How to Prepare Your Vehicle for This Summer

Summer Maintenance Tips
 
Before you pack up the family or pick up your friends for the first road trip of the summer be sure to prepare your vehicle for the many miles ahead! Be sure to contact your local dealership or repair shop for a summer maintenance check if you don’t have the time or experience to handle these on your own. If you have any questions about the information below please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. We would be more than happy to explain the process and parts required at your convenience.
 

You’re due for a wheel inspection

Check your wheels
One of the first rules of driving is to regularly check your tires year round. Consult your owner’s manual or sometimes directly on the door jamb or fuel door to locate your vehicle’s tire pressure. Use your hand to locate any nails, pins, glass, stones, and more from the tire’s tread. It’s also very important to look for any abnormal wear and cracks in the tire. Be sure to always have a spare tire, the required tools, and a can of Fix-A-Flat just in case.
 

Don’t forget to check the belts

Drive belt
Normally, your vehicle should have a serpentine belt that is run between the major engine components. Over time it can begin to make noise, loosen, deteriorate, or even break. Keep this from happening by making sure to have your technician inspect this belt during every service visit. If you or your technician see pieces missing or even cracks in the belt it may be time to replace it. Consult your technician for more information.
 

Swap out your wipers

Check your wipers
The summer may be fast approaching but it’s more than likely going to rain eventually, right? The last thing you want is a streak across your windshield so be sure to check your wiper blades for wear. If you think it’s time to change them, it probably is. Since they’re generally cheap you might even be able to get your local mechanic or dealership to throw it in your service for free. Be sure to contact your repair shop or dealership for more details.
 

Can’t live without AC

Car air conditioning
When was the last time you decided to drive on a hot summer day without the air conditioning on full blast? Since it’s pretty much essential to have air conditioning during the summer we highly advise you ask your technician to inspect the cooling system and ensure there are no leaks before paying someone to have the air conditioning system recharged. If you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer feel free to head over to your local department store or auto store to pick up a leak sealing product. Always consult with your technician before trying an at-home method.
 

No overheating for you

Car air conditioning
We’ve all heard the horror stories of vehicles overheating on the highway and drivers desperately searching for anything to put in their reservoir. Let’s address that specific situation before it happens! While your technician is performing their multi-point inspection make sure to ask them if your coolant has been topped off. They should also perform a hose and joint check to make sure none of the components have too much wear or leaks.
 

Keep it topped off

Check brake fluid
With all the different colored fluids going into the engine bay it can sometimes get a little confusing. That’s why you should always have your technician top of your windshield washer, power steering, oil, and brake fluids. If you see no improvements in braking or steering you may have a more serious problem that should probably be addressed by your technician or your local dealership.
 

Breath easy this summer

Check your air filter
Believe or not your vehicle’s air filtration system may have the same old filter in it from when you last had a complete service checkup. It’s not standard practice for every automotive shop to check to make sure your air filters are clean. Instead of finding out when you’re having a sneezing attack in the car check for yourself! Youtube and google are great resources if you don’t feel like looking it up in your owner’s manual. These are usually very cheap and very simple to install. Keep that in mind before you pay someone else to take care of this for you.
 

Keep it cool


Instead of leaving your car in a hot parking lot pickup a new dash cover to help keep your interior cool and to prevent fading. Preventing the vehicle’s interior from getting too much sun or heat is essential to keep your interior looking like new. Rear seat shades can also protect your rear passengers from the ultraviolet rays. Not to mention it kind of sucks when you get into a hot car and accidentally burn yourself on the seatbelt.
 

Keep it clean

Car wash
Have you ever noticed when the sun is beginning to set it sometimes becomes a lot harder to see while you’re driving? This is often caused by grime buildup from lack of washing. Get your car over to your local car wash and get it cleaned. Using a quality wax can also ensure your vehicle will come out looking just like it did when you first bought it. Frequent cleanings can prevent grime buildup and streaks on your windshield.
 

Be prepared

Roadtrip
Before any road trip make sure to add the essentials to your list before packing everyone up. Those include, but aren’t limited to, hats, cups, sunglasses, snacks, chargers, tool kits, flashlights and more! It may not be a bad idea to leave some water in the car in case of an emergency. Lastly, make sure your tank is full and don’t forget to make sure your driving credentials are all up to date.

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Meet the Wonderful Residents at TJ O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center!


