MEMBERSHIP
Member Letters
(Above) CAA offers a variety of roadside services, including changing flat tires, replacing car batteries and towing. | PHOTOS: (ABOVE) COURTESY OF CAA; (BELOW) JOSEPH SARACENO; (BOTTOM) COURTESY OF DOWNTOWN MARKHAM. ICONS: GOOGLE ICONS
GOING THE EXTRA MILE
My wife and I returned to our car after a day of grocery shopping when we realized the car wouldn’t start. Odd messages were popping up on my dashboard display, warning me that the car couldn’t locate my key. Within 20 minutes of calling CAA, Mike from Ron’s Battery Service (a contractor for CAA) appeared. He tested the car battery before suggesting that it was the battery in my key fob that had died. It was a very cold day, and the closest store where I could get a new battery for the fob was too far away on foot. Instead, Mike took my fob, opened it, removed the dead battery, opened his key fob, and put his battery in my fob. He said he would be able to pick up a new battery for his fob before finishing his workday. Soon after that, I was able to start my car, and Mike and I were off. No one has ever given me that kind of service, ever! Thank you, Mike. And thank you, CAA.
–Marshall G.
GOLDEN TOKENS FOR GOLDEN ANNIVERSARIES
The day before Christmas, I received a wonderful surprise. It was a lovely blanket congratulating me on 50 years of membership with CAA — what a wonderful Christmas present! I don’t know where I’d be without my membership. I have used their services so many times over the years. Thank you again! –Camilla H.
Returning home from last-minute Christmas shopping, I discovered a package at my front door. I knew I wasn’t waiting for anything, but I brought the package inside anyway and put it in my laundry room for later. I entertained my friends on Christmas Eve, totally forgetting about the package until bedtime, when I walked by it. I thought, Might as well open and see what it is — a beautiful, plush blanket from CAA for my 50-year membership anniversary. In that moment, I realized that it had indeed been 50 years since I purchased my first vehicle, a blue Plymouth Cricket. You have no idea how surprised I was and happy to relive memories of the Cricket. CAA has been there for me many times with vehicle issues, batteries, flat tires and air filter replacements. You have also covered many maps and map trips for me. Thank you very much, CAA.
–Elizabeth B.
Thank you for the cozy blanket I received from CAA in recognition of my 50 years of membership. We have relied on CAA over the years, especially during the cold winter months — and we even encouraged our son by giving him a membership for his birthday.
–Ken and Gemma S.
A brown paper package addressed to me arrived at my door in December. We had no idea what it could be. You can imagine my surprise when I opened it to discover a soft gray blanket throw, compliments of CAA, acknowledging my 50 years of membership. In 1974, my father bought me a membership with CAA for Christmas, concerned that I would get lost or break down somewhere. Receiving this gift was as if my father was still watching out for me. Over the years, I have used my membership service for travel services and insurance, discounts, and sometimes a product, but thankfully, never for being hopelessly lost or in any accidents. CAA, thank you for this little blanket — made of recycled tires! This relationship has been a win-win all these years.
–Judy M.
THE DRIVER IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE
The article titled “Helping Hands” by Graham Heeps in the winter 2024 issue was a great piece on the new technologies helping drivers to stay safe, along with their passengers, other vehicles and pedestrians.
However, as someone who has held a driving instructor’s licence for 45 years now, I was surprised at a major omission made by the author. While there was mention of proactive driving, I believe that there should have been an entire section subtitled “The Driver Is Ultimately Responsible.”
I have taught hundreds of new drivers, and I always tell them that they are in control of heavy, moving objects that can kill and seriously injure others — that responsibility should not come lightly. While the new technologies mentioned in your article can be of great assistance and help drivers avoid collisions, it is ultimately the driver who is in control and should be prepared to bear the blame when things go wrong.
Examples of this include drivers relying on blind spot warnings rather than actually physically checking their blind spots. Back-up cameras should not replace drivers looking back and checking their rear-view mirrors to avoid hitting people or objects. Automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning systems can never replace the driver, who should be constantly watching the road and be aware of everything around them. Cameras, radar and lidar are definitely helpful, but again, a driver who gets the big picture, keeps their eyes moving and makes sure that others see them will help protect their passengers, pedestrians and those in other vehicles far better than those relying on technology. We all must play a part to reduce the carnage on our roads, and this requires a combination of driver focus and responsibility — and the use of technology, but as aids only.
–Ed M.
WHERE IN THE WORLD?
Pride of Canada Carousel
This is called The Pride of Canada carousel and is located in downtown Markham, Ontario. –Brenda E.
This wonderful carousel made of all kinds of recycled materials, from old tires and flashlights to old tools and much, much more, is located in beautiful downtown Markham, Ontario. My grandkids have a great time whenever we go! –Angelo P.
Have a story or comment you’d like to share? E-mail us and you could be featured in an upcoming issue. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
GOLDEN TOKENS FOR GOLDEN ANNIVERSARIES
The day before Christmas, I received a wonderful surprise. It was a lovely blanket congratulating me on 50 years of membership with CAA — what a wonderful Christmas present! I don’t know where I’d be without my membership. I have used their services so many times over the years. Thank you again! –Camilla H.
Returning home from last-minute Christmas shopping, I discovered a package at my front door. I knew I wasn’t waiting for anything, but I brought the package inside anyway and put it in my laundry room for later. I entertained my friends on Christmas Eve, totally forgetting about the package until bedtime, when I walked by it. I thought, Might as well open and see what it is — a beautiful, plush blanket from CAA for my 50-year membership anniversary. In that moment, I realized that it had indeed been 50 years since I purchased my first vehicle, a blue Plymouth Cricket. You have no idea how surprised I was and happy to relive memories of the Cricket. CAA has been there for me many times with vehicle issues, batteries, flat tires and air filter replacements. You have also covered many maps and map trips for me. Thank you very much, CAA.
–Elizabeth B.
Thank you for the cozy blanket I received from CAA in recognition of my 50 years of membership. We have relied on CAA over the years, especially during the cold winter months — and we even encouraged our son by giving him a membership for his birthday.
–Ken and Gemma S.
A brown paper package addressed to me arrived at my door in December. We had no idea what it could be. You can imagine my surprise when I opened it to discover a soft gray blanket throw, compliments of CAA, acknowledging my 50 years of membership. In 1974, my father bought me a membership with CAA for Christmas, concerned that I would get lost or break down somewhere. Receiving this gift was as if my father was still watching out for me. Over the years, I have used my membership service for travel services and insurance, discounts, and sometimes a product, but thankfully, never for being hopelessly lost or in any accidents. CAA, thank you for this little blanket — made of recycled tires! This relationship has been a win-win all these years.
–Judy M.
WHERE IN THE WORLD?
Pride of Canada Carousel
This is called The Pride of Canada carousel and is located in downtown Markham, Ontario. –Brenda E.
This wonderful carousel made of all kinds of recycled materials, from old tires and flashlights to old tools and much, much more, is located in beautiful downtown Markham, Ontario. My grandkids have a great time whenever we go! –Angelo P.
Have a story or comment you’d like to share? E-mail us and you could be featured in an upcoming issue. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.