summer so far? We certainly are and we have you the customers to thank for that! We are starting June off with a great bang! We have a new GM by the name of Phil Hughes. Two new salesmen, Scott Dreyfus and Chris Masters. Scott has come to us from our Mazda store. Chris use to work at the Augusta Chronicle. Please come by and say hello!

Have you gone to hang out at the lake, yet? Certainly a beautiful area to take family and friends for a good time in the water whether you are on a boat or not, swimming, skiing, wake boarding, or fishing. I've been out there fishing in the evening and catching fish. Charlotte's been out with friends hanging off of a float.

New Salesperson!

We have a new salesperson you need to come meet! She's now been trained and is ready to sell you cars! Her name is Erica Pastecki! She came to us from the Augusta Chronicle's Marketing Department and decided to switch gears to selling cars.

If you are looking for things to do this week then on St Patrick's Day there is an exhibit at the Aiken Center for the Arts include Nanette Langner, Bettina Ruckelshaus, Michelle Petty, Bob Doster and Diana Hunt . The gallery reception is planned for March 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. I've mentioned a few times about the Savannah Riverkeepers who help clean up the canal and river. They are having a clean up on Saturday, March 19th from 9a to 12p. The meeting location will be at the Lake Olmstead picnic area - in which everyone will be divided into groups to cover the most area possible. There will be lunch and t-shirt provided for all participants following the clean up.

Fun video of the day: Anger Management - I Feel Pretty

S60 Reality Driving Game App

Do you have a smart phone? Check out the new Volvo S60 Augmented Reality App and Driving Game that interacts with YouTube.com Go into your app store and search for "Volvo Game" or for the Android or iPhone. Once you have it downloaded aim it at the add on the YouTube page to start your game. After today the game will live on through their Facebook page. Don't forget your iPhone or Touch will need to have OS of 4.2 or higher.

Don't forget to set your clocks forward an hour tonight! Daylight Savings Time was first adopted to replace artificial lighting so they could save fuel for the war effort in Germany during World War I at 11:00pm (23:00) on April 30, 1916. It was quickly followed by Britain and many countries from both sides, including the United States. Many countries reverted back to standard time post-World War I, and it wasn’t until the next World War that DST would make its return to many countries in order to save vital energy resources for the war.

For the video of the day: 2011 Volvo S60

Major Earthquake

Do you want your tires to keep their pressure longer? Then come to the Service department to have NitroFill added to your tires. If you fill up with nitrogen you will increase your tire life up to 30%, improves fuel economy, reduces tire failure up to 50%, improves braking and handling, reduces running tire temperature and wheel corrosion, and maintains proper tire pressure.

Finding out on the news that a 8.9-magnitude earthquake hit Japan and sent tsunami waves toward the Hawaii islands. We are very thankful that our friends Katie, Rob and Cole Robenolt who recently moved over there are in one of the safest places they can be. Please pray for those who were not so lucky and those who were lost.

Funny video of the day: Foxes Jumping on my Trampoline

The Sun Will Come Out!

I have just looked at the weather channel and it shows sun after 12p! We need our lot to dry up. *smile* Great time for a test drive of a new or pre-owned vehicle. Don't forget our St Patrick's Day deal of $500 off if you wear green to your test drive. We have some beauties out on our lot be sure to check them out!

Have you ever seen that movie Pay It Forward? A very kind and generous doctor in the area who lost his wife to colon cancer is paying it forward by donating to build a house for women with cancer near Doctor's Hospital. The house will be for those who do not have transportation or financial difficulties who need cancer treatments. If you are interested in learning more check out their website: The Lydia Project.

Fun video of the day, have you seen this commercial? Where did we park?

St. Patrick Day Sale!

Despite the rainy day we have a great deal for you! From now until March 17th aka St Patrick's Day we will give you $500 off any vehicle of your choice if you wear green to the dealership! We have some fantastic pre-owned vehicles as well as new Volvo's & Subaru's. Call Misty Jackson @ 888.438.0406 to set up your test drive and don't forget your green!

Do you like hockey? Our very own home team the Augusta Riverhawks are going to the playoffs! You can buy a discounted postseason package on Monday! Just think, hockey in April a very exciting time! Go Hawks!

Fun video of the day: Cute Cat Swimming

Great Deals in Service!

I just found out from Mike Brown, our service manager, about a couple of great deals for you! For you Subaru owners you can get an oil change for $24.95 and the Volvo owners for $34.95! Also, for an added bonus be sure to ask for the FREE 27 point inspection of your car. They will let you know if you'll need new tires, brakes, belts, etc before something bad happens! I know it's helped me out!

Can you believe the price of gas lately? I've read that it may go up even more. Depending on the price per barrel of oil depends on if the price of gas goes higher or lower. I just hope we don't ever reach that $5.00 per gallon mark!

If you've seen this video before, then you understand that it is too funny not to watch again: Gerald Jones Blooper Video!