On March 6th, 2017, we sent one of our public relations representatives over to The TJ O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center in Springfield to find out more about their operation and how we could help. We were greeted with open arms and excited paws everywhere. One of the first things we noticed was just how busy the center was. Every volunteer had their hands full with an animal, a customer, or some other daily task. It was a refreshing sight to see so many passionate people in one place and doing great things in their community. For example every Tuesday and Friday the volunteers get on the center’s Facebook page to help reunite lost animals with their families. They have returned many animals back to their families through the power of social media. This type of progressive thinking is what puts The TJ O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center a notch above the rest.

The TJ O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center is always looking for new members to join their team. If you’re interested in volunteering please click here to print out one of their volunteer forms. Applicants must be 18 years or older to apply. If you are looking for other ways to help out The Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center please feel free to grab a few of these supplies and drop them off at the center at your convenience.

Thomas J. O’Connor Wish List

for the good health and comfort of the animals in their care… Can you help? (Items in serious need have been starred*)

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD!

  1. Canned dog & cat food (any brand)
    1. Beech Nut turkey or Chicken*
    2. All-meat baby food*
    3. Liquid KMR and Esbilac for tiny kittens & puppies*
    4. Spray cheese, Peanut butter, and Hot dogs
    5. Royal Canin kitten food
    6. Iams kitten food
    7. Fancy feast kitten wet food

TREATS & PLAYTIME

  1. Rawhide chews, Pig ears, Bully sticks
  2. Stuffed animals
  3. Ping pong balls, cat toys
  4. Kiddy pools (Summertime wading)
  5. “Kong” toys and other heavy duty treat dispensing toys

BASICS & BEYOND!

  1. Stainless steel dishes and bowls (tip proof and any size)
  2. Bedding: Comforters, towels, and blankets (Fleece = Ultra Cool)
  3. Paper plates – plain white
  4. Clay cat litter
  5. Cat collars, plastic cat carriers
  6. Dog crates and exercise pens
  7. Nail clippers (New only – Cat and Dog sizes)
  8. Slip leads, 6′ leashes, adjustable collars (cloth – All sizes – New/Like new)
  9. Bandanas 
  10. Toothbrushes – New & inexpensive
  11. Baled timothy hay – One bale every 3 months
  12. Humane box traps (any size)
  13. Pee Pee Pads for puppies*

OFFICE SUPPLIES

  1. Postage stamps
  2. Copy Paper – white and bright colors
  3. AAA Batteries
  4. 1,500 twin pocket folders
  5. File cabinets with built in file frames

 

 

SQUEAKY CLEAN STUFF

  1. Laundry detergent, liquid bleach, dryer sheets
  2. Liquid hand soap, white vinegar
  3. Paper towels, facial tissues
  4. Brooms, mops, mop heads (string type), and dust pans
  5. Lint rollers and refills
  6. Air freshening sprays
  7. Dishwashing liquid and gloves
  8. Glass cleaner, multi-surface cleaners
  9. 55 Gallon contractor trash bags

GENERAL SUPPLIES (new/like new)

  1. LCD projector
  2. Cordless drill & drill bit set
  3. Vacuum cleaner – bagless
  4. Lawnmower and snow blower
  5. Bottled water
  6. Small weight scales

OUR REALLY BIG DREAMS

  1. Monetary donation to purchase…
    1. 4 Microchip scanners – $300 each
    2. Bair hugger warmer to protect from hypothermia after surgery – $1,500
    3. 20 Spay/neuter packs – $360 each
    4. Color laser printer – $1,300
    5. Cargo/mini-van in excellent condition

GIFT CARDS

  1. Dave’s Soda & Pet Food City
  2. Petco
  3. Staples
  4. Walmart
  5. Big Y
  6. Home Depot
  7. Lowe’s

To find more way to help please visit the official Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center website.

Adoption Day at Bertera Subaru in Hartford!

On December 25th, we welcomed The Simon Foundation into our dealership with three of their lovely adoptable animals. Every person that walked through our doors was greeted with a furry friend and it sure made our customers smile! We had a number of families submit inquiries to meet with the animals at a later date to see if they family would make a good fit. The more time we had to spend with each dog the more we learned about their individual personalities. Isabelle was shy at first but once she got comfortable she quickly became the crowd favorite. The kids love that she was so willing to sniff their faces and give them a nice wet smooch. Will, on the other hand, was excited when he first arrived but quickly acclimated to his surroundings and calmed down accordingly. Finally, we have Harley who was actually the most gentle of the three dogs. We had a blast playing and learning more about each of these dogs and hopefully, we can aide them on their road to adoption. If you’re interested in any of the animals you see in the slideshow below I urge you to contact The Simon Foundation at your convenience to schedule a meet and greet with your desired animal.

If you are interested in volunteering or supporting The Simon Foundation in any way please visit their website here. To view available pets at The Simon Foundation please click here. Be sure to follow us on Facebook to receive updates on our next adoption day! Please enjoy a slideshow and video of some of our favorite moments from this month’s Adoption Day!

Meet Will, Isabelle, and Harley!

Enjoy some of our favorite moments from the event!

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We Hope to See You For Our Next Adoption Day!

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Nissan TITAN Warrior Concept – What Do You Need to Know?

The folks over at Nissan have brought a new level of marketing to the table. Upon the release of their new TITAN XD Nissan had previewed images of their upcoming TITAN Warrior Concept which became a reality during the Detroit Auto Show. The pickup’s new aggressive design implies the truck is a go where you want type of vehicle much like the Ram Rebel or Ford Raptor.

The design team at Nissan believes even though it’s still early in the TITAN and TITAN XD’s life cycle they’re already looking for more ways to improve the overall experience of the vehicle. Much like Ram Trucks or Ford, Nissan is trying to get their share of the off-road enthusiast market.

The TITAN Warrior Concept was designed to be the next step above the production version of the TITAN XD. It’s a beefier version that features some of the same equipment like the Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel engine.

You may have heard about Project Titan, a recent program that sent two military veterans from the Wounded Warrior Project to Alaska! Tough terrain requires a tough vehicle, that’s where the TITAN Warrior design team comes into play.

The TITAN Warrior Concept design team was not about to build a new vehicle from the ground up, rather they used a familiar platform. That of the 2016 Nissan TITAN XD. This allows for expansion in the future.

The original design of the TITAN and TITAN XD was based off ancient greek mythology. Naturally, they returned to that idea and built an even more extreme and aggressive looking version of the truck.

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The idea was to maintain the TITAN XD’s standard length and wheelbase while building on the style and stance of the pickup. The height was increased from 78.7 inches to 81.5 inches to house the new 37-inch off-road tires and it all comes together with the 18×9.5-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a dark matte finish. The new suspension system featured in the TITAN Warrior Concept forced the designers to extend the width of the vehicle from 80.6 inches to 86.6 inches. These are the building blocks for the current stance of the TITAN Warrior Concept, and it’s one we enjoy very much. This truck looks good, and everyone knows it.

Although, the stance of a vehicle is important what you put on the vehicle at the end of the day is what determines if it’s going to sell. The design team at Nissan decided every great warrior has a set of armor and so, the TITAN Warrior Concept was born. The armor isn’t exactly armor. It won’t stop bullets, explosives, or even a deer but we can tell you it looks pretty cool either way. The modern armor look combined with the height increase highlights all the changes our customers have been looking for in their off-road solutions.

Surely, at this point, you have noticed a few more changes that have yet to be mentioned like the new grille, rear fenders, hood, skidplates, LED lights, quad-tipped exhaust system, carbon fiber rear cab spoiler, tailgate spoilers, and roof mounted LED lights. All these changes and more come together to create the most aggressive and capable pickup truck Nissan has ever produced.

When you look at many other off-road vehicles you will notice their interior has been gutted. Everything from rear seats to window motors has been removed to lower the weight of the vehicle. That is not the case with the TITAN Warrior Concept. The performance based interior focuses on off-road safety, comfort, and of course style. It’s like driving in a Maybach that can drive up the side of a mountain. The consumer’s use of the vehicle is assumed to be that of an off-road enthusiast but that doesn’t mean the TITAN Warrior Concept wasn’t meant to be a daily driver. Nissan hopes to please both types of customers with their new concept.

The TITAN Warrior Concept shares the same platform, engine, and automatic transmission as the TITAN XD. The real difference between the two is found underneath the vehicle. The new custom suspension has been modified from the ground up to make it feel like you are driving in your very own racing truck.

If you can’t wait for the Nissan TITAN Warrior Concept to become a reality then we urge you to come visit us in Auburn and take one of our many Nissan TITAN or TITAN XD’s out for a test drive.

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All-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Recieves North American Utility Vehicle of the Year Award

The brand-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica was just named the 2017 North American Utility of the Year by a panel of experts. We first found out during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Some experts are saying this is one of the most prestigious awards you can win, especially in this class.

Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands, Dodge, SRT, FIAT, FCA, and Chrysler believes that they had the formula for a perfect minivan but if it weren’t for loyal customers and professional opinions, we wouldn’t be driving an award-winning mini-van today.

Believe it or not, this is the 24th year of the awards and only the second time ever that a minivan has won an award from the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year jury.

Innovation isn’t new to the folks at FCA US in fact, they actually have over 100 innovations in this segment alone including the industry’s first minivan available as a Hybrid Electric vehicle.

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has boldened the minivan segment with its massive amount of functionality, technology, and styling. The Pacifica was completely redesigned from the ground up on a brand-new platform. Not only is the Pacifica a class leader in fuel economy but it also features well over 100 available safety and security features. If you are in the market for a no-compromise vehicle suited for your whole family, look no further than the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica.

The Pacifica Hybrid takes this revolutionary vehicle a step further with its class-exclusive, innovative advanced and class-exclusive hybrid powertrain. It’s the first electrified vehicle in the minivan segment and achieves 84 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode and 33 miles of all-electric range.

As if it needed anything else added to its resume, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasts 84 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode and up to 33 miles of all-electric range.

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The 2017 Subaru BRZ Features a New Magellan Navigation App for the Subaru STARLINK System!

Subaru of America recently announced their addition of the Magellan Navigation App to the Subaru STARLINK Multimedia System on the 2017 Subaru BRZ. The STARLINK system works with the customers’ smartphone to deliver updated turn by turn directions as well as traffic updates to ensure you get where you need to in reasonable time. The new service is priced at $29.99 for a 3-year subscription or $14.99 for a 1-year subscription.


To get started with the new Magellan Navigation system all you have to do is make sure your phone is connected to the Subaru BRZ’s multimedia system and launch the STARLINK application on your phone. Once this is complete you can now use the in-dash controls begin using your new navigation software.

The 2017 Subaru BRZ offers an available 6.2-in. infotainment system, AM/FM HD radio, in-dash CD player, and up to 8 speakers! The standard trim features smartphone compatibility with Pandora, iHeart, Aha, and Stitcher applications. It also comes with Bluetooth connectivity and streaming. Subaru also offers SiriusXM Satellite Radio and a rear facing camera on the BRZ trims. For more information on the 2017 BRZ’s features please click here.

Find the STARLINK application in the Google Play or the Apple App Store

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Source(s): Media.Subaru.com

Make-A-Wish Dream Catcher Party • Bertera Subaru of West Springfield

On December 14th we were happily joined by Make-A-Wish of Mass. and RI to help celebrate Abigail’s Wish! Of course, her wish is to ride a unicorn, so how could we really resist? Much to our surprise we were joined by a few of our past Wish Kids. We had a blast packing our Outback full of toys and sharing the holiday cheer. You can help us in our goal to Share the Love this holiday season by supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, donating to Toys 4 Tots, or helping a charity of your choice. Check out the slideshow below to view some of our favorite moments!

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Thank you all for all your help throughout the year. We love working with the wish kids and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. We are so blessed to be able to work with these children and make their wishes a reality. It’s a heartwarming experience that really gets us into the holiday spirit. We hope your new year celebrations are everything you’re hoping for. If you would like to join us in continuing the fight to #ShareTheLove year round please see some of our frequently asked questions below to find out how you can help.

FAQ:
How can I help the Make-A-Wish Foundation?
How can I help Toys 4 Tots?
Learn More About The Share The Love Event
 
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GoRogue This December at One of Bertera’s Top 5 Holiday Spots!

gorogue

The GoRogue Year End Event is going on now! Enjoy some of the lowest prices of the season on our new inventory! GoRogue this December and visit one or all of our top 5 Holiday Spots. Be sure to have someone special tag along to enjoy these locations to the fullest. Don’t forget to check out the newest installation of the Star Wars Saga, Rogue One in theaters December 16th.

1. The Oakwood Christmas Barn

You might pass right by The Oakwood Christmas Barn if you are not paying attention because it’s literally a barn. What’s on the outside cannot even begin to describe how magical the inside of the barn really is. The Oakwood Christmas Barn has been open for 42 years and they don’t have any intentions to close anytime soon. Find out more about The Oakwood Christmas Barn here. Check out some of our favorite images below.
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2. Taunton, Mass.

Taunton isn’t nicknamed “The Christmas City” for no reason. When December comes around the residents of Taunton come together to bring an impressive showing of lights and decor in anticipation for the holiday. The town green is transformed into a winter wonderland with lights and activities for the whole family! You are not going to want to miss their annual Lights On Festival and parade on December 3rd from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.
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3. The Martha’s Vineyard Gingerbread Village, Oak Bluffs.

Imagine a community where Christmas was year round, a community like Oak Bluffs! The community has 318 Victorian cottages that are dressed as giant gingerbread houses! How much more festive can you really get? During the holiday season enjoy a slew of events and celebrations you are only going to find here.
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4. Chatham.

Number four on our list is Chatham, Cape Cod. You know the holiday season has begun once the massive wreath on Chatham Light illuminates the small town. Throughout the month of December, you will find many activities in downtown. Some of these include free holiday concerts, the Christmas by the Sea Stroll Weekend, the tree-lighting ceremony and more! Jump in the back of a horse-drawn carriage and enjoy the holiday season in one of the most festive fashions you can imagine!
Chatham Cape Cod

5. Bright Nights at Forest Park, Springfield.

Springfield comes in at number five due to the town’s amazing Bright Nights display at Forest Park. You have the choice to drive through the display or enjoy the view from a horse-drawn carriage. This is a must-see holiday display, it’s like entering a winter wonderland. A perfect holiday event for the whole family.
Bright Nights at Forest Park

Enjoy great prices during GoRogue Year End Event! Find out more about the 2017 Nissan Rogue below and may the force be with you.



Order your very own 2017 Nissan Rogue RogueOne Special Edition at Bertera Nissan Today!
or
View Our Monthly Specials here
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Oakwood Farms Christmas Barn
www.onlyinyourstate.com

The New and Improved Springfield Rescue Mission!

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We were recently invited to the Springfield Rescue Mission, located on 10 Mill St. in Springfield, for a tour of their new facility. We were initially greeted by a dining hall of happy faces. Many of the residents went out of their way to introduce themselves which really was an awakening experience. After speaking with a number of the residents we soon realized that all of these men are down on their luck and are desperately working to become viable members of society once again. Life can be hard but it’s always moving forward, some people just lose their path and need a little nudge into the right direction. We are very proud of the work The Springfield Rescue Mission is doing and we will work hard to continue to support them in their ventures.

The Springfield Rescue Mission isn’t just a shelter that accepts people for the night. They offer so much more than just their emergency shelter which many people aren’t aware of. Some programs offered by The Springfield Rescue Mission include their rehabilitation program and their transitional living program. These programs aim to get men off the street and into the doors of the Springfield Rescue Mission where they will undergo numerous introductory exams and interviews to craft the best curriculum for them. You read that correctly, in order to gain access to The Springfield Rescue Mission’s exclusive programs you must complete basic computer literacy, English, math and budget counseling courses to make sure you’re ready for reentry into society. A new entry into the Emergency Shelter will receive a shower, basic toiletries, a meal, and a bed for the night. Keep in mind that their Emergency Shelter can only house 43 men a night and isn’t by any means a permanent residence.

With the move to their new location The Springfield Rescue Mission is able to offer free breakfast open to the public from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM 6 days out of the week. This is partly due to the increased size of their new kitchen and dining hall. They can now fit over 100 people in their dining hall! The kitchen is run by a team of residents and volunteers who are able to provide free nutritious meals to people who come to the shelter. There is also the Operation SONshine outreach program, which allows volunteers to stop at 7 locations and distribute free food to people in low-income areas.

At the moment the Springfield Rescue Mission is able to sleep 60 people. Every resident is assigned a Chaplin and they will work together to complete the program at a comfortable pace. Each Chaplin is generally assigned 6 men to work with, so as you can imagine things can get pretty busy.

The Give-Away center at the Springfield Rescue Mission is always looking for donations to keep their shelves stocked. You can find many of the supplies that are currently in need below:
•Deodorant
•Soap
•Toothbrushes
•Toothpaste
•Winter Coats (Men, Women, and Children)
•Gently used clothing (Men, Women, and Children)
•New Underwear & Socks (Men, Women, and Children)
•Please contact the Springfield Rescue Mission for more information on needed materials.
Note: If you would like to use the Give Away Center at The Springfield Rescue Mission you must book an appointment first. To book an appointment give the mission a call at (413) 732-0808 ext. 121 and please bring a photo ID.

All of these services are here to help men, women, and children enter society with the best chances. Unfortunately, at this time the Springfield Rescue Mission is primarily dedicated to getting men off the street and into a warm bed. They have hopes in the future to open a women’s shelter of their own that can offer many new programs directed strictly towards women’s health and getting them back on their feet. If you are interested in helping the Springfield Rescue Mission out click here to check out some of their alternative donation methods.

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Making Strides Against Breast Cancer at Stanley Park!

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October 16th marked the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk! Team Bertera Chevrolet was there and ready for the three to five mile walk! Many of our friends and family have been affected by breast cancer and cancer in general which is why it is so important that we helped raise $24,365.65! Helping the cause doesn’t end there. You can still help The American Cancer Society with their goal of abolishing Cancer by making a small donation of your own here. Check out some of our favorite images from the event below and if you have more pictures please feel free to send them to us!

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We hope you will be able to join us for next year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Stanley Park! Together we can help bring an end to this horrible disease. Be sure to share all of your images with us on social media. You can find all of our social media channels below. Check out WWLP’s summary of the event below.

